THE MOODY BLUES CRUISE II–the second annual fan cruise from The Moody Blues, sailing the Caribbean April 2-7, 2014 aboard the MSC Divina–have collaborated with The Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund, a non-profit charitable fund formed in honor of the legendary rock singer Ronnie James Dio, who lost his life to stomach cancer in 2010. In support of the charity, the cruise will raffle a 2013 Mini Cooper–featuring customized cruise graphics with the “Moody Cooper” stylized logo plus a permanent plaque and certificate of authenticity signed by The Moody Blues–to one lucky fan aboard the ship. Hoisted aboard the MSC Divina with a 20-story crane, the Moody Cooper will be displayed on the pool deck throughout the cruise.
Passengers sailing aboard the MSC Divina will be given the opportunity to obtain raffle tickets in international waters during the cruise, with a donation going to Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund in Honor of Ronnie James Dio. Along with the one-of-a-kind Mini, the winner will be presented the keys to the car by The Moody Blues band members. In addition, the recipient will pose for pictures with the car and The Moody Blues, as well as receiving a souvenir “Making of The Moody Cooper” picture book and merchandise package.
Says Wendy Dio: “My husband, Ronnie James Dio passed away on May 16, 2010 from stomach cancer. I then vowed to raise money for cancer research and education in his name. To date, we have raised over $800,000 from fans and wonderful organizations such as the Monsters of Rock Cruise. We have given this money to organizations such as M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Vanderbilt Cancer Research and T.J. Martell. We would like to thank The Moody Blues Cruise for their continued support, and hopefully one day find a cure.”
According to The Moody Blues Cruise spokesperson, Larry Morand, “This will make the cruise even more amazing for Moodies fans as one lucky passenger will drive away with The Moody Cooper and memories that will last forever. Better yet, raising money for cancer research and education for our close friends at the Dio Cancer Fund is the icing on the cake.”
The confirmed line-up for THE MOODY BLUES CRUISE II–recently included in USAToday.com’s list of “The Best Music Cruises At Sea”–Roger Daltrey performing select material of The Who plus some of his own favorites, Carl Palmer of ELP, Lighthouse and Shawn Phillips in addition to several notable artists from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s including The Zombies, The Orchestra starring ELO, Starship and Little River Band. Other classic rock performers confirmed include: Strawbs, Joe Williams of TOTO, Glass Hammer, Sound of Contact featuring Simon Collins, Jimi Hendrix Tribute featuring Randy Hansen, Eagles Tribute featuring Danny Vaughn, The Prog Rock Orchestra, Heavy Mellow and Mellow Yellow, who will treat fans to special performances at multiple venues aboard the MSC Divina.
Fans will have access to concerts, Q&A sessions, Karaoke Bar, special events and activities, while interacting with musical guests that influenced the music of the 70s and beyond. This is not just a “concert cruise.” It is a fan experience celebrating the years of incredible music since The Moody Blues’ legendary set at Isle of Wight Festival. THE MOODY BLUES CRUISE II provides a playground for the serious fan where music and luxury cruising hook up for the vacation of a lifetime. Tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis and will only be available at www.MoodiesCruise.com.
