Live Music · DRINKING TOURS
Good bar & drinks nights sell out weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 12 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Sail from Dubai Marina past Ain Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Residence, and Dubai Harbour aboard a glass-enclosed yacht. Enjoy a live international buffet, unlimited beer, wine, spirits, soft drinks, and live saxophone or other melodic music. Upper-deck seating is subject to availability.
“The staff were excellent, the boat trip was smooth and the music was great.”
Spend about two hours sailing from Key West on a roomy catamaran with live local music, an open liquor bar, champagne, wine, sangria, premium beer, soft drinks, and hearty hors d’oeuvres. You’ll pass Mallory Square, Fort Zachary Taylor, and Sunset Key before returning to the harbor.
“Dress warmly when in the 60s. Grab a place to sit quickly. Great snacks and drinks. Music selection was broad.”
Cruise Dubai Marina and Bluewaters Island for about 90 minutes aboard a glass houseboat. You get private seating, an international buffet, a live pasta station, unlimited drinks, Wi-Fi, and live acoustic music. Request the open-air upper deck when booking, but remember that seating depends on availability.
“Well organized and very enjoyable evening. Food was very tasty and service great. We really enjoyed the tour”
Board near the French Quarter for a three-hour VIP evening on the Mississippi. You get early boarding, front-row seats for the Dukes of Dixieland, Champagne, a Louisiana buffet, a private boat tour, souvenirs, and an optional open bar. Hosts such as Marlon and Alex add personal attention.
“We had a wonderful time on board the paddle boat. Marlon took care of all our needs. It was nice to not have to rush to get decent seating for the music and dinner. Our tour with the captain was very interesting. We would recommend to friends.”
Spend three hours with a local host such as Pandi, Andre, Angelique, or Quay, moving between Frenchmen Street music clubs with VIP wristbands. Hear jazz, funk, R&B, blues, or hip-hop, enjoy one Louisiana cocktail, browse the art market, and learn why this street beats Bourbon Street for live music.
“That is a very good and fun way to get a deeper understanding and knowledge of the history of music in the city of New Orleans. We visited parts of the French Quarter were we did not visit before. Entered clabs and bars, hosting verius bands that there capabilities and quality was beyond what we heard until this tour. Andre is a great host and tour guide. He is an important part of this group of talented people.”
Board Romantika at Mandraki Port for a relaxed three-hour evening cruise along Rhodes’ east coast. Chef Dianantis prepares a Greek buffet with seafood, vegan, and gluten-free choices. Swim at Kallithea Bay, enjoy an open bar, then watch the sunset with live music on deck.
“The crew were so lovely and funny! Huge selections of drinks from the free bar they were very generous. The food served was fresh and delicious, really enjoyed everything about it! Defo defo book in you’re in Rhodes”
Board the three-deck Sandie Cat at Sunset Watersports for a two-hour Key West sunset sail. Captain Anna and the crew set the pace while live music, an open well bar, champagne, and light appetizers keep the evening moving. Expect a social boat ride, not a full dinner or adults-only cruise.
“Great cruise. The food is meager so you are not going to make a meal of it. However the drinks were flowing good!!”
Spend three hours with guides such as Pandi or Andre, moving among Frenchmen Street clubs for live jazz, brass, funk, blues, and more. You’ll enjoy a Louisiana cocktail, Booty Shaker Shot, VIP entry, the Frenchmen Art Market, music history, and ghost stories.
“Great selection of music and venues. Free drinks at two places was nice bc you have to tip at every location and buy drinks at the others. It was really fun.”
Board The Party Cat at 201 William St. for a two-hour Key West harbor cruise with a tropical buffet, open bar, and live music on the upper deck. You will watch the sun set over the Gulf waters, with dinner served in two groups during the cruise.
“What a great time. Great food, friendly staff, comfortable setting backed up by a view of the Gulf of Mexico and the sunset. The entertainment was a Jamaican performer from Kingston. He was awesome on vocals, guitar and synthesizer. He knew how to show the group a good time.”
Sail from Mandraki Port along Rhodes’ east coast, stop for a 30-minute swim at Kallithea Springs, then enjoy a Greek buffet, beer, wine, and live music as the sun sets behind the Old Town. The boat carries up to 40 people and returns to Mandraki after about three hours.
“We absolutely loved this trip. It was one of our best experiences on holidays. The staff were so lovely and friendly and the food was spectacular. The live music was a cellist which really did too off this experience as he was amazing and it really set for a relaxing and lovely evening. Highly recommend this trip.”
Join an English-speaking guide such as Kay, Grace, or Anna for a private motorbike evening through Ho Chi Minh City. You’ll eat Bun Bo, visit the old Nguyen Thien Thuat apartments and Ho Thi Ky Flower Market, stop in District 4, and finish with beer, dessert, and city views.
“We loved the tour, bikes were very fun and a great way to see the city. Hosts were friendly and the food was delicious. The hosts put a little too much emphasis on the need for us to give a positive review and this was a little over the top as it was repeated throughout the tour. The hosts were fantastic but perhaps the manager could put less pressure on them for reviews?”
Spend about two hours aboard Cabo Wave, cruising from Cabo San Lucas past the Arch and Lovers Beach at sunset. You’ll get Mexican-inspired food, an open bar, live music, and room to dance. Expect a lively party atmosphere rather than a quiet fine-dining evening.
“Lots of fun. Beautiful sunset on the water, very attentive crew, nice live music. The dinner was very tasty and healthy. We had a great experience and even danced to the music along with most if the other guests! A great time and we'll worth the cost.”
Pick a genre, a room or a night of the week.
