Tag Archives: Music Cruises

Country music is perfect inclusion for a fabulous cruise

Posted on by alanwhitt
Alan Whitt

Alan Whitt

Hello country music fans!

Since I moved to Nashville seven years ago, I’ve been waiting for someone to put together the definitive country music cruise. Yes, individuals have performed on cruise ships through the years – including Taylor Swift with a single show onboard Royal Caribbean’s magnificent Allure of the Seas.

But it took Entertainment Cruise Productions to create the 2014 Country Music Cruise with the fantastic lineup that makes this voyage one of country music’s signature events of the year.me to Allure Quest Travel Experience!

Since I moved to Nashville seven years ago, I’ve been waiting for someone to put together the definitive country music cruise. Yes, individuals have performed on cruise ships through the years – including Taylor Swift with a single show onboard Royal Caribbean’s magnificent Allure of the Seas.

But it took Entertainment Cruise Productions to create the 2014 Country Music Cruise with the fantastic lineup that makes this voyage one of country music’s signature events of the year.

So far, 10 performers and groups have signed on the dotted line to perform on premium cruise line Holland America’s ms Westerdam, January 19-26, 2014. You can expect more entertainment and events as we draw closer to the sailing date.

Those committed thus far are Vince Gill, Ronnie Milsap, Patty Loveless, Kenny Rogers, Jo Dee Messina, Restless Heart, Andy Griggs, Ty Herndon, Jamie O’Neal and Lorianne Crook.

If you don’t know much about Entertainment Cruise Productions, they’ve been creating music cruises for 12 years – always to full ships. They are indeed the worldwide leader in full-ship charter cruises … including The Jazz Cruise, The Smooth Jazz Cruise, The Soul Train Cruise, The Malt Shop Memories Cruise and new to the mix … Celtic Thunder Cruise and Ship of Fear Cruise.

However, I gotta believe that the Country Music Cruise is going to be one of their most popular – perhaps even topping the first Soul Train Cruise’s 75-day sellout record. Country music is America’s music, and is loved by young and old alike. Although the artists are as human as the rest of us and make just as many mistakes and bad life choices, country music is relatively wholesome and real.

So I sell this cruise with pride and anticipation, knowing that as we sail the Caribbean Sea, the sounds of all these wonderful performer may also have the fish following the ship to our next destination.

To book this cruise and any other vacation contact Allure Quest Travel Experience by phone at 615-818-8241 – or email at alan@allurequest.com.

Smooth transition: Iconic jazz cruise creates West Coast version

Posted on by alanwhitt

The “Greatest Party at Sea” is heading West.

Entertainment Cruise Productions, the largest private music ship charter company in the world, is celebrating the 10th anniversary of it perennially sold-out Smooth Jazz Cruises by adding a West Coast addition for the fall of 2013 out of San Diego.

Alan Whitt

If you’ve never heard of The Smooth Jazz Cruise … WAKE UP! It provides the best in jazz with spectacular artists in an environment perfectly suited for the occasion – smooth sailing on a luxurious cruise ship.

“As we enter the second decade of The Smooth Jazz Cruise, we want to keep things fresh for our loyal family of cruisers that comes back year after year,” says Michael Lazaroff, Executive Director of St. Louis-based Entertainment Cruise Productions. “Thanks in part to their suggestions, we decided to spread the love by creating a sensational West Coast cruise.

The Smooth Jazz Cruise West – hosted by Brian Culbertson and Boney James – will set sail on the Holland America’s m/s Westerdam October 12-19, 2013 from San Diego and visit Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Baja Coast.  Joining Culbertson, and James will be David Sanborn, Marcus Miller, Jonathan Butler, Candy Dulfer, Rick Braun, Norman Brown, Richard Elliot, Euge Groove, Kenny Lattimore, Earl Klugh, Oleta Adams, Brian Simpson, DW3, comedian Alonzo Bodden and special guest Tower of Power.

The Smooth Jazz Cruise 2014 will cruise on the m/s Eurodam from Fort Lauderdale January 11-18 with stops in Turks & Caicos, San Juan, St. Maarten and Half Moon Cay.  The parade of performers will consist of Sanborn, Miller, Culbertson, James, Butler, Dulfer, Simpson, Kirk Whalum, Peter White, Sheila E, Keb Mo, Keiko Matsui, Maysa Leak, Mindi Abair, DW3, Bodden and special guest Jeffrey Osborne.

To book either of these cruises or any Entertainment Cruise Productions voyage, contact Allure Quest Travel Experience at 615-818-8241 or email Alan Whitt at alan@allurequest.com.

Visit Allure Quest Travel Experience on the web for all your travel needs – including analysis of destinations, insightful videos, the latest travel news and vacations to book.

Here’s your absolute last chance to book Soul Train Cruise 2013

Posted on by alanwhitt

The Soul Train 2013 Cruise has been a sellout for quite awhile, but Allure Quest Travel Experience has one inside cabin available to the first person who wants it.

Alan Whitt

The total cost of this February 17-23, 2013 cruise is $2,250 per person … or $4,500 for two. A deposit of $2,100 gets you on Holland America’s Westerdam for the “The Hippest Trip at Sea.”

The roster for this cruise reads like an All-Star musical team. It includes Patti Labelle, Jeffrey Osborne, George Duke, The O’Jays, Kool & The Gang, War, The Spinners, Jody Watley, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, Russell Thompkins Jr. & The New Stylistics, Cuba Gooding Sr. & The Main Ingredient, Gerald Alston of The Manhattans and The Intruders.

Soul Train Cruise 2013 will make stops at Turks & Caicos,  St. Thomas, San Juan and Half Moon Cay – Holland America’s private island.

Call us at 615-818-8241 for more information or to book this last available cabin.

Check out Allure Quest Travel Experience on the web for all your travel needs – including analysis of destinations, insightful videos, the latest travel news and vacations to book.

No Soul Train, but jazz cruises will have plenty of soulful sounds

Posted on by alanwhitt

Now that you’ve missed your chance to sail on Soul Train Cruise 2013, it may be music to your ears to learn that Entertainment Cruise Productions’ jazz cruises are still available for next year.

Alan Whitt

Cabins on The Jazz Cruise 2013 and both sailings on The Smooth Jazz Cruise 2013 are about 75 percent sold.

Balcony cabins and some suites remain for all cruises. The Jazz Cruise and the first week of he Smooth Jazz cruise have both outside and inside cabins remaining.

All three cruises will sail on Holland America’s Westerdam, the same ship that will host The Soul Train Cruise in February 2013.

The Jazz Cruise features legendary performers such as Kurt Elling, Arturo Sandoval, Ann Hampton Callaway, Phil Woods, Byron Stripling, Freddy Cole, Gary Burton, Eddie Palmieri and Roy Haynes.

The Smooth Jazz Cruise is particularly exciting with George Benson leading the way. He headlines a roster that includes David Sanborn, Marcus Miller, Bob James, Angie Stone, along with Smooth Jazz Cruises regulars Jonathan Butler, Brian Culbertson and Candy Dulfer.

For three consecutive weeks ECP will take over Westerdam with an itinerary that begins in Ft. Lauderdale, with stops at Cozumel, Belize and Key West.

The Smooth Jazz Cruise goes back to back the weeks of January 13-20 and January 20-27, before The Jazz Cruise takes over January 27-February 3.

Then the ECP staff catches its collective breath for two weeks before the inaugural Soul Train Cruise sails on February 17 to Turks & Caicos,  St. Thomas, San Juan and Half Moon Cay – Holland America’s private island.

Check out Allure Quest Travel Experience on the web for all your travel needs – including analysis of destinations, insightful videos, the latest travel news and vacations to book.

All aboard! Soul Train Cruise 2013 early saver rate expires May 31

Posted on by alanwhitt

Tick … tick … tick.

Time is about to run out on the early saver rate for the few remaining cabins available for next year’s inaugural Soul Train Cruise.

Alan Whitt

In fact, there are no cabins available … only suites, and they aren’t cheap. But if you book ‘em by the end of business on Thursday you’ll save $200 per person – $400 per cabin.

All that’s left are two superior suites categories – going for $3,625 or $3,675 per person until Thursday … or $3,825 or $3,875 after.

In case you’ve been in a coma, Soul Train Cruise 2013 sets sail on Holland America’s Westerdam out of Ft. Lauderdale, February 24, 2013 on a seven-night voyage to Turks & Caicos,  St. Thomas, San Juan and Half Moon Cay – a private island.

Performers include Patti Labell, Jeffrey Osborne, George Duke, The O’Jays, Kool & The Gang, War, The Spinners, Jody Watley, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, Russell Thompkins Jr. & The New Stylistics, Cuba Gooding Sr. & The Main Ingredient, Gerald Alston of The Manhattans and The Intruders.

You can add comedian Alonzo Bodden for comic relief, and a host of surprises sure to bring back vivid memories from those Soul Train days.

Check out Allure Quest Travel Experience on the web for all your travel needs – including analysis of destinations, insightful videos, the latest travel news and booking a variety of vacations.


Back to the future! Soul Train Cruise early booking extended

Posted on by alanwhitt

UPDATE: I have a 53-year-old woman looking for a roommate for Soul Train Cruise 2013. If interested call Allure Quest Travel Experience at 615-818-8241 or email alan@allurequest.com and we will attempt to get the women together to discuss compatibility.

The Soul Train folks know a good deal when they see one.

That’s why they’ve extended the Soul Train Cruise 2013 early booking period by a month. Today was the final day to book this soulful music cruise and get up to $200 off the cruise rate.

Alan Whitt

But I still wouldn’t wait too long  …. there remains only seven categories from the original 27 onboard Holland America’s Westerdam.

Those include two suites, two balcony, two oceanview and one interior cabin categories. Just want to sail on this fantastic music cruise?

The interior cabin (no window) goes for $2,150 per person based on double occupancy.

The most expensive is a small suite that goes for $3,675 per person.

In case you’ve been out of the loop, the Soul Train Cruise is scheduled for February 17-24 out of Ft. Lauderdale with stops at San Juan, St. Thomas, Turks & Caicos and Half Moon Cay (private island).

Performers include Patti Labelle, Jeffrey Osborne, George Duke, The O’Jays, Kool & The Gang, War, The Spinners, Jody Watley, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, Russell Thompkins Jr. & The New Stylistics, Cuba Gooding Sr. & The Main Ingredient, Gerald Alston of The Manhattans and The Intruders.

Call Allure Quest Travel Experience at 615-818-8241 or email alan@allurequest.com to book this cruise.

Check out Allure Quest Travel Experience on the web for all your travel needs – including analysis of destinations, videos and the latest travel news.

My bags are packed and I’m ready to board the Soul Train Cruise

Posted on by alanwhitt

The Soouull Train! Here it comes rumbling down the track. Or in this case, sailing across the Caribbean Sea.

Alan Whitt

I’m talking about the inaugural Soul Train Cruise, scheduled for February 17-24, 2013 onboard Holland America’s Westerdam.

I’m having a ball with this amazing cruise and I can’t wait to set sail and bust a move down the Soul Train Line.

Yes, I’m going … and I’m dancing. These hips may not swivel like they used to, but I sold a cabin to myself anyway and I’m gonna shake it as best I can.

Unfortunately (or unfortunately) my 70s and 80s wardrobes are long gone

Wow, do I ever love this job!

Hey, I may be able to make more money doing other things, and I have. But this is passion … this is thrilling … this is fun.

In my former life as a journalist I made it to the top as a news editor for SportsCenter at ESPN – officially the Worldwide Leader in Sports. And I was paid handsomely for my skills.

But that’s nothing compared to my new life traveling, writing about it and sending people on amazing vacations like the Soul Train Cruise.

My new favorite question from people is … “You mean they pay you to do that.”

Yeah, they do.

And even if I wasn’t a travel specialist I would still sail on this amazing music cruise. I’m gonna be hanging with nearly 2,000 of my newest best friends. Everyone on that ship is there for the same reason – each has a passion for one of the greatest shows of all time.

Whether you’re a fan of any of the performers – Patti Labelle, Jeffrey Osborne, George Duke, The O’Jays, Kool & The Gang, War, The Spinners, Jody Watley, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, Russell Thompkins Jr. & The New Stylistics, Cuba Gooding Sr. & The Main Ingredient, Gerald Alston of The Manhattans and The Intruders – you were likely a fan of longest-running syndicated show in television history.

Many of the dance regulars were stars themselves … and I’m hoping that some of them will join us on the ship.

There are obviously many who feel the same way. The cruise is selling as a brisk pace, and I’m expecting that many people will be shut out before long when that final cabin is booked. Unfortunately, there are many out there who won’t hear about it until it’s too late.

If you know of anyone in that category, do them a favor and let them know.

Consider it a public service.

Check out Allure Quest Travel Experience on the web for all your travel needs – including analysis of destinations, videos and the latest travel news.

Soul Train Cruise: Book now … cabins disappearing at rapid rate

Posted on by alanwhitt

Don’t say I didn’t warn you. The Soul Train Cruise continues to be a red-hot sale with 15 of the 27 cabin categories sold out.

Alan Whitt

In fact, only one inside and two oceanview cabin categories remain.  Those who prefer a glorious view are in good shape, with four balcony and five suite categories still available.

Deposits are non-refundable at $650 per person for a suite, $550 for a balcony or $450 for an oceanview or inside cabin.

Call Allure Quest Travel Experience at 615-818-8241 to book this amazing concert at sea, the brainchild of Entertainment Cruise Productions – the same people who bring you the Jazz Cruise and two individual weeks of the Smooth Jazz Cruise every year.

By the way, we can book those cruises for you as well, including next year’s Smooth Jazz Cruises headlined by George Benson.

The Soul Train Cruise is scheduled for February 17-24 out of Ft. Lauderdale on Holland America’s Westerdam, with stops at San Juan, St. Thomas, Turks & Caicos and Half Moon Cay (private island).

Performers include Patti Labell, Jeffrey Osborne, George Duke, The O’Jays, Kool & The Gang, War, The Spinners, Jody Watley, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, Russell Thompkins Jr. & The New Stylistics, Cuba Gooding Sr. & The Main Ingredient, Gerald Alston of The Manhattans and The Intruders.

You can add comedian Alonzo Bodden for comic relief, and a host of surprises sure to bring back vivid memories from those Soul Train days.

Check out Allure Quest Travel Experience on the web for all your travel needs – including analysis of destinations, videos and the latest travel news.

High rollers willing to shell out big bucks for Soul Train Cruise

Posted on by alanwhitt

I guess people who have money know a bargain when they see one and don’t like to procrastinate for fear of losing out.

That may explain why the $7,825 per person Penthouse Suites on next year’s Soul Train Cruise have sold out.

Alan Whitt

Don’t worry … if you want a suite you can fork over over as little as $3,625 each for a smaller suite, or $3,825 for a larger suite.

Seriously, each day more categories evaporate as people line up to save as much as $200 per person during the early booking period that ends on April 30.

There it is again … people who have money know how to save it.

Currently 10 of the 27 cabin categories have sold out.

In the last day alone three more oceanview categories have sold out, bringing to four the number that are gone.

At the moment – I said at the moment – the cheapest oceanview cabin is an obstructed view that sells for $2,325 per person. You can have an unobstructed oceanview for $2,475.

Four balcony categories remain available priced from $2,875 to $3,025.

All single person inside cabins are also gone, but all double inside cabin categories remain available – ranging from $2,125 to $2,175.

Unless you’ve resided in a cave in Afghanistan for the last several months, you probably know that the Soul Train cruise is scheduled for Feb. 17-24, 2013 on Holland America’s Westerdam out of Ft. Lauderdale, with stops at St. Thomas, San Juan, Turks & Caicos and the private island Half Moon Cay.

To regular cruisers these prices may seem a bit much. But for those in the know, the obvious selling point of this cruise is the musical lineup and a chance to celebrate an iconic television show with nearly 2,00o people with the same mindset.

The Hall of Fame-caliber lineup includes Patti Labell, Jeffrey Osborne, George Duke, The O’Jays, Kool & The Gang, War, The Spinners, Jody Watley, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, Russell Thompkins Jr. & The New Stylistics, Cuba Gooding Sr. & The Main Ingredient, Gerald Alston of The Manhattans and The Intruders.

You can’t book this cruise just anywhere, but you can through Allure Quest Travel Experience at 615-818-8241, or email alan@allurequest.com for more information.

Check out Allure Quest Travel Experience on the web for all your travel needs – including analysis of destinations, videos and the latest travel news.

Hurry and get onboard! Soul Train Cruise 2013 is booking fast

Posted on by alanwhitt

You can bet your last money that there will be a Soul Train line on this cruise.

The Soul Train Cruise 2013 is a runaway freight train with people from all over the country – and beyond – coming onboard.

The three lowest-priced category balcony cabins are already filled as folks line up to beat the April 30 early deadline period to save up to $200 per person.

Alan Whitt

The cheapest balcony cabin remaining is $2,875 per person during the early signing and you can expect that to be the next to go. Other balcony cabin categories are priced at $2,925, $2,975 and $3,025.

Those prices include all taxes, fees and gratuities, and guarantee you a seat at each performance.

There remains an abundance of oceanview cabins priced from $2,225 to $2,625, but you can expect the inside cabins ($2,125-$2,175) to fill up before the end of the month.

Suites range from a small suite at $3,575 per person, to the penthouse suites for $7,825.

UPDATE: The lowest category oceanview and small suites are now sold out. The lowest priced oceanview cabin available runs $2,275, and cheapest suite is now $3,625 – both includes taxes, fees and gratuities.

Deposits are non-refundable at $650 per person for a suite, $550 for a balcony or $450 for an oceanview or inside cabin.

Call Allure Quest Travel Experience at 615-818-8241 to book this amazing concert at sea, the brainchild of Entertainment Cruise Productions – the same people who bring you the Jazz Cruise and two individual weeks of the Smooth Jazz Cruise every year.

By the way, we can book those cruises for you as well, including the Smooth Jazz Cruises headlined by George Benson.

The Soul Train Cruise is scheduled for February 17-24 out of Ft. Lauderdale on Holland America’s Westerdam, with stops at San Juan, St. Thomas, Turks & Caicos and Half Moon Cay (private island).

Performers include Patti Labell, Jeffrey Osborne, George Duke, The O’Jays, Kool & The Gang, War, The Spinners, Jody Watley, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, Russell Thompkins Jr. & The New Stylistics, Cuba Gooding Sr. & The Main Ingredient, Gerald Alston of The Manhattans and The Intruders.

You can add comedian Alonzo Bodden for comic relief, and a host of surprises sure to bring back vivid memories from those Soul Train days.