ultimate rhythm and blues cruise

The Best Blues Experience On The Planet!

Our artists & headliners stay & play… they don’t hit & run.

LRBC #41 SOUTHEASTERN CARIBBEAN Oct. 26~Nov. 2, 2024

Sailing on holland america’s eurodam from ft. lauderdale, fl to aruba & curacao., sold out – join the waitlist now, visit  reservations.bluescruise.com or call (816) 753-7979.

LRBC #42 EASTERN CARIBBEAN Jan. 26~Feb. 2, 2025

Sailing on holland america’s rotterdam from ft. lauderdale, fl to tortola, st. thomas & puerto plata, dominican republic..

LRBC featured on BBC Radio! CLICK TO LISTEN (18 minutes )

Greeley Blues Jam May 31 & June 1, 2024 – Greeley, CO website

Utah Blues Festival June 14 & 15, 2024 – Salt Lake City, UT website

North Atlantic Blues Festival July 13 & 14, 2024 – Rockland, ME website

This concert-centered cruise is the Vacation of a Lifetime.” -Islands Magazine

“it’s amazing how people can really connect through the blues and r&b. every year you can set your clock by it.” -taj mahal, multi-grammy award winner, “the grand-daddy of music cruises.” -yahoo.com.

Roger Naber,. Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise, Kansas City, MO

Roger Naber has been promoting the Blues for over 25 years, as an independent promoter, as owner of the twice-honored KBA Blues club Grand Emporium in Kansas City, as co-founder of the Kansas City Blues Society and the Kansas City Blues & Heritage Festival, and as the co-founder of the Ultimate Rhythm and Blues cruise. After a brief hiatus, Roger revived the Blues cruise idea four years ago with his Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise. Where else can you snorkel with Charlie Musselwhite, shop with Shemekia Copeland, eat gourmet meals with Taj Mahal, and tan with your favorite rhythm section? Imagine fleeing the cold winter for a week of high seas cruising with Blues music playing 24/7. It is named ‘Bluesin” and that’s the festival experience Roger Naber and the entire Legendary staff provides on each cruise. Where everyone has a ‘backstage pass.’

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

Live Show Reviews

Legendary rhythm & blues cruise, true blues on the deep blue sea.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Photos by Laura Carbone

Twice a year, the blues takes a vacation with the grandfather of all music cruises, the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise (LRBC), one of the largest floating festivals at sea. This February it celebrated its 30 th sailing with 50 bands, over 100 shows, 1500 passengers and a support staff of 1000 on one of Holland Americas largest flagships, the Koningsdam, while the best bands in the blues, rock and soul rotate through its onboard venues. It sells out over a year in advance.

This February’s cruise shipped out from Fort Lauderdale but not without the prerequisite pre-cruise party. There is such a high percentage of returning cruisers that’s people greet each other as long lost beloved family, with a number as to how many cruises taken, or if they are in the awkward position of being a blues cruise virgin. Once on the boat, the music has already started on 5 stages. On several decks, from the large two-story theater, two separate large pool deck stages (why swim when you can dance?), the inner sanction of BB King’s Blues Club, Rocket 88 piano bar and the infamous late night Crow’s Nest where you can see the sun rise as a fantasy jam collaboration is still going strong. A large hand-painted pirate sign hangs from the mast: “OUR CRUISE KICKS BUTT” warning other ships to be wary, as if they could not hear the 24/7 hour music that rocks this boat.

The artist list is long and impressive. Topping the list is multi Grammy Award-winner Taj Mahal, as the King of this cruise, bringing his experienced Trio, with special guest Roger Glenn on vibes. A real treat was to see Taj doing his Caribbean-based songs while being caressed by Island breezes. Add Buddy Guy, Shemekia Copeland, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Nellie Tiger Travis and real-deal Chicago Blues was on da boat! The bayou was represented by the swamp boogie of Kenny Neal with his talented family band including nephew Tyree, Tab Benoit, The Legendary Ils Sont Partis Band and Jon Cleary and The Absolute Gentlemen, Vasti Jackson and Charlie Musslewhite. Musical reunions with boat’s favorite Trampled Under Foot as well as the supergroup collaboration of Victor Wainwright, JP Soars and Damian Fowler in Southern Hospitality. Tommy Castro’s popularity has inherited him a regular spot every cruise as well as kicking off the opening night jam. Not to be outrocked, Kenny Wayne Shepard, Walter Trout, Commander Cody and Collin James electrified the boat. Zac Harmon hosted a gospel Brunch. The upcoming generation of blues was represented by old souls but young blues masters Marquise Knox and Quinn Sullivan. Personal favorites included the ever-smiling saxophone, keyboardist and vocalist Deanna Bogart and Canadian Dawn Tyler Watson the International Blues Challenge Winner, who stole hearts across the boat with her vocal ballads and the tight backup of the Ben Racine band. There is also the mix-and-match with artists jumping on stage together, multi- guitar masters mashups, legendary vocal duos to 3 AM mind blowing horn jams.

Even when the ship docks, they bring the bands to local Island bars, beaches or town squares. The Islands on the February cruise, Tortola, Puerto Rico and Grand Turk, were the ones heavily hit by Hurricane Irma and whose local economy needed a shot of blues music as well as tourists. Other activities include theme nights of Give me Back My Wig, Casino Royale, Mardi Gras, Blue Toes and Pajama night where the fans get into the spotlight with parades and competitions. Notable lectures included advice by Grammy-winning producers and artists on How to Produce and Record, a Women in Blues Lecture hosted by Marie Trout and 100 Years of Rufus Thomas, presented radio host DJ Bob Porter, and a finger picking workshop by Reverend Peyton. Other activities included silent auctions of vintage instruments and collectible memorabilia, pro and amateur jams, and an artist autograph/meet-and-greet session. Despite the blues’ humble beginnings, the LRBC cruise includes all the luxuries of cruising, with specialty restaurants, spa, casino, shopping and pampering service. No wonder why most people are return cruisers!

—Laura Carbone

Spread the news!

Related stories.

Rhythm & Roots Festival

Rhythm & Roots: Family Fave

When Rock & Roll is a Verb

Goodbye…Tony Bennett

Got something to say cancel reply.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

1 Comment on Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise

I remember the night like it was yesterday – Jamie Forbes, myself along with The Slickers, whosae song “Johnny Too Bad” was a centerpiece of Taj’s “Mo’ Roots” album of mid 70s — was headlining The Bottom Line – somehow I managed to wrangle us 5 passes and The Slickers, here in the USA for the first time (1978) were dressed to the nines and happily met Taj and the band in the tiny dressing room. Taj said he would bring them out for Johnny …. I was standing off to stage right …. noticing Keith and Stevie Wonder in the crowd …. when Taj hit his National Steel intro to the tune …. and did it in its entirety as The Slickers were ignored. Rather than the escstasy I expected from this, it was a long ride back to Long Island. The next day I managed to reach Taj on the phone at his hotel and he said “Come tonight. I won;t forget them.” But The Slickers, Derrick Crooks, Hylton Beckford and Abraham Green would have no part ot it. This began 40+ years of looking in from the outside. C’est la vie.

KET 634×90 (1)

• my concerts

The Ultimate Rhythm and Blues Cruise II : fabulous thunderbirds, Cruise Ship, Kansas City (US) - Jan 2, 1994

Rhythm Blues Cafe

RHYTHM BLUES CAFE, Moscow - Boulevard Ring - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Tripadvisor

The 8 best Hawaii cruises in 2024 and 2025

C ruising the Hawaiian Islands offers U.S. travelers an immersive South Pacific escape with all the comforts of home. In fact, the Aloha State is in many ways an ideal cruise destination. It has year-round sunny weather, four main islands featuring varied topographies — including sandy beaches, cascading waterfalls, volcanic mountains and vibrant green valleys — and a wide array of land- and water-based activities.

The main caveat? Hawaii cruise options are somewhat limited — just a fraction of what's available in the Caribbean — and many itineraries involve multiday crossings from the West Coast. Only one cruise line offers Hawaii itineraries throughout the year; most others visit during specific months or when repositioning ships in spring and fall.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Looking for the Hawaiian Islands sailing that's right for you? Here's a look at the eight best Hawaii cruises for every type of traveler.

Norwegian Cruise Line's 7-night Inter-island Hawaii

For travelers who want more aloha time than the typical eight-hour port call allows, Norwegian Cruise Line has a solution. Its 2,186-passenger Pride of America lets vacationers sample four Hawaiian islands over seven days, with overnights in Maui and Kauai, plus port calls on both Hilo and Kona on the island of Hawaii. In total, this itinerary offers nearly 100 hours of shore time.

Pride of America sails round-trip from Honolulu every Saturday year-round. As a U.S.-flagged ship, it's the only large vessel permitted to sail this way. Not only do you skip the long Pacific crossing that most cruise ships do to reach Hawaii, but passports are not required for U.S. citizens, and you can tack on pre- or post-cruise stays on Oahu.

The overnights on Maui and Kauai also mean it's possible to try several of Hawaii's signature experiences that most port calls don't allow. Passengers can catch dusk or dawn from atop Maui's massive 10,023-foot dormant volcano with sunrise and sunset excursions to the Haleakala Crater. And with the ship in port all night on Kauai, guests who want to enjoy traditional Hawaiian cuisine, music and hula performances can book the Luau Kalamaku for a fun evening out.

Pride of America, which has been cruising Hawaii since 2005, doesn't have the onboard thrills (race track, virtual-reality gaming, waterslides) of Norwegian's newer ships , but that's okay because the islands, not the ship, are your main destination. Its American-themed decor celebrates U.S. cities in a vibrant, and at times, kitschy way, but a 2021 refurbishment left its cabins and public spaces feeling refreshed.

Many of Norwegian's specialty dining venues (which incur a surcharge) are on board, including Cagney's Steakhouse, Le Bistro (here, it's Jefferson's Bistro), Moderno Churrascaria and Teppanyaki.

Who should go: Anyone seeking a convenient way to island-hop — and see a lot of Hawaii — by making the most of the generous shore time with a combination of independent exploration and shore excursions. Most sailings attract couples ages 50 and older, although summer and holiday sailings have plenty of families on board.

Related: Best time to cruise Hawaii

UnCruise Adventures' 7-night Hawaiian Seascapes

Cruisers seeking a less traditional, more carefree Hawaii experience can have it from November to April aboard UnCruise Adventures ' 36-passenger Safari Explorer. The seven-night Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary, which begins either on Molokai or the island of Hawaii, is an unconventional one designed for those who enjoy going off the beaten path in an intimate and more authentic setting. U.S. passports aren't required to sail.

UnCruise visits four islands — Maui and Lanai plus Molokai and Hawaii — and focuses on not only their striking landscapes and underwater beauty but also the cultural traditions, cuisine and music of the Hawaiian people. On Molokai, where there's not a single traffic light and the lifestyle is slow-paced, passengers get a chance to "talk story" with locals and enjoy a pa'ina (feast) and evening jam session. Lanai activities range from snorkel, paddleboard and kayak excursions to off-road adventures exploring the privately owned island's dramatic sea cliffs, red rock formations and vast fields once filled with Dole pineapples.

Most UnCruise sailings are during Maui's humpback whale season, so sightings while cruising off the coast of Maui are possible. You might also catch glimpses of dolphins and sea turtles. A "Captain's Choice" day is a wild card determined by the weather, marine life in the area and other factors, while the final two days are spent exploring the Big Island of Hawaii — including a hike up Hualalai volcano and a skiff ride along the rugged coast.

Constructed in 1998, Safari Explorer was designed with adventure itineraries in mind (in summer the U.S.-flagged ship repositions to Alaska). Its size allows it to navigate areas larger ships can't reach, which in Hawaii means bays and coves ideal for snorkeling or watersports.

With such a small number of passengers aboard, guests get to know each other — and Safari Explorer's friendly and knowledgeable crew — quite well. Passengers come together over meals featuring locally sourced ingredients, and as all UnCruise fares include unlimited wines, spirits and microbrews, shipmates can raise a glass without worrying who's buying a round. It all lends itself to an exclusive yet utterly relaxed week of cruising.

Who should go: The ship's laid-back onboard vibe paired with its land- and water-based activities make the Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary ideal for active travelers seeking a nature-focused itinerary — although cruise fares (which start around $5,900 per person) are among the priciest for a Hawaii cruise.

Related: Why it's easier to meet new people on a smaller cruise ship

Holland America's 17-night Circle Hawaii

Travelers who have more than two weeks to spare and who prefer to arrive in Hawaii via ship rather than an airplane can do so on Holland America 's 17-night Circle Hawaii itinerary. They'd better also love sea days because crossing the Pacific from San Diego or Vancouver to Honolulu and back requires 10 days.

That means passengers enjoy five or six days in Hawaii on Kauai, Oahu, Maui and the island of Hawaii. Some itineraries stay in select ports overnight. Cruises departing from San Diego also call on Ensenada, Mexico. With either departure port, passports will be required.

The itinerary is offered in 2024 and 2025 on the 2,650-passenger Koningsdam and 1,432-passenger Zaandam.

Travelers with more time on their hands can also visit Hawaii as part of longer Pacific island cruises with Holland America. Koningsdam will sail a 35-night Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas itinerary in 2025 that combines visits to four Hawaiian islands with calls on five islands in French Polynesia and Fanning Island, Kiribati (and 20 sea days).

Related: Holland America unveils epic cruise to Hawaii and Alaska for 2025

Zaandam will also sail 51- to 56-night Tales of the South Pacific itineraries that visit multiple islands in Hawaii and French Polynesia along with ports in the Cook Islands, American Samoa and Fiji.

Holland America is popular with cruisers ages 60 and older, many of them retired, who have time to enjoy longer itineraries on ships that offer good value with a focus on culinary and musical enjoyment. Two of Koningsdam's most popular venues are its live entertainment area with three venues — B.B. King's Blues Club (for Memphis-style rhythm and blues), Billboard Onboard (for chart-topping hits played by a live pianist) and Rolling Stone Rock Room (for a live band playing classic rock), and World Stage, a theater with a 270-degree screen used for both special BBC Earth in Concert and theatrical productions.

Onboard specialty dining options (at an added cost) include Pinnacle Grill for steaks and seafood, Tamarind for Pan-Asian cuisine and Rudi's Sel de Mer for French Brasserie specialties and seafood.

Who should go: Mature travelers who prefer not to fly and who enjoy a more traditional cruise experience. They should also love sea days as much (or even more so) than port exploration.

Related: 16 mistakes cruisers make on cruise ship sea days

Princess Cruises' 15- or 16-night Hawaiian Islands

Princess Cruises is also a good option for longer sailings. The cruise line offers numerous round-trip itineraries to Hawaii from Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in the fall and winter.

The majority of sailings are aboard the 3,080-passenger Crown Princess and Ruby Princess from San Francisco, and the 2,600-passenger Grand Princess and 3,080-passenger Emerald Princess from Los Angeles.

Ships are in port for nine to 11 hours in Hawaii (Hilo), Kauai and Maui and for 16 hours in Oahu. Itineraries include a stop in Ensenada, Mexico (so passports are required), plus nine or 10 sea days.

The ships feature many of Princess' popular dining venues, including Alfredo's Pizzeria (a sit-down venue serving personal-size pizzas), Crown Grill for steaks and Sabatini's Italian Trattoria. There's plenty of outdoor space for soaking up the sun — including an adults-only sun deck — and a dazzling Piazza for enjoying cocktails, gelato and pop-up street performers.

Fans of Princess' Movies Under the Stars poolside screenings (with free popcorn) and Discovery at SEA enrichment programming will have ample time to enjoy these perks on a Hawaii sailing.

Who should go: These sailings will appeal to couples or groups of friends who prefer to have a wide choice of sailing dates, can take the time to enjoy a leisurely Pacific crossing and appreciate Princess' focus on quality cuisine and a sun deck designed for relaxation rather than thrills.

Related: Best Hawaii cruise shore excursions

Celebrity's 9- to 12-night Hawaii Cruise

Travelers seeking modern interior decor on a ship designed with couples in mind can visit Hawaii aboard Celebrity Cruises ' 2,852-passenger Celebrity Solstice or 2,918-passenger Celebrity Edge on itineraries ranging from nine to 13 nights — but only if the timing is right. That's because the line offers only two sailings per ship each year (in spring and fall) as the ships reposition between Alaska and destinations in the Pacific. The itineraries are one-way (Vancouver to Honolulu or vice versa) with passports required.

These cruises call on three ports on two islands: Honolulu (Oahu) and Hilo and Kona (Hawaii), with one or two overnights in port and 10 hours ashore on one-day visits. All include five days in a row at sea. Since the itineraries either begin or end in Honolulu, there's also a chance for some pre- or post-cruise exploration.

Sea days offer opportunities to enjoy the chic, grown-up ambience and amenities aboard these ships. Each vessel offers multiple complimentary and extra-fee specialty restaurants. Celebrity Solstice features Tuscan Grille for Italian specialties and steak and Murano for modern French cuisine, while Celebrity Edge offers the whimsical Le Petit Chef and the international Eden Restaurant.

Celebrity's signature Martini Bar and many other onboard watering holes keep the grown-up vibe going day and night. Choose cruise fares that include alcohol and Wi-Fi, or pay a lower rate and pay for your drinks as you go.

Who should go: The slightly shorter one-way sailings and the ships' contemporary ambience make these itineraries ideal for couples and groups of friends seeking a relaxing escape — especially Gen Xers in their 40s and 50s, who are Celebrity's target market.

Related: 6 national parks you can reach by cruise ship (and 2 are in Hawaii)

Carnival's 14- or 15-night Hawaii from Los Angeles

If fun is your cruise mantra, the "Fun Ship" brand Carnival Cruise Line offers a handful of round-trip sailings to Hawaii from Los Angeles (Long Beach) aboard the 2,984-passenger Carnival Radiance. Like other roundtrips from the West Coast, these itineraries spend just five days in Hawaii, offering eight to 14 hours of shore time in ports on four islands: Maui, Kauai, Oahu and Hawaii. Along with enjoying eight sea days, guests will also call on Ensenada, Mexico, so passports are required.

Carnival Radiance first sailed under that name in 2021, but it's not a new ship. Before an epic makeover, it sailed for the cruise line as Carnival Victory. Ship features include many of Carnival's signature complimentary and extra-fee dining venues, including Guy's Burger Joint and Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, BlueIguana Cantina, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse and Bonsai Sushi Express.

Additional guest favorite destinations on board include the RedFrog Pub, Alchemy Bar and WaterWorks aquapark. Expect high-voltage theater shows from Playlist Productions at night and poolside interactive contests by day.

Who should go: Socially inclined cruisers who love Carnival's emphasis on onboard fun and can appreciate a colorful ship with a lively ambience and lots of day and evening activities.

Related: Best Hawaii cruise tips for getting the most from your island-hopping trip

Royal Caribbean's 9- to 13-night Hawaii Cruises

A megaship cruise experience to Hawaii is available, too — with pricing that's quite affordable. Royal Caribbean cruises there on two vessels in one of its newer classes of ships: the 4,180-passenger Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas.

All are one-way cruises just before or after the Alaska cruise season (so late April or early October) between Oahu and Vancouver (or vice versa). The ships call on two Hawaiian islands and spend four or five days in a row at sea. Passports are required since these itineraries begin or end in Vancouver.

Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas feature a mix of thrills for all ages. These include RipCord by iFly simulated sky diving, FlowRider simulated surfing, bumper car racing in the SeaPlex indoor activity complex and the North Star sightseeing capsule, which ascends 300 feet above the top deck for 360-degree views.

Both ships also offer 14 dining venues, including the innovative Wonderland, Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver and kid-favorite Dog House, as well as bar options that include Schooner Bar for by-request piano tunes, Boleros for mojitos and merengue and Bionic Bar for drinks poured by robotic bartenders. Entertainment includes live cover bands in the Music Hall and multimedia music and dance performances in Two70.

Who should go: Cruisers who love a big ship with a wide array of dining choices, all kinds of evening entertainment and plenty of exciting activities to pass the time on sea days. Quantum-class ships are great for families, but the sail dates might not work for those with school-age kids.

Related: Do you need a passport for a cruise?

Viking's 16-night Hawaiian Islands Sojourn

For a guaranteed adults-only sailing in a relaxed, boutique-style setting, upscale cruise line Viking also offers round-trip Hawaii cruises from Los Angeles in late 2024 and early 2025 on its 930-passenger Viking Neptune.

What sets Viking apart from most of the other lines offering Hawaii cruises is that it includes a free shore excursion in every port. These include a highlights tour of Honolulu and Pearl Harbor on Oahu and a visit to a scenic waterfall and the Kilohana sugar plantation on Kauai. Additional excursions can be booked at an extra charge.

The 16-night Hawaiian Islands Sojourn sailings visit four islands — Hawaii (Hilo), Oahu, Kauai and Maui — and like other round-trip sailings from the West Coast include 10 sea days and a call on Ensenada, Mexico, so passports are required.

Viking Neptune will also do 32-night Grand Hawaii and Polynesia sailings round-trip from Los Angeles in late 2024 and early 2025 that visit four islands in Hawaii and four in French Polynesia.

The ship, which debuted in 2022, features sleek Scandinavian-inspired decor, a soothing spa with a complimentary thermal area, an aft infinity pool and hot tub, a panoramic Explorer's Lounge and five onboard restaurants. Specialty restaurant Manfredi's serves an extensive menu of Italian specialties, while The Chef's Table offers rotating five-course themed menus, including Asian, French and California-inspired.

In addition to the free shore excursions, pricing includes complimentary wine or beer with lunch and dinner, specialty dining at no extra charge, crew gratuities and transfers.

Who should go: Couples who prefer the quieter ambience of a ship that doesn't allow anyone under 18 onboard, doesn't have a casino and offers presentations by regional experts that enhance immersion into local culture. Viking cruisers are generally over age 55.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Rhythm-n-Blues cafe

After enjoying Church of St. Nicholas , it may be a nice idea to visit this restaurant. Rhythm Blues Cafe is well known for offering Russian cuisine. The chef at this place cooks tasty rolls , salads and poke bowl . Many guests come to enjoy good ice cream . Drink the delicious beer , mulled wine or cider offered here. According to the guests' opinions, waiters offer great dark coffee or good tea .

This spot is famous for its great service and friendly staff, that is always ready to help you. You will certainly like the pleasant atmosphere and beautiful decor. Google users who visited this restaurant state that the most suitable mark is 4.4.

Food guides for travelers

Similar restaurants nearby

Tasty dishes in moscow.

Restaurant features in Moscow