YOUR BAND. OUR STAGE. ONE SHOT TO JOIN THE ROCK LEGENDS CRUISE XIV 2027 LINEUP.
You’ve spent years loading gear, playing local venues, and building a following one fan at a time.
Now it’s time to take your music to the high seas.
The Rock Legends Cruise Homegrown Band Contest is searching for one outstanding independent rock band to join the official lineup aboard Rock Legends Cruise XIV, sailing February 21–25, 2027 from Miami to Costa Maya, Mexico.
This isn’t an opening slot at your local club. This is your chance to perform alongside legendary artists, play for passionate rock fans from across the country, and become part of the Rock Legends Cruise family.
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
We aren’t looking for the biggest band.
We’re looking for the right band.
The band that delivers a great live show and connects with audiences.
The band that embodies professionalism, passion, and the spirit of rock and roll.
Whether you’re rooted in Classic Rock, Southern Rock, Blues Rock, Hard Rock, or Indie/Alternative Rock, this is your opportunity to prove you belong on the same bill as some of the most respected names in rock.
DO YOU QUALIFY?
IMPORTANT: To be eligible for the RLC XIV Homegrown Band Contest, bands must first be nominated.
Fans can nominate a band by following Rock Legends Cruise (RLC on Instagram, Facebook) and Native American Heritage Association (NAHA on Instagram, Facebook), liking and sharing the official contest post, and tagging their band in the comments, as well as liking and sharing any NAHA post on Instagram or Facebook.
Bands may also nominate themselves by completing the same process.
A nomination alone is not an entry. Nominated bands must complete the official submission process to be considered.
Your band must:
- Be nominated (see Step 1: Get Nominated)
- Be a multi-member band up to 5 members
- Perform rock-based or rock-adjacent music (for example – classic, southern, blues, hard, indie, etc.)
- Have all members age 21 or older
- Not be assigned to a major label
- Have valid passports for international travel
- Be based in the United States
- Be available to sail February 21–25, 2027
- Enter by Wednesday, August 12, 2026, 5:00 PM EDT
HOW TO ENTER
Step 1. Get Nominated
Fans can nominate bands, and bands may also nominate themselves by:
- Following Rock Legends Cruise on social media (RLC on Instagram, Facebook)
- Liking and sharing the official contest post
- Tagging the band you want to nominate in the contest post comments
- Following Native American Heritage Association on social media (NAHA on Instagram, Facebook)
- Liking and sharing any NAHA post on social media
Step 2. Complete the Official Contest Entry Form
Bands will need the following for submission:
LIVE PERFORMANCE VIDEO
A YouTube or Vimeo link showing your band performing live.
ORIGINAL MUSIC
At least one original track hosted on Spotify, SoundCloud, or Bandcamp.
DIGITAL MEDIA KIT
High-resolution band photo, approximately 200-word band bio, and social media links.
BAND REPRESENTATIVE
Primary contact name, email address, and phone number. Selected bands may be invited to interview with the Rock Legends Cruise Selection Team before a final winner is chosen.
SHARING REQUIREMENT
Before submitting the form, your band must have been nominated through the official social media nomination process (see Step 1: Get Nominated)
Step 3. Voting Rounds
Voting will be opened to the fans on social media for the top 20, top 10, and top 5 selections. Keep an eye on social media for announcements. If selected for final rounds, bands may be asked to submit additional information, including, but not limited to, photos, video, documentation, etc. Nominees must submit them on or before the then-requested deadline.
THE PRIZE
PERFORM ON ROCK LEGENDS CRUISE XIV
The winning band will join the official Rock Legends Cruise XIV lineup and perform up to three live sets aboard the cruise alongside legendary artists and in front of passionate rock fans from across the country.
CRUISE ACCOMMODATIONS INCLUDED
Standard double-occupancy stateroom for the duration of the sailing for up to 5 members.
FULL CRUISE ACCESS
Enjoy onboard meals, concerts, events, and the complete Rock Legends Cruise experience from February 21–25, 2027.
MAJOR PROMOTIONAL EXPOSURE
The winning band will be featured as the official Homegrown Band Contest Winner through:
- Featured placement in the Rock Legends Cruise Digital Program Guide
- Social media promotion across Rock Legends Cruise channels leading up to the cruise
- Exposure to thousands of dedicated rock music fans
SIX MONTHS OF PROFESSIONAL SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT
The winning band will receive the option to have six months of social media services from Hey Alec Productions, LLC.
This package is designed to help the winning band capitalize on the momentum generated by the cruise through professional content strategy, posting, and audience engagement.
TRAVEL ASSISTANCE
The winner is responsible for booking their own travel to and from the cruise terminal. Rock Legends Cruise will reimburse approved travel expenses up to $500 per eligible band member for transportation to and from Miami.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Bands are responsible for:
- Booking flights and transportation arrangements
- Any travel expenses exceeding the reimbursement allowance
- Personal spending during the cruise
- Instruments and performance equipment required for live shows
- Any applicable taxes associated with prize acceptance
MORE THAN A CRUISE
Rock Legends Cruise is more than a music festival at sea.
It’s a community of passionate music fans and artists coming together to celebrate rock and roll while supporting the Native American Heritage Association’s mission to provide food and essential resources to families in need.
This is your opportunity to join that tradition. To share your music. To reach new fans. To take the next step in your band’s journey.
READY TO ROCK THE HIGH SEAS?
ENTER THE HOMEGROWN BAND CONTEST TODAY*
One band will earn a place on the Rock Legends Cruise XIV lineup.
Will it be yours?
* SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Wednesday, August 12, 2026 5:00 PM EDT