Cruise line offers students opportunity to see favorite musicians perform live
Charlotte Kyle
Issue date: 1/25/08 Section: College Life
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It is ideal to daydream about swoon-worthy musicians serenading you in an intimate setting when, in reality, you're sitting in class listening to your professor drone on and on about smart dead people.
Sixthman, LCC knows this, and that is why 2008 marks the introduction of more music-themed cruises to their line-up. Headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., Sixthman focuses on creating, marketing and commercially developing musically-driven lifestyle events.
The Rock Boat, Sixthman's original cruise, set sail for its eighth year last weekend. Departing from Miami, Fla., on the Carnival Imagination, guests were treated to shows by artists like Sister Hazel, Marc Broussard, Toad the Wet Sprocket and Josh Kelley.
Not only do cruise-goers get to see these unique concerts, they are also able to interact with the musicians in what could be considered the ultimate fan experience.
This year's Rock Boat gave Sixthman the opportunity to present a surprise gift for those who had participated in more than three cruise events. A handful of artists collaborated on the cruise to do an exclusive show for those alumni, unplugged and featuring cover songs performed after only a few rehearsals.
Amanda Nichols, sophomore from Fairdale, Ky., said she would love taking a music-themed cruise if the right artist were booked.
"(If the Red Hot Chili Peppers did a cruise) I think I would beg for money to see them," Nichols said. "You would be able to meet the artists and spend time with them. It would be a great experience."
John Mayer, who performed in Murray last February, is hosting his own cruise next month. The musical three-day Caribbean cruise leaves Feb. 1 from Miami. The cruise, known as the Mayercraft Carrier, also features Brandi Carlile, Martin Sexton, Brett Dennen (who performed in Murray with Guster last October) and Colbie Caillat.
Cabin rates start at $699 per person, plus $99 for taxes, gratuities, port fees and ticketing. Because it is a large expense for college students, some may have problems affording the experience.
Jacob Huff, freshman from Utica, Ky., said he would be willing to put back money for a cruise.
"I usually don't do a lot of extra curricular activities; I don't spend a lot of money on unnecessary things, so this would be (something to save for)," Huff said. "If you're disciplined enough, you can save the money."
Huff said he would prefer a country music cruise, maybe featuring Taylor Swift.
While some may only participate if the right band or artist is performing, there are others who would participate no matter the circumstance.
Shelby Goodlad, freshman from Franklin, Ky., said the idea for the cruises reminds her of events in her former hometown of New Orleans, La.
"I love music but I don't know artists," Goodlad said. "(In New Orleans) we have Jazz Fest and it is all sorts of musicians. I imagine that sort of mix would be even more fun on a boat."
While the opportunity to participate in many of these cruises has long since set sail, there will surely be more in the future for students to get on board.
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