BAGPIPEÂ GETAWAY: CARIBBEAN
Presented by Dojo University and Piping Hot Summer Drummer
Sail with us on the musical journey of a lifetime!
April 6-12, 2025 • Tampa, Mexico, Belize
Register NowIt's bagpiping. It's a getaway. It's the highly sought-after "Piping Hot Dojo U Bagpipe Cruise," back again for 2025!
Just like last year, Piper's Dojo is joining forces with the brilliant minds behind Piping Hot Summer Drummer to bring bagpiping to the high seas!Â
From April 6th-12th 2025, join world-renowned piping legends Jack Lee, Rab Mathieson and Andrew Douglas for an idyllic Caribbean voyage on the Celebrity Cruise's Constellation.Â
Grab the family and sign up now to enjoy a relaxing holiday that combines relaxation and sightseeing with supercharging your piping progress, all as you sail in extravagant luxury.
Workshop registration space is limited and will sell out fast, so don’t miss your chance to be a part of the Bagpipe Getaway: Caribbean 2025!
Arrive Early for the Dunedin Highland Games!
Before we set sail on Sunday, plan to arrive early to spend your Saturday experiencing the Dunedin Highland Games! Only 40 minutes from Tampa, you'll have the chance to celebrate the heritage and culture of Scotland with great music, dancing, athletics, good food, drink, and friends on Saturday, April 5. Learn more.
All Aboard For An EpicÂ
Bagpipe Getaway: Caribbean!
Bagpipe camps are some of the most fun, intensive and inspiring ways to learn from exceptional instructors, meet new friends and supercharge your musical progress.Â
So many vital friendships, connections, brainwaves and breakthroughs can only happen when you’re face-to-face with new friends and mentors.Â
One night in Kansas City, Jack Lee and Andrew Douglas had an idea: What if we combined the best of PHSD and Dojo U into an all-encompassing ocean-faring experience that would take the continent by storm?Â
Introducing the Bagpipe Getaway: Caribbean – a relaxing vacation for the whole family!Â
Avoid the arguments about abandoning your spouse and kids to run away to band camp…they can enjoy all the comforts and entertainment of a luxury cruise liner, as you can revel in the world’s best piping – and we can all take in the Caribbean's best ports and sights along the way.
Your Spouse Will Love This Vacation As Much As You Do
While we know there are some amazing piping schools and events out there, we believe that none come close to ours in terms of how much your spouse will actually enjoy it too. While you're in class, they can head to the spa, work out in the amazing on-board fitness facility, play trivia, read a book, surf the fast on-board internet by the pool, etc. The whole family will have an unforgettable experience.
Make a Quantum Leap With Your Piping
There's a lot of glitz and glam about this bagpiping cruise - but let's not forget about just how much better you're going to be as a piper by the time you disembark. With our registration limit (guaranteeing small class sizes) combined with the finest bagpipe instructors we can think of, this is going to sky-rocket the quality of your playing. Be sure to keep this in mind as we continue with our expansive list of benefits!
A Built-In Ceilidh Every NightÂ
Our ship has many night-life spots on board, featuring drinks, entertainment, and a great atmosphere. While most bagpipe schools have one night with a big ceilidh, this school creates the opportunity to have a ceilidh every night! Never before has socializing been so fun and organic.
You've Never Eaten So Well at a Bagpipe Camp...
I love going out to eat, but since we've had our kids we don't get the chance as often any more. On the cruise, there's amazing food on a variety of levels! Snack Bars for a quick bite. Buffets for a little bit of everything (including ice cream!!!). The Dining Room for elegant classic meals. Specialty Restaurants if you're game to pay a little bit extra to really take things to the next level. Pack your stretchy pants!Â
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Balance Intensity and Relaxation
Work hard, play hard. We are going to work intensely when we're in class. We're going to push you to your limits, just like any other school would. But we're also going to make sure you have plenty of time for relaxing, socializing, excursions, and generally enjoying your getaway vacation. Remember, this is a hybrid bagpipe school AND vacation. And that's what you're going to get!
Meet Your Instructors
ROBERT MATHIESON
Rab is a legend in the Scottish bagpiping scene who needs little introduction! Among his many accolades, Rab won the World Pipe Band Championships 5 times as Pipe Major of Grade 1 band Shotts and Dykehead, has won around 40 RSPBA Major Championships, and won the Macallen Trophy twice at the Interceltic Music Festival in Lorient, France. Rab has published several collections of his own tunes, released recordings, and also runs The Kilt Centre in Hamilton, Scotland. Rab has been a valued Premium Class Instructor at Dojo University for many years.
ANDREW DOUGLAS
Andrew is a prolific practitioner of the bagpipe, active at the highest level of pipe bands, solo competition, teaching, and creative endeavors for the past 20 years. He was 2017 & 2019 World Champion with Inveraray and District Pipe Band, 2017 Winner of the USA Silver Medal for Piobaireachd, 2008–2013 Pipe Major of Grade 1 Oran Mor Pipe Band, multi-prize winner of Silver Medals at Oban and Inverness, the 2004 B-Grade Winner Strathspey/Reel at Oban. Andrew published his debut and award-winning book, Finding Bagpipe Freedom, in 2021. He's also an Accredited Bagpipe Teacher and Examiner (Scottish Qualifications Authority) and holds a Bachelor Degree in Fine Arts from Simon Fraser University.
JACK LEE
Jack has been competing successfully at the highest levels of both solo piping and pipe bands for over 40 years. It is extremely rare that a piper excels in both the solo and band arenas. His accomplishments are a testament to his understanding of great bagpipe sound and music. Among his many accolades over a lifetime of top-level achievements all over the world, Jack is the six-time world champion Pipe Sergeant of Simon Fraser University Pipe Band, winner of Highland Society of London Gold Medals, the Clasp at the Northern Meeting, the Canadian Gold Medal, and the first North American piper to win the Glenfiddich Solo Piping Championship.
What previous cruisers have to say...
"My serious piping journey officially began with the first Piper’s Dojo Cruise in 2017 when I signed up on a whim, and I’ve been on every cruise since. Because of my experience with the first Dojo cruise, I decided to advance with lessons, compete solo, and join a band. The blend of the instruction and vacation destinations on a cruise ship is the perfect way to celebrate and learn more about our music, instrument, and history. The best part is all the friends I’ve made with people from all over the world. Most of all, after every one, I leave rejuvenated, renewed, and motivated to improve."Â
- Nancy G.,
Florida, USA
"I had grown stale in my piping, over the years of staying in the same bands and people. I had quit competing and was just playing. The piping cruise gave my piping new life and ambition. Learning from world-class instructors, my new tunes flourished and I am working on competing again. It was just what I needed and I can't wait to return to the Band Camp on the Seas!"
- George B.,
Florida, USA
MEET YOUR VESSEL: CELEBRITY CONSTELLATIONÂ
Celebrity Constellation is the fourth and final Millennium-class cruise ship built for Celebrity Cruises, a subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Group. She was renamed in May 2007 to add the "Celebrity" joining her three sister ships: Celebrity Infinity, Celebrity Summit, and Celebrity Millennium.Â
Your Itinerary
Day 1 - Sunday, April 6: All Aboard!
We’ll be kicking off our offshore adventures by boarding our cruise liner, Celebrity Constellation, in Tampa, FL.
Tampa Bay is a lively port city located off of the beautiful Gulf Coast of Central Florida. Home to two large universities, a vibrant sports scene, and award-winning beaches, cruises from Tampa take you to the Caribbean and beyond. We set sail on our adventure at 4pm sharp!
Day 2 - Monday, April 7: At Sea
While at sea, we will spend most of the day in bagpipe classes. We'll work on tunes from a custom "tune-packet" put together by Jack Lee himself, and we'll develop our instrument skills as well.Â
Don't worry - there's free time as well. Use time to yourself to recharge before the next adventure, class or... meal!
Lounge by the pool, be spoiled at the spa, taste the delicacies or explore the venues on-board, until we arrive at the next amazing destination.
Day 3 - Tuesday, April 8:Â Costa Maya (8am-5pm)
We will be hosting some bagpipe classes in the morning when we arrive in Mexico. But if you book an excursion and you need to miss them, that's A-OK! This is where we respect the balance of work and play - when in doubt, have fun
Costa Maya boasts beautiful beaches on the Caribbean Sea, which is ideal for divers and snorkelers alike who enjoy exploring the beautiful Banco Chinchorro coral reef that lies just off the coast. History buffs will surely love exploring the lesser-known Mayan ruins, Cacchoben and Kohunlich; meanwhile there's something for everyone at the new shopping mall, which, while great for shopping, also features a central plaza with saltwater pools and 'swim-up' bars.
Day 4 - Wednesday, April 9: Belize City (8am-5pm)
Day 5 - Thursday, April 10: Cozumel (9am-7pm)
Start your day with some bagpipe classes before disembarking in Mexico. Cozumel, nestled amidst the Western Hemisphere's largest coral reef, beckons with activities for anglers, divers, snorkelers, and beach enthusiasts alike. Dive into azure waters to spot vibrant marine life and explore coral gardens, or snorkel to enjoy the underwater spectacle without a dive card. Onshore, relax in hammocks on sandy beaches or slide down Twin Twister waterslides at Playa Mia. Shop for Mexican silver and artisanal gifts in San Miguel, or ferry to Playa del Carmen for dining, nightlife, and shopping along la Quinta Avenida. Nearby Tulum offers a glimpse into ancient Maya culture against a backdrop of stunning cliffs and Caribbean vistas, complemented by fresh seafood dishes and classic Mexican fare like tacos and margaritas.
After dinner, we'll meet for our annual "pub crawl." Whether or not you chose to partake in adult beverages, this is a great opportunity to socialize and share stories about port adventures!Â
Day 6 - Friday, April 11: At Sea
Our final day at sea as we sail towards Florida, we'll host bagpipe classes throughout the day. We may even have the chance to perform as a group on board the ship - we like to keep things flexible on our cruises to accommodate every opportunity for learning that seems interesting and fun.
Day 7 - Saturday, April 12:Â Return to Tampa
It's time to leave the ship, but the memories created, friends made, and lessons learned will stay with you forever!
Register Now
Registration is a two-step process.
First, call our partner Travel Agency at the number below to arrange your accommodation on board the ship.
Then, pay the bagpiping registration fee.
STEP ONE: BOOK YOUR CRUISE
Packages 1 & 2 include Classic Beverage Package and Standard Wi-FI.Â
Other stateroom types and pricing is available.
Click here for complete details.
Package 1:Â OceanviewÂ
Package 2: BalconyÂ
STEP TWO: REGISTER FOR PIPING INSTRUCTION
Piping instruction is $595 USD -Â but you can save $100 if you register before September 30th, 2024!
