IN CONCERT WITH CARNIVAL

Carnival has combined two of our very favorite things -- cruising and music -- into one when they created their Live Concert series. Later this week, we'll have the opportunity to experience it first hand when we embark on the Carnival Ecstasy out of Miami bound for the Bahamas. Performing on that cruise will be famed songstress and "Grease" star, Olivia Newton-John.

Olivia Newton-John (Carnival)

This Live Concert will have a special meaning for me. In another lifetime, as the former rock music writer for The Fort Worth Star-Telegram, I had the opportunity to interview Newton-John at the beginning of her career. She was doing a concert at Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington. Wonder if she will remember that? (Insert smiley face here). 

The Live Concert series features 15 artists altogether representing just about all the music genres. The list includes: 38 Special, Chicago, Daughtry, Foreigner, Gavin McGraw, Jennifer Hudson, Jewel, Kansas, Lady Antebellum, LeAnn Rimes, Martina McBride, REO Speedwagon, STYX and Trace Atkins.

There are 49 performances in all on various Carnival ships. The series wraps up on Dec. 15 with REO Speedwagon on Carnival Fascination.

Carnival notes: "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, complimentary photo with the band, 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."

They also note guests must be booked for their cruise before they can purchase tickets to the Live Concert.

Rock music
writer Gerry

Looking back, why didn't someone think of this brilliant idea sooner? It would be so much better to review concerts on luxury cruise ships vs. those smokey arenas.

Look for our complete report, coming up here. -- Gerry