Rocking a boat is hardly a new concept, but musicians have gone a bit cruise crazy lately. With the exception of Ben Folds, who recently canceled his own floating gig due to poor ticket sales, stars have been making plans to take to the high seas in record numbers. Here’s a quick guide to six cleverly titled events where music piracy means something totally different than usual:

Bands: John Mayer
Name: The Mayercraft Carrier
Date: February 1-4, 2008
Selling Point: In an apparent nod to Mayer’s background as a Berklee School of Music student, fans are encouraged to bring their own instruments.

Bands: Warren Haynes, Michael Franti and Spearhead, Galactic, Soulive, the Funky Meters, Yonder Mountain String Band, and Galactic
Name: Jam Cruise 6
Date: January 4-9, 2008
Selling Point: Last year included a Guitar Hero competition and a music-themed Newlywed Game-type event.

Bands: Emmylou Harris and Lyle Lovett
Name: The Cayamo Music Cruise
Date: February 4, 2008
Selling Point: Um, Emmylou Harris, who has said that the idea of going on a boat “seems a little claustrophobic.” But presumably she’ll muddle through.

Bands: Barenaked Ladies, Guster, the New Odds, Jason Plumb and Gaelic Storm
Name: Ships & Dip III
Date: January 27-February 1, 2008
Selling Point: Passengers can pose for a bare-naked photo on the top deck.

Bands: Sister Hazel, Aslyn, Marc Broussard, Andy Davis, David Ryan Harris, Keith Kane of Vertical Horizon, Josh Kelley, Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers, Bain Mattox, Matt Nathanson, Glen Phillips, Sons of William and Toad the Wet Sprocket
Name: The Rock Boat VIII
Date: January 19-23, 2008
Selling Point: Pro: Sheer quantity of bands mean that you could easily run into a member on the Promenade Deck. Con: You probably won’t be able to recognize them.

Bands: Lynyrd Skynyrd, Marshall Tucker Band, Cowboy Mouth, Blackberry Smoke, Zac Brown Band, Grayson Hill, Kneckdown
Name: The Simple Man Cruise 2008
Date: January 10-14, 2008
Selling Point: No shortage of barbecue.

Photo: Kramer/Getty