Carnival LIVE, a Cruise Line Concert Series

In a first-of-its-kind experience for the cruise industry, Carnival Cruise Lines revealed their plan to bring live music from award winning artists to their fleet of ships, the Carnival LIVE Concert Series. At a launch  party in New York City, complete with a live performance by GRAMMY® Award-winner, Jennifer Hudson, Carnival shared details of how the Carnival LIVE Concert Series will work. Starting in April, Carnival LIVE concerts give guests the opportunity to enjoy an exclusive onboard performance by a diverse roster of popular music artists. The concerts will take place on board eight Carnival ships that call in the following ports: Cozumel, Mexico; Nassau, the Bahamas; and Catalina Island, California. Artists will join the ship in port, perform in the main show lounge, and then debark following the show. Carnival has booked 49 performance dates for the 2014 concert series, including artists such as Chicago, Daughtry, Foreigner, Jennifer Hudson, Lady Antebellum, Martina McBride, REO Speedwagon, STYX and Trace Adkins. For a complete list of artists, dates and ships, visit www.carnival.com/CarnivalLive. Tickets cost $20-$40 each and a limited number of VIP tickets are also available for each show for $100-$150 each. The VIP experience includes an artist meet and greet, photo opportunity, seating in the first three rows and a commemorative laminated concert pass. All tickets can be purchased through Carnival’s online Shore Excursion System prior to sailing, or on board participating ships at the Shore Excursion Desk based on availability. Expanding on the commitment to creating outstanding onboard entertainment, Carnival will also enhance its current shipboard house bands. The newly revamped bands will feature both male and female lead singers, a more choreographed, themed and diverse set list, and increased interaction with guests. Currently, nine ships feature the new bands; the entire fleet will receive this by the end of the year.