Offering two blues cruises a year, the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise is considered by many to be the best blues cruise in the country. Calling itself "The World's Only Fully Chartered Blues Cruise," the cruise travels to the Caribbean and the Mexican Riviera from ports in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and San Diego, California, respectively. The best acts in blues music, from Taj Mahal to Kenny Wayne Shepherd to Los Lobos, play these cruises. Trips are approximately seven days long, and prices are available on the Legendary Rhythm & Blues website.
These cruises out of Portland, Oregon, are two and a half to three hours long. They leave from the intersection of SW Salmon and Naito Parkway and travel down the Willamette River. There are cruises in the afternoon (open to all ages) and evening (must be 21 or older). Most performers are local blues acts. Tickets can be purchased at the dock, although you are encouraged to buy them in advance through the Delta Music Experience Blues Cruises website because they sell out quickly.
The NYC Rockin' the River Cruises, which provide both excellent sightseeing and great music, used to be called the New York City Blues Cruises until they expanded to include non-blues music as well. You can still, however, find excellent blues acts on them, like Howlin' for Herbert, Marcia Ball and Dr. John. Cruises take off from Pier 83 at West 42nd Street and 12th Avenue, and the music plays, rain or shine. Ticket prices vary depending on the act, and liquor is served on board.
