MATCHBOX TWENTY Announces First-Ever 'Matchbox Twenty Cruise' on Carnival Imagination

Emblem/Atlantic recording group Matchbox Twenty has announced the first-ever "Matchbox Twenty Cruise" aboard the Carnival Imagination. The musical voyage will get underway December 6th-9th, sailing roundtrip from Miami, Florida to Nassau, Bahamas.

The "Matchbox Twenty Cruise" chartered by Rose Tours was unveiled earlier this week in an exclusive announcement on the multi-platinum rock band's official YouTube channel, matchboxtwentytv, www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQ-Ip_Voenc&feature=youtu.be. Presale reservations for the cruise will be available to Matchbox Twenty Fan Club members beginning Wednesday, February 20^th at 12 pm EST; all remaining reservations will then go on sale to the general public on Thursday, February 21^st at 12 pm EST. Prices begin at $599 per person (plus taxes); a $300 deposit per person is required at the time of booking. For more details and up-to-the-minute information, please see www.matchboxtwentycruise.com.

The inaugural "Matchbox Twenty Cruise" promises to be an extraordinary experience for fans of the iconic rock band, with a wide range of exclusive events highlighted by a series of intimate performances in the Carnival Imagination's 975-seat Dynasty Lounge, as well as in different venues throughout the ship.

What's more, Matchbox Twenty will be joining guests in a variety of onboard activities, including Q&A sessions, photo opportunities, and Evening Deck Parties where fans and band members can mingle as the Fantasy class cruise ship travels the beautiful blue Atlantic.

Reservations include all meals, coffee, tea, iced tea, and juices, 24-hour complimentary room service and pizzeria, and a one-hour open bar cocktail party. Guests will of course receive full access to all the Carnival Imagination has to offer, from its newly renovated spa and many delicious dining options to the El Dorado Casino and the famed Carnival WaterWorks water slide. Additional events, activities and musical guests will be revealed in the coming weeks please see www.matchboxtwentycruise.com.

Matchbox Twenty is currently in the midst of their sold-out North American tour celebrating last year's blockbuster album, "NORTH," which exploded into the #1 position on the SoundScan/Billboard 200 after its first week in release. Fueled by critical acclaim as well as the hit singles, "She's So Mean" and "Overjoyed" the album's unprecedented success marked the band's first-ever chart-topper and #1 debut.

"NORTH" Matchbox Twenty's fourth full-length studio recording and first all-new album in a decade sees the band driving their pop-rock sound further forward, magnifying the indelible melodies, crafty lyricism, and glorious hooks that have defined their multi-platinum body of work. Matchbox Twenty Rob Thomas, Paul Doucette, Kyle Cook and Brian Yale lived together last summer in a house in Nashville where they collaborated on the new material before once again joining forces with the GRAMMY-winning producer Matt Serletic at his Emblem Studios in Calabasas, California. The result of their labors stands among the band's finest, with songs like "Put Your Hands Up" and the top 10 sensation, "She's So Mean," marked by Matchbox Twenty's instantly identifiable sonic approach and unadulterated high spirits.

In addition to more than 30 million records sold worldwide, Matchbox Twenty has also earned countless accolades, including five GRAMMY nominations, four American Music Award nods, the 2004 People's Choice Award for "Favorite Musical Group."

Furthermore, Rob Thomas has proven one of the most highly decorated artists of recent years, receiving three GRAMMY Awards, 11 BMI Awards, and two Billboard "Songwriter of the Year" honors for both his chart-topping solo work as well as collaborations with such legends as Santana, Mick Jagger, and Willie Nelson. Thomas' collaboration with Carlos Santana on "Smooth" was also named the #2 "Most Popular Song Ever" on Billboard's list of the "100 Most Popular Songs Behind 'The Twist.'" He was also named to Billboard's "Top 20 List of Hot 100 Songwriters 2000-2011" at #5, and was the top ranking artist/songwriter on the list.

For additional news and information, please see www.matchboxtwenty.com, www.twitter.com/matchboxtwenty, and www.facebook.com/matchboxtwenty.

About Rose Tours
Rose Tours is a leader in Entertainment Cruises, striving to bring fans closer to the entertainers they love in an intimate and exclusive environment. Producing events for artists including New Kids on the Block, Backstreet Boys, Rick Springfield, Boyz II Men and many more, Rose Tours provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience for fans.