Gladys Knight, Trace Adkins to play Carnival ships

Trace Adkins and Gladys Knight are among the big name performers who will play Carnival cruise ships in 2016.

Carnival on Tuesday announced an initial line-up for its Carnival Live program that also includes the musical groups Journey and KC & The Sunshine Band.

The musicians will perform in the main theaters of two to three ships a piece while the vessels are docked in Cozumel, Nassau or St. Thomas. 

Knight will appear on the Carnival Liberty, Carnival Valor and Carnival Splendor while they are docked in St. Thomas from Feb. 1-3, respectively.

Inside the Carnival ships that made cruising history

KC & The Sunshine Band also will play three ships -- Carnival Paradise, Carnival Fantasy and Carnival Breeze -- while they are docked in Cozumel from March 22-24, respectively.

Journey will play the Carnival Pride Carnival Victory on May 5 and May 6. Adkins will perform on the Carnival Freedom, Carnival Dream and Carnival Conquest from July 6 to 8.

Tickets range from $40 to $75 for general admission. A VIP ticket that offers seating in the first four rows of the theater and a photo opportunity with the artist also is available for $150 to $250.

For a deck-by-deck of a Carnival ship, scroll through the carousel below.