In 2026, Virgin Voyages and Royal Caribbean are frequently cited as having the best music, though they cater to very different tastes. Virgin Voyages is the top choice for contemporary music lovers, featuring a "Resident DJ" program, a vinyl record shop (Voyage Vinyl), and high-energy club nights that feel like a festival in Ibiza. They focus on electronic, indie, and curated playlists rather than traditional "show tunes." On the other hand, Royal Caribbean dominates for live performance variety, especially on their Oasis-class and Icon-class ships. They feature full-scale Broadway musicals (like Wicked or Hamilton), dedicated "Music Hall" venues for world-class tribute bands, and the "Schooner Bar" for legendary sing-along piano sets. For a more niche experience, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is highly rated for its "Syd Norman’s Pour House," which offers a gritty, authentic rock-and-roll lounge experience. Additionally, themed "charter cruises" like Cruise to the Edge (Progressive Rock) or The Rock Boat provide the absolute best music for specific genres, as they bring dozens of famous bands on board for a week of non-stop concerts.