If Galveston Island had a middle name, it would be “Entertainment.” Mike Dean, head of Yaga’s Entertainment and the center of all things Mardi Gras, knows how to throw a party. It may still be September, but if you “heart” Mardi Gras, it’s never too soon to think of a new way to make the party even better!
Together with Galveston.com & Company, Yaga’s Entertainment has created a whole new concept in Mardi Gras parties. “We’ve come up with a way to extend the Mardi Gras festivities into a second weekend,” said Dean. “We’ve put something amazing together, and we think it’s going to make people want to stay here longer.”
This year, Valentine’s Day will overlap with Mardi Gras festivities, but according to Dean, that’s just another reason to love Galveston in February. “Up to now, the only way to get on a float in the parade and go to the balcony parties is if you’re a dues-paying member of a krewe,” he said.
“We’re going to change that. We’re offering a package Cruise Krewe trip, where you’ll get to be in the middle of the Mardi Gras celebrations, and then board a Carnival cruise ship bound for Cozumel and Progreso, Mexico.”
Dean said that all confirmed passengers of the inaugural 2013 Cruise Krewe will be VIPS at Mardi Gras Galveston. He added that the package includes tickets to Mardi Gras Uptown Entertainment District on February 9th and 10th. Guests will be riding on a Cruise Krewe float on February 10th, as well as attend an exclusive balcony party just for the Cruise Krewe. Then, they’ll spend the night in one of a choice of Galveston’s best hotels, and cruise out after enjoying a lovely brunch sponsored by Yaga’s Cafe.
“Partygoers will leave Monday, enjoy Fat Tuesday and Valentine’s Day on the cruise, where they’ll attend private onboard parties featuring jazz singer Eden Brent, and the rock music of Honeybrowne. This is better than a Valentine’s gift – it’s a vacation and an experience all in one.”
The Wall Street Journal proclaims Brent as “a force to reckon with…aggressive, sultry, hot and cool.” NPR Music says her music is “irresistibly fresh.” Garden & Gun says “onstage, she’s a dynamo, pounding the keys while she sings and hollers like she’s straight out of a juke joint.” And USA Today named her an August 2010 “Pick of the Week.”
Brent’s 2010 album Ain’t Got No Troubles was nominated as Album of the Year. She also captured Acoustic Album of the Year, Acoustic Artist of the Year, and the Pinetop Perkins Piano Player of the Year in the annual Blues Music Awards in 2011.
Galveston.com & Company owner Lee Ropane said that this five-night Carnival cruise would combine Mardi Gras, Valentine’s Day, and fun. “There so much more to enjoy the second weekend of Mardi Gras. We’re just extending the party on the cruise to Mexico, and celebrating all the way there and back.”
He added that for those who truly enjoy Mardi Gras to the fullest, combining this cruise with Valentine’s Day is something different. “Just when you’d think Mardi Gras is winding down, there’s a new party going on,” he said. “There is space for 108 cabins, buty they’re starting to book fast. We hope no one gets left behind. This is an amazing way to combine a party with a vacation.”
Rates start at $549 per person, based on double occupancy.
There’s always a new way to love Galveston at Mardi Gras. For more information on the 2013 Cruise Krewe, click to CruiseKrewe.com, or call toll-free (800)593-8678. Those interested in this unique Mardi Gras experience should reserve space now.
- reported by Katherine Adams of Galveston Monthly Magazine, and Galveston.com & Company.
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