With Weezer naming the first cruise among their Top 20 career highlights it was really only a matter of time before the LA four-piece embarked on another ocean view extravaganza.
Rivers specifically chose the 80s Prom Night function as his favourite moment of the 2012 cruise. If anything the cruise not only highlights their intent on amusing themselves, but providing an event that offers more than just the music.
However if the first cruise were to rely solely on live bands than few could argue it wouldn’t have been a success with sets from the likes of Dinosaur Jr., Wavves, The Antlers, Yuck, J Mascis and Lou Barlow just to name a few.
Along with providing the musicians of the same caliber of those listed above the 2014 cruise will also offer a Q&A with Weezer, an interactive Weezer game show and photo sessions with the band among many more special extras.
With a passenger capacity of 2056 the biggest Weezer fans will descend upon the Carnival Fascination, which will travel to the Bahamas with stopovers in Freeport and Nassau.
While this may seem like an event just for the Weezer elite, this is a live music experience unlike any other and while a favourable outlook on the hosts is necessary there are few who could deny their interest something as unique as this.
Lineup
Aside from the obvious headlining hosts singer-songwriter Cat Power will open for weezer in a special stopover at their own private island in Nassau for a beautiful beachside concert. Expect Chan Marshall to draw from her nine album strong discography with songs from 2012’S Sun expected to feature heavily in her set.
The rest of the lineup will be restricted to the onboard entertainment with an eclectic range of acts booked for the cruise. Consider your chillwave by the ocean covered by Toro y Moi, while Brit bands The Cribs and Palma Violets will rock the boat in every sense imaginable.
While Diiv will also satisfy your indie rock cravings, Holy Fuck will add some electronica to the mix. The likes of Ash, Bleached, Caveman, The Orwells, Ozma and Adam Devine are also not to be missed.
Where And When
The Weezer Cruise is largely held aboard the Carnival Fascination, however there are stops along the way in the Bahamas cities of Freeport and Nassau. The cruise boards in Jacksonville, Florida on the 13th of February before arriving where it started on the 17th.
How To Get There
With the cruise departing in Florida’s largest city in Jacksonville Aussie punters should expect at least a two-stop flight. While travellers from Sydney might get lucky with a one-stop airfare flights from most other Australian cities will include either two stopovers in American cities or one domestic and one international stopover.
Obviously prices vary depending on which city you’re flying from. Read below to get estimates for return airfares from major Australian cities.
Adelaide: A two-stop flight from the SA capital is valued from upwards of $2200.
Brisbane: A two-stop flight is valued from upwards of $1900.
Melbourne: While a three-stop flight will set you back around $1800, a two-stop journey is valued from upwards of $2000.
Perth: A two-stop flight is valued from upwards of $2400.
Sydney: One-stop flights will you set back around $2000, while two-stop journeys are valued from upwards of $1900.
On the day of departure ticket holders will have to make their way to Jaxport Cruise Terminal, which is approximately a 15-minute drive from Jacksonville International Airport.
Given the close proximity of the cruise terminal and the airport we suggest punters do away with any logistical difficulties and hail a cab to get them there.
Where To Stay
If you hadn’t already figured your accommodation anxieties are all taken care of aboard the Carnival Fascination. Duh.
Check out some photos on the official Carnival Fascination website to see what you’re in for. If you’re willing to spend more the rooms are more on the luxurious side compared to the claustrophobic spaces you might be thinking of.
Depending on which room you choose the booking the price will vary. A room without a view is approximately $100 cheaper than a room with a view. Read below for more detailed pricing options.
How To Get Tickets
There are a multitude of reservation options for potential shipmates. Although if you’re travelling alone the choices are much more restricted.
Single travellers will have only two options if they choose to be matched with another single traveller. However the solo prices range from $1800 for a room without a view to the dearest option of $1940 for a room with a view.
Those travelling in pairs or groups can choose between the cheapest option of $970 per person, while the Owner’s Suite – which includes first row for all reserved events in the main show lounge – is valued at a whopping $5400.
When booking remember that only those options that include access to reserved seated events will be able to access the full range of events aboard the cruise, while the cheaper options only allow entry to the GA events.
A deposit of upwards of $300 is required for all bookings.
Make your reservation for The Weezer Cruise here!
Insider Tips & Tricks/Things You Shouldn’t Miss
If you’re a solo traveller you might want to consider the ‘Need A Roommate’ program. Travelling alone is superior for many because not only do you get to do whatever you want you’re also more likely to meet new people and make new friends. This program gives solo travellers a leg up by matching them with another similarly aged and same sex person to share a cabin with. Check out all the details here.
Make sure you bring plenty of cash. With only one one-hour open bar cocktail party punters might end up spending most of their money on beverages. Aside from that fans need to factor in that daily photo sessions range from $5-$20, shore excursions and tours range from $20-$150 and spa service are valued upwards of $30.
While all meals are included with coffee, tea, iced tea and juices on the house the greatest perk of the culinary experience onboard is the 24 hour complimentary room service and pizzeria. You’ve paid all this money and gone all that way, why wouldn’t you take advantage of it?
When you need a break from the music the Carnival Fascination has a number of retreats that should satisfy any person. With two pools, whirlpools, a fitness centre, casino and library it’s fair to say they’ve got you covered.
Prepare yourself for theme nights. If the last Weezer Cruise is anything to go by punters can expect something along the lines of an 80s Prom night, a Mustache night and an Ugly Sweater night.
What’s the best thing about returning home from an overseas trip? Seeing your family and friends? Wrong. The best thing about finding the exit of an airport is getting there via duty free shopping. The Carnival Fascination has its own duty free shopping experience for those looking to stock up on any number of items.
For more details head to the official Weezer Cruise website.
