SECTION 1: THE SEARCH
Definitions & Eligibility
What is a “Rock Legend”?
For this cruise, a Rock Legend isn’t just about record sales; it’s about the spirit of the music. We are looking for musicianship, stage presence, and a sound that honors the heritage of rock, whether that’s the grit of the blues, the soul of southern rock, the energy of hard rock, or the power of classic arena rock.
Who is eligible to enter?
To be eligible, bands must meet the following requirements:
Age: Every member of the band must be 21+ by the date of sailing. No exceptions.
Genre: Bands must fall under the “Rock Umbrella,” including classic rock, southern rock, blues-rock, hard rock, indie rock, alternative rock, and related rock genres.
Status: Bands must be independent or signed to an independent label. Bands signed to a major record label are not eligible.
Residency: The contest is open to U.S. residents.
Passport: Every band member must have a valid passport for international travel.
Can I enter as a solo artist?
While we love talent in all forms, the Rock Legends Cruise is a high-energy festival environment. We are specifically looking for full-sounding acts. Solo artists are welcome to apply if they perform with a live band.
What if my band has more than 5 members?
The prize includes standard double-occupancy stateroom accommodations for eligible winning band members. Final cabin assignments and accommodations are subject to Rock Legends Cruise approval, cruise availability, operational requirements, and the official contest rules.
Bands with larger lineups may be asked to confirm eligible performing members and travel details with the Rock Legends Cruise team if selected.
SECTION 2: NOMINATIONS
For Fans & Bands
How do I nominate a band?
To nominate a band, fans and bands need to:
- Follow Rock Legends Cruise on social media (RLC on Instagram, Facebook)
- Like and share the official contest post
- Tag the band you want to nominate in the comments
- Follow Native American Heritage Association on social media (NAHA on Instagram, Facebook)
- Like and share any NAHA post on social media
Nomination is NOT a contest entry. Once a band is nominated, they can officially enter by completing the RLC Homegrown Band Contest Entry Form.
Can a band nominate itself?
Yes. Bands can self-nominate 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.
Is a nomination the same as an official contest entry?
No. A nomination is the first step, but it is not a completed contest entry.
To be considered for the Homegrown Band Contest, the nominated band or an authorized band representative must also complete the official Homegrown Band Contest Entry Form and provide all required materials by Wednesday, August 12, 2026, 5:00 PM EDT.
Can a band apply without being nominated first?
No. Bands must be nominated or self-nominated through the official social nomination process before submitting their official entry.
Do likes, comments, shares, and tags determine the winner?
No. Fan engagement helps Rock Legends Cruise identify bands with excitement, support, and audience interest, but social engagement alone does not determine the winner.
The final winner will be selected by Rock Legends Cruise based on the official contest criteria, including talent, skill, live performance ability, professionalism, audience fit, and overall suitability for the Rock Legends Cruise experience.
Can fans nominate more than one band?
Yes. Fans may nominate any eligible band they would love to see perform aboard Rock Legends Cruise XIV 2027.
SECTION 3: SUBMITTING
For the Bands
Is there an entry fee?
No. There is no entry fee to participate in the Homegrown Band Contest.
No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter or win.
Do I need a record label to apply?
No. In fact, we are specifically looking for independent talent. Whether you are totally independent or signed to a small independent label, you are encouraged to apply.
Can I be an independent artist?
Absolutely. Independent bands are welcome and encouraged to enter. Solo artists need an accompanying band.
Do I need to be on Spotify?
No. While a Spotify link is helpful, it is not a hard requirement. You may provide a link to SoundCloud, Bandcamp, or another platform where the Rock Legends Cruise Selection Team can hear your original music.
However, all bands must provide a video link of a live performance. This is one of the most important parts of the submission.
What makes a “good” submission video?
We are not looking for a high-budget music video. We want to see how you handle a stage.
A clear, well-recorded video of a live performance, even from a local club or festival, is the best way to show the Rock Legends Cruise Selection Team that your band can deliver a strong live show.
What do we need to submit?
Bands are required to provide the following information and materials through the official Contest Submission Form, including:
- A live performance video, such as a YouTube or Vimeo link
- A link to at least one original track on Spotify, SoundCloud, Bandcamp, or another music platform
- A high-resolution band photo
- An approximately 200-word band bio
- Links to band social media handles
- Contact information for an authorized band representative
- Additional information may be requested
Will selected bands be contacted for an interview?
Yes. The top bands based on the initial review will be invited to participate in a virtual or in-person interview with a representative of the Rock Legends Cruise Selection Team.
The interview may include eligibility verification, availability confirmation, contest details, and a review of performance logistics.
How will the winner be selected?
Select eligible bands may be invited to participate in social media voting or engagement rounds. However, bands will be reviewed, and final selections will be made by the Rock Legends Cruise Selection Team.
Bands will be evaluated based on talent, skill, live performance ability, professionalism, audience fit, and overall suitability for Rock Legends Cruise XIV.
The Rock Legends Cruise Selection Team retains final decision-making authority.
SECTION 4: THE PRIZE
What the Winning Band Receives
If we win, do we get paid?
The prize is a performance opportunity and promotional package, not a paid booking unless otherwise stated in the final winner agreement.
The winning band will receive official Homegrown Artist billing, the opportunity to perform aboard Rock Legends Cruise XIV, onboard accommodations, standard onboard meals, access to public concerts and events, promotional exposure, eligible travel reimbursement, and six months of social media services from Hey Alec Productions.
What is included in the prize?
See the full contest guidelines and prize details here.
What is included in the six months of social media services?
The winning band will receive a six-month social media services package from Hey Alec Productions, LLC.
This package is designed to help the winning band build on the momentum of the contest and cruise opportunity through professional social media support.
Final services, deliverables, timing, and responsibilities will be outlined in a separate agreement between the winning band and Hey Alec Productions.
Who pays for our travel?
The winning band is responsible for arranging and paying for its own transportation to and from the departure port in Miami, Florida.
Rock Legends Cruise may reimburse documented, eligible travel expenses up to $500 per eligible winning band member, subject to submission requirements, approval, and the official contest rules.
What gear do we need to bring?
The winning band is responsible for providing the instruments and technical gear needed for its live performances, including items such as guitars, basses, keyboards, cymbals, drums, and other required performance equipment.
Final production and technical details will be coordinated with the Rock Legends Cruise production team.
What will the winning band be expected to do?
The winning band will be expected to perform up to three scheduled live performances, participate professionally in scheduled promotional opportunities or fan experiences, help promote the cruise and the Native American Heritage Association, and complete all required winner documentation.
Full winner requirements will be outlined in the official rules and winner agreement.
Will the winning band need to sign an agreement?
Yes. The winning band will be required to execute an agreement prepared by Rock Legends Cruise, along with any required tax forms, releases, documentation, and related materials needed to accept the prize and participate in the cruise.
SECTION 5: IMPORTANT DETAILS
Is there a purchase required to enter?
No. No purchase or payment is necessary to enter or win.
Does the band with the most social engagement automatically win?
No. Social engagement is part of the nomination process and helps generate excitement around the contest, but it does not automatically determine the winner.
Rock Legends Cruise retains final discretion to select the winning band based on the official criteria.
Are taxes the responsibility of the winner?
Yes. The winner is responsible for any federal, state, and local taxes associated with prize acceptance. Required tax documentation, including a Form W-9, may be required.
Do we need insurance?
Rock Legends Cruise may arrange certain liability insurance coverage for the winning band’s official performance activities during the cruise, subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions, and limitations of the applicable policy.
Additional insurance details will be provided to the winning band upon selection.
Bands are responsible for any additional insurance coverage they may want or need for travel, personal property, instruments, equipment, or other activities not covered by Rock Legends Cruise.
Where can I read the official rules?
You can read the official Homegrown Band Contest Rules for full eligibility requirements, prize details, winner obligations, legal terms, and conditions here.