As a huge fan of live music, one of my favorite cruise experiences is the Carnival LIVE concert series. It is pretty incredible to see such massive performers in such an intimate setting onboard a cruise ship.
The initial lineup of artists for the 2016 season was announced today with performances offered on cruises departing from eight U.S. homeports with concerts taking place while vessels are docked in Cozumel, Nassau and St. Thomas.
It looks like it is going to be another fun year of shows.
What is Carnival LIVE
On Carnival LIVE sailings, the ship has an extended stay in one port for the night of the concert. On our last trip, we were docked in St. Thomas until midnight and Journey played that night in the ship’s theater. (They were only on the ship for the concert, not the entire voyage.)
When booking a cruise, you have the opportunity to purchase concert tickets (similar to booking an excursion) along with the option to upgrade to VIP tickets, which includes meet and greets and a seat in one of the first few rows.
Depending on the artist, tickets range from $40 to $75 for general admission with VIP tickets available for $150 to $250, offering seating in the first few rows, an artist meet and greet, a souvenir photo with the artist and a commemorative concert pass.
Carnival LIVE 2016 Lineup
The first round of 2016 Carnival LIVE shows was released today and includes a fantastic lineup of performers. Here’s a look –
Gladys Knight
Gladys Knight will perform while Carnival Liberty, Carnival Valor and Carnival Splendor are docked in St. Thomas Feb. 1-3, 2016 respectively.

image provided by Carnival Cruise Lines
KC & The Sunshine Band
Fans will ‘get down tonight’ in Cozumel March 22-24, 2016 aboard Carnival Paradise, Carnival Fantasy and Carnival Breeze.
JOURNEY
Journey returns for a second year with back-to-back shows in Nassau aboard Carnival Pride May 5 and Carnival Victory May 6.
Trace Adkins
Country star Trace Adkins brings his hits with three concerts in Nassau aboard Carnival Freedom July 6, Carnival Dream July 7 and Carnival Conquest July 8.

image provided by Carnival Cruise Lines
Experience Carnival LIVE in 2016
The 2016 Carnival LIVE lineup released features quite an amazing group of performers.
To plan your Carnival LIVE sailing, go to www.carnival.com/CarnivalLIVE , contact your travel agent or call 1-800-CARNIVAL.