WORDS AND IMAGES: SEAN McKRACKEN | Picture this: the sun dips into the Pacific, a rum punch sweats in your hand, and somewhere on the lido deck, WAR rips into the opening notes of “Low Rider” while eight thousand fans, arms in the air, belt every word back at the band. That is not a daydream. That is a Tuesday on the Old School Cruise, and after sailing back-to-back voyages this past April, I can tell you with full confidence that this is the most fun you can legally have on a boat.
At the end of April, Concert Cruise Events ran back-to-back sailings of the Old School Cruise—the first, a three-day trip to Ensenada, and the second, a five-day run to Cabo San Lucas. Between the two cruises, roughly 8,000 fans were partying and soaking in one of the most unique music experiences around. By the time the gangway closed on the second sailing, most of us were already plotting how to get back on board for the 2027 voyage.
As you board either of the two cruises, the trip kicks off with a party in the Atrium where cruise staff pass out rum punch so everyone can start the party off right. As we pulled away from port, WAR launched the cruise with every hit they’re known for, including “Low Rider,” “Why Can’t We Be Friends?” and so many more. Later that night, Lisa Lisa, Heatwave, Bloodstone, Club Nouveau, and The Intruders kept the party going late into the night. The final show of the evening was a fun, intimate set with Big Mountain.
The next morning started early with the Funky Brunch, where the Mike Torres Band played covers while everyone tucked into mimosas and ocean views. Daytime sea-day performances included Club Nouveau, who were joined by nine-year-old Oliver Kai—a kid who absolutely killed a cover of Prince’s “1999.” Other old-school favorites that played that day included Lighter Shade of Brown, Bloodstone, and many more.
Day three of the first cruise was the stop in Ensenada. Things kicked into high gear later with The Miracles, followed by Keith Sweat in front of a crowd that was packed wall to wall. The rest of the night rolled on with sets from WAR, Trinere, and more.
As we returned to Long Beach, most of the three-day fans departed, and the five-day passengers started boarding while the Atrium party fired right back up. The next five days would be something to remember. The first night of the second cruise kicked off with Keith Sweat and rolled into so many other artists that made every second of the night exciting.
The next day started with the Funky Brunch, then meet-and-greets with influencers. After that, the bands started up with sets from Heatwave, Club Nouveau, and Aalon. Surprise guest Sugar Hill Gang came out and delivered a set that had the crowd moving. The music kept rolling into the night with a great set from WAR, and the evening was capped off by a White Party where everyone was dancing and having a great time.
The next day was the first of two days in Cabo San Lucas. Good times were had at Señor Frog’s with Lighter Shade of Brown keeping the party going on shore. At the end of the time on shore, on both days, more music carried on back aboard the ship.
Throughout the cruise, live painter Jimmy Ovadia painted during sets from WAR, Keith Sweat, and Lisa Lisa. It was amazing to watch what he could come up with in real time, brush moving in rhythm with the music.
Saturday, the last day, started with another Funky Brunch, where fans had a great time dancing and eating. The rest of the day was filled with music and events for everyone to enjoy. The final night closed out with sets from Exposé and Shalamar—a perfect send-off.
There are plenty of music cruises out there, but the Old School Cruise earns its reputation for a reason—it was voted one of the top five theme cruises by U.S. News in November 2024, and once you’re aboard the Carnival Panorama, you understand why. Every show, every event, every late-night singalong is included with your ticket. The Funky Brunch alone is worth the price of admission—mimosas, live music, and the Pacific rolling past your window. Add the massive $25,000 50/50 raffle, the theme nights, the meet-and-greets, and the spontaneous surprise sets, and you have a floating festival that does not let up.
All in all, the Old School Cruise is one of the most unique and fun events going on right now. Three nights or five, you really cannot go wrong.
