Contest Rules

OFFICIAL RULES
HOMEGROWN BAND CONTEST

PRIZE

One (1) winning band (the “Winner”) of the Homegrown Band Contest (“Contest”) will be selected to join the official lineup of Rock Legends Cruise XIV 2027 (the “Cruise”) as our Homegrown Band Contest Winner.  We are looking for the best local talent to step onto the big stage and join the Rock Legends Cruise (“RLC”) family, sailing from Miami, Florida, to Costa Maya, Mexico, from February 21, 2027 – February 25, 2027.

The Winner will receive the following (the “Prize”):

1. Official Homegrown Artist Billing and Performance Opportunity: No more than three (3) scheduled live performances on an official Rock Legends Cruise stage, with professional sound and light production, subject to relevant production schedules, operational requirements, and venue availability.
2. Onboard Accommodations: Standard double-occupancy staterooms provided for each eligible member of Winner (each, a “Winning Member”).
3. Full Sailing Experience: Standard onboard meals and access to all public festival concerts and events for the duration of the Cruise.
4. Media & Promotional Exposure: The Winner will receive promotional opportunities, which may include, without limitation:
   1. Featured spotlight in the official RLC Digital Program Guide as the Homegrown Winner.
   2. Dedicated announcements across RLC social media channels.
   3. Participation in one (1) scheduled promotional photo opportunity during the Cruise, subject to scheduling and operational requirements.
   4. Six (6) month social media services package provided by prize sponsor Hey Alec Productions, LLC (the “Sponsor”). Receipt and use of such services shall require execution of a separate Agreement by and between Winner and Sponsor, the terms and conditions of which shall be subject to good faith negotiations and in accordance with standard industry custom and practice.
5. Travel Stipend: The Winner will receive reimbursement of documented, eligible travel expenses incurred by each Winning Member for transportation to and from the departure port, up to a maximum reimbursement of Five Hundred U.S. Dollars (US$500.00) per Winning Member, subject to submission requirements and approval. RLC reserves the right to deny reimbursement submissions that are incomplete, untimely, unsupported by required documentation, or otherwise inconsistent with these Official Rules.

ELIGIBILITY

1. Eligibility and Stipulations: Submission into the Contest is free; there is no purchase necessary to enter. To be eligible to become the Winner and receive the Prize, each band entrant (the “Band”) must satisfy the following criteria:
   1. Band: Band must be a multi-member band. 
   2. Genre: Band submissions (as defined below) must fall within the umbrella of “Rock.” This includes Classic Rock, Southern Rock, Blues-Rock, Hard Rock, and Indie/Alternative Rock. Please note that Pop, Hip-Hop, Country, and EDM acts are not eligible for this Contest.
   3. Age: All Band Members must be at least 21 years of age.
   4. Professional Status: Band must be independent and not signed to a major record label, but the Band can be signed to an independent record label.
   5. Documentation: All Band Members must possess a valid passport for international travel.
   6. Territory: Open to all U.S. residents. 
   7. Conviction of a Crime: Entrants must not have been convicted of a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude.
2. Submissions and Selection Process 
   1. Each Band must provide any and all of the following to RLC through the official entry form to be considered for the Contest (collectively, the “Submission”):
      1. Live Performance: A link (YouTube/Vimeo) of a live performance. This is the most critical vetting tool for the RLC Selection Team.
      2. Studio Audio: A link to at least one (1) original track (Spotify, SoundCloud, or Bandcamp).
      3. Digital Press Kit (DPK): High-resolution band photo, approximately 200-word bio, and links to any and all official Social Media handles (such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok).
      4. Point of Contact: Full name, email, and phone number for an authorized Band Representative.
      5. Interview with Selection Team: Based on the initial judging criteria, selected Bands may be invited to participate in a virtual or in-person interview with RLC’s Selection Team, which may include, without limitation, the following: verification of eligibility, confirmation of availability, Contest discussion details, and a review of performance logistics. Failure to participate in a scheduled interview may result in disqualification. 
   2. Fan Nominations: Fans may nominate Bands by tagging them in the comments of the official contest post on RLC social media, in addition to following the RLC and NAHA pages, and liking and sharing any Native American Heritage Association (“NAHA”) social post on Instagram or Facebook.
   3. Self-Nomination: Bands may self-nominate following the same rules as above.
   4. Official Entry: A nomination is not an entry. A Band is only officially entered once the Band and/or their Representative satisfies and submits the full Submission as stated herein on or before the posted Submission Deadline.
   5. Requests for Information: 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 established by RLC.
   6. Selection / Criteria: Bands will be selected based on an initial scoring criteria, and a select few will be invited to interview. The Band that demonstrates the best in talent, skill, live performance ability, professionalism, and audience fit for the Cruise, as determined by the Selection Team (collectively, the “Criteria”), will be deemed the Winner. The RLC Selection Team retains the right to determine the final selection of the Winner for the Contest. RLC is not required to provide scoring details or feedback to entrant Bands.
3. Winner Requirements and Conditions of Prize Acceptance: By entering the Contest, the Band acknowledges that if selected as the Winner, they are professionally obligated to: 
   1. Perform: Perform up to three (3) scheduled live performances (approx. 45–60 minutes each) as directed by the RLC production team.
   2. Promote: Actively market the Cruise and the NAHA cause no less than three (3) times to their fanbase via social media and email leading up to the Cruise.
   3. Participate in Fan Engagement: Actively and professionally participate in 1–2 scheduled “Fan Experiences” (e.g., a Meet & Greet, photo shoot and/or Q&A session).
   4. Arrange Your Own Travel: Arrange and pay for any and all ground transportation and flights to and from the port city of Miami, FL, subject to the Travel stipend provisions herein.
   5. Bring Your Own Gear: Provide any and all instruments and tech necessary for the live performances (including guitars, basses, keyboards, cymbals, drums, etc.).
   6. Execute Agreement: Execute an Agreement prepared by RLC detailing the terms and conditions governing the receipt of the prize, eligibility, requirements and conditions of the Prize as required in order to win, as well as any relevant accompanying documentation including, but not limited to, a completed Form W-9 or any other tax forms needed for each member of the Winner.

ADDITIONAL CONTEST RULES AND LEGAL DISCLAIMER

1. This Homegrown Band Contest is operated by RLC. No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter or win. A purchase will not increase the chances of winning the Contest. This is a skill-based Contest, and Winners will be selected based on the Criteria outlined above.
2. Prize Value and Taxes: The approximate retail value of the Prize is Five Thousand U.S. Dollars (US$5,000.00). Actual value may vary based on travel costs, cabin assignments, and other applicable factors. Any difference between stated and actual value will not be awarded. The Prize is awarded to the Winner as determined by RLC and may not be transferred, assigned, substituted, exchanged for cash, or redeemed, except at RLC’s sole discretion. RLC reserves the right to substitute a prize component with one of equal or greater value if any advertised component becomes unavailable for any reason.  Award of the Prize is contingent upon the Winner’s continued eligibility, execution of any required affidavits, releases, tax documentation, publicity releases, performance agreements, and other documents reasonably required by RLC and/or the cruise operator. The total value of the Prize will be reported to the IRS. The Winner must provide a completed Form W-9. Failure to provide the required tax documentation will result in forfeiture of the Prize. The Winner is solely responsible for the payment of any and all federal, state, and local taxes due and owing.
3. Insurance: RLC may arrange for certain liability insurance coverage applicable to the Winner’s official performance activities during the Cruise. Coverage, if provided, will be subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions, and limitations of the applicable insurance policy. Additional insurance details will be provided to the Winner upon selection.
4. Rights and Permissions: By participating in this Contest, each Band acknowledges and agrees that, if selected as the Winner, the Winner and each participating Winner Member grants RLC and its affiliates, agents, licensees, and promotional partners a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use the Winner’s and each Winner’s Member’s name, Band name, trademarks, service marks, likeness(es), image(s), voice(s), performance(s), biographical information, and submitted materials (collectively, the “Likeness”) solely for the purpose of administering, promoting, and publicizing the Contest, the Cruise, and related RLC marketing activities. No additional compensation will be provided for such uses beyond the Prize, except where otherwise prohibited by law. 
5. Liability and Release: By participating, Winner shall indemnify and release RLC and its affiliates, agents and employees, from any claims or liabilities related to personal injury, property damage, or travel interruptions. This includes any issues related to the International nature of the Cruise or the port of departure. RLC shall not be liable for any cancellation, delay or schedule modification due to circumstances beyond its control. Royal Caribbean is not a sponsor of this Contest, and the Winner will be subject to all Royal Caribbean Cruise Line rules.
6. General Conditions: RLC reserves the right to cancel or modify the Contest if fraud, technical failures, or any force majeure events compromise the integrity of the Contest. 
7. Governing Law: These Official Rules shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, without regard to conflict-of-law principles, and are void where prohibited by law.
8. Right of Selection and Discretion: RLC reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to select the Winner from among all eligible Band entries based on the Criteria. RLC’s decisions regarding the selection of finalists and the ultimate Winner are final, binding, and non-appealable in all respects. RLC is not required to provide detailed feedback or scores to the Bands and reserves the right to choose the Winner as it sees fit to best represent the Rock Legends Cruise brand and the Native American Heritage Association mission and in accordance with the Criteria.
9. Data Privacy and Email Consent: By submitting an official entry form, each Band will provide express written consent to receive promotional emails, newsletters, and marketing communications from RLC.  RLC is committed to protecting participant privacy and will not sell, rent, or share contact information with third party entities for their independent marketing purposes. Bands may withdraw their consent at any time by utilizing the unsubscribe link provided in any RLC communication. Information collected is used solely for the administration of this contest and RLC promotional efforts.