big easy cruise new orleans

2025 The Big Easy Cruise

PRODUCED BY STARVISTA LIVE

JANUARY 5-12, 2025 | FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – KEY WEST – BELIZE CITY – COZUMEL

• Cruise Itinerary
• Early Interest List

Laissez le bon temps rouler

(Let the good times roll)

On board the

2025 big easy cruise, make pre-reservations to be onboard early because availability may not last long get ready, get set., the big easy cruise is returning in 2025.

Cabin sales for 2025 open to the public on Tuesday, November 21st. Zydeco!

Enjoy Celebrity-Hosted Activities!

So much more than just a concert, you will have the opportunity to meet and interact with the artists onboard at events including:

• Cooking demonstrations
• Artist-hosted wine tasting
• Panel discussions
• Artist Q&A Sessions

Bons Temps et Bons Amis!

Soak up the music, the food, and the good vibes on this New Orleans music festival at sea!

• Round-the-clock concerts & entertainment
• Interactive events with the artists
• New Orleans themed special events
• Exciting ports of call
• 7 nights of luxury on the highly rated  Nieuw Amsterdam
• Sail with other music fans like you

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue

The Allman Betts Band

Anders Osborne

The Soul Rebels

Marcia Ball

Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen

Blind Boys of Alabama

Louisiana’s LeRoux

Bender Brass Band

John Boutté

Minx Burlesque

Johnny Sansone

Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers

John “Papa” Gros

Sierra Green

Big Chief Monk Boudreaux

J’Wan Boudreaux

Co-Host Cole Williams

Music Host Keith Spera

Artist lineup subject to change

CABIN PRICES

If you have sailed on any StarVista LIVE Cruise, then you are eligible for the “Alumni Rate.” To inquire about the “Alumni Rate,” please call the office at 585.653.8746 .

Wait List available for sold out cabins.

• Port Charges/Taxes/Gratuities/Admin Fee: $365 per person is due when remaining balance is due. The cost for 3rd and 4th passengers in a stateroom is $1,000 per person plus all applicable taxes and fees.

These prices are “cruise only” in U. S. Dollars (USD) and are quoted per person based upon double occupancy, except for “Singles”, and do not include port charges, airfare, ground transportation, onboard purchases, purchased drinks onboard or excursions. It does include all meals, shows and onboard events produced by StarVista LIVE.

To qualify for the “Military Rate” you must provide a copy of your DD-214 or a military ID. Please call/text 585-653-8746 and the 5% discount will be applied to your balance. Please note that in order to receive this discount, you cannot have already paid your cruise in full.

2025 Itinerary

Holland America Line Nieuw Amsterdam

Consistently highest-rated premium cruise line by Conde Nast Traveler’s “Readers’ Choice Awards” and “World’s Best” by Travel + Leisure, we could not have a better partner to provide you luxury dining during this unique experience.

Ship Highlights

The Nieuw Amsterdam features 11 passenger decks, premier dining options, lounges surrounded by panoramic views, the popular Greenhouse spa and salon with hydro pool as well as the award-winning fitness center to fulfill our promise of excellence.

Every Stateroom, A Gracious Retreat

Spacious staterooms average 25% larger and private verandahs average 50% larger than on typical ships.

Enjoy Exquisite Dining Across a Range of Venues

Enjoy delicious and innovative menus across a broad range of dining venues prepared by our master chefs. From a casual bite poolside to a formal five-course affair in our classic main Dining Room, you will have a truly memorable dining experience. Venues include:

• Pinnacle Grill
• The Dining Room
• Lido Market
• New York Pizza
• Ship’s Registry:  The Netherlands
• Passenger capacity:  2,106
• Crew members:   929
• Gross tonnage:   86,700grt
• Length:   936 feet
• Beam:   105.8
• Maximum speed:   23.9 knots
• Dedicated:  July, 04, 2010, by HM Queen Maxima of the Netherlands

Interesting links

• Soul Train Cruise 2025 – November Information
• 2025 Soul Train Cruise – November
• Soul Train Cruise Sold Out
• The Big Easy Cruise 2025
• Country Music Cruise 2025
• Country Music Cruise 2024
• 2025 Soul Train Cruise – January
• Ultimate Disco Cruise and Beyond
• 2024 Malt Shop Memories Cruise
• Protected: August CocoCay
• Protected: Nicole’s Thanksgiving Cruise

The Big Easy Cruise

How many cities in the United States…or anywhere… have a SOUND? Jazz, funk, or R&B - you know it as soon as you hear it - “ that sounds like New Orleans!” Nearly 20 million people visit New Orleans every year for all kinds of reasons, and in January 2025, we’re taking the fun reasons to sea!

Leave your winter clothes behind for seven days aboard the concert-packed Big Easy Cruise . The cruise sails January 5-12, 2025  aboard the stunning and award-winning Holland America Nieuw Amsterdam , departing from Ft. Lauderdale and visiting Key West, Belize City, and Cozumel .

Get ready to soak up the music, the food, and the vibe on this New Orleans music festival at sea. Guests will enjoy non-stop brass band, R&B, swamp pop, blues and jazz concerts that get you on your feet. Just like the other seven StarVista LIVE cruises, the Big Easy Cruise will feature a curated roster of artists who are guaranteed to capture the theme and create incredible memories.

In addition to live music in five or more venues virtually around the clock, the cruise will feature guest speakers, songwriters, theme nights, cooking demonstrations, wine tasting, trivia contests and much, much more. Of course, Holland America offers elegant dining options, a world-class spa, shopping, your favorite cocktail options, and poolside activities. 

The world-class Holland America culinary and beverage staff will be looking to add a bit of the classic New Orleans food and beverages offerings to the guest’s dining and entertainment experience.

Ditch the heat and crowds of the land-based music festivals and treat yourself to a luxury cruise vacation with world-class amenities and service. The music you love, all day and night, in an intimate setting, and best of all, the comfort of your cabin and an occasional nap are just an elevator ride away! It’s the upside without the downside. Accessible. Intimate. Roll with what you want because it’s the Big Easy, after all!

For more information visit https://bigeasycruise.com

Big Easy Cruise Press Release

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• Malt Shop Memories Cruise OCT 27-NOV 3, 2024
• The Big Easy Cruise January 5-12, 2025
• Ultimate Disco Cruise FEBRUARY 19-24, 2025
• Sandy Beaches Cruise JANUARY 12-19, 2025
• The Country Music Cruise JANUARY 19-26, 2025
• Soul Train Cruise JAN 26-FEB 2, 2025
• '70s Rock & Romance Cruise  MARCH 15-22, 2025
• Flower Power Cruise MARCH 22 - 29, 2025
• Southern Rock Cruise Not Scheduled
• Abbey Road on The River MAY 23-27, 2024  

Our Promise

StarVista LIVE promises to provide you with a unique entertainment experience, bringing you together with a community of like-minded enthusiasts to relive favorite moments, create new memories, and enjoy unparalleled access to the superstars you love. 

january 5 - 12, 2025

Ft. Lauderdale, FL • Key West • Belize City • Cozumel

(855) 923-7222

Cabin Prices

Special single cabin pricing available, call now to book!

Standard Deposit Amount: 

• $600/person (Cabin categories: PS - SZ) 
• $500/person (VA - VQ) 
• $400/person (C - Singles) 

These prices are “cruise only” in U. S. Dollars (USD) and are quoted per person based upon double occupancy, except for “Singles”, and do not include port charges, airfare, ground transportation, onboard purchases, purchased drinks onboard or excursions. It does include all meals, shows and onboard events produced by StarVista LIVE. The cost for 3rd and 4th passengers in a stateroom is $1,000 per person plus all applicable taxes and fees.

A $365 per person charge for port fees, taxes and gratuities will be applied to your total reservation cost.

What Rate Applies to Me?

If you have sailed with us on any StarVista LIVE Cruise, then you are eligible for the "Alumni Rate." To inquire about the "Alumni Rate," please call the office at 855-923-7222

To qualify for our “Military Rate” you must provide a copy of your DD-214 or a military ID. Please email this to [email protected] after booking and the 5% discount will apply to your balance before your first payment installment. Please note that in order to receive the discount, you cannot have already paid in full at the time of the application AND the person who served must be sailing in the cabin. 

If you’d like to pay in full, please call our office at (855)-923-7222 to book your cabin and provide the above information. 

View full Cruise Terms & Conditions here .

Reminder:  

• All Payments are FINAL and NON-REFUNDABLE 
• You must accept the Cruise Terms and Conditions in order to  ensure that your reservation is not cancelled .  Once booked, you can check your terms and conditions status by logging in to your account.  Simply log in to your account  and look for an “Accept Terms” button under the reservation. If this button appears, you have not accepted the terms and conditions. Click this button and follow the instructions. All reservations must accept our Cruise Terms & Conditions within three days of booking or your reservation may be canceled 
• We do not allow anyone under 18 to sail on one of our themed cruises. Anyone over 18 but not yet 21 must share a cabin with a companion 21 or older. 
• All passengers must carry a valid passport book which expires at least six (6) months after the return date of the cruise.  You may continue with the reservation if you are applying for or renewing your passport, as long as you are sure you will receive it on time.  
• NOTE : Passport cards, birth certificates, and driver’s licenses will not be accepted on this charter sailing. 
• Full name as it appears on passport 
• Date of birth 
• Phone number 
• Unique email address 
• Billing address 
• Passport number, country of citizenship, issue date, and expiration date 
• Emergency contact 
• T-shirt size (S-3XL, unisex fit, 100% cotton) 
• Credit card number and expiration date for all paying passengers 

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January 5 - 12 2025.

• Fort Lauderdale, FL
• Belize City

2025 Lineup

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue

Keb' Mo'

St. Paul & The Broken Bones

The Allman Betts Band

Anders Osborne

The Soul Rebels

Marcia Ball

Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen

Blind Boys of Alabama

Louisiana’s LeRoux

Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers

John Boutté

Bender Brass Band ft.  Sugaray Rayford, Johnny Sansone, Chambers DesLauriers

Sugaray Rayford

Johnny Sansone

Chambers DesLauriers

Tin Men

Washboard Chaz Blues Trio 

Minx Burlesque

John “Papa” Gros

Sierra Green and The Giants

Big Chief Monk Boudreaux

J'Wan Boudreaux

Chef Kevin Belton

Co-Host Cole Williams

Music Host Keith Spera

Our Promise

StarVista LIVE promises to provide you with a unique entertainment experience, bringing you together with a community of like-minded enthusiasts to relive favorite moments, create new memories, and enjoy unparalleled access to the superstars you love. 

Read Latest Issue

The Best of the Big Easy!

New Big Easy Cruise to Celebrate All Things NOLA

Experience the best of the crescent city while at sea.

A brand-new cruise named Big Easy Cruise will celebrate New Orleans by bringing together the music, food, and spirit of the city on a luxury ship in late 2023.

Launched by StarVista LIVE , the seven-day long cruise will allow guests to experience the best of New Orleans while onboard a lavish ship called the Holland America Line Nieuw Amsterdam. The cruise, which will set sail from November 4 to 11, 2023, will launch from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, make a two-day stop in New Orleans, a one-day stop in Cozumel, Mexico, and then return to Ft. Lauderdale.

"We want to bring the community of people who love the essence of New Orleans together with beloved icons in music, food, and more," StarVista LIVE Senior Vice President, Live Entertainment Mike Jason said in a press release. "Our guests will be immersed in the soul of New Orleans, with rare opportunities to spend time with their favorite artists and musicians. And the best part is that all of this is offered in an intimate and comfortable style aboard a world class ship with incredible amenities."

Seven-Day Cruise Will Feature Multiple NOLA Musicians

In addition to mouth-watering New Orleans food, Big Easy Cruise will also bring together a long list of Louisiana musical acts who will provide live music, as well as other music-themed events, throughout the cruise. Some of the featured performers that are confirmed for the cruise include Irma Thomas, Rockin' Dopsie Jr., Tab Benoit, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Leo Nocentelli, Jon Cleary, John Boutté, Honey Island Swamp Band, John "Papa" Gros, and many more. Guests will also be able to enjoy an exclusive performance by Galactic and Anjelika "Jelly" Joseph at Tipitina's while the ship is at dock in New Orleans.

According to Big Easy Cruise's press release, there will also be events and experiences featuring Chef Kevin Belton and local artist Frenchy. Other events that will take place during the cruise will include live interviews, songwriting presentations, wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, themed nights, and more.

Book Your Reservation & Learn More

The Nieuw Amsterdam ship will offer many different suites and staterooms that guest can stay in during the cruise, so make sure to visit bigeasycruise.com to book your reservation, learn more information about Big Easy Cruise, and to see the full 2023 itinerary.

Those interested in joining the Big Easy Cruise can visit the cruise operator's website and use promo code "WHEREYAT" for discounted tickets.

FOR THE INSIDE SCOOP ON DINING, MUSIC, ENTERTAINMENT, THE ARTS & MORE!

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Featuring the Best of the Big Easy.

BigEasyCruiseInfo

• Expeditions
• Complimentary Brochures

The Big Easy to the Gateway City

• From $9,999
• 10 Guided Tours
• Dates & Pricing

Please call for availability. To find another option, begin your search here.

For current fares, please call a viking expert: 1-800-304-9616 or request a quote today., summer solstice sale.

*All prices are per person based on double occupancy and reflect our Special Cruise Fare. Strikeout fares reflect our Standard Cruise Fare.

*All prices are per person based on double occupancy and reflect our Special Cruise Fare.

DEPARTURE GATEWAYS

Air fare offer applies to select gateways; air fare offer may vary across gateways and itineraries; call for details.

Departure dates and room type filter

Viking Inclusive Value

More features, services and excursions included.

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Your Stateroom Includes:

River-view stateroom

Bottled water replenished daily

110/220 volt outlets

Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows

Private bathroom with shower, heated floor & anti-fog mirror

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Plush robes & slippers (upon request)

40" or 42" flat-screen Sony® TV with infotainment system featuring Movies On Demand, plus CNBC, CNN, FOX & more

Telephone, safe, refrigerator

Individual climate control

*All amenities on board Viking Longships; amenities vary on other ships.

Booking Terms & Conditions >

Booking Terms & Conditions

2024-2025 MISSISSIPPI RIVER CRUISE AND AIR FARES: Offer applies to bookings made from June 1-30, 2024. Terms & conditions for select promotions may vary. $25 deposit is applicable to all River itineraries. Special fares plus up to FREE roundtrip airfare valid on select 2024 and 2025 Mississippi River departures. Airfares may vary on other gateways & departures. Airfare does not have to be purchased to get cruise\cruisetour offer. All prices are in US dollars and for US residents only. Additional restrictions may apply. 2024 : Pay in full by June 30, 2024 or at time of booking if within 120 days of departure. 2025 : Pay in full by August 31, 2024. Offers expires June 30, 2024.

$25 DEPOSIT: For itineraries 35 days or less, a $25 deposit applies to November 2024 & onward departures; for itineraries greater than 35 days, a $25 deposit applies to January 2025 & onward departures; World Cruise products excluded; call for details.

AIR UPGRADE:  Upgrade to Business Class air from $999 per person addon based on select gateways and dates. Additional airline-imposed baggage charges may apply; for more information visit  Airline Luggage Restrictions  . Air prices are per person based on cruise/cruisetour check-in date and include transfers plus all government taxes/fees of approximately $160 and air fuel surcharges. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full payment of air is received. For more information about customized air services and US gateways, visit the  Viking Air Plus  page.

GENERAL RESTRICTIONS:  Cruise fares listed are cruise only in U.S. dollars, per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement savings are off applicable rates. Cruise fares listed are valid for U.S. residents only. Cruise ship fuel surcharge may apply. All fares and offers are for new bookings only and are subject to availability, may not combinable with other offers except Viking Explorer Society Travel Credits and Viking Referral Rewards, are capacity-controlled and may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Special fares are based upon published full brochure fares; cruise fares do not include pre-paid charges, optional facilities and service fees, and personal charges, as defined in the terms and conditions of the  Passenger Ticket Contract  which may be viewed elsewhere on this website. Full brochure fares may not have resulted in actual sales in all stateroom categories and may not have been in effect during the last 90 days. Promotional fares may remain in effect after the expiration date. Air promotion applies to roundtrip flights only from select Viking Cruises U.S. gateways and includes airport-to-ship or hotel transfers, air taxes and air fuel surcharges. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights. Viking reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares, fees and surcharges at any time. For up-to-date prices, please call Viking or your Travel Agent. The cruise ship fuel surcharge is additional revenue to Viking Cruises, as are any additional charges relating to currency fluctuation other than for fully paid cruise fares and full fares, which fluctuations are beyond our control. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Complete terms and conditions may be found in the  Passenger Ticket Contract  .

AIR OFFER RESTRICTIONS:  Offer expires June 30, 2024.

NOTE:  International flights depart the U.S. one day prior to check-in date. Paid Business or Premium Economy Class may require travel in economy on flights within North America or Europe. Premium economy is limited to specific airlines and we may not be able to accommodate based on aircraft type and availability. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights.

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Big Easy Cruise 2023: NOLA’s Own Jam Cruise

"let the good times roll on the big easy cruise".

Announcing the inaugural Big Easy Cruise set for November 4-11, 2023!

Kicking off in Ft. Lauderdale and winding its way west to make a hometown stop in NOLA at Tipitina’s before heading to Cozumel, Mexico, this is like the New Orleans -only version of the annual Jam Cruise celebration that funk fans have already come to know and love.

The lineup will feature some of the heavy hitters from the bayou including Little Feat , Tab Benoit , Samantha Fish , Dirty Dozen Brass Band , Leo Nocentelli from The Meters , Anders Osborne , Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen , Tuba Skinny , John Boutté , Cha Wa , Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. & The Zydeco Twisters , Honey Island Swamp Band , John “Papa” Gros , and a very special exclusive performance by Galactic featuring Anjelika Jelly Joseph at Tipitina’s while the Big Easy Cruise docks in New Orleans.

Soak up the music, the food, and the good vibes on this New Orleans music festival at sea. Plus, get to know the artists like never before at celebrity interactive events including panel discussions, cooking demonstrations, wine tasting, and more!

Big Easy Cruise 2023 bigeasycruise.com

Sailing November 4-11, 2023 Aboard Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam From Ft. Lauderdale to New Orleans and Cozumel, Mexico

Lineup : Little Feat Tab Benoit Samantha Fish Dirty Dozen Brass Band Leo Nocentelli from The Meters Anders Osborne Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen Tuba Skinny John Boutté Cha Wa Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. & The Zydeco Twisters Honey Island Swamp Band John “Papa” Gros Galactic featuring Anjelika Jelly Joseph

Ditch the heat and crowds of land-based music festivals and enjoy the music you love, all day and night, in an intimate setting – and best of all, with the comfort of your cabin just an elevator ride away! It’s the upside without the downside. Roll with what you want because it’s the Big Easy, after all!

Enjoy special low rates when you book with code TIPITINAS!

Correction : this post has been updated after stating that Tipitina’s was behind the cruise; the Big Easy Cruise is operated by StarVista LIVE. We regret the error. 

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THE BIG EASY CRUISE:  Cuisine, Culture…and All that Jazz!

New Orleans Comes to the High Seas!

Imagine experiencing the music, culture, cuisine and spirit of New Orleans on a 7-day voyage from Fort Lauderdale aboard Holland America’s luxurious Nieuw Amsterdam!

On November 4 th , the 2,106-passenger Nieuw Amsterdam hosts its first-ever Big Easy Cruise, a celebration that includes some of the biggest names in American music, including Little Feat, Tab Benoit, Samantha Fish, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Leo Nocentelli from The Meters, Anders Osborne, Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen, Tuba Skinny, John Boutté, Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. & The Zydeco Twisters, Honey Island Swamp Band and John “Papa” Gros with more jazz, funk, R&B, Cajun, zydeco and blues-based artists to be announced in the coming months.

As a special treat, the ship sails to New Orleans itself where guests will be treated to a very special exclusive performance by  Galactic  featuring Anjelika Jelly Joseph at the famed club Tipitina’s, and enjoy other rich cultural experiences throughout the city before continuing on to Cozumel.

Artists across R&B, blues, rock, jazz, swamp pop, and even brass bands have been hand-selected to deliver the sounds of the city every day and night on board. One-of-a-kind events will bring guests alongside leaders, creators and innovators in music, cuisine and history for a series of events that include live interviews and songwriting presentations, theme nights, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings and much, much more.

“We want to bring the community of people who love the essence of New Orleans together with beloved icons in music, food and more,” says Mike Jason, StarVista LIVE Senior Vice President, Live Entertainment. “Our guests will be immersed in the soul of New Orleans, with rare opportunities to spend time with their favorite artists and musicians. And the best part is that all of this is offered in an intimate and comfortable style aboard a world class ship with incredible amenities.”

This might be StarVista LIVE’s very first Big Easy Cruise but the company has, for 13 years, been a leader in music and event cruises like The Flower Power Cruise, 70’s Rock & Romance Cruise, The Country Music Cruise, Malt Shop Memories Cruise and others. So when it comes to The Big Easy sailing, you can be sure they know their stuff, from “A” to Zydeco!

Fares for the 7-day Big Easy Cruise range from $1,949 for an interior cabin through $4,599 for the Nieuw Amsterdam’s chi-chi Neptune Suite, cruise only, based on double occupancy.

See cruises here: Holland America Line  & Nieuw Statendam

See more of Judi Cuervo’s stories here: Judi Cuervo’s Blog – All Things Cruise

For additional information, ask a travel advisor to help you find a Big Easy cruise.

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The Big Easy Cruise: A Feast of Louisiana Music and Food

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Kenny Chesney Tops Himself At Soldier Field Ahead Of Kelly Clarkson Show Appearance- Parker McCollum Received Special Surprise For His Birthday- more.

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Sail To New Orleans On The Inaugural Big Easy Cruise Ft. Galactic, Little Feat, Tab Benoit, More

Celebrate the spirit of New Orleans like never before on the all new Big Easy Cruise November 4th–11th.

Presented by StarVista LIVE , the seven-day luxury cruise and music festival will sail from Fort Lauderdale, FL to New Orleans, where passengers will be treated to a special exclusive performance by Galactic featuring Anjelika Jelly Joseph at the famed club Tipitina’s , and then to Cozumel. The festival will also host performances by Little Feat , Tab Benoit , Irma Thomas , Samantha Fish , Dirty Dozen Brass Band , Leo Nocentelli from The Meters , Anders Osborne , Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen , Tuba Skinny , John Boutté , Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. & The Zydeco Twisters , Honey Island Swamp Band , John “Papa” Gros , Jimmy Carpenter , and Bender Brass Band with more jazz, funk, R&B, Cajun, zydeco, and blues-based artists still to be announced. Chef Kevin Belton and renowned NOLA artist Frenchy will also be aboard the luxurious Holland America Line Nieuw Amsterdam.

Related: Watch Galactic Celebrate Mardi Gras Weekend With Dumpstaphunk, Cimafunk Sit-In, & More [Review/Videos]

“We want to bring the community of people who love the essence of New Orleans together with beloved icons in music, food, and more,” said Mike Jason , StarVista LIVE Senior Vice President, Live Entertainment. “Our guests will be immersed in the soul of New Orleans, with rare opportunities to spend time with their favorite artists and musicians. And the best part is that all of this is offered in an intimate and comfortable style aboard a world class ship with incredible amenities.”

The Big Easy Cruise will set sail on November 4th with one-of-a-kind events that will bring together leaders in music, cuisine, and history for a series of live interviews and songwriting presentations, theme nights, cooking demonstrations, wine tasting, and much more.

Tickets for the Big Easy Cruise are on sale now via the festival website . View the festival lineup below, and for more information, head here .

‘I Will Never, Ever Go on a Cruise’

Readers respond to our May 2024 issue and more.

A Meatball at Sea

For the May 2024 issue, Gary Shteyngart spent seven nights aboard the biggest cruise ship that has ever sailed.

Explore the July/August 2024 Issue

Check out more from this issue and find your next story to read.

I’ve never written a letter to the editor before, but rare are the times I’ve read an article more hilarious, brilliant, and incisive than Gary Shteyngart’s on his escapades at sea. I was moved, entertained, and wowed by his keen observations. But mostly I’m grateful to him for reinforcing a promise I made to myself: I will never, ever go on a cruise.

Jennifer Ripley Menlo Park, Calif.

I laughed out loud several times while reading Gary Shteyngart’s account of his experience on the inaugural voyage of the Icon of the Seas. As someone passionate about cruising, I recognized the truth in much of what Shteyngart wrote. I’m also a travel agent, and the thought of sailing on the Icon fills me with dread. So many people! I tell my clients that cruising is for everyone, but not all cruise lines are for everyone.

There are a few aspects of cruising that I think the author missed, though. My son is a full-time wheelchair user and an avid cruiser. It’s hard to imagine how he would see the world if not on a cruise ship. On today’s modern, accessible vessels, the indignities that he and other people with disabilities might suffer every day at home are largely absent.

We love cruising because of the staff. The pride and care that crew members take in providing excellent service is evident. We love to ask about their family at home, and we tip them generously. We hope that Shteyngart did the same.

Kathleen Moylan Worcester, Mass.

Once upon a time, I was a travel writer. As someone who still revels in the wonder of travel 15 years after leaving the field, I found Gary Shteyngart’s article about the Icon of the Seas disappointing. Travel writing as an artistic form has been in jeopardy for years, and I fear that articles like Shteyngart’s demonstrate why.

Travel writing doesn’t have to follow well-worn formats or cast its subjects in a favorable light. But it should create a sense of place. No travel writer worth their salt would ever wallow in misery and disdain, as Shteyngart does here. A travel writer shouldn’t judge those around them or put themselves at the center of the story; the job of a travel writer is to look at an experience and see its value. When I worked as a travel writer, if I ever found myself in an experience I disliked, I tried to understand why others around me enjoyed it and then worked to reconcile those two perspectives.

We travel writers are a specific brood. We have internalized that our work is not about us. We know we are guests in the places we visit. There is a degree of respect that a travel writer must have if they hope to see a place clearly. Those have to be table stakes.

Kim Palacios San Ramon, Calif.

It is disconcerting that, only four months after The Atlantic devoted an entire issue to the dangers of a second Donald Trump presidency, the magazine published a story that seems designed to confirm the central argument of Trump’s political movement: that blue-state elites despise ordinary Americans and see no value in their way of life. Like Trump’s speeches, Gary Shteyngart’s humor is littered with name-calling and childish insults; the “reprobates” and “bent psychos” who spend their money on cruises are mocked for their weight, their clothes, their hobbies, their tattoos. Despite the fact that some of these “psychos” are, as Shteyngart notes, veterans who have served their country, he concludes that his fellow cruisers have no “interior life” and are thus unworthy of attention from a member of the “creative class” like himself. If Trump is reelected in November, part of the blame will lie with those, like Shteyngart, who seem to have retreated so far into their progressive bubbles that they have become the mirror image of the MAGA faithful.

Andrew Miller New Orleans, La.

Gary Shteyngart’s colorful essay from the world’s largest cruise ship makes snobbery an art form. What did he expect? Cruise-ship builders take chunks of Las Vegas, Branson, and Disney and put them on a platform that moves through the water. Never have I entertained the idea of taking a trip on one, but thousands of Americans do it regularly, most of them solidly middle-class in wealth and taste. Most Americans would prefer to watch the Mets play the Marlins than the Met play Mozart.

During my cruising years—on the Navy’s big gray ships, in the 1960s—officers and crews were a mix of Americans from everywhere and every social strata. One chief petty officer was an outspoken socialist; one of my commanding officers was a paranoid member of the John Birch Society. The crews of the ships I served on joined the middle class upon discharge, and some of them probably cruise and talk football and eat bad food and vote for Donald Trump. What a shame that Shteyngart couldn’t connect with them. He might have learned something. I did.

Earl Higgins River Ridge, La.

Gary Shteyngart replies:

What fascinated me most about my fellow cruisers—many of whom were from blue states and were not MAGA diehards—was their lack of curiosity. They were more than happy to eat food that reminded me of a Yalta cafeteria in my Soviet youth. They laughed themselves silly when a comedian made fun of “shithole countries” (although the African woman and her husband next to me walked out). To Andrew Miller’s point, I think it is precisely this kind of passivity and incuriosity that lets a nation forgo its long tradition of democracy and, through either malice or inaction, allow a tyrant to take charge. To Earl Higgins’s comment, I tried to connect desperately, almost pathologically, with my fellow cruisers. Sadly, there was not one outspoken socialist or paranoid member of the John Birch Society to be found. Indeed, it was the blinkered blandness of my fellow cruisers that drove me to despair. In the end, I began to respect the alcoholics and degenerate gamblers I met. They, at least, had a story to tell.

A Study in Senate Cowardice

Republicans like Rob Portman could have ended Donald Trump’s political career, Jeffrey Goldberg wrote in The Atlantic ’s May 2024 issue. They chose not to.

Good journalism should make its audience angry. And Jeffrey Goldberg’s detailing of the rank hypocrisy of the Republican senators who talked tough but folded like cheap suits when it came time to vote to convict Donald Trump for his role in the January 6 insurrection should incite anger in every reader who cares about this country.

Particularly fitting is Goldberg’s word choice about their behavior— pathetic , greasy . I hope history remembers and repeats the names of those senators who could have stopped a threat to democracy and decency but instead caved to Trump.

Steve Schild Winona, Minn.

Jeffrey Goldberg’s article holding certain Republican senators to account makes a valid point. However, it is easy to picture the current GOP leadership retaliating with baseless impeachment proceedings against their opposition, setting a destructive precedent that could undermine and diminish the United States. Goldberg calls that argument “pathetic,” but probably some of those senators who voted nay believed Trumpism would eventually pass; they followed the rule of law and looked ahead hopefully to a future generation of quality leaders for whom the nation would matter more than any individual.

Michael E. Zuller Great Neck, N.Y.

Behind the Cover

In this issue’s cover story, “ The Valley ,” George Packer reports from Phoenix and the surrounding Salt River Valley. Packer argues that the Valley’s problems—climate change, conspiracism, hyper-partisanship—are America’s, and that its fate may presage the nation’s. The cover evokes a landscape that is getting hotter and drier, and a future that is blurry. This is a place where American optimism and ingenuity are being put to the test.

— Peter Mendelsund, Creative Director

Corrections

“Democracy Is Losing the Propaganda War” (June) misstated the subtitle of Anne Applebaum’s latest book. The full title is Autocracy, Inc.: The Dictators Who Want to Run the World . “The Great Serengeti Land Grab” (May) misstated the distance between Sharjah Safari park and the Pololeti Game Reserve. The Sharjah Safari park is 2,000 miles northeast of the Pololeti Game Reserve, not 5,000 miles north. “Clash of the Patriarchs” (May) mischaracterized Roman Emperor Constantine’s policy toward Christianity. Although Constantine favored Christianity over other tolerated religions in the empire, he did not impose it on his subjects.

This article appears in the July/August 2024 print edition with the headline “The Commons.”