Jam Cruise 7 | 01.04 - 01.09 | High Seas

I say this every year when I see this review, but this year, I really mean it. Next year, I'm gettin' on board that boat.

That does look like a great time. I always wondered about the greenery situation onboard...

wow that looks fucking awesome. wish i could afford trips like this!!

very well written.. it was my first jamcruise and i was completely blown away.. i've already prebooked for next year.. and Deklen, don't worry about any situation.. the jamcruise people know who we are and what we like..

is this a long review or what? that is a good thing, in fact i'm not going to even look at most of it now so i have something to do when i'm bored

Great review! I got a real sense of being there. Check out iclips.net for some sets from this. They already posted a killer set by ALO.

i want this. that intro paragraph made me drool.

This does indeed look like a great time. It would have been nice to at least get one sentence on Martin Sexton though other than a name mention. He's pretty much the greatest guy on that boat alongside Les and Karl D of course.

Very well done review, Mr. Bavosa. Thanks for all of the details. I appreciated the Lettuce recognition, those guys deserve it (particularly Deitch, who is NASTY!). Nice pics too.

I, too, always wondered how harsh Customs and security is on these excursions.

we now know what Murph does on his time off. Damn this looked like fun. Nice Bobby shorts Stasik

you said it. it was all that and more! best vacation ever!

Marco is now officially in Garage a Trois, so it's not Garage a Benevento anymore. And I think that's Ben Ellman from Galactic, not Jeff Coffin.

This was the one of the most amazing things I've ever done in my life. Get on this boat.

yeah shit looks epic. but super costly.

Its funny .. you look at the pictures of the people there... and might I say they are look kinda "high class".. (or just not the usual kids that would flock to something like this). I guess some people might like that... but it seems like kinda a disconnect from what alot of these musicians are used too. I know that I go to a show alot not only to hear some good music... but also for the scene (common friends, acquaintances, etc). Having never been I can not say.. but I wonder if this has that?

does anyone ever fall/jump off

Great review. Great pictures. Looks like such a good time.

i was talking with a friend who was onboard. she said everyone was awesome, good vibes all around. i'm pretty sure the pricetage does indeed eliminate some of the shadier people, which to me is pretty much OK. someday i'll make it, someday...

This past week's Jam Cruise off the hook. Seriously raised the bar for any future cruises because the quality of musicianship was unreal.

People will be talking about the Galactic set in the theater for years to come.

Good stuff B! Great seeing you on the boat as always...can't wait for next year!

There is no disconnect between the scene on the boat and the scene in general. Most people, like me, make a choice save all year to go. There is no "better than" vibe on board -- quite the contrary -- a recognition that it too some real energy to get there for most people. Also, there are many passangers in board who work somehow in the community and choose to make this their vacation! And what a wonderful vacation it is!

I agree Barefootpro there is no disconnect between the scene on the boat and the scene in general. It is certainly not your typical festival, but i think that is one of the reasons people attend Jamcruise. That, and the fact that you get to kick it for a week in the tropics with some of the most incredible musical talent on the "scene" today.

Love the pics...Skerik looked like he was making progress with his bar lady.

This was my first,but definitley not my last(already pre-booked). The vibe is simply thru the roof.A little pricey,but if you think about it,you get a weeks lodging,in a bed not a tent,all meals,hot showers,CLEAN bathrooms everywhere,and close proximity from one venue to the next.And that's not including all the music. The scene is absolutley present,with the usual amount of drinking and carrying on,but very few rude or overly fucked up people. And where else do you get to not only talk to your friends about how hot a set was,but also compliment the musicians who just rocked your face. By Tuesday I ran out of adjectives to describe how much fun it was.Not perfect,but about as close as you'll get.

Next year, dammit! NEXT YEAR! Great review, sweet pics.

That intro paragraph summarized it perfectly! What a friggin awesome TRIP!! Great article - THANKS!

My 4th Jam Cruise - finally got my Repeat Offender Robes!! Musically this was the best Jam Cruise ever. Operationally, things need to be fixed. Hope that JC gets smaller next yr - extra 1K - made most areas a bit tighter - esp the Jam Room. But great time, I'm a lifer. Seeya next yr

By the way its really not that costly. I get the cheapist room as I'm hardly ever in there, just to pass out after raging / partying hard each night - so after paying early to get discount my room ends up costing about $1150 each. For 5 nights, all food, lodging and music its a hell of a deal - esp if you consider what you would pay if you went to Hawaii or Jamaica for a week. Also, ya, the price keeps the crazy f-cked up wookies away - no riff raff - yayyyyyy

Wookies make it happen braH! And they take the heat off me at festies

agreed shack. jamcruise is some life changing, soul awakening, spirit moving, nonstop music driven madness. yes, operationally things kinda went kaput this year, but the musicianship, the friendships, the energy, and the long lasting afterglow (which i still am enjoying) makes this trip one for the ages. galactic's theatre set was the sickest shit i might have ever seen. new deal on the pool deck.. brock's solo shows.. lettuce.. galactic.. les.. every year i am amazed at how damn sick this festival is. this year did not disappoint. thanks to everyone involved... i hold a special place for each and every one of you and can't wait to boogey down with ya'll again next year!

OK, first of all, great review. You took what is basically something that is impossible to put into words and you made a valiant effort at it. After I saw the write-up on Jamcruise last year on this very site, I immediately pre-booked. BEST DECISION EVER. I've been seeing shows for close to twenty years. Been all over the world. This is unlike anything that I have ever seen before. This is professional partying at its finest. I spent about $4,000 between me and my lady, but that includes airfare, which was $1,000 of it, and two nights of lodging, all drinks, and food. We stayed as fucked up as we possibly could stand the entire time and barely slept at all. It simply doesn't get any better. If you can look at these pictures and even get a small hint of what really goes down (and you can't by the way) and it looks like you belong, start counting your pennies today. But, if you can't hold your own with the big boys for five straight days, then don't even waste your time. UNFUCKINGBELIEVEABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

see... thats kinda my point; "no wookies" .. it is people with that attitude that board this ship.

^^^ you'd rather have shady kids selling balloons and passed out in piles of puke from too much molly and booze while their dogs run around wild? THOSE are the kinda kids who give the scene a bad name.

give what a bad name? the scene? to outsiders maybe ... but not peeps that go all the time... part of it.

I dunno .... but those are the kinda kinda kids that live for the music... instead of going to work all day / all year... so they can see music for a week ... they go to every show everyday/everywhere. Living on the road... outside the box.... something commendable about that. (and this is coming from someone who works all day everyday... now )

See i might argue that it is you'll that give the scene a bad name. you that are raggin on some peeps for their perosnal choice of what to do with themselves (drugs, dogs, etc) .. to a forum where they cannot defend themselves. Although some are misguided young folk.... they generally are the most kind hearted peeps around. Something the scene is losing.

you do have a point Corey. i'm just playin devils advocate here with ya, but sometimes running into all the "wookies" and super fucked-up people kinda takes away from the positive experience. i'm not looking down my nose or anything, i'm just a working fool like most of us, but i'm not going to give someone props for not being able to keep themselves under control. i could keep going, but it doesnt really matter. i probably should pretend to get some work done myself!

great review! excellent review! that took some work and well worth the Effort Bavosa! also, as always Base Photogs- great shots!

I would love to attend this, but even with the pricetag many of you claim as 'affordable' that keep sketchiness away...it also unfort., keeps hard-workin' music lovers like me away. I would love to go and am sure the cruise is worth every penny!, but If I start now to save for '10, then I'm sure I can set sail....

Corey, anybody can board the ship, it does not matter if you have dreds,or anything else.The same kids that "live outside the box" and "go to every show everyday/everywhere" can certainly attend JC if they choose.This is a cruise ship, not a 75 acre field in the middle of nowhere where there are just about no rules(I have not been on JC but the staff seems pretty lax as well). Just because there are less wooks doesn't mean the "scene" is not alive. maybe I just dont understand what your getting at

jam cruise is the greatest wildest party ever! best music best people. second year in a row and ill never miss another. if your debating if its worth it just stop right now and prebook...trust me! see everyone next year!

Uh, Corey, you have absolutely no idea what you are talking about here and I'm not trying to sound like some sanctimonius asshole or anything. I have no problem with people who travel constantly and see as many shows as they want. They are welcome to go on Jamcruise, too. There are plenty of wooks (if that is what you want to call dreaded up kids) on jamcruise, but they have their shit together enough to save up and go because the music is what matters the most to them. But, let's be realistic here. The vast majority of those people, or "wooks" if you will, in our "scene" are there for the drugs and the music just happens to be a part of it. City to city and junked out the whole way. Same way it has been for three decades now. Are there exceptions? Sure. But, be realistic in your arguments please. Quit glorifying life on the road as a drugged out junkie. Are there cool things that happen to them along the way? Sure. Is there a certain sense of community? Sure. But, more often than the not, when the money and drugs thins out, so does the love. I've seen it myself on tour for the last sixteen years. Just be realistic please. Oh yeah, and gho on Jamcruise. It honestly isn't that hard to save two hundred dollars a month if you really want to go. Peace.

? don't know how you'll conjour up these things that i supposedly said. please read the whole comments section to understand (not just my post in response to another)

my whole point is that if you live outside the box of normal society.. (which is going to work everyday to make the $$ for things as expensive as JC).... you don't have the money to do this. Tour kids don't work the 9 to 5 ... thus can't save 200 a month.... thus can't go. So the majority of people you see at certain shows will never be able to go to such an event as JC.

Do you know what you're talking about?

And PS. If you would like to have a philosophical conversation . Lets do it:

I am not glorying life on the road as a drugged out junkie. (?) I am glorying life on the road in general. If you think it is a happier life working the 9-5 behind your desk.... you're are either stupid or brainwashed by the capitalistic society that you live in. Hope that one week of Jam cruise was fun.... lol.. cus you got 51 weeks of torture to save up for it.

Un Belize able!!!!

Cruise number 2 under my belt....and i will not stop going until the end of time!

I still don't know how to describe Jamcruise.

I lost my Jamcruise virginity this year.

But like Les said on the first night:

"There is no such thing as a Jamcruise virgin, just a Non-veteran!"

Ain't that the truth,...can't wait till next year.

I will never look at a festival the same way.

What an experience, fantastic people and fantastic music.

Oh yeah,...and the greatest venue EVER.

I had to keep looking over board to remember I was in the middle of the ocean. Some of the nastiest funk music I've ever heard.

Lettuce kicked my ass on the pool deck. What a band.

See you all on the ship next year.

How long do we have? :)

GREEN MAN!!!!

And I have to agree with Galactic's Theater set.

The best Galactic set I've ever heard.

Glad I got the CrusieTune of it.

Lettuce & Galactic almost sank the boat!

just reading that again .. and wow that looks amazing. what was up with the nershi, emmitt, Moseley collaboration. Was it just in emmitt nershi band.. or did they jam besides? sipe on drums... damn..definitely jealous.

great review. wish i had the means to get on board for this funkfest. looks like one hell of a time. hope this thing keeps going for a few more years and maybe i can make it happen. cheers!

might just have to come next year .... thanks for the review

more jealous than ever!

This thing seems like it's been getting better and better every year and every year I just read about it:( If I could just not go to festivals inland in the states and save up to go on this cruise or maybe even Jam In The Dam, that would be awesome, but I guess it'll just have to stay a dream, especially with the Dead and Phish coming back.

emmit/nershi, dumpfunk, mmw, les - WOWZERZ! fuck man sittin broke at my comp when this shits goin down is str8 fuckin depressing, one day ill have the money to dance till tomorrow

I have a few "broke" friends who save up all year to pay for the cruise...they don't go to other festivals, they don't even go out that much - and jam cruise IS their ultimate vacation. I love it b/c there is nothing else that lasts only 5 days and gives me the total sense of satisfaction as going on this boat...is it for everybody - no. But its for me!~

- and my friend (virgin cruiser married to a 5 year cruiser) said it best this year - Jam Cruise is like burning man, you can try to describe it to people, but you will never truly capture the essence. You have to experience it because there is nothing else in the world like it - no dead or phish show will even come close!

As far as the scene on jam cruse - what happens on the boat, stays on the boat - so if you wanna know, you gotta go!

and no, nobody has fallen off, and knock on wood, nobody ever will!!

six year cruiser and still going strong - it only gets better folks!!!

Don't go. it is terrible. Just kidding. It's my favorite time of my year very yar. I've been four times and I think this was my favorite musically. The galactic set in the theater was maybe the best show i've seen on jamcruise which is a bold statement. I disagree w/ Broc's set being the best thing on Day two but to each their own. That is the greatest thing about jamcruise is there is so much to do and see every day. it is often hard to choose so you just see some of each.

Great cruise. only thing to work on is the food. The music was right....Lettuce and Dumpstaphunk, the new deal---banging--Les ruled. I would recomend the cruise to anyone and I mean anyone. The jamroom was tight...Hope to be on next year....

Hell YAH! As with so many of you out there, every year I get chills reading this review. Honestly the one jambase review I look forward to every year! This year looks like and absolute heat seeking missile! Right on henehan and phishr82, and I guess corey, but that was some of the most thought provoking honest rapport between you folks that i've seen. Compared to the tour comments that turn into fist fights! touche

This was my first year on Jam Cruise and this was the greatest musical experience I have ever had. For the first 2 days I was in literal shock over the insaneness of this cruise. Non-stop partying, amazing performances in the coolest, most badass venues; amazing sound, and hanging out with the band members everywhere. The people are the coolest on earth, true music lovers all the way; respectful and passionate. There is an enormous sense of community throughout the week. This trip is one nonstop party where you sleep when you're dead and its nothing but positive vibes, good laughs, and great music.

bavosa, you're gettin' good. fantastic article and pics, gave me chills. can't wait to get back on that boat w/ all a y'all freaky people.

awesome ! one year i will go...

can anyone tell me the average amount of $ spent in total for their trip???????

Just imagine if Jerry was still alive for something like this....>HOLY SHIT!!! oh well that fat bastard has a ship of fools in heaven anytime he wants

Nice job trying to describe something that can't be described. Expect to spend $1500 to $2000 per person, not including travel to the boat. It is worth EVERY penny. If you have never gone, book now, because the veterans get preferential bookings. Bring your party pants, there are not many amateurs on the boat.

By the way, Jerry is one of the main reasons that Jam Cruise even exists!

BACON!!!!

damn :'(

i'm with you tourfan. Next year is a friggin MUST!

Not sure if this was mentioned in any of the above comments, but the photo listed as Jeff Coffin, Big Sam and Trombone Shorty is actually Ben Ellman, Big Sam and Trombone SHorty. Ben is the sax palyer in Galactic and was on the boat jeff Coffin, is Jeff Coffin and was not on the boat this year!

So amazing this year !! This is the best time I'v had in my life ....yea I said it ! I miss being on the boat :( ...can't wait until next year. Jam Cruise for Life !

This was my fourth Jam Cruise and it kicks ass every time. This year was Epic. No one really has mentioned the first PBS set in the Savanah lounge. They fucking funked our faces off! As far as Jam Cruise beeing expensive it is, but it is worth every penny. I personaly like the fact that it filters out some of the vermin that are scurrying around other festies and lots. It is nice being at a fest and not having to worry that much about someone jacking your shit while at a show. Which seems to be a common occurence these days, myself having been a victim. But alas, even on Jam Cruise there have been several cases of theft and shaddiness. It sad that in such a heavenly place that there are still some assholes who can't just be cool.

see... thats kinda my point; "no wookies" .. it is people with that attitude that board this ship

^^^ you'd rather have shady kids selling balloons and passed out in piles of puke from too much molly and booze while their dogs run around wild? THOSE are the kinda kids who give the scene a bad name.

So Corey,you seem like a reasonable person,but I'll guess you're too young or just don't remember that these are the kind of people,showing up for the party,not the show,that got the Grateful Dead banned from many venues in the eighties and ninties. I'm all for a party,dance and party and wave your hands in the air,just don't punch me in the face doing it. Respect me and yourself. Since you say you're not one of them,get your ass on the boat.

Amen to that! And it wasn't just the Dead who had troubles.

Jam Cruise 7 was by far the greatest Jam Cruise of all time!! So nice to see someone write an article that actually reflects the happenings on the boat and an article written by someone who clearly knows what he/she is talking about!! So refreshing after the horrid, amateur Rothbury review (YUCK).

Here is an example of the Rothbury review that was sooooooooooooo lame......Why is someone who has not seen Jimmy till ROTHBURY writting a review on WP???? These are the articles that give Jam Base a bad name, thank goodness for the JC7 review-restored my faith in Jab Base............

"The biggest problem with WSP remains the drumming. I just don't understand what anyone sees in Todd Nance's drumming, but I understand there must be a vein of camaraderie too rich to discard here, and it could be catastrophic to make a change at this point."

You have to be freaking kidding me?? Why did that statement have to waste the time of anyone who read it? I cant think of anything more lame to say about a band let alone WP...........Will this mean you wont be @ Panic shows then?? Thank goodness.........more tix for those of us who love Todd......and the rest of the band.................

Wow! Yeah this party has been on my wish list for a few years now and the line-up this year has broke down the walls. Why does it matter who shows up to this thing as long as everyone has fun and respects each other. I mean really who cares if your a wookie or a credit card hippy as long as your good to the people around you. I will start saving for this maddness next month and hopefully I can join all you crazy people next year!!!

wow, i just wish they didnt always go down so close to the semester beginning

I was on the first cruise and it was incredible, small, old boat, but the vibe was great. Was on 5 and it rocked, but JC7 really was the best all around music experience of my life. The shows were unreal and unpredictable. I only wish it would all slow down so I could take in more....at 48 its hard to rock and drink for 15 hours at a time! Peace and love to all I met on board. Dan

Hands down the best 5 days of my life! first time on the boat and hopefully wont miss another one. No words can really explain how amazing Jam Cruise is! Peace, Ashley

great written article! on one of best events on planet... glad the energy was spread into the sea where they need more music!