The 18th Cayamo cruise set sail out of Miami on March 13, 2026 and, with stops in San Juan, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, returned to home port on March 20, 2026. Promoted by founder Sixthman as “A Journey Through Song,” the floating festival yet again delivered unforgettable sets and rare collaborative performances that could only occur on a self-contained ship.
Be it stars such as Jason Isbell, Patty Griffin, and Tommy Emmanuel, newcomers like Judy Blank, Palmyra, and Ken Pomeroy, or the bluegrass contingent of Della Mae, Sierra Hull, Sister Sadie, and Bronwyn Keith-Hynes, everyone had a rip roaring time.
The combination of performers, individually and with one another, intermingled with their fans, is a one of a kind experience few of us will ever have. The cruise presented 38 artists, each with several sets, and numerous collaborations. There were also artist-on-artist interviews, a Henry Diltz photography retrospective, dance workshops, poetry sessions, and more.
But, ND photographers Brenda Rosser, Boom Baker, Brian Miller, and Alan Perry did experience it. Their photos are in the gallery below, and Boom and Brenda shared their highlights.
