cayamo cruises

Embark on a Journey Through Song

Cayamo offers an unparalleled listening room experience with intimate, diverse performances from rising and established stars alike such as Emmylou Harris, Nickel Creek, Grace Potter, Ani DiFranco, Little Feat, Lucius and many more!

Experience the magic

Carry on beloved Cayamo traditions beyond singer / songwriter sets and farther soothe the soul... Discover up-and-coming talent at the Soundcheck showcase, join the Bluegrass Situation in redefining Roots culture with thought-provoking conversations, and allow Sunday Soul Sessions to recharge your spirit.

Caribbean Escape

Voyage with us to St. John's, Antigua and St. Croix, the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, where you'll be greeted by beautiful beaches shored against clear, warm waters abundant with unique marine life. Take a leisurely stroll through history down the original city grid of seven streets in St. Croix, or past captivating architecture such as the white baroque towers of St. John's Cathedral.

The Majestic Gem

Norwegian Gem is your ultimate playground on the high seas! Wet your whistle at the abundance of fully stocked bars at (almost) every corner, dine like royalty with delicious options at a variety of specialty dining restaurants, unwind at the Mandara Spa or the Pool Deck's numerous bubbling hot tubs, or roll the dice for some lucky moments in the lively Gem Club Casino.

Cayamo is BACK!

We Offer Payment Options

Connect With Your Community

Who is Sixthman?

Sixthman .cls-1{fill:#fff;}.cls-2{fill:#152c53;}

Summer of '99 and Beyond …

April 27 - May 1, 2024

Bananaland at Sea

October 14-18, 2024

Headbangers Boat 2024

October 28 - November 1, 2024

November 2-6, 2024

Hallmark Channel Christmas …

November 5-9, 2024

Andrew McMahon's Holiday From …

November 9-13, 2024

Rock The Bells Cruise 2024

November 13-17, 2024

November 17-21, 2024

The Rock Boat XXIV

January 26-31, 2025

Chris Jericho Cruise 2025

January 31 - February 4, 2025

Emo's Not Dead Cruise 2025

February 4-8, 2025

Boots on the Water

February 8-13, 2025

Sail Across the Sun 2025

February 13-17, 2025

Flogging Molly Cruise 2025

February 17-22, 2025

Outlaw Country Cruise 9

February 22-28, 2025

Cayamo 2025

February 28 - March 7, 2025

Keeping the Blues Alive at …

March 21-26, 2025

311 Caribbean Cruise 2025

March 26-31, 2025

The Broadway Cruise 3

March 31 - April 4, 2025

Chefs Making Waves 2025

May 5-9, 2025

Do you wade, or do you Cannonball?

How do you describe the feeling of fully letting loose? Perhaps it’s floating through warm air as you crash into cool water with a perfectly blended cocktail waiting for you when you emerge? […]

Moments That Make Life Rock

Since 2001, Sixthman has set the stage for moments that make life rock, serving hundreds of thousands of guests unforgettable vacations on sand and at sea with their favorite artists, athletes, […]

New Sixthman Merch Is Here!

If you've been looking forward to new Sixthman Merch, it's your lucky day! In honor of our 20th Anniversary, we're releasing new designs on apparel and accessories so you can sport your […]

Cayamo Cruise to Sail in 2022 With Punch Brothers, Emmylou Harris, Dawes

By Joseph Hudak

Joseph Hudak

After being dry-docked by the pandemic, the Cayamo Cruise is returning to the water in 2022. The concert-at-sea company Sixthman announced Cayamo’s lineup on Wednesday, a robust schedule with Punch Brothers , Emmylou Harris , and Grace Potter among the headliners.

Dawes , the Mavericks , Richard Thompson, Indigo Girls, and Ruthie Foster are also on the cruise, set for March 18th through 25th. This year’s theme is “A Journey Through Song.” Other artists include the Jayhawks, Kathleen Edwards, Shawn Mullins, John Paul White, the Secret Sisters, Sierra Hull, Allison Russell, Brittney Spencer, Ida Mae, and Tré Burt.

Cayamo will also pay tribute to the memory of John Prine, who died in April 2020 from Covid-19. Members of Prine’s band, along with the songwriter’s son Tommy Prine, will perform various sets under the banner “Souvenirs: Songs of John Prine.”

This marks the 14th installment of Cayamo, which first launched in 2008. The 2022 cruise sails from Miami to St. Thomas and St. Kitts. Presale packages are available at cayamo.com .

The Covid crisis sidelined the concert cruise industry since the start of the pandemic in early 2020, canceling cruises by artists like Kiss, Melissa Etheridge, and Kesha. In January, Sixthman announced the return of Outlaw Country Cruise , which, like Cayamo, will sail in 2022.

Belinda Continues Her Bélica Rebrand With Natanael Cano Collab

• Corrido Coqueto
• By Tomás Mier

Santa Fe Klan Introduces Rich the Kid to His 'Música de Barrio' on New Collab 'Plomo'

After more than two decades in reggaeton, wisin is feeling more adventurous than ever.

• LLEGÓ EL FRONTÚ
• By Juan J. Arroyo

Babehoven’s ‘Water’s Here in You’ is a Contemplative Gem

• ALBUM REVIEW

Carin León Announces International Tour: 'From Hermosillo to Paris'

• De 🇲🇽 Pa'l 🌎

Most Popular

Anne hathaway says 'gross' chemistry test in the 2000s required her to make out with 10 guys: that's the 'worst way to do it' and 'now we know better', 'the lord of the rings' trilogy returning to theaters, remastered and extended, sources claim hugh jackman’s worrying behavior may have something to do with his breakup, first queen elizabeth ii memorial statue unveiled, with a smile and three corgis, in england, you might also like, ‘young sheldon’ stars iain armitage and annie potts on jim parsons’ finale return and the show’s surprise end: ‘we were completely ambushed by this’, patrick mahomes’ wife brittany sparkles in statement crystal top and voluminous maxi skirt by sau lee at time 100 gala 2024, the best yoga mats for any practice, according to instructors, the 20 best comic book tv shows of all time, ranked, ncaa names nil registry partner after five-year process.

Rolling Stone is a part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2024 Rolling Stone, LLC. All rights reserved.

Verify it's you

Please log in.

Cayamo Cruise Announces 2025 Lineup

Article contributed by big hassle media | published on friday, march 8, 2024.

Sixthman, the leader in festivals and music cruises for more than two decades, has announced the 17th sailing of its renowned Cayamo : A Journey Through Song, a seven-night musical adventure traveling February 28-March 7, 2025 from Miami, FL to St. Croix, US Virgin Islands and St. John’s, Antigua aboard the luxurious Norwegian Gem. First Round Pre-sale Signups are available now through March 20 at 11:59 pm (ET). Pre-sales for Cayamo Alumni will be available March 19-21; New Guest Pre-sales are available March 22. Final Round Pre-sale Signups will conclude March 25 at 11:59 pm (ET). Pre-sales run March 25-27. Public On-Sales begin March 27 at 2:00 pm (ET), exclusively at www.cayamo.com . A range of different payment options will be available, with deposits as low as $100 per person through June 28 (while cabins last).

With inimitable performances, unprecedented collaborations, unique activities, and once-in-a-lifetime jams with a close-knit community of fellow music lovers, Cayamo: A Journey Through Song presents a magical musical adventure that has made the seven-day traveling festival a beloved fan favorite for almost two decades. As always, the 17th voyage of Cayamo will present an all-star bill of iconic artists spanning Americana, country, indie, bluegrass, and folk, this year including Emmylou Harris, Nickel Creek, Grace Potter, Ani DiFranco, Little Feat, Lucius, Black Opry Revue, Carsie Blanton, Devon Gilfillian, Hubby Jenkins, John Craigie, John Fullbright, John Moreland, Robert Ellis, Roberta Lea, Simeon Hammond Dallas, Steve Poltz, Trousdale, and more to be announced.

Cayamo's preferred media partner, The Bluegrass Situation (BGS) will return, continuing with their previous contributions to thoughtful, one-of-a-kind programming, artist-focused integrations, presenting the Soundcheck Showcase (a beloved tradition), and hosting a multi-artist collaboration jam.

Cayamo: A Journey Through Song will also feature spectacular shore excursions in the US Virgin Island of St. Croix & Antigua’s St. John’s. Please note: Shore excursions will not be available until 4-6 weeks prior to sailing. Cayamo cruisers will be able to book excursions upon receipt of their official Norwegian booking number.

The magnificent Norwegian Gem will of course provide everything needed to make the 17th sailing of Cayamo its most unforgettable journey yet, with five singular venues, fully stocked bars at (almost) every corner, delicious dining options, the Pool Deck (with multiple hot tubs), the Gem Club Casino, Mandara Spa, Body Waves Fitness Center, Sports Court, and much more.

CAYAMO: A JOURNEY THROUGH SONG – 17TH EDITION

February 28-March 7, 2025

Sailing from Miami, FL to St. Croix, USVI & St. John’s, Antigua

aboard Norwegian Gem

• Emmylou Harris
• Nickel Creek
• Grace Potter

Ani DiFranco

• Little Feat

Black Opry Revue

Carsie Blanton

Devon Gilfillian

Hubby Jenkins

• John Craigie

John Fullbright

John Moreland

Robert Ellis

Roberta Lea

Simeon Hammond Dallas

• Steve Poltz

LATEST ARTICLES

Be A Part Of The Grateful Web

Check us out on facebook.

Grateful Web

Progressive jam giants Umphrey's McGee‘s return to Las Vegas for the seventh installment of the massively popular UMBowl production was marked once again by a stand-out tour closing dual evening extravaganza where all stops were pulled out and the power given directly to the fans, for better or for worse.

On June 24, Round Records & ATO Records will release GarciaLive Volume Six: July 5, 1973 – Jerry Garcia & Merl Saunders, the latest installment of the celebrated GarciaLive archival series. The three-CD set was recorded at the 200 capacity Lion’s Share club formerly located in the small town of San Anselmo, CA, just 20 miles north of San Francisco. The performance features Jerry Garcia performing with friend, mentor and legendary keyboardist/vocalist Merl Saunders. The duo is joined by drummer Bill Vitt and bassist John Kahn, who soon became a lifelong Garcia collaborator.

COPYRIGHT © 1995 - 2024 GRATEFUL WEB, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Cayamo 2023: First-Timers Make a Big Splash

Pink Floyd's David Gilmour Reveals Song From First New Album In Nine Years- AC/DC Launching High Voltage Dive Bar At Stops On Power Up Tour- more

Reba McEntire to Host 59th ACM Awards- Carly Pearce Celebrates Birthday By Surprising Fans with Early Album Release Date- more

• Subscribe to Relix
• Radio Charts
• Livestream Guide

Current Issue Details

Buy Current Issue

Published: 2024/03/08

Cayamo Cruise Details 2025 Artist Lineup: Emmylou Harris, Little Feat, Nickel Creek and More

Cayamo: A Journey Through Song has revealed its 2025 artist lineup. The floating festival is scheduled to leave port in Miami on Feb. 28, 2025, making stops in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, and St. John’s, Antigua, before its March 7, 2025 return. The 17th annual event is slated to include a blend of Americana, country, indie, bluegrass and folk-leaning artists. 

This forthcoming event will feature performances from Emmylou Harris, Nickel Creek, Grace Potter, Ani DiFranco, Little Feat, Lucius, Black Opry Revue, Carsie Blanton, Devon Gilfillian, Hubby Jenkins, John Craigie, John Fullbright, John Moreland, Robert Ellis, Roberta Lea, Simeon Hammond Dallas, Steve Poltz, Trousdale, and more to be announced.

Once again, Cayamo will offer engaging programming harnessed to artist interactions and collaborations, creating once-in-a-lifetime opportunities comprised of multi-artist jams, team-ups, and unannounced sit-ins that touch on the core of the live music experience. 

Cayamo: A Journey Through Song takes place aboard the Norwegian Gem, which boasts five unique concert venues, a plethora of dining and beverage options, pools and hot tubs, the Gem Club Casino, Mandara Spa, Body Waves Fitness Center, Sports Court, and other amenities intended to fill the moments between musical performances. 

Ticker pre-sales run March 25 through 27. Public on-sale begins March 27 at 2:00 pm (ET), exclusively at www.cayamo.com .

Scroll down to view the artist lineup for the 2025 edition of Cayamo.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cayamo: A Journey Through Song (@journeythroughsong)

Emmylou Harris

Nickel Creek

Grace Potter

Ani DiFranco

Little Feat

Black Opry Revue

Carsie Blanton

Devon Gilfillian

Hubby Jenkins

John Craigie

John Fullbright

John Moreland

Robert Ellis

Roberta Lea

Simeon Hammond Dallas

Steve Poltz

 + More TBA

Show No Comments

No Comments comments associated with this post

Note: It may take a moment for your post to appear

• Dog Days Fest Drops 2024 Artist Lineup: MJ Lenderman, Sheer Mag, Frankie and the Witch Fingers and More
• Neil Young and Crazy Horse Perform Augmented “Cortez The Killer” and Bust Outs During Love Earth Tour Opener
• The Rolling Stones Announce North American Tour Openers: Widespread Panic, Tyler Childers, Bettye LaVette and More
• Talking Heads to Reconnect for ‘A Night of Stop Making Sense’ Screenings in NY and LA
• Dayglo Presents Takes Over Bearsville Theater
• Goose Goes Back to Class: Band Members Return to Former High School for Student and Staff Concerts
• Marcus King Band Family Reunion to Return for First Time Since 2019 with The Avett Brothers, Sierra Ferrell and More
• Can’d Aid Announces Flyaway Sweepstakes for Two to Telluride Bluegrass Festival

Most Popular

• Most Commented
• Warren Haynes, Bill Kreutzmann, Devon Allman and More Share Tributes to Dickey Betts
• Duane Betts Responds to Outpouring of Support Following Father Dickey Betts’ Passing, Shares Tour Update
• Phish Change Forms for Final Sphere Performance
• Phish Dive Deep for Night Two at Las Vegas’ Sphere
• Warren Haynes and Gov’t Mule Pay Tribute to Dickey Betts at SweetWater 420 with Allman Brothers Band Classics
• Brooklyn Bowl to Host Benefit for Bad Brains’ HR, with Members of Bad Brains, Fishbone, Living Colour and More
• Brothers in Frequency: Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country
• Jaimoe to Participate in One-Off Performance with Friends of the Brothers in Fairfield
• Report: Dead & Company Cancel West Palm Beach and Tampa Shows
• Willie Nelson, Bob Weir and More to Participate in ‘Biden For President’ Livestream Fundraiser
• SiriusXM Announces Launch of Phish Radio, Jam On Moves to App and Online
• Eric Clapton Releases Politically-Charged “This Has Gotta Stop”
• Thousands of Music Fans Sign Petition to Bring Jam On Back to SiriusXM
• “You Should Fuckin’ Pay Attention”: Chris Robinson Gets Frustrated at Philadelphia Crowd During “Brothers of a Feather” Gig
• Nike Confirms Grateful Dead Sneaker Collaboration, Sets Release Date
• Zach Deputy Responds to His Attendance at DC Trump Rally
• Monthly Contributors

• Support nonprofit, independent music journalism

THROUGH THE LENS: The 2024 Cayamo Cruise Presented Roots Music at Its Finest

• Share On Facebook

Lyle Lovett - Cayamo 2024 - Photo by Boom Baker

The 16th edition of the Cayamo cruise set sail from Miami on March 1 for a week of roots music at sea. Promoted by founder Sixthman as “A Journey Through Song,” the floating festival once again delivered on its promise of unforgettable sets and rare collaborative performances that can only occur on a self-contained ship. The comingling of the performers with one another, and with their fans, is not accidental nor merely encouraged, it’s a prerequisite.

With female artists almost in equal numbers with male artists, and Black and LGBTQ+ artists well represented, it was most likely the most diverse lineup in the festival’s history.

Cayamo was covered for Through the Lens by veteran cruisers Brenda Rosser and Boom Baker, with additional photos contributed by fellow ND photographers Brian Miller, Larry John Fowler, and Jean Van Devanter White.

Cayamo 2024 by Brenda Rosser

There is no one more revered or beloved in the roots music world than Buddy Miller. So it was fitting that he kicked things off before our Miami departure, telling passengers “It’s good to be home.” Backed by Phil Madeira, Brady Blade, and Dave Jacques, and with guests Steve Fishell, Shawn Colvin, The War and Treaty, and Eamon McLaughlin, Miller had us in tears of joy.  

As we we sailed out of port, The Mavericks had those of us at Pool Deck up and dancing. Lyle Lovett brought a top-notch version of his acoustic group for two fast-paced shows. Returning artists The Lone Bellow, Lake Street Dive, The War and Treaty, Rodney Crowell, The Mavericks, Billy Bragg, and Shawn Mullins all had packed shows all week. In addition to her solo shows and guest spots with Buddy Miller, Lovett and others, Shawn Colvin hosted a show with Crowell, Rachael Price, and Bragg. Nikki Lane put on a tight and fun set under the blazing Caribbean sun, filled with leaps into the audience and some sass for a cruiser who had accidentally absconded with her Starbucks coffee the day before.

Susan Werner gave a master class in performance. She did “Barbed Wire Boys” in the audience and sang “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” on the Atrium staircase. During Shawn Mullins’ variety show, she went onto the wheelchair platform for the “L’amour Est un oiseau rebelle” aria from the opera Carmen , adding, “I have a degree in opera, but I never use it, it’s just a good party trick.” She finished by sitting on audience members’ laps, sliding down the row one lap at a time.

KT Tunstall kept things lively. Kelly Willis brought a tight backing band and a satchel of songs. Brandy Clark hosted a lively songwriters   in the round with Dom Flemons and Willis. Clark’s smooth solo shows featured songs from her recent self-titled release ( ND review ) . Clark also highlighted her band members’ duo project, Tattletale Saints, for several songs in her sets.

In addition to the Cayamo performing veterans, some newer artists delighted the crowds as well. Voted onto the ship via the cruise’s Soundcheck competition, Kyshona’s powerful vocals had audiences calling her a force of nature.

Abe Partridge had me laughing and crying at his Great Outdoors show on the sun-drenched back deck. Do not miss this unique songwriter and folk artist if he comes to your town.

Adeem the Artist was a revelation. I loved Adeem’s songs and engaging and humorous look at life. A highlight was their new single, “One Night Stand,” which they termed “the gay ’90s country bop song you didn’t know you needed.”

Gabe Lee’s songs reminded me of early Jason Isbell and John Prine but with his own distinct voice. Lee and his terrific backing band found many new fans.

A special note of appreciation for some MVP side players. who appeared on many stages, alongside many artists: Kelly Halloran (violin), Bridget Kearney (bass), Rachel Coats (bass) and Luciana Costa (dobro).

Cayamo 2024  by  Boom Baker

This was my 12th Cayamo cruise and the best music vacation ever. In addition to the music, there are plenty of auxiliary activities involved, including wine tasting and jewelry making, plus excursions when the ship docked at ports in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, and Oranjestad, Aruba. It was another week of music, sun, and camaraderie with like-minded souls.

There were many young artists that were able to play with their heroes and held their own, such as Gabe Lee (another artist voted onto the cruise via the Soundcheck competition), who with his band backed Raul Malo in his solo show. I especially enjoyed Jenny Owen Youngs’ performances, Sunny War’s maturity, and Alexa Rose’s relatable themes.

As good as the individual sets were, showcases helmed by The Bluegrass Situation   and Black Opry Revue were the twin peaks of this year’s cruise. With BGS, Mipso hosted a nightcap set with Hiss Golden Messenger, Dom Flemons, Lizzie No, Rachel Price, and Taylor Ashton. Black Opry, a loose association of Black artists in country, Americana, blues, folk and roots music, presented numerous sets that were among my favorite Cayamo moments. The highlight for me was a writers-in-the-round set with performances from Leyla McCalla, Dom Flemons, Jon Muq, Sunny War, SistaStrings, The Kentucky Gentlemen, Brady Blade, Ping Rose, and The War and Treaty. To say it was inspirational is an understatement.

To top it off, BGS & Black Opry paired up to host a late-night Live Artist Karaoke, where guitarist Ping Rose’s cover of Prince’s “Purple Rain” went through the stratosphere. So did my heart and soul.

Click on any photo below to view the gallery as a full-size slideshow.

ADVERTISEMENT

Spotify playlist, subscribe now.

Enjoy this article? Support No Depression.

Help us continue to keep our web content free and accessible to all – without paywalls or invasive pop-up ads.

Your support is important because it helps us cover our costs so that we can continue bringing you the independent music journalism you know and trust. Please consider subscribing or donating to No Depression now.

Related Stories

THROUGH THE LENS: ND Photographers’ Favorite Roots Music Concerts of 2023

By Amos Perrine on December 5, 2023

THROUGH THE LENS: Soul-Lifting Fun Aboard the 2023 Outlaw Country Cruise

By Amos Perrine on March 7, 2023

No Depression

Fresh track.

SPONSORED BY STONY PLAIN RECORDS

Your Support is Essential.

As one of the last independent resources dedicated to covering roots music and related stories, we need your support. While No Depression is read in print and digital by over a million people annually, only a small percentage support us through subscriptions or donations.

• Donate $100
• Donate $250
• Donate Custom Amount

Please consider becoming a subscriber or providing a donation. With your help, No Depression can continue to grow and cover roots music the way it deserves.

Enter your email below to be the first to hear about new releases, upcoming events, and more from Dig!

Yes, I want to receive marketing messages with the latest news, events and releases from Dig!. I understand that these emails are based on my information, interests, website activities and device data that is handled in accordance with the Privacy Policy . I understand that I can opt-out at any time by emailing [email protected] .

By submitting my information, I agree to receive personalized updates and marketing messages about WMX based on my information, interests, activities, website visits and device data and in accordance with the Privacy Policy . I understand that I can opt-out at any time by emailing [email protected] .

Little Feat, Emmylou Harris Confirmed For 2025 Cayamo Cruise

Sixthman, the leader in festivals and music cruises for more than two decades, has announced the 17th sailing of its renowned Cayamo: A Journey Through Song, a seven-night musical adventure traveling 28 February to 7 March 2025 from Miami, FL to St. Croix, US Virgin Islands and St. John’s, Antigua aboard the luxurious Norwegian Gem. First Round Pre-sale Signups are available now through to 20 March at 11:59 pm (ET).

Pre-sales for Cayamo Alumni will be available March 19-21; New Guest Pre-sales are available from 22 March. Final Round Pre-sale Signups will conclude on 25 March at 11:59 pm (ET). Pre-sales run March 25-27. Public On-Sales begin 27 March at 2:00 pm (ET), exclusively at the event’s official website .

Buy Little Feat vinyl from the Dig! store .

With inimitable performances, unprecedented collaborations, unique activities, and once-in-a-lifetime jams with a close-knit community of fellow music lovers, Cayamo: A Journey Through Song presents a magical musical adventure that has made the seven-day traveling festival a beloved fan favorite for almost two decades. As always, the 17th voyage of Cayamo will present an all-star bill of iconic artists spanning Americana, country, indie, bluegrass, and folk, this year including Emmylou Harris, Nickel Creek, Grace Potter, Ani DiFranco, Little Feat , Lucius, Black Opry Revue, Carsie Blanton, Devon Gilfillian, Hubby Jenkins, John Craigie, John Fullbright, John Moreland, Robert Ellis, Roberta Lea, Simeon Hammond Dallas, Steve Poltz, Trousdale, and more to be announced.

Cayamo’s preferred media partner, The Bluegrass Situation (BGS) will return, continuing with their previous contributions to thoughtful, one-of-a-kind programming, artist-focused integrations, presenting the Soundcheck Showcase (a beloved tradition), and hosting a multi-artist collaboration jam.

Cayamo: A Journey Through Song will also feature spectacular shore excursions in the US Virgin Island of St. Croix & Antigua’s St. John’s. Please note: Shore excursions will not be available until 4-6 weeks prior to sailing. Cayamo cruisers will be able to book excursions upon receipt of their official Norwegian booking number.

• Little Feat

Be the first to know

Stay up-to-date with the latest music news, new releases, special offers and other discounts!

Yes, I want to receive marketing messages with the latest news, events and releases from Dig!. I understand that these messages are based on my information, interests, website activities and device data that is handled in accordance with the Privacy Policy . I understand that I can opt-out at any time by emailing [email protected] .

Sign up to our newsletter

Be the first to hear about new releases, upcoming events, and more from Dig!

• Bahasa Indonesia
• Slovenščina
• Science & Tech
• Russian Kitchen

Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

If using any of Russia Beyond's content, partly or in full, always provide an active hyperlink to the original material.

to our newsletter!

Get the week's best stories straight to your inbox

• What to do in Moscow City, if you’re not mega-rich
• Moscow after dusk: 10 places to drink, dance, and groove
• 5 things you must do in Moscow in 2018 between football matches (or without them)
• Sandwiched between Moscow and St. Petersburg: How to spend a perfect weekend in Tver 
• 24 or 48 hours in Moscow: Where to go and what to do in 2019

This website uses cookies. Click here to find out more.