PAUL COLE Go to sea Jon Bon Jovi
Rock and roll headliners are riding the crest of a wave – on a new range of music cruises, says
DON’T rock the boat, they used to warn. Now, cruise lines are doing just that. Forget classical quartets, jazz trios and cabaret singers past their sell-by date – because cruising rocks. Quite literally.
New itineraries on some of cruise line NCL’S ships feature the likes of Jon Bon Jovi, Lynyrd Skynrd and Black Stone Cherry.
It’s the next step in high-decibel holidays pioneered some years back by US shock rockers Kiss, who enjoyed being all at sea.
Now, there’s all manner of musical maritime mayhem. But Jon Bon Jovi is the big name that takes it to the next level. He’ll headline ‘Run Away To Paradise’ cruises in the Caribbean and Mediterranean (full line-up yet to be announced).
Next year Norwegian Jade sails on April 12 from Miami to the Bahamas, while the Mediterranean trip on board Norwegian Pearl departs on August 26 from Barcelona to Majorca.
Both will boast an immersive fan experience which will see Jon Bon Jovi joining cruisers on board the ship at each destination port.
Guests will be treated to a full rock show on the pool deck starring the singer Bon Jovi and the 11-piece Kings of Suburbia band.
But that’s just the main event. There’ll also be a second acoustic ‘storyteller’ set where fans can ask Jon all of their burning questions, multiple shows from support artists, and panels with key figures from Bon Jovi’s history, all the while sipping Jon and (his son) Jesse Bongiovi’s new wine, Hampton Water Rosé.
You’ll be able to get up close with historic memorabilia in the Jon Bon Jovi Gallery, shop for new looks in the Hart’n’dagger pop-up shop, and even enjoy a meal while giving back to those in need at The JBJ Soul Kitchen that will be brought to life on board.
All guests will take home an autographed event lithograph, and fans who book in the first 400 staterooms on each cruise will get an opportunity to have a picture with Jon.
“Ever since we started Runaway Tours, it’s given me such joy to entertain the fans and tell them the stories of where my songs came from,” says the New Jersey rocker.
“What I’ve realized after all these years is that they’ve found not only my stories, but their own.
“Hundreds of people have gotten together every time we take off for a destination, and long-lasting friendships are born. We want to continue that tradition in Runaway’s fully-immersive vacation trips. Get ready, we’ll see you out there!”
Both ships will offer freedom dining – with no set dining times – and no formal dress codes, although you’d guess denim might figure.
If you prefer your rock and roll deep-fried, then the Southern Rock Cruise will be more your thang.
From January 6 to 12, Norwegian Pearl will be cruising the Caribbean from Tampa to Mexico.
Heading a stellar southern rock line-up will be godfathers of the genre Lynyrd Skynyrd.
More than 22 other bands have comfirmed their places, among them former Allman Brothers star Dickey Betts and his Band, Black Stone Cherry, Blackberry Smoke, The Marshall Tucker Band, Molly Hatchet, The Kentucky Headhunters and Atlanta Rhythm Section.
There’ll be nightly performances, poolside jams, artist Q&A sessions, panel discussions, exclusive merchandise and more.
Norwegian Pearl’s many facilities include a chic bowling alley, more than 20 dining options, bars and lounges, a casino, spa, and spacious Garden Villas.
As Frankie Ford once sang, back in the golden age of rock’n’roll: “I got to get to rockin’, get my hat off the rack; I got to boogie-woogie like a knife in the back So be my guest, you got nothin’ to lose – won’t ya let me take you on a sea cruise?”