Rockin' the Boat: My Unforgettable Journey on a Rock Music Cruise
Navigating the High Seas of Melody and Memory
Welcome aboard, fellow rock enthusiasts! Astro Joe Garcia here with my recap of my travels on the Rock Legends XI 2024 cruise out of Miami, FL. Imagine setting sail where the horizon is not only the end of the sea but the beginning of a musical adventure. Join me and my partner-in-cruise, Lina, as we recount the pulse-pounding, guitar-screaming odyssey of our first rock music cruise. From the serene streets of Coral Gables to the electrifying nights on the deck, this wasn't just about catching sunsets and sipping cocktails—although there was plenty of that. It was about sinking our souls into the deep blues, raising our hands to the anthems of rock legends, and strumming the fine line between fan and VIP. So, slip on your sea legs and tune your air guitars; we're about to rock this boat like never before.
Day 1: Rhythm Begins in Coral Gables
Our rock odyssey commenced with an anticipatory prelude in the graceful arms of Coral Gables where we spent the previous night.. Despite the digital silence from AT&T’s nationwide hush that day, the city’s charm needed no amplification. The walk was a tranquil duet with the quaint neighborhood, punctuated by the sweet symphony of donuts and the malty chorus of an impeccable Hefeweizen at Bay 13 Brewery.
Connectivity snapped back in the nick of time, segueing into our grand embarkation where we were able to finally connect with Uber after the outage. The Royal Caribbean terminal was a breeze, marking the start with our first photo op—our faces beaming with excitement. In our stateroom, we awaited our luggage serenaded by the buzz of a packed ship.
The evening setlist was a rich tapestry of rock history, featuring Robert Jon and the Wreck, Rick Springfield, Jefferson Starship, and Sammy and the Circle. Dinner harmonized with Charlie Daniels’ soulful soundtrack as Lina savored a medley of six appetizers, while I opted for comforting tomato soup and Southern Fried Chicken.
Long lines belied swift moves, and soon Rick Springfield had us in his emotive grip. Yet, it was Sammy Hagar's thunderous presence in the theater that truly defined the night's zenith. His dynamism was a live wire, an electric end to our first day at sea. He closed out the night by singing “I Love this Bar” in memory of Toby Keith.
I didn’t take many pictures of videos as I know the internet would oblige me. As such, here is a video of Sammy Hagar doing Poundcake on the first night in the Theater.
Day 2: High Notes and Oceanic Rhythms
The morning's overture was a brisk workout against the ship's gusty breath. Our breakfast tableau was enriched by meeting Mark and Nancy Turvey, kindred spirits from League City, TX. My Bayou Junction shirt, an emblem of my roots, found its visual echo in a fellow passenger's declaration for the only BS hi like is "booze and sunshine"—a sentiment we all shared.
A light omelet that morning set the stage for Jax Hollow's midday show. Her presence was a force, her Fender's cry a resonant call that wove through 'Ethereal Emerald,' a track that held me captive. She teased our ears with previews from her forthcoming album, amplifying our anticipation.
The day unfolded with a cascade of acts, from Anthony Gomes’ bluesy blast to intimate reveals in the rock legends’ interview. The scoop? Sammy Hagar’s explanation for his refusal to share the stage with David Lee Roth again—a snippet of rock lore for the books.
Rick Springfield took the stage in Studio B, followed by Billy Gibbons' commanding presence in the theater. Each chord and riff was a brushstroke on the day's vibrant canvas.
Here’s a video someone took at the Theater of my favorite of Rick Springfield - “State of the Heart.”
Day 3: Dockside Distractions and Twilight Tunes
Puerto Plata's shores offered a momentary pause from our sea-borne saga. The port was an alcove of the expected—souvenirs and fare. A Presidente beer whispered local secrets as we skipped excursions for more musical delights so we went on shore at the area by the dock. We will have to do a non rock cruise to spend some more time exploring on shore.
Back on board, Jax Hollow triumphed on the pool stage, Two Wolf echoed in Studio B, and Canned Heat kindled the flames. Vanessa Collier's blues genius was undeniable, her performance spellbinding.
Here’s a clip of Jax Hollow. I highly recommend checking out her music
As nightfall draped the ship, Sammy Hagar's encore on the outdoor stage was a stellar event, complemented by a strategic exit to rendezvous with Rick Springfield for a memorable photo op. We have to wait a few months to actually receive our photo. But the fun part was the camaraderie of spending an hour in line with fellow music lovers. That evening, Bret Michaels then commandeered the theater, lacing Poison classics with an all-star jam that saluted the veterans on the song “Something to Believe In”—a poignant tribute within the revelry.
Day 4: Last Bids and Serendipitous Encounters
The day kicked off with a guitarist’s dream—the auction. While the George Thorogood guitar slipped through my fingers, the Eddie Van Halen Ibanez at $25k was the showstopper. Post-auction, a lounge photo op with Jax Hollow was a serene intermission before Gary Hoey’s outdoor performance preluded the Bret Michaels photo queue. It was here among rock enthusiasts from Idaho (Gaye Grant and her family) and Washington that camaraderie over rock, beer, and travel reached new heights.
The evening returned to its roots with Rick Springfield, dinner to the tune of more fantastic music, then Sammy Hagar closed with an acoustic rendition of 'Best of Both Worlds' and 'Dreams,' moving to 'Cabo Wabo' a cappella. Collective Soul followed, and then Geoff Tate with 'Empire' in its full glory, highlighted by the guitarist’s heartfelt proposal and impromptu wedding on stage—an interlude of love amidst the rock reverie.
Here is a clip of Geoff Tate doing - “Silent Lucidity” as he played the entirety of the Empire album. The night before, he played the entire “Operation Mindcrime” too.
Day 5: Closing Chords and Epicurean Epilogue
Our final day began with a brisk walk/run at sunrise, a ritual farewell to the ocean's embrace. As I fetched my bottled treasures and savored a coffee, fate placed me in line behind Matt Sorum (The Cult, Guns N Roses, Velvet Revolver and the Billy Gibbons Band). Our brief exchange, punctuated with a respectful fist bump, was a subtle nod to his impact on the rock realm.
The cruise's curtain call transitioned into Miami's vibrant culinary scene, where Lina and I continued our sensory exploration. We tasted the fusion of cultures at Watr at 1 Rooftop and savored traditional Cuban flavors at Havana 1957, our palettes dancing from Unagi and Shrimp rolls to the succulent Lechon sandwich. Abbey Brewing's flight capped our journey (I highly recommend their BA Mexican Tripel) —a fitting finale that paralleled the diverse notes of rock we had savored at sea.
Encore: Navigating the Rock Waves
As the last echoes of guitars and drums fade into the night, it's clear this was no ordinary cruise. It was a lesson in the art of selective attendance. A rock music cruise demands a strategy not of choosing what you want to see, but rather, what you can't. It's about managing time, prioritizing experiences, and sometimes, standing in line for that must-have front row seat or cherished photo op. Unlike traditional cruising, every moment aboard was VIP treatment, and there wasn't a bad seat in the house.
Most enchanting, though, was the fellowship with fellow rock and music aficionados. Their stories of past cruises and concerts created a communal tapestry of memories and melodies. I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat, ready for the lines and the tunes, for the camaraderie and the rock 'n' roll lifestyle that courses through my veins.
Would you ride the rock waves again? Because I'm already tuning my air guitar for the next epic voyage. Rock on! Until then and as always, every day is a celebration!
Here is a playlist of videos recorded and compiled by one of the attendees. I saw most of these myself. But his playlist is a good way to discover and rediscover how many hits and great bands were on the cruise. Enjoy!