Press Releases
February 3, 2026
JOE BONAMASSA & SIXTHMAN ANNOUNCE KEEPING THE BLUES ALIVE AT SEA XII SAILING MARCH 15-19, 2027 — MIAMI TO GRAND CAYMAN
SOURCE: Keeping The Blues Alive Foundation
THIS 12TH YEAR EVENT INCLUDES AN EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE HENDRIX SET WITH JOE BONAMASSA & KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD AND AN ALL-STAR LINEUP — JOIN THE PRESALE NOW
5x GRAMMY® Award-nominated guitar legend Joe Bonamassa and Sixthman, the leader in festivals and music cruises for more than a decade, have announced the 12th voyage of their world-famous blues-rock party at sea, KEEPING THE BLUES ALIVE AT SEA XII, sailing March 15-19, 2027, from Miami, FL to Grand Cayman aboard the luxurious Norwegian Jewel. Fans are encouraged to sign up NOW for the Presale as this event WILL SELL OUT. Bookings are available for just $100 down per person before July 15, 2026. More event details are available at www.bluesaliveatsea.com.
As always, KEEPING THE BLUES ALIVE AT SEA XII will be hosted and curated by the one and only Blues Titan himself, Joe Bonamassa. Highlights will include an exclusive All-Star concert event celebrating the music and legacy of Jimi Hendrix hosted by Joe Bonamassa and Kenny Wayne Shepherd. This incredible line up will include blues-rock stars Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Orianthi, Joanne Shaw Taylor, Jimmy Vivino, King King, Brandon "Taz" Niederauer, Robert Jon & The Wreck, Nikki Hill, DeWolff, Zac Schulze Gang, and many more to be announced. In addition, the blues-powered festival cruise's 12th adventure will feature an array of immersive activities, including once-in-a-lifetime collaborations, autograph sessions, guest jams, intimate acoustic morning sets, guitar clinics, craft tastings, and much more. Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea XII will once again proudly benefit the Keeping the Blues Alive® Foundation, Joe Bonamassa's nonprofit dedicated to supporting music education by providing students, teachers, and musicians with essential resources and opportunities. While on board, guests will have the chance to take part in unique fundraising experiences, raffles featuring signed memorabilia, and other meaningful ways to support the foundation — all while enjoying the blues vacation of a lifetime.
A highlight of the 2027 cruise will be a special all-star Experience Hendrix performance headlined by Joe Bonamassa and Kenny Wayne Shepherd. For more than 25 years, the Experience Hendrix Tour has been celebrating the music and legacy of Jimi Hendrix through a unique series of all-star concert experiences. Considered by media and fans alike as the 'Guitar Event Of The Year,' this multi-artist celebration will make its inaugural debut as part of the 2027 Keeping The Blues Alive At Sea cruise.
This special event will feature an all-star cast hosted by Joe Bonamassa, and Kenny Wayne Shepherd where the artists will delve into the storied Hendrix catalog to showcase their own, unforgettable renditions of such classics as "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)," "All Along The Watchtower," and "Purple Haze". During the cruise, each of the artists will be performing their own sets separately and then will come together for a once in a lifetime presentation of some of rock's most iconic songs on the main stage in a celebration of the music and legacy of Jimi Hendrix. Stay tuned for many more artists to be announced soon.
The spectacular Norwegian Jewel will provide everything needed to make KEEPING THE BLUES ALIVE AT SEA the most luxurious cruise vacation ever, with fully stocked bars at (virtually) every corner, a wide variety of dining options, the Pool Deck (with multiple hot tubs), the Jewel Club Casino, Mandara Spa, Body Waves Fitness Center, Sports Court, and much more.
KEEPING THE BLUES ALIVE AT SEA cruisers will soak in the Caribbean vibes as Norwegian Jewel makes its way to an unforgettable shore excursion in Grand Cayman, famous for its Seven Mile Beach, the popular Stingray City, and excellent diving. Please note: Shore excursions will not be available until 4-6 weeks prior to sailing. Cruisers will be able to book an excursion upon receipt of their official booking number.
Keeping the Blues Alive® Foundation (KTBA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 2011 by Joe Bonamassa with a mission to fuel a passion for music in younger generations by funding projects and scholarships to provide students and teachers the resources and tools needed to further music education. Since its inception, KTBA has been able to fund music programs and initiatives that have impacted the lives of more than 136,000 students in all 50 states. KTBA accomplishes this by making weekly donations to music projects in schools, as well as funding merit-based scholarships and extracurricular programs all over the country. In 2020, KTBA took its mission a step further by forming the Fueling Musicians Program. This program was created as an emergency relief plan for touring musicians affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. By providing financial assistance for essential living expenses, the Fueling Musicians Program aims to help struggling musicians get back on the road again when it is safe. To date, the program has helped over 450 musicians with immediate cash payments of $1,500. KTBA has made the Fueling Musicians Program a permanent part of the organization to help struggling musicians get on their feet and on the road. With donations of almost $2.9M in total from fundraisers, merchandise sales, and more, the Keeping the Blues Alive® Foundation has been able to help keep music education thriving. For more information, please visit www.keepingthebluesalive.org.
# # #