New Kids on the Block to Sell 2,600 Tickets to Carnival Cruise Concert

Eighties boy bands are "hangin' tough" on the high seas.

ByABC News
August 11, 2010, 5:46 PM

Aug. 12, 2010— -- On Friday morning, Nichole Newerth plans to be in front of her computer eagerly waiting to buy tickets.

No, she's not some star-crazed teenager but a 36-year-old mother of three looking to go on a four-day Caribbean cruise with the '80s boy band New Kids on the Block.

"It's a lot of fun for mommies who need to cut loose," Newerth said. "I know, it sounds crazy."

Forget filling stadiums and concert halls. These days, some bands are finding a second act on the high seas.

The Backstreet Boys, Sammy Hagar, Boyz II Men and Rick Springfield all have upcoming cruises where they play to a boat full of adorning fans.

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But it's not just about the concerts. The musicians also lead limbo competitions, bingo games, belly flop contests and join in karaoke at the bar.

"You think you're going on this cruise and you're never going to see them, but they're out everywhere," said Newerth, who has been on two New Kids on the Block cruises and plans to go on the band's third voyage in May.

On the first cruise two years ago, she got a hug from Donnie Wahlberg before leaving port. Then last year, she was sitting in the hot tub on the deck.

"I turn around and there's Jon [Knight] standing right behind me," Newerth said. "He stuck his hand in and said, 'How's the water ladies?' And I said, 'Climb in, we'll make room.'"