Soul Of America

Festival At Sea, the  Black Cruise group photo on deck ; (c) Blue World Travel

Black Cruises

For first-time cruisers or infrequent cruisers, consider the following “ Cruising 101 Tips .”

Cruise Line Operators : Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, Holland America, Celebrity, and many others own very large cruise ships for multi-day journeys. They follow strict onboarding & offboarding schedules, so be timely. Big Cruise Line Operators are required to follow Cruise Ship Law which is a bit convoluted because the ports of call in so many nations have different laws. The big brands do, however, attempt to follow high sanitary and safety standards. If something is not right in your room, report it to the Cruise Line Operator staff. Some Cruise Line Operators include one-day excursion activities on an island they own.

Cruise Group Operators : The groups listed below organize themed cruises for groups, in this case, Black Cultural Cruises. Some cruises take up a quarter, half, or all of a ship big cruise ship. Other Black Cultural Cruises may have groups of 100-200. The largest Cruise Group Operators have staff to help your journey be more comfortable or better informed. They also tend to have the best entertainment. Only Cruise Group Operators can answer questions about their pricing and services.

Shore Excursion Operators Independent operators who arrange dining, shopping, cultural tours, snorkeling, and other activities. Their quality and pricing vary. In the Passenger Welcome pitch & brochures, Cruise Line Operators will provide extensive lists. Some have special arrangements with local businesses and receive a commission on sales from tourists in their group. The largest and oldest Cruise Group Operators sometimes have connections with Shore Excursion Operators too. Focus on the Price-Value of the shore excursions you want.

Busiest Domestic & International Cruise Ports The busiest cruise ports typically have more amenities. From America’s Lower 48 states to the Caribbean, Mexico & Alaska consider excursions from Port Canaveral on Space Coast, Miami , Port Everglades Fort Lauderdale , Galveston , New York & New Jersey , New Orleans , Tampa , Seattle , Los Angeles , San Diego , and Baltimore . If cruising to the Southern Caribbean consider excursions from Puerto Rico or St. Thomas USVI . In Europe, consider excursions from Barcelona, Civitavecchia, Southhampton, and Marseille.

Packing for a Cruise      TSA ID Requirements      Hurricane Status      Travel Insurance Pros & Cons

Established Black Cruises

White Night Deck Party on Festival At Sea

Experience White Night Deck Party on Festival At Sea; (c) Blue World Travel

Festival At Sea PORTS: Bahamas, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas & St. Maarten SHIP: Celebrity Reflection DATES: 8 Nights from July 13-21, 2024 (SOLD OUT, get on the Wait List) WEBSITE: https://www.festivalatsea.com ITINERARY: In 1992, 31 years ago, Blue World Travel launched the first African American cultural cruise program — Festival at Sea (FAS). Today, FAS welcomes about 3,000 passengers from around the world to celebrate a curated Black culture experience that honors the essence and traditions of the African American diaspora. Some signature events include an African Attire Night, the UNCF Bachelor Auction, annual DJ and Comedian competitions, Stomp The Deck Step Show and White Night Deck Party. FAS curates the whole itinerary with activities for every type of passenger – including Speed Dating, Gospel Brunch, Worship Service, Bible Study, Bid Whist, Dominoes, daily Dance & Fitness classes,, African-American Idol, Urban Ballroom Dancing, Family Feud, Jewelry Raffle Giveaway, 2-on-2 Basketball Tournament, Renewal of Wedding Vows and much more. Not to be forgotten, every year FAS provides top name entertainment. Past acts have included, Charlie Wilson, Ledisi, Kem, Jazzy Jeff, Slick Rick, Bill Bellamy, Babyface, Cedric the Entertainer, Anthony Hamilton, Fantasia, Faith Evans, Zapp Band, Kirk Franklin, Keith Sweat, Musiq Soulchild, Dru Hill, Gary Owen, Mary Mary, En Vogue, Gladys Knight, DL Hughley, Babyface, Tamia, Teddy Riley and many more. Join their mailing list to ensure getting first announcements on their next sailing. Because once you go, then you know!

Friends of Festival at Sea – French River Cruise PORTS: Arles, Avignon, Rivers, Tournon, Lyon & Paris in France SHIP: AMA Christina DATES: August 22 – September 1, 2024, includes a Free 3-night Post-Cruise in Paris WEBSITE: https://www.festivalatsea.com/xfrance2024/ ITINERARY: If you are looking for more explorative travels, Festival at Sea has an alternative program called Friends. In 1998, Blue World Travel created Friends to help passengers expand their horizons without sacrificing the culture and fun community they had created with FAS. In 2024, they will be collaborating with AmaWaterways to bring their tagline “Cruising with An African-American Twist” to this Soulful Epicurean French River experience onboard the award-winning AMA Kristina. The ship features a walking track, fitness room and bicycles for in-port exploration, a pool with swim-up bar, and specialty restaurants with multi-course dinners made from the fresh local ingredients paired with hand-selected wine and beer or soft drinks. Sail from Arles along the Rhone River through the South of France while you enjoy a superior standard of service, gourmet dining, fine wines, and premium spirits. Take in culture from onboard and on shore. Enjoy a variety of experiences exclusive to this itinerary such as guided tours showcasing jazz, food, win and captivating World War II history all while shining a light on Black culture and history. Festival at Sea provides entertainment from comedian and host Damon Williams, their DJ Al “Your Pal,” dance instructor Wilber McZeal and other signature events and activities from FAS. Check them out and see why you get much more traveling with Friends.

Friends of Festival at Sea will also be exploring the Allure of Asia sailing on the Regent Seven Seas Explorer in 2025 from February 5th-19th visiting Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Hong Kong. See https://www.festivalatsea.com/friends2025/

Capital Super Cruise A spin-off cruise from the Capital Jazz Concert in the Washington-Baltimore metro area PORTS: Puerto Rico, Tortola BVI, St. Croix USVI, St. Maarten/St. Martin DATES: January 15-22, 2023 ITINERARY: Entertainment includes concerts, theme parties, DJ jam sessions, contests, dancing, Open Mic, workshops, card games, karaoke, films, golf tournament, fitness classes

Aventura Latin Dance Cruise Get your Latin Dance groove on with a ship take-over in the Caribbean DATES: Febraury 3-7, 2023 and watch here for the 2024 date PORTS: Miami, Cuba, and the Bahamas ITINERARY: Features Day & Night Dance Parties, great dance workshops and watch world-class shows in Salsa, Bachata, Cha Cha, Zouk, Kizomba, Reggaeton, Hip-Hop, Merengue & more!

Tom Joyner Fantastic Voyage Cruise “Party with a Purpose” in the Caribbean with Tom Joyner and friends PORTS: Fort Lauderdale, Cozumel Mexico, Grand Cayman, Falmouth Jamaica DATES: May 20-27, 2023 PAST ITINERARY: Entertainment includes concerts, theme parties, DJ jam sessions, contests, dancing, Open Mic, workshops, card games, karaoke, films, fitness classes

Love and Harmony Cruise A medium size cruise group that emphasizes friendship and good times harmony DATES: April 4-9, 2023 PORTS: Fort Lauderdale, Ocho Rios, Nassau ITINERARY: Includes Live Concerts day & night, meet the performers, parties throughout the ship, plus Roots and Afrobeat music

Grown and Sexy Cruise Calls itself the “Biggest Party at Sea” and you can’t blame them for trying PORTS: Miami, Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas, Nassau, DATES: May-26-29, 2023 ITINERARY: Includes 1 Dinner at a specialty restaurant; Events include Theme Parties, the “SEXYFEST” Island beach party on Great Stirrup Caye, the Nassau “WE TURN UP” party, comedy show, karaoke, game shows, contests

Jamrock Reggae Cruise Jamrock Productions invites you to take a journey to Jamaica PORTS: Miami, Falmouth Jamaica, Ocho Rios Jamaica DATES: December 4-9, 2023 ITINERARY: Experience top-tier Reggae artists as they perform in multiple venues on the ship. In addition, there will be sound systems blazing the vibes all day and all night

Smooth Jazz Cruise Its like a mega-Jazz concert at sea. After the music, enjoy up-close meet-ups with Jazz greats DATES: 1/25/2024-2/01/2024 and 2/01/2024-2/08/2024 PORTS: Miami, Aruba, Curacao ITINERARY: An line-up of nightly performances by Marcus Miller, Boney James, Alonzo Bowden, Jeffrey Osborne, Brian Culbertson, Jonathan Butler, Candy Dulfer, Rick Braun, Norman Brown, Mindi Abair, Richard Elliot, Peter White, Vincent Ingala, DW3 and more

Soul Train Cruise Official cruise of the legendary Soul Train TV show PORTS: Fort Lauderdale, Tortola BVI, St. Maarten DATES: January 23-February 3, 2024 ITINERARY: An incredible line-up of nightly Soul, Funk, and R&B performances by The Temptations, Boyz II Men, Stephanie Mills, En Vogue, Melba Moore, Tower of Power, The Dramatics, Rose Royce, and War; activities include Dance the Soul Train Line, dance lessons from original Soul Train Dancers, 25+ Celebrity-hosted events, panel discussions, artist Q&A sessions, happy hours, game shows, wine tasting, trivia contests, Karaoke, pool parties and more

Huddle On The Sea Cruise Join sexy, accomplished, beautiful people at sea PORTS: Miami, Dominican Republic, Aruba, Curaçao DATES: February 10-18, 2024 ITINERARY: Includes Lypc-Sync Battle, Bad & Boozy Beach Bash 2, HOTS Play Date, Pre-Super Bowl Tailgate Party, Trick or Treat Costume Party, HOTS Fitness

Return to HOME

Is there any updated information to this site for 2020?

Working on it.

COVID changed everybody’s cruise plans

If I sincerely apologize for my white privilege, can I go on your cruise?

Can I get some information on the cruise ship

Hello, I just found this site. Is there any updated information on cruises for 2022 or 2023 and beyond? Do you plan cruises on any other beside Carnival or Royal Caribbean (like Celebrity)? Thansl, Paul JC

Cruises have been slow to recover from the pandemic. We’ll update again this summer.

Are you offering any cruises for the holidays?

Individual cruise operators arrange cruises. Sorry to disappoint you, but Soul Of America is a publisher, not a cruise operator.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

Cookie and Privacy Settings

We may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website.

Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.

These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.

Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refusing them will have impact how our site functions. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site.

We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain.

We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. You can check these in your browser security settings.

We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.

Google Webfont Settings:

Google Map Settings:

Google reCaptcha Settings:

Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:

Follow by Email

  • Of The Essence
  • Celebrity News
  • If Not For My Girls
  • The State Of R&B
  • Time Of Essence
  • SSENSE X ESSENCE
  • 2023 Best In Black Fashion Awards
  • 2023 Fashion House
  • Fashion News
  • Accessories
  • Girls United: Beautiful Possibilities
  • 2023 Best In Black Beauty
  • Relationships
  • Bridal Bliss
  • Lifestyle News
  • Health & Wellness
  • ESSENCE Eats
  • Food & Drink
  • Money & Career
  • Latest News
  • Black Futures
  • Paint The Polls Black
  • Essence Holiday Gift Guide 2023
  • 2024 ESSENCE Hollywood House
  • 2024 ESSENCE Film Festival
  • 2024 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture
  • 2023 Wellness House
  • 2023 Black Women In Hollywood
  • Girls United

WHERE BLACK CULTURE, COMMUNITY AND CONSCIOUSNESS MEET

Sign up for essence newsletters the keep the black women at the forefront of conversation., 5 black cruise events to book asap.

Black Cruise Events To Book ASAP

Folks just want to party and there’s no party like one at sea. Truth is, nobody celebrates like us and that hasn’t gone unnoticed. There are a growing number of sailings designed with us in mind.

African American themed cruises are hot and can sell out fast.  If you want to get on board this year, book now, and it’s certainly not too early to start booking for 2025. Peek at itineraries and see what all the buzz is about to find the one perfect for you. You can visit destinations on your bucket list, such as the U.S. Virgin Islands, Paris, the Bahamas, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, and these getaways offer all kinds of entertainment. Hear live music you love, be it R&B, jazz, or hip-hop. Enjoy comedy shows and old school hip-hop foam parties as well as fun and games with a Black twist like bid whist, gospel brunches, dominoes, sorority step competitions and more.

Here’s a look at where to set sail to experience Black culture at sea .

Colors of Provence

If you haven’t checked Paris off your bucket list, there’s incentive to do so now with AmaWaterways’ new “Soulful Experience,” celebrating Black history and culture. Colors of Provence is a jaunt in mid-June that includes three nights in Paris before setting sail. Delve deep into Paris’ Black history through sites like the Arc de Triomphe, the Monument to the Abolition of Slavery, and receive insights into the Code Noir. Explore Montmartre’s jazz roots, the lively African district, and visit Little Africa in La Goutte d’Or. End with the Latin Quarter and Pantheon Square’s tribute to Josephine Baker from 2021. After a dreamy time in Paris, set off toward Lyon, cruise the Rhône River to Arles and take a full day Black Heritage tour in Marseille. Throughout the journey, enjoy experiences exclusive to this special itinerary, including guided tours showcasing little bit of everything, including food and wine. Also new from AmaWaterways this year are Black history themed trips in Egypt and Douro.

Grown & Sexy

How can you go wrong with a cruise called Grown & Sexy? Picture this: You’re kicking off summer early with a late May, five-night sail on the Vibe on Virgin that departs from Miami and goes to Puerto Plata and Bimini. With nine bars, two pools, an arcade, social club, nightclub, fitness classes, pajama party, scarlet red party and more, how fast can you pack your bags?

Fantastic Voyage

If you’re old-school you probably remember Lakeside’s “Fantastic Voyage,” which says, “just sail on…just slide, glide, slippity-slide.” You can do just that during the Tom Joyner Foundation’s ever-popular Fantastic Voyage on Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas. Leave from Miami for ports of call in Labadee, Haiti, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Get your party on with Earth, Wind & Fire, Chaka Khan, Bobby Brown, Tank, Method Man and Redman, among others this year. An added bonus, your cabin purchase benefits The Tom Joyner Foundation and may qualify as a charitable contribution.

Soul Train Cruise

This year’s Soul Train Cruise sold out in March of 2023. That tells you everything you need to know about how popular this trip is. Look forward to the late January sailing in 2025. With Charlie Wilson, Jeffrey Osborne, Shalamar, The Brothers Johnson, Thelma Houston, and others performing, and hosted by Don Cornelius’ son Tony, “You can bet your last money it’s gonna be a stone gas honey.” When you need to take off your dancing shoes (after lessons from original Soul Train dancers, line dancing or from doing your own two-step), amuse yourself with happy hours, panel discussions, game shows, wine tasting and artist Q&As. Leave Fort Lauderdale and enjoy Costa Maya, Belize City and Cozumel.

Jazz Cruises

If jazz is your thing, you’ll be in heaven on board The Jazz Cruise, The Smooth Jazz Cruise or the Chris Botti at Sea voyage. These trips from the company Jazz Cruises depart from Fort Lauderdale in January and February so make plans for 2025 now. The Jazz Cruise is seven days and nights of more than 200 hours of jazz music. Venture to Cozumel and Grand Cayman with performers including Dianne Reeves, Arturo Sandoval, the Eubanks Brothers, and 100 of the genre’s finest artists. There are “Learn” events that include musician interviews, panel discussions, instrument seminars and tutorials, comedy, trivia contests, Name That Tune games, and more. The Smooth Jazz Cruise’s lineup includes Jonathan Butler, Kirk Whalum, David Sanborn, Mindi Abair, Marqueal Jordan, among others as you travel through Labadee, Turks & Caicos and Nassau. Bonuses include culinary events, theme parties, autograph sessions, pool events featuring performers, and talent shows. As for Chris Botti at Sea , it stops in Cozumel and Grand Cayman. Get ready for Corinne Bailey Rae, the Jazz Cruises Super Band, the Botti at Sea Party Band and more. Crack up as artists compete against each other in a Family Feud style game, and play pickleball, basketball, and enjoy musician interviews and panels.

COMPANY INFORMATION Our Company Customer Service Essence Ventures Change Your Address Contact Us Job Opportunities Internships Media Kit SUBSCRIBE Newsletters Give a Gift of ESSENCE Magazine Tablet Edition FOLLOW US MORE ON ESSENCE Home Love Celebrity Beauty Hair Fashion ESSENCE festival ESSENCE.com is part of ESSENCE Communications, Inc.

This countdown has been ended already!

Sailing from Miami, Florida 

April 27 – May 4, 2024 

We will be Sailing on Royal Caribbean’s  Independence of the Seas

PORTS OF CALL

Puerto Plata – Dominican Republic

San Juan – Puerto Rico

Book now by calling Call (214) 495-1963 or click below and get started

black party cruise

The Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage 2023 was  SOLD OUT!

Call (214)495-1963  to book your 2024 cabin today!

Call Center Hours | Monday – Friday 8am – 8pm CST     Saturday 10am – 2pm CST

black party cruise

Earth, Wind & Fire

Share this link via, or copy link, earth wind & fire.

black party cruise

Earth, Wind & Fire  is an American R&B and disco band formed in Chicago, Illinois, in 1969 by Verdine and Maurice White. Also known as  EWF , the band has won six Grammy Awards and four American Music Awards. They have been inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.  Rolling Stone  has described them as “innovative, precise yet sensual, calculated yet galvanizing” and has also declared that the band “changed the sound of black pop”. In 1998, they were ranked at number 60 on VH1’s list of the  100 Greatest Artists of Rock N’ Roll .

FOLLOW EARTH WIND & FIRE ON SOCIAL

black party cruise

 Chaka Khan is the latest woman to be inducted into the coveted Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s Class of 2023. She is a global music star that has served as an inspiration for generations of singers, songwriters, recording artists, storytellers, and musicians. 

Aside from being a singer, she is a distinguished songwriter, producer, visual artist, author, actress, humanitarian, activist, and mother. 

While her birth certificate may say Yvette Marie Stevens, in many ways, Chaka Khan is one of a kind. 

She is a trendsetter, a fighter, and a survivor. She redefined pop, soul, jazz, and funk, and has helped mold the contemporary music landscape into what it is today. 

Although Chaka has affectionately been referred to as the “Queen of Funk” and is also known as the “Empress of Funk, Rock and Soul,” she prefers to ditch the genre limiting monikers. After all, she has the rare ability to sing in eight different music genres, these include R&B/soul, pop, rock, gospel, country, world music, dance, and classical music. 

Chaka has developed a vast and loyal international fan base, and she has performed in six continents. 

Humble beginnings 

She grew up in Chicago, Illinois, and she was the eldest of four siblings. In her teenage years, Chaka and her sister, Bonnie, formed a vocal group, The Crystalettes, with two school friends. 

Chaka subsequently sang with several local bands before she became the lead singer for the band Ask Rufus, which would become Rufus, a group that would churn out hit after hit. 

She learned to trust her heart and instincts and follow her dreams from an early age. She caught the attention of Stevie Wonder, who wrote Rufus’ debut single “Tell Me Something Good.” 

This song earned Chaka and Rufus their first Grammy Award in the “Best R&B Vocal Performance by A Duo, Group or Chorus” category; moreover, it became a Top 5 hit single on the Billboard Hot 100 charts and the Billboard R&B songs charts. 

Rufus entertained audiences with sold-out concerts, and their smash hits include the ubiquitous “Ain’t Nobody,” “Once You Get Started,” “Sweet Thing,” “Do You Love What You Feel,” and “You Got the Love,” which was co-penned by Chaka and Ray Parker Jr. 

A Landmark Year 

2023 is a landmark year for Chaka. She celebrates her 50th anniversary in the music business, as well as her 70th birthday. 

An induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, class of 2023, solidifies her legacy as a musical powerhouse. With the once-in-a-lifetime performance at the ceremony, a dynamic medley of hits alongside H.E.R., Common, and Sia, stands as a testament to her generational influence within popular culture. She was bestowed the “Musical Excellence Award.” The prestigious acknowledgement recognizes artists, musicians, songwriters, and producers whose originality and influence have made an impact. 

“The Musical Excellence Award means a lot to me,” she said. “This meant even more to me than getting in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, especially just to have the words ‘musical excellence’ attached to my name.” 

Earlier this spring, on March 29, 2023, Chaka made a special appearance at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as part of “Women’s History Month,” where she celebrated her golden anniversary in the music industry, and her 70th birthday. Five of her outfits from her music career are displayed in the “Legends of Rock” exhibit. 

For over five decades, Chaka has remained relevant as one of the mightiest and most influential voices in modern music. Her artistic work has stood the test of time, and it continues to inspire fellow recording artists, musicians, and fans alike. 

Chaka possesses a voice of seductive fire and sweet smoke. At the age of 18, she came to prominence with the innovative multiracial funk and rock group Rufus. Back in the 1970s, Chaka was the group’s secret weapon, and she was both fearless and feminine. 

Rufus is credited for being “funky, sexy and soul,” and they subsequently “made an indelible mark on a generation of music.” 

‘I’m Every Woman’ and other solo hits 

“I’m Every Woman” was her debut single from her solo album “Chaka,” which she released in 1978. It was Khan’s first hit outside of her recordings with the group Rufus. Her signature song “I’m Every Woman” is more than just a hit single and Grammy-nominated tune, it’s a lifestyle filled with positivity. 

As a solo recording artist, her other hits include “Clouds,” “What Cha’ Gonna Do for Me,” “Through the Fire” and “I Feel For You,” all of which have become pop, R&B/soul, and adult contemporary classics in their own right. 

Speaking of “I Feel For You,” which was written by Prince, it was her rendition that catapulted her to the stratosphere. It was one of the most popular songs of the ‘80s, and it made history by becoming the first R&B tune to feature a rap vocal (performed by Grandmaster Melle Mel). 

She also lent her powerhouse vocals on two of the biggest Grammy-winning songs of 1986: Steve Winwood’s “Higher Love” and Robert Palmer’s “Addicted to Love.” 

Chaka: The frequent collaborator 

Aside from being one of the world’s most distinctive artists, she is known as a perennial musical explorer and song stylist. She has collaborated with such 

diverse artists as Prince, Joni Mitchell, Stevie Wonder, Mary J. Blige, and Ariana Grande to George Benson, Dizzy Gillespie, Quincy Jones, and Miles Davis. 

Her collaborative spirit has birthed so many musical gems. One that has become a musical trivia topic is that in 1999 Chaka’s voice became the voice for the theme song of the children’s television show “Reading Rainbow.” 

Chaka has also collaborated on countless film soundtracks over the years including “Love Me Still” from Spike Lee’s film, Clockers , “My Funny Valentine” on the Waiting to Exhale soundtrack, “Missing You,” from the Set It Off soundtrack, and her Grammy Award winning performance of the Marvin Gaye classic, “What’s Goin’ On,” from the documentary film Standing in the Shadows of Motown . 

Chaka: The stage and theater performer 

In 1995, Chaka made her theater debut on London’s iconic West End, where she starred in “Mama I Want to Sing.” 

Seven years later, in 2002, she headlined “Signed, Sealed Delivered,” the musical based on the music and lyrics of Stevie Wonder. Then, in 2008, she made her way to Broadway, where she stepped into the leading role of Sophia in Oprah Winfrey’s Tony-nominated musical “The Color Purple.” 

10-time Grammy Winner 

With music and streaming sales in excess of 100 million units, Chaka’s mantel holds 10 Grammy Awards (and she has been nominated 22 times, three of which were as a band member of Rufus), and she is consistently listed as a musical influence for generations of young artists, especially women. 

“It is lovely to be recognized by your peers, where they think you are doing a good enough job that you deserve a Grammy. It would be nice, however, if that would affect my pay grade,” Chaka said with a sweet laugh. 

Influences 

One of her biggest musical influences, the late but great Aretha Franklin proclaimed Chaka as a “premier vocalist.” Another one of her greatest musical inspirations, Miles Davis, paid her what she considers to be a huge compliment when he acknowledged that “she sings like my horn.” 

Chaka was also inspired by the legend ary Sarah Vaughan, as well as folk rock star Joni Mitchell and R&B/soul pioneer St evie Wonder. 

Modern artists such as Mary J. Blige, Erykah Badu, Janelle Monae, Lizzo, and Sam Smith have all cited Chaka as a musical influence. 

An eclectic discography 

In her respected and prolific career, Chaka has released 22 studio albums, 10 of which were certified gold and platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). 10 of her singles have catapulted to the top spot on the Billboard charts. 

Her recorded music has produced well over 2,000 catalog song placements. 

Her latest single “Woman Like Me” was released in July of 2022, and it raises awareness on self-respect for all women and encourages them to live in their own truths. 

“Life inspires my music. Love, breakups, and almost everything in life,” she said about her music and songwriting inspirations. 

The entrepreneur 

Aside from being an entertainer, she is also an entrepreneur. She is known for “Chakalates,” her gourmet chocolates, which she launched in 2004, as well as Khana Sutra, a fragrance collection, which includes candles, as well as room and linen sprays. 

The Chaka Khan Foundation 

In 1999, she founded the Chaka Khan Foundation, whose mission is to educate, inspire, and empower women and children to reach their full potential. 

It featured a variety of educational programs and initiatives to help women and children at risk, especially children with difficult backgrounds and autism. 

She is now relaunching her foundation and focusing initiatives on mental health and wellbeing. 

With this foundation, she is able to make a huge difference, and help people, especially children, on a higher scale. She is a firm believer that “the arts, music, and mental health are all very important, especially for our youth.” 

In return, Chaka feels that “giving is better than receiving,” so she is happiest when she is doing something for somebody else. 

Chaka: The bestselling author 

Chaka’s life story and her music career was profiled in her autobiography “Through the Fire,” which was published in 2003 via Rodale Books. 

Her memoir “Through the Fire” is a candid account of the trials and tribulations she went through in her life and music career. She is not afraid to be raw and vulnerable and opens up about her substance abuse, where she offers optimism and encouragement for her fans and readers. She refers to “walking through life” as a metaphor of “walking through the fire” accordingly. 

Dr. Chaka Khan: Honorary Doctorate Recipient 

In December of 2004, Chaka was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Music from the Berklee College of Music in Boston for her services and accomplishments in contemporary music and for her philanthropy. 

“A lot of kids get sidetracked and feel like they should put on some booty shorts, and do the song, and that’s sad. That’s one of the things that bothers me and makes me sad about this business. I always also remind kids to go to college because they are always hiring at the post office, and somebody has to work the computers,” she told young and aspiring artists. 

Chaka’s Awards and Accolades 

Chaka has been the recipient of countless well-deserved accolades and awards. Notable acheivements include a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, an induction into the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame, the Soul Train Legend Award, the BET Lifetime Achievement Award and Triumph Award, the World Music Lifetime Achievement Award, the United Negro College Fund’s “An Evening of Stars” Tribute, and a Grammy Honors Award from the NARAS Chicago Chapter. 

Her Chicago hometown also honored her with “Chaka Khan Way,” a street in her name, and Sunday, July 28, 2013, was officially declared “Chaka Khan Day.” 

Personal life 

Chaka has lived for a time in both London and Germany, as well as New York. She now resides in California. She is the mother of two children, daughter Indira Milini and son Damien Holland. 

Chaka is a true renaissance woman who can use her music and her book as a vessel to help spread her radio energy and indomitable spirit with the rest of the globe. 

“Thank you for hanging in there with me for all these years. I hope I brought somebody some joy, some truth, and some love,” she told her dedicated fans. 

FOLLOW CHAKA KHAN ON SOCIAL

black party cruise

Bobby Brown

black party cruise

Bobby Brown, born in Boston in 1969, is an iconic American singer, actor, and former member of the R&B group New Edition. He shot to solo stardom with his 1988 album “Don’t Be Cruel,” featuring chart-topping hits like “My Prerogative” and “Every Little Step,” and left an indelible mark on the music world by blending R&B with hip-hop, pop, and funk. Beyond music, he ventured into acting and garnered media attention for his high-profile marriage to Whitney Houston. Brown’s enduring influence on contemporary R&B solidifies his status as a beloved and influential figure in the music industry.

FOLLOW BOBBY BROWN ON SOCIAL

black party cruise

Durrell Artaze Babbs, known by his stage name Tank, is a highly influential R&B singer and songwriter hailing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Born on January 1, 1976, Tank has solidified his status as a prominent figure in the realm of contemporary R&B. With his soulful and emotionally charged vocals, he has cultivated a dedicated fan base and garnered critical acclaim. Beginning his music career in the late 1990s, Tank has consistently delivered a series of chart-topping albums and hit singles, including tracks like “Maybe I Deserve,” “Please Don’t Go,” and “When We.” Renowned for his unique ability to seamlessly fuse smooth, seductive melodies with heartfelt lyrics, Tank remains a respected and enduring presence in the world of R&B, continuously shaping the genre with his distinctive voice and artistic versatility.

FOLLOW TANK ON SOCIAL

black party cruise

Ralph Tresvant

black party cruise

Ralph Tresvant, born on May 16, 1968, in Roxbury, Massachusetts, is a celebrated American R&B singer and songwriter. He gained fame as the lead singer of the legendary R&B group New Edition, which he co-founded as a child in the early 1980s. Tresvant’s velvety, soulful vocals and charismatic stage presence played a pivotal role in New Edition’s success. In addition to his contributions to the group, he embarked on a successful solo career with his self-titled debut album, “Ralph Tresvant” (1990), which featured the hit single “Sensitivity.” Tresvant’s impact on the R&B genre is notable, and he remains an influential figure in the music industry, celebrated for his enduring contributions to the world of soulful, romantic R&B.

FOLLOW RALPH TRESVANT ON SOCIAL

black party cruise

Jeffrey Bruce Atkins  (born February 29, 1976) a leap year child, better known by his stage name  Ja Rule , is an American rapper. Born and raised in Hollis Queens. Atkins began his rap career in 1994 with the hip hop group Cash Money Click alongside members Chris Black and O-1. He took the stage name “Ja Rule”. Together they worked with DJ Irv to produce a number of songs, releasing their debut single  “ Get Tha Fortune “  independently in 1994. In 1998 he wrote a single which was picked up and recorded with Jay- Z “ Can I Get A ” which was featured on the Rush Hour Soundtrack.

Ja Rule has received many accolades for his musical endeavors – 2002 he received the BET Award for Best Male Hip-Hop Artist – from GQ he won the Musician of the Year – MTV Best Hip-Hop Video – NAACP Image Awards, he won for Best Rap/Hip-Hop Artist. As an artist, he has always been generous and has many respective collaborators most notable Ashanti, Jennifer Lopez, Mary J Blige, Jay-z, DMX, R. Kelly, Bobby Brown, Missy Elliot, Christina Milian, Charli Baltimore, Black Child, Caddilac Tah Murda, Lil Mo, Vita and Case to name a few.  

Following the release of his debut album “ Venni Vetti Vecci ” (1999), and its lead single “ Holla Holla ”, the album was Certified Platinum July 1999. He released his respective second album “ Rule 3:36 ” (2000), the album was a commercial success, selling 276,000 copies during its first week of release and debuting at number one on the Billboard 200. Kicking off chart topping hits “ Between Me and You ”, “ Put It On Me “and “ I Cry ”. He followed this with a couple of singles with Jennifer Lopez “ I’m Real ” – “ I’m Real – Murder Remix ” and “ Ain’t That Funny “ all of which placed in Billboard top 20. His 3 rd released album came right behind this successful movement in October 2001 titled “ Pain Is Love ” on this album he delivered “ Living It Up ”, “ Down Ass Chick ” and the Billboard No 1 hit “ Always On Time ”. Both albums topped the US  Billboard  200 album chart, launching him into the mainstream, selling over a combined 15 million units to a worldwide audience. Ja Rule followed up with his respective fourth, fifth and sixth albums “ The Last Temptation”  (2002), “ Blood in My Eye”  (2003), and “ R.U.L.E ”.  (2004), with “ The Last Temptation”  attaining platinum status and “ R.U.L.E. “ reaching gold status. As of 2018, Ja Rule has sold 14.4 million units in the US and has sold over 30 million records worldwide.

In between his very successful music career he was able to work on 4 Movie Soundtracks and about 20 movies. Most Notable “Fast and the Furious”, “Cookout”, “Scary Movie”, “Assault on Precinct 13”, “Cookout 2” and “I’m In Love with a Church Girl” to name a few as well as many TV shows Most notable “Follow the Rules” and “Growing up Hip Hop – New York”,  

In 2023, Ja Rule is the curator of the Iconic Vibes concert series, which celebrates the legendary Rappers in a signature one night only live band performance, which can be viewed on his https://iconn.live/ or in your App store. He is involved in bringing his Roses Wines to consumers and is instrumental in the creative for other products in development currently, Ja Rule is an Innovative Creative Entertainer whom we most certainly have not heard everything from yet.    

FOLLOW JA RULE ON SOCIAL

black party cruise

Kirk Franklin

black party cruise

With a celebrated career spanning 30 years, Kirk Franklin continues to make a profound mark on the music industry. The eclectic 19-time GRAMMY Award-winning artist, songwriter, music producer, and television and film producer has successfully bridged the gap between gospel, R&B, hip-hop, and pop as he continues to take his career and craft to new levels. It’s no doubt that Franklin’s God-given talent and deep faith have helped him remain the influential, relevant, and visionary he is today.

Franklin is back with his 14 th and most personal and reflective studio album yet, titled Father’s Day. The album, slated to be released in early October from his RCA-distributed label, Fo Yo Soul Recordings, is a collection of 10 inspirational, beautifully curated tracks (all written by Franklin) with the constant theme of love, faith, and resilience flowing through them. Father’s Day will be accompanied by a short film that will be released a few days before the album and provide a deeper context to what Father’s Day means for Franklin.

Making the album wasn’t exactly easy for the artist. While creating Father’s Day , the man Franklin grew up thinking was his father (whom he didn’t have the best relationship with) passed away, and shortly after that, he discovered his real biological father after a series of DNA tests. This was one of the most traumatic experiences Franklin had to go through, and someone else in the same position might have faltered. But for Franklin, who had his fair share of ups and downs throughout his life, his music and heavenly father God helped him get through this latest storm and also helped him come up with the name of the album. “I have no idea how I was able to finish this album with all that was going on at the time. But I know that I would have been in an even worse troubling state if I wasn’t working on it. Father’s Day gave me an escape and an emotional outlet,” he admits.

The lead single, “All Things,” released in May 2023 with an official video, is a bold, upbeat, soul-stirring track that is a reminder that God is what makes everything and all things possible. The second single, “Try Love,” which will be released in late August, is an uplifting song with a rousing chorus that goes: “ This is your day love/This is the day that you can’t give away love/ I’ve been waiting all day love/Waiting for your embrace love,” before switching gears midway into a funky R&B throwback. “Needs” is an authentic, comforting gospel ballad that delves into the need of God in one’s life. Gospel royalty such as Chandler Moore, Tori Kelly, Jonathan McReynolds, and Jekalyn Carr join Franklin on the exhilarating track “Again,” while Kelontae Gavin and Maranda Curtis lend their vocals to its sequel “Again & Again,” with both songs rejoicing in how no matter what, God will continuously move mountains for you. Franklin closes out the album with “Somebody’s Son” a deeply moving and touching song where he candidly expresses the heartbreak and pain he’s felt throughout his life (especially most recently) due      to the familial trauma he’s endured.

Franklin hopes the album resonates with people and gives them permission to accept the highs and lows of life while still understanding that God is always there for them. “For many people, the image of God is Him always keeping score of their wrongdoings. So there’s some fear when it comes to their relationship with God,” he says. “I hope this album is a stripped-down, honest conversation about the difficulty of the life journey and how life can be messy, nuanced, and a matter of trial and error even for those who subscribe to faith. But it’s all wrapped in a bow of love, and that love doesn’t always make sense, but is always constant.”

Since bursting onto the scene in 1993 with the release of his critically acclaimed debut album Kirk Franklin & The Family, Franklin has blessed the world with hit after hit, a bevy of award-winning, lauded albums (in addition to multiple GRAMMYs, he has garnered nearly 40 Stellar Awards and is a 22-time Dove Award winner), and a plethora of epic collaborations with artists such as Mariah Carey, Lil’ Baby, Chance the Rapper, Justin Timberlake, Justin Bieber, Demi Lovato, Khalid, and Michael Jackson. His most recent album, Kingdom Book One (Tribl Records, Fo Yo Soul Entertainment, and RCA Inspiration), a live, collaboration album with the gospel group Maverick City Music, was recorded at the Everglades Correctional Institution in Miami-Dade, Florida, to raise awareness on the injustice of mass incarceration and debuted at number two on Billboard’s Top Christian Albums chart and the Top Gospel Albums chart. The album also received three GRAMMY Awards, a BET Award, and NAACP Image Award. In March 2023, Franklin made history by spending 100 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Gospel Songwriters Chart and becoming the first person to reach the 100-week milestone on a songwriters chart.

In addition to his music awards and accolades, Franklin’s 2022 tour with Maverick City Music broke records as one of the highest-grossing tours in the history of gospel and Christian contemporary music. This fall, Franklin will hit the road again with The Reunion Tour, which will feature Israel Houghton, David and Tamela Mann, Tye Tribbett, and The Clark Sisters, and kick off in Boston with stops in 29 cities across the country.

Making hit records and selling out concerts isn’t the only thing Franklin has mastered. He has served as an executive producer for two popular holiday films such as Kirk Franklin’s The Night Before Christmas in 2022 and Kirk Franklin’s A Gospel Christmas in 2021 and also served as an executive producer for the BET+ television series “Kingdom Business” in 2022, which was renewed for a second season. In addition to that, Franklin and his wife, Tammy Franklin, premiered their new dating series “The One,” on TV One this past May and served as co-hosts and executive producers. Franklin is now shopping a few more projects around and plans to continue working on unscripted and scripted programming. “I’ve been very excited about being part of these projects,” says Franklin. “I still enjoy doing music, but I’m very grateful to be used by God to bring his name to the conversation and use the vehicle of entertainment to do it.”

For Kirk Franklin, his iconic songs, unforgettable verses, and undeniable showmanship have made him the star and household name he is. Still, he remains humble and extremely grateful to be blessed to share his passion for music with the world. Right now he is in the healing process, and the music gives him the strength to persevere. And yes, the past several months have been a trying time for the renowned artist, but at the same time he is excited about the release of Father’s Day . “The Lord has been super kind to me. This album is an opportunity for me to escape and an opportunity to communicate what I may not always emotionally be able to say,” he says. “This album has been a lifesaver God has blessed me with, and I am truly grateful.”

FOLLOW KIRK FRANKLIN ON SOCIAL

black party cruise

Method Man & Redman

black party cruise

Method Man & Redman (also referred to as Meth & Red, Red & Mef, John Blaze and Funk Doc or Funk Doctor Spock and Johnny Blaze) are an American hip hop duo, composed of East Coast rappers Method Man (of Wu-Tang Clan) and Redman (of Def Squad). They are signed to Def Jam Recordings both as solo artists and as a duo.

FOLLOW METHOD MAN ON SOCIAL

FOLLOW REDMAN ON SOCIAL

black party cruise

Ashanti is a GRAMMY® Award-winning singer/songwriter, actor and author, who burst onto the music scene with her smash hit, self-titled debut album Ashanti. The album landed the #1 spot on both the Billboard Top 200 and R&B album charts, selling a whopping 504,593 units in its first week and set a SoundScan record as the most albums sold by any debut female artist in the chart’s history, granting her a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records, which she still holds today. Ashanti has released six studio albums and received eight Billboard Awards, a GRAMMY, two American Music Awards, two Soul Train Awards, six ASCAP Awards, and many more awards and illustrious honors. Ashanti has continued to reign at the top as one of Billboard’s “Top Females of the Decade from 2000-2010” and continues to break Billboard records as having a Hot 100 entry in the 2000’s, 2010’s and 2020’s.

In 2005, Ashanti made her telefilm debut starring as Dorothy in The Muppets’ Wizard of Oz , opposite Miss Piggy and Kermit. She also starred in the Disney animated series The Proud Family and continued to receive roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Army Wives , Sabrina, the Teenage Witch , and portrayed Dionne Warwick on NBC’s American Dreams . She has also played herself and performed on the hit TV series, Vegas .

In her feature film debut in Coach Carter , Ashanti co-starred with Samuel L. Jackson, and the film was a #1 box office hit. Ashanti’s other film credits include Resident Evil Extinction, John Tucker Must Die and Bollywood film Bride & Prejudice . Ashanti executive produced, starred in the musical drama and feature film STUCK , released April 2019. She also executive produced the feature film Mothers and Daughters , starring Sharon Stone, Susan Sarandon, Mira Sorvino and more.

Ashanti recently starred in Honey Girls , in partnership with Build-A-Bear Entertainment and Sony Pictures’ rom-com The Plus One , that she will Executive Produce and star in, alongside Cedric the Entertainer, released September 29, 2023. Ashanti will also star in No Address , a film about a group of people that are experiencing homelessness and realize they must bond together as a family if they are going to survive, to be released in 2024.

Ashanti has built her brand with several major partnerships and has her own fragrance, “Precious Jewel” with AMC Beauty, American Express, Shea Moisture and Ciroc, to name a few. Her endorsements include Herbal Essences , where she is the first African American to land a national campaign, and Candies Apparel . She launched her clothing line in collaboration with Miss Circle and partnered with Pretty Little Thing to create her own swimsuit line “Ashanti.”

She has written her first book of poetry through Hyperion titled Foolish/Unfoolish: Reflections on Love and released her first children’s book, My Name Is A Story , with Harper Collins on July 12, 2022. My Name Is A Story was voted, “2023 Best Children’s Book” by the African American Literary Awards.

To celebrate her contributions to music and recording, Ashanti received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on April 7, 2022.

FOLLOW ASHANTI ON SOCIAL

Tom Joyner Fantastic Voyage Day 1

*All itineraries, dates and times, vessel, ports, artists, performers, appearances, locations, etc. are subject to change without notice.

**Consult with your accountant or preparer regarding the tax-deductible donation.

  • Music Cruises
  • Black Gay and Lesbian Cruises
  • Black Gospel Cruises
  • Black Singles Cruise
  • New Cruisers
  • Cruise Health and Safety
  • Cruise Ports
  • Specialty Cruises

Logo

  • Black Cruises
  • Most Popular Cruises

Black Cruise Groups 2024

black party cruise

Looking for the best Black Cruise Groups 2024? Whether your interest is in R&B, Hip Hop, Jazz or Continuing Education, we list only the most reputable Black Cruise Groups on our website. These groups have traveled for years and have an established reputation for booking thousands of guests.  Be careful with trying out new groups, as you may not get all that you are promised.

What can you expect on a Black Cruise? Incredible Music, Themed Parties, amazing entertainment, networking and more!

Interested in traveling with your own group? We have a Group Travel Department that can help you plan your trip together. Click Plan My Group trip today to get started or call 1-866-475-7023

Here is our list of reputable Black Cruise Groups 2024

The Smooth Jazz Cruise 2024.1 Celebrity Summit January 25- February 1, 2024 From Miami to Aruba & Curacao Line Up:  JEFFREY OSBORNE, NORMAN BROWN, MARCUS ANDERSON and more.

The Smooth Jazz Cruise 2024.2 Celebrity Summit February 1-8, 2024 From Miami to Aruba & Curacao Line Up:  JEFFREY OSBORNE, NORMAN BROWN, MARCUS ANDERSON and more.

Grown and Sexy Cruise group photo

Past Cruises: Soul Train Cruise 2022 Holland America Nieuw Amsterdam January 22-29th, 2022 Fort Lauderdale |Costa Maya, Cozumel & Belize City Line Up of Entertainment: Charlie Wilson, Patti Labelle (special appearance,) Patti Austin, After 7, The Whispers and several others.

Grown & Sexy 20th Annual Cruise Royal Caribbean’s Allure of The Seas February 6-12, 2022 From Fort Lauderdale, FL to George Town, Grand Cayman | Cozumel, Mexico | Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas ALL-INCLUSIVE of premium alcohol, meals, parties & events Nightly Theme Parties with Celebrity DJ’s Day Events : Seminars, Zumba, Line Dancing, Praise at Sea, Zip lining, Karaoke, We Got Next Comedy Show, Game shows & more! Urban Cruise Weekend 2022 Carnival Cruise March 3-7th, 2022 From New Orleans to Cozumel, Mexico | Yucatan (Progreso) Sail Away Party, Cocktail Party / Meet & Greet, Karaoke, Texas Hold’em Poker tournament, Comedy Shows, Multiple Pool Parties

Grown & Sexy Vibe Cruise 2022 Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas May 27-30, 2022 From Miami, FL| Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas| Nassau, Bahamas All-inclusive of premium alcohol, meals & events Nightly Theme Parties with Celebrity DJ’s Day Events : Seminars, Zumba, Line Dancing, Karaoke, We Got Next Comedy Show & more!

black party cruise

Festival at Sea 2022 Celebrity Equinox July 16th-24th, 2022 From Ft Lauderdale to Labadee, Haiti | La Romana, Dominican Republic | Willemstad, Curacao | Oranjestad, Aruba Events: Sports Tournament, Worship Services, Gospel Brunch, Theme Nights & battle of the DJ’s

Friends of FAS Wines, Dunes & Wildlife December 6-21, 2022 abour the Regent Explorer From Cape Town | Walvis | Durdan | Maputo | Richards Bay

We have seen a large interest in Dubai travel so we have a list of Black Travel Groups to Dubai with a great selection – but hurry they are booking up quickly. You may also be interested in Black Travel Groups to Colombia .

The Smooth Jazz Cruise 2023.1 Celebrity Millennium January 20- January 27, 2023 From Fort Lauderdale to Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Grand Bahama Island Line Up:  VANESSA WILLIAMS, ALONZO BODDEN, JONATHAN BUTLER & more.

Soul Train cruise Holland America January 29 – February 5, 2023 From Fort Lauderdale to Grand Turk| San Juan |Half Moon Cay. Line Up:  BABYFACE. GEORGE BENSON. THE COMMODORES. PEABO BRYSON and many more.

The Smooth Jazz Cruise 2023.2 Celebrity Millennium January 27- February 3, 2023 From Fort Lauderdale to Costa Maya, Cozumel, Nassau Line Up:  VANESSA WILLIAMS, ALONZO BODDEN, JONATHAN BUTLER & more.

GROWN & SEXY CRUISE 21 ST  ANNUAL Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas February 10-17, 2023 From Los Angeles to Cabo San Lucas | Mazatlán, Mexico | Puerto Vallarta, Mexico ALL-INCLUSIVE  of meals, premium drink package, pre-paid gratuities, onboard private parties & events Nightly Theme Parties with Celebrity DJ’s plus Day Events : Comedy Show, Adult Game Shows, Karaoke, Seminars at Sea, Cognac & Cigar pairing and more!

Uber Soca Cruise 2023.1 Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic April 9-14, 2023 From San Juan, PR to St. Thomas, USVI; St. Maarten & St. Lucia Food & Premium Drinks Inclusive, 55+ Events, 80+ Soca Entertainers, Non-Stop Soca Parties, Pre-Party, Live Concerts, Themed Parties, J’ouvert, MAS, Comedy Shows, Pool Parties, Beach Party & Raft Up, Workshops & Seminars, Sports Tournaments 

The Old School Cruise Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas May 5-8, 2023 Line Up:  LISA LISA. EVELYN “CHAMPAGNE” KING. DAZZ BAND and many more.

Tom Joyner Fantastic Voyage 2023 Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas May 20-27, 2023 From Fort Lauderdale to Cozumel Mexico| Grand Cayman | Falmouth, Jamaica. Line Up:  To be announced soon

Grown & Sexy 7th Annual Memorial Day Vibe Cruise NCL Sky May 26-29th, 2023 From Miami | Great Stir Up Caye private island | Nassau, Bahamas ALL-INCLUSIVE  of meals, premium drink package, $75 onboard credit, 1 specialty dinner for 2, pre-paid gratuities & all theme parties & private events Nightly Theme Parties with Celebrity DJ’s  plus  Day Events : Private Island Beach Party, Comedy Show, Adult Game Shows, Karaoke, Seminars & Sea and more!

Festival at Sea 2023 Celebrity Cruises Celebrity Equinox July 22-30, 2023 From Fort Lauderdale, FL to Nassau, Bahamas; Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman; Falmouth & Montego Bay Jamaica Theme parties, Gospel Brunch, Worship Services; DJ Battle; Comedy Shows; Sports Tournament and more. Currently sold out however waitlist is available.

Jazz Music Vibe Festival Cruise benefiting YOUTH Outdoor Unity Royal Caribbean Voyager of the Seas August 31 – September 4, 2023 From Galveston, TX  to Cozumel, Mexico Performances by: PERRY RICHARD & BLAZE, Live performances, meet and greet, private parties, theme nights, Private Event at Paradise Beach in Cozumel, wine giveaways, swag bag Uber Soca Cruise 2023.2 Royal Caribbean Explorer of the Seas November 11-16, 2023 From Miami, FL to Destination X & Roatan, Honduras Food & Premium Drinks Inclusive | 55+ Events | 80+ Soca Entertainers | Non-Stop Soca Parties | Pre-Party | Live Concerts | Themed Parties | J’ouvert | MAS | Comedy Shows | Pool Parties | Beach Party & Raft Up | Workshops & Seminars | Sports Tournaments 

Uber Soca Cruise 2023.3 Royal Caribbean Explorer of the Seas November 16-21, 2023 From Miami, FL to Destination X & Roatan, Honduras Food & Premium Drinks Inclusive | 55+ Events | 80+ Soca Entertainers | Non-Stop Soca Parties | Pre-Party | Live Concerts | Themed Parties | J’ouvert | MAS | Comedy Shows | Pool Parties | Beach Party & Raft Up | Workshops & Seminars | Sports Tournaments 

Check Back soon for more Black Cruise Groups in 202 5

If you love music as much as we do make sure to check out of Black Music Festivals in 2022 and Black Music Festivals in 2021 to plan your next concert! Have a group of people you want to cruise with? We have a Group Travel Department that can help you plan your trip together. Click Plan My Group trip today to get started or call 1-866-475-7023

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

black party cruise

  • Privacy Policy

5 Black Cruises to Book Now

Get on board with an exciting travel trend: ocean voyages created for us.

Sisters, we love it when we’re cruisin’ together. And we can’t think of a better way to spend our winter or spring vacation days than on a fantastic voyage filled with music, fitness and fun curated specifically with grown and sexy Black folks in mind. On a Black cruise, “You’ll find all of the things that people love about traditional cruising on an African–American cruise, but the difference is that American Black vernacular and culture aren’t limited to side chatter. On a Black cruise, they take center stage,” says Cruise Critic contributor Heather Greenwood Davis. So start filling your piggybank now and tell your BFF, mom, sorority sisters and your boo to save the date. Then get ready to cruise away from here on a high seas adventure that takes fellowship to a whole new level! Soul Train Cruise (January 18 – 25, 2020 ) It’s all love, peace and soul aboard this seven-day cruise, featuring 50 live performances by your favorite old-school R&B artists, including the Jacksons, Cameo, the Isley Brothers, Johnny Gill and Atlantic Starr. Hosted by Tony Cornelius (son of Soul Train founder Don Cornelius), the cruise on the Holland America Line Nieuw Amsterdam leaves from Fort Lauderdale with ports of call in St. Maarten, St. Croix and Half Moon Cay. With 24-hour in-room dining, plus interactive activities like karaoke, cooking classes, trivia contests, late-night movies and your chance to groove on down the Soul Train line, you’ll never be hungry or bored. https://soultraincruise.com/whats-included/the-ship/ Blue Note at Sea Jazz Cruise (January 25 – February 1, 2020) Feel the hep cat vibes on this cruise hosted by Blue Note jazz musicians Marcus Miller and Robert Glasper and producer and label president Don Was. With perks like swanky bars and lounges andCanyon Ranch spa facilities, the Celebrity Infinity sets sail from Miami en route to ports of call in St. Thomas, Punta Cana and Labadee, Haiti. Headliners include Melody Gardot, Gregory Porter, David Sanborn, Kamasi Washington and Kirk Whalum. https://www.bluenoteatsea.com Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage Cruise 2020 (March 28 – April 5, 2020) Party with a purpose on radio personality Tom Joyner’s annual Fantastic Voyage, starring Usher and Sisters from AARP playlist favorites Jill Scott and Alicia Keys. Departing on the Carnival Magic from Fort Lauderdale, ports of call on the all-inclusive excursion include St. Maarten, St. Kitts and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Step up to the mic in a lip-sync battle, savor pasta, burgers and barbecue, and rev up your reps at the outdoor fitness-and-fun of SportSquare, featuring the world’s first ropes course at sea. Your cabin purchase benefits the Tom Joyner Foundation, and a portion may qualify as a charitable contribution. https://fantasticvoyage.blackamericaweb.com Festival at Sea (Various dates) Do the Wobble, raise a glass and play dress up for costume parties along with 3,000 of your new best friends. Travel agency owner Patricia Yarbrough launched Festival at Sea in 1992 and prides her excursions on “cruising with an African–American twist.” The full ship charters of Celebrity Equinox are a celebration of family, dance, religion, and comedy and have featured comedy shows by Sinbad and Rickey Smiley and music performances by Salt-N-Pepa and Babyface. The popular Caribbean cruise for 2020 is already sold out. To cruise beyond the Caribbean, however, spots are still available on Yarbrough’s Friends of Festival at Sea – group excursions onboard luxury cruises to exotic locales like Southeast Asia (March 1 – 16, 2020) and Cape Town and Southern Africa (December 8 – 22, 2020). https://www.festivalatsea.com Grown and Sexy Cruise (Various dates) After cruising with friends in 2000, radio personality Keith “KJ” Jones noticed they were pretty much the only people of color on the ship. The following year, Jones cruised with 20 friends and family members, launching the inaugural Grown and Sexy Cruise. Now “the biggest party at sea,” G&S cruises offer several seductive boat trips and all-inclusive resort takeovers throughout the year like the upcoming Sixth Annual Vibe cruise (May 22 – 25, 2020). Setting sail on the Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas from Miami with stops in Nassau and Coco Cay in the Bahamas, the Vibe cruise will feature entertainment by DJ Spinderella and R & B diva K. Michelle. https://grownandsexycruise.com

black party cruise

Learn, Play, Relax

Island vibes spades cruise, coming summer 2022, about the cruise.

The 2022 Island Vibes Spades Cruise is a 4-night cruising experience, sailing to The Bahamas, with a mission of celebrating Black history & culture. Over the course of the cruise, attendees will have the opportunity to take advantage of 2 nights of spades tutorials, game nights, a $3,000 spades tournament, panel discussions on Black history & culture, and more.

black party cruise

a Summer celebration

The Island Vibes Spades Cruise will take place from June 20th-24th, 2022. What better way to bring in the summer than with a 4-night spades cruise, celebrating Black history & culture, as we visit The Bahamas?

two nights of spades tutorials

We have all heard the complaint that "Black people won't teach you how to play spades". Well, this cruise puts an end to that! We will have TWO nights of spades tutorials. Oh, and don't forget, Blvck Spades playing cards were designed to help you learn to play spades and we will literally have them "on deck".

$3,000 spades tournament

Yes! $3,000 to the team that wins the tournament!

Spades tutorials & $3k tournament

Learn to play spades during one (or both) of our 2 nights of spades tutorials. Next, enjoy open play each night to brush up your skills. Then, join the $3,000 spades tournament on our final night of cruising.

Black history & culture

Join the conversation during one of our panel discussions covering topics like Black history & culture.

rest & relax

Don't forget that it's a cruise to a beautiful tropical island... Bring your swimwear and flip-flops because relaxation is always an option.

Cabins Available

Choose a cabin type and be sure to have a partner. All cabins are double occupancy. JUNE 20-24, 2022 | BAHAMAS

  • Registration Closed Join our mailing list for info on future cruises.

Where are we sailing to?

We will be sailing to The Bahamas from June 20th to June 24th, 2022.

Do I have to know how to play spades?

NOPE! If you don't know how to play, we will teach you! There will be 2 nights of tutorials and you are free to join in on one, or BOTH, of those nights!

What if I don't want to play?

This cruise is a celebration of Black history and culture. If you don't want to play, you don't have to. Feel free to participate in all of the activities, or none at all. We just want you to come out and enjoy yourself!

What other activities will there be?

In addition to the spades tutorials and tournament, we will also be hosting a private party, panel discussions on Black history & culture, game nights, and other enriching activities.

BY THE NUMBERS

Nights at sea, spades tutorials, incredible experience, stay informed with our newsletter.

Questions, comments, concerns? We're here!

Black-Wall-St.png

Created by: E. MACKEY | @emackeycreates

black party cruise

Inside Festival At Sea 2019: The Black-Owned Cruise Experience You Need

When you mix nearly 3000 Black people, celebrity entertainment, and culturally relevant programs all while sailing on the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean, you get the experience of a lifetime. Travel Noire had the opportunity to be apart of the first Black-owned cruise. Now in its 28th year, Festival at Sea was definitely the move. The week started off with cruisers boarding the Celebrity Equinox ship for a week of ‘Cruising with an African American twist.’ Many attendees come on the cruise almost every year, so they knew exactly what to expect. Photo courtesy of Festival at Sea This year Festival at Sea was headed to St. Thomas, Tortola, Punta Cana, and Key West. At any given moment, you would hear music playing around the ship. Whether you were on an elevator headed to eat at the buffet, line-dancing on the pool deck, or even in the casino there was always hip hop, R&B, and jazz playing through the speakers. Related: Meet The Black Man Behind The Northwest’s Only Hip-Hop...

DeAnna Taylor • Aug 12, 2019

black party cruise

When you mix nearly 3000 Black people, celebrity entertainment, and culturally relevant programs all while sailing on the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean, you get the experience of a lifetime.

Travel Noire had the opportunity to be apart of the first Black-owned cruise. Now in its 28th year, Festival at Sea was definitely the move.

The week started off with cruisers boarding the Celebrity Equinox ship for a week of ‘Cruising with an African American twist.’ Many attendees come on the cruise almost every year, so they knew exactly what to expect.

This year Festival at Sea was headed to St. Thomas, Tortola, Punta Cana, and Key West.

At any given moment, you would hear music playing around the ship. Whether you were on an elevator headed to eat at the buffet, line-dancing on the pool deck, or even in the casino there was always hip hop, R&B, and jazz playing through the speakers.

Related: Meet The Black Man Behind The Northwest’s Only Hip-Hop Winery

The week was filled with programs and shows that only we can appreciate. The first night, we were welcomed with a silent disco party in the grand foyer of the ship. Three DJs, from across the country, dropped our favorite hits at the same damn time, while partygoers listened through headphones. We were able to change the channel to listen to whichever DJ was playing our favorite song at the time.

A big highlight for this annual event is their UNCF bachelor auction. Festival organizers select the finest bachelors that are onboard (and single) and ask them to enter the show. This year, one bachelor went for a record $6,500. Yea, he was fine fine. The fundraising goal was $20,000 and Festival at Sea raised well over that target. The money raised goes to help minority students receive scholarships for college through the United Negro College Fund.

That Tuesday night, we all dressed to impress for a white party on the pool deck. Special guest DJ Coco Chanelle along with DJ Taz, Mind Motion, DJ H Holla, and Tay Rock kept us rocking well into the early morning. It was so dope to see that much melanin dressed in white, united through our common bond of music.

The next night brought one of the most culturally appealing nights of the week, African attire night. Seeing us dressed in various forms of traditional garb was truly like stepping into Wakanda for a night. Fashion Show Coordinator, Marilyn Walker, hosted her annual Fashion show where guests modeled her custom African garments sold in her shop onboard. Then, DJ Level & DJ Taela took us into the night with the sounds of Afro Beats in the Grand Foyer.

On Thursday, Festival at Sea hosted their annual theme night celebration. Each year guests decide on a costume theme and this year it was “Under the Big Top”. At night the entire deck was transformed into a carnival complete with games, small bites and people dressed in circus costumes.

We ended the week with a DJ battle showdown that had everyone on their feet.

The Festival at Sea entertainment included King of Comedy Star, Cedric the Entertainment, legendary group Salt-N-Pepa, and R&B soul singer Raheem DeVaughn. While all of the shows were amazing, the best part was that they all actually walked around the boat and interacted with guests.

It was truly like one big family reunion. There were spades games happening all day and night, a Greek step show, swag surfing in the pool, and I haven’t even begun to talk about the food. Just know we ate well all week!

The dates and ports for next year’s sailing were just announced. Festival at Sea will hit Aruba, Curacao, Labadee, Haiti, and La Romana, Dominican Republic on board the Celebrity Equinox from July 18-26.

You want to hop on reserving your spot sooner than later because this event sells out every year.

They will be making a sales announcement next week. Be the first to get the 411 on Festival at Sea by clicking here .

To learn more about Festival at Sea and to see highlights from this year’s sailing follow their Facebook and Instagram or head to their website w ww.festivalatsea.com .

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE FESTIVAL AT SEA MAILING LIST .

Subscribe to travel noire

Get more travel content

Subscribe to Travel Noire, a free daily newsletter that features the best of travel, destinations, and guides to the cities you love from a new point of view — yours.

By subscribing to this newsletter, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Popular posts

Trending stories in world travel

The 6 best party cruises on the high seas, from sun-deck soirees to disco dance-offs

Ashley Kosciolek

Whether you're a joiner who loves a themed shindig, a sucker for a family promenade parade, a fan of high-class ballroom dancing or a college student who enjoys a raging kegger, there's a line to fit your cruise party style.

If you're searching for a raucous atmosphere with lots of drinking and dancing into the wee hours of the morning, you'll do best on short sailings (two to four days) out of Florida or southern California. Choose a time when primary schools are in session for a more adult rather than family-focused vibe on board. College spring break weeks are often the ultimate party cruises.

If you're looking for a different kind of party — perhaps something more refined or family-friendly — which cruise line you choose is likely more important than the length of the voyage or the departure port.

Here's my list of the best party cruise lines, whether you want to drop it low or raise the roof.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Margaritaville at Sea: Best for budget bashes

black party cruise

If you're short on time, cash or both, Margaritaville at Sea — which operates just one ship, Margaritaville at Sea Paradise — is the ideal party cruise ship line. Each sailing is just two nights, and the ship runs back and forth between the Port of Palm Beach in Florida and Freeport in the Bahamas.

Because most passengers seek out the ship for a quick getaway where they can let loose during a couple of days off from work, they're often in the mood to party. (After all, it's 5 o'clock somewhere.)

You'll find pool deck dance parties, Jimmy Buffett-themed nightly shows and several bars and lounges on board. The main lounge, Euphoria, is where you can get your boogie on after hours.

To be clear, the ship is more than 30 years old, so you won't be in the lap of luxury on one of these sailings. However, the pricing is great for cruisers on tight budgets . Fares start from $299 for two people for an ocean-view cabin — just $75 per person, per night (not including taxes or port fees). You'd be hard-pressed to find land-based accommodations for that little, and Margaritaville's fares also include meals and entertainment. The best prices are offered midweek.

Want to make the festivities last a bit longer? You can tack on a two-night pre- or post-cruise stay at Margaritaville in Orlando, or book a stay of two, four or six nights at a resort in Freeport before cruising back to Florida.

Virgin Voyages: Best for trendy parties

black party cruise

Ain't no party like a Richard Branson cruise ship party, and there are plenty of them on Virgin Voyages ' ships. When the business mogul signed his name to the cruise line, it was a given that the vessels would be fresh, trendy and ready to rock.

A mix of rockstar chic and drag queen glam, a cruise with Virgin feels like one long fever dream, albeit a pleasant one. All ships are for adults only.

Passengers can expect risqué entertainment, including lounge singer-style performances; late-night parties, notably Scarlet Night, where everyone is encouraged to dress in red for a giant poolside rave; and wacky events like scavenger hunts and secret below-deck tours that take you for tipples in the crew bar after the sun sets.

What's most refreshing about Virgin's take on cruising is its "come as you are" attitude. On a recent sailing, I saw crew — men and women — dressed as merpeople, passengers who decided to wear tutus to dinner (and they weren't even a little bit out of place doing so), and singers and dancers of all shapes, sizes and ethnicities.

Virgin Voyages' ships will give you music festival vibes at sea — but with much better accommodations and fellow guests who have actually showered. (Body glitter, glow-in-the-dark clothing and fairy wings are all encouraged.)

Carnival Cruise Line: Best party drinks

black party cruise

If you prefer to enjoy parties with an adult beverage in hand, a Carnival cruise is worth your consideration. Its mixed drinks are some of the tastiest and most creative in the industry, including specialty concoctions that change color or which are topped with poppable smoke bubbles.

My favorites? Try the Cucumber Sunrise (vodka, lime juice, watermelon syrup, orange juice and muddled cucumber) at the Alchemy bar on nearly any Carnival ship or the Crystal Ball (tequila, Green Chartreuse, agave nectar and lime) at the Fortune Teller bar on Mardi Gras.

One downside is that the drinks can be pricey. If you plan to consume a lot of alcohol, you might want to consider one of the line's beverage packages , which run from $60-65 per person, per day. At that rate, you'd have to drink roughly six cocktails per day to make it worth the cost, and if you purchase the package, anyone else in your cabin who's 21 or older will have to do the same.

Like Margaritaville at Sea, the line offers affordable sailings, but it has a larger fleet of ships from which to choose — some of the best party cruise ships afloat. Also like Margaritaville at Sea, its shorter sailings tend to draw a more party-hardy crowd, so keep that in mind as you determine the level of shenanigans you prefer when you're having a good time.

MSC Cruises: Best for late-night parties

black party cruise

Are you someone who likes to party all night and sleep in the next day? MSC Cruises is a great cruise line for doing just that, especially if you're sailing on one of its Europe-based ships. (On a recent U.S.-based sailing, the club was dead before midnight, but the casino and its bar were open until well after I went to bed.)

Every vessel has a host of bars and lounges, but you'll want to make your way to the onboard nightclub, where DJs play music until well after 2 a.m., as long as there's a crowd.

Themed parties include white parties, where all passengers are encouraged to wear white, and snow parties, where the crew blasts fake snow (read: foam) onto the pool deck as passengers dance.

If you also want to party ashore, look for Caribbean itineraries that offer overnights at the line's private island, Ocean Cay Marine Reserve . After the sun sets, the body of the island's lighthouse illuminates with LED lights to create a spectacular show accompanied by a shoreside beach party.

Don't worry if you feel tired or hung over the next day. In true Italian fashion — it's a Mediterranean line, after all — the coffee is superb. Every bar has a fancy machine that can make whatever your caffeine-starved heart desires: espresso, Americano, cappuccino, latte, mocha and more. Note that specialty coffee costs extra if you don't have a beverage package.

Royal Caribbean: Best for family-friendly parties

black party cruise

Royal Caribbean is one of the most family-friendly cruise lines sailing the seas. Although the line's ships offer plenty of adult activities on board — late-night clubbing, adults-only hot tubbing and 18+ scavenger hunts — they also schedule plenty of parties for kids and families to enjoy together.

For example, every ship that's debuted since 1999 features an indoor promenade, lined with shops and restaurants, that serves as the venue for special performances. For years, Royal Caribbean's promenade parades included characters from "Shrek" and "Madagascar" as part of the line's former partnership with DreamWorks.

Now, the promenade shows feature members of the onboard entertainment staff performing well-known hits, such as the Beatles' "Yellow Submarine," while dressed in costumes. Pirate ships and other props make the experience a fantastic one for all age groups but definitely for children.

Royal Caribbean also scores off the charts in terms of kids club offerings. In addition to a battery of supervised daily activities, the staff also organizes nighttime events, including dance parties, where kids can get their groove on with new friends while enjoying mocktails.

If that isn't enough, the line hosts several theme nights, which encourage passengers to dress up. Held on sailings of four nights or longer, these gatherings, which are appropriate for all ages, might be themed as masquerade, country western, toga or decade-specific ('50s, '60s, '70s, '80s) parties.

Cunard Line: Best for high-class hootenannies

black party cruise

If animated characters, twerking and loud, pulsating music aren't your thing, you might prefer a sailing on one of Cunard 's classic, nautically styled vessels.

On Queen Mary 2, for example, you can partake in ballroom dance classes, where you'll learn to cut a rug with the best of them.

At night, take your newfound (or, perhaps, well-worn) skills back to the ballroom, where a live band plays as cruisers dance classic styles like waltz, foxtrot and swing — often in their most swanky attire. Cunard is one of the few remaining cruise lines that still has formal nights .

On a recent sailing, people nearly three times my age were up dancing until well after 2 a.m. (Seriously, a 103-year-old WWII veteran showed me up on the dance floor several nights in a row.)

During the day, when you're not honing your fancy footwork, the ballroom is used for another more sedentary type of party: afternoon tea. You won't want to miss the pastries and finger sandwiches served by white-gloved waiters. The scones and clotted cream are a party for your tastebuds.

Bottom line

Whether your idea of a party includes loud, late-night debauchery with plenty of drinks or a more laid-back gathering where passengers sip tea in a formal ballroom, there's a cruise that will allow you to cut loose in whichever way you prefer. Your preferences are, ultimately, what determine the best party cruise line for you.

Choose shorter, less expensive sailings for a more raucous experience; select a longer, pricier voyage if you're looking for understated celebrations. Either way, you're sure to have a great time.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

  • The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
  • 8 cabin locations on cruise ships you should definitely avoid
  • Which cruise brand is best for you? A guide to the most popular lines
  • 21 tips and tricks that will make your first cruise go smoothly
  • 15 ways that cruising newbies waste money on their first cruise
  • The 15 best cruise ships for people who never want to grow up
  • Cruise packing list: The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

AFAR Logo - Main

Is Cruising Welcoming Enough for Black Travelers?

Not yet—but a group of black travel advocates is hoping to help change that..

  • Copy Link copied

four people lift their drinks in a cheers on a cruise ship pool deck

A photo from Celebrity Cruises’ All-Inclusive Photo Project, which aims to address the lack of diversity in travel marketing imagery.

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

It may be a bucket list trip for many, but Antarctica was never on Stephanie Jones’s travel list. In part, because it’s cold and in part, because it’s quite white. And not just the snowy landscape.

“I can’t tell you the number of family members and friends that said, ‘Antarctica? Why would anyone want to go there?’” says Jones with a laugh. “And honestly, it was the same question I had.”

In fact, she only began considering travel to Antarctica because of an invitation from Norwegian cruise company Hurtigruten Expeditions. Jones, founder of Black Cultural Heritage Tours , which offers Black culture and history tours in U.S. destinations , is one of six Black travel professionals who joined Hurtigruten’s Black Travel Advisory Board (BTAB) in early 2022. The board was tasked with helping Hurtigruten diversify its typical clientele through marketing initiatives and community outreach. Through BTAB, the cruise line’s parent company Hurtigruten Group has started a conversation that they hope will lead to a change in the expedition cruise industry’s woeful record of attracting Black cruisers. It’s particularly challenging, says Board member and Black Travel Alliance president Martinique Lewis, because the evidence is anecdotal. Statistics are impossible to find.

Stephanie Jones on a Hurtigruten cruise in Antarctica in early 2022.

Stephanie Jones on a Hurtigruten cruise in Antarctica in early 2022.

Courtesy of Stephanie Jones

“When it comes to Black people cruising, there are no numbers per se,” says Lewis. “There’s nothing that indicates what [our] community is doing, where they’re going, and how much they spend when it comes to cruising. It is something that we look forward to providing for the industry.”

Equally challenging: Hurtigruten’s goals aren’t just to create a more welcoming and equitable space for Black cruisers but to also illuminate any unconscious bias that may exist in hiring practices or product design within the company and the cruising industry as a whole.

“While some parts of the travel industry have been at the forefront of diversity and inclusion, the cruise industry is far behind, and the expedition cruise sector even more so,” says Hurtigruten Group’s head of public relations Anders Lindström.

Case in point: None of the BTAB members had ever experienced an expedition ship before, despite all being frequent travelers. Lindström says he has learned that is due in part to them not seeing themselves represented in the space. He invited them all to test it out, and although Jones agreed to the trip, she had concerns and hesitations leading into it.

“If you haven’t been exposed to or had access to certain experiences, or you haven’t seen yourself, or women who look like you, have these types of experiences, you’re just not sure,” she says.

When Lewis was approached to participate, she saw an opportunity to set a precedent for the entire industry.

“I understood how big of a task it was and how much of a difference it can make,” she says. “I understood the significance of what could happen when Black people see themselves reflected in cruising, and not only to the Caribbean, but to places like the South Pole, the North Pole, and the Galápagos.”

Two travel influencers sharing a drink on board the <i>Celebrity Apex</i>, part of Celebrity Cruises' All-Inclusive Photo Project.

Two travel influencers sharing a drink on board the Celebrity Apex , part of Celebrity Cruises’ All-Inclusive Photo Project.

Hurtigruten isn’t the only cruise line realizing it has missed the ball when it comes to Black travelers. In the years since the murder of George Floyd in May 2020, there has been a stronger emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in the cruise industry.

One of those efforts came from Celebrity Cruises, which in March 2022 launched the All-Inclusive Photo Project , a databank of images and videos that aims to address what Celebrity acknowledges is a “lack of diversity in travel marketing imagery.”

“As global brands, we have a powerful platform to act as a catalyst of positive change. We know we have more work to do and we hope we inspire others to join us on this important journey,” Celebrity Cruises’ chief marketing officer Michael Scheiner said in a statement about the image bank, which includes photos of models and athletes with disabilities, people of color, nonbinary and transgender models, and LGBTQ+ activists, among others.

River cruise line AmaWaterways also hopes to celebrate greater diversity among its passengers by “providing a warm and genuine welcome to all guests,” says Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-owner of AmaWaterways. The river cruise company this year launched a new Soulful Epicurean Experience river cruise itinerary in France that highlights Black history and culture in Paris and Provence. The 2023 departure sold out almost immediately and AmaWaterways is preparing to announce two new dates for 2024.

Adds Karst, “We are very proud to . . . develop products within the luxury cruise space designed to meet the needs and interests of specific travelers, including people of color.”

Passengers attend a costume party during the 30th anniversary of the Festival at Sea cruises in July 2022.

Passengers attend a costume party onboard the 30th Festival at Sea cruise, which took place in July 2022.

Courtesy of Blue World Travel

It’s not entirely altruistic. When it comes to cruising, leaving Black travelers off the manifest is leaving money on the table. Black American travelers spent more than $109 billion on travel and travel-related expenses in 2019. What percentage of that is spent on cruising has yet to be measured but the BTAB is hoping to change that.

Patricia Yarbrough, who also sits on the board, doesn’t need statistics to tell her what her 43 years in the industry has already shown her: Black people cruise and when cruise lines gear their offering toward them, they turn up.

Through her California-based travel company Blue World Travel, Yarbrough has been offering cruises that focus on Black travelers first. On board her full-ship charter Festival at Sea cruises, passengers will find the traditional African American card game of bid whist (instead of bridge), African head wrap demonstrations, and deejays who focus on music by Black artists.

She started Festival at Sea in 1992 because she felt like larger ocean ship cruises often failed to offer Black travelers a vacation experience worth investing in when it came to entertainment and inclusion. “It wasn’t anything political, it was just getting your dollars’ worth for your vacation,” says Yarbrough.

Her first cruise booked 250 people as a partial ship charter, but within five years she was selling out entire ships. Last August, her 2023 sailing sold out a full charter of the 3,000-passenger Celebrity Equinox in 10 hours. Her newest initiative, Friends of Festival at Sea, launched in 1999, brings that same Black-focused cultural offering to a luxury cruise setting. Those ships have taken Black cruisers to Italy, Brazil, and Southeast Asia, most often with Regent Seven Seas Cruises , and never without their own deejay, dance instructor, and dominoes—three of many things that make the group of predominantly Black travelers feel more at home on the ships.

I understood the significance of what could happen when Black people see themselves reflected in cruising, and not only to the Caribbean, but to places like the South Pole, the North Pole, and the Galápagos.

Most of Yarbrough’s cruises focus on the Caribbean, a region where her clientele see themselves reflected not just on the ship but in the people they see and interact with in the ports of call. That isn’t the case with Hurtigruten’s traditional offerings, which tend to focus on Norway and other north European destinations. But the hope is that a concerted effort on behalf of the BTAB and Hurtigruten Group will result in an environment that welcomes those who may never have considered going beyond something that feels more familiar.

The rush of recognition for Hurtigruten’s efforts may help spur that much-needed change. In December 2022, the group received Global Traveler Magazine ’s 2022 Outstanding Diversity & Inclusion Travel Award. BTAB also received two gold Magellan awards from industry newspaper Travel Weekly in the Accessibility/Inclusivity and DEI Marketing Initiative categories.

Lindström admits the praise feels premature given the board’s work has only just begun but sees it as a testament to how hungry the industry is for demonstrable change.

And it seems some guests on board cruise ships are ready for it, too. On Hurtigruten’s February 2022 Antarctic sailing, when the line hosted the BTAB onboard, important conversations took place that showed the value of having greater diversity on cruise ships, notes Jones.

Stephanie Jones and her daughter prepare to head out on a Hurtigruten Antarctica cruise.

Stephanie Jones and her daughter prepare to head out on a Hurtigruten Antarctica cruise.

“There was a really deep conversation about racism, between an older white man from a southern state and my daughter,” Jones recalls. The man asked if he could touch her daughter’s hair, an act many Black people find very offensive. “[My daughter] saw it as a teachable moment and . . . it led to a really deep conversation on racism in America. It was a healthy conversation.”

It was also the type of intercultural exchange that could lead to lasting changes in the way people view the world that can stay with them long after they’ve cruised.

For now, the Advisory Board is focused on the year ahead. They recently renewed their mandate for 2023, establishing three subcommittees—research and marketing; diversity hiring and supplier development; and customer engagement and strategic partnerships—which will be charged with helping to generate meaningful changes.

While this first year has been focused on introducing the board to the Hurtigruten product, 2023 will offer a chance for the board to be more active within the cruise line’s organization.

“They will be able to provide recommendations and goals across a number of facets of our operation, from marketing, tone of voice and language to hiring and on board experience,” says Lindström.

And this summer the BTAB, which also includes Kareem George (founder of Culture Traveler ), Naledi Khabo (CEO of the Africa Tourism Association ), and Rue Mapp (founder of Outdoor Afro ), will be on board the newly relaunched Svalbard Express route in Norway. Following the journey, the board members will visit Hurtigruten’s head office in Oslo for meetings with CEOs and senior management.

Jones will be there. In fact, post-Antarctic cruise, she has taken to preaching the “gospel” of expedition cruising to her friends.

“A lot of Black folks were asking questions,” she says. “Now that they’ve seen me and my daughter embrace the experience and just walk away with a phenomenal memory, they’re open to having the same type of experience,” she adds, noting that the trip made her more curious about what else she might be missing. “I will say it was the most transformative experience I’ve had while traveling.”

A woman laying in a super bloom of golden California poppies in Antelope Valley

Brothers At Sea Cruise

Brothers at sea halloween cruise 2024.

  • Black Cruise Events Calendar 2024 - 2025
  • Cruise For Less Than $200.00
  • The Grown And Sexy Cruise
  • Tom Joyner Fantastic Cruise
  • The Soul Train Cruise
  • Maxwell Urban Hang Suite Cruise
  • The Smooth Jazz Cruise
  • Super Bowl Cruise
  • Aventura Latin Dance Cruises
  • Capital Super Cruise
  • Festival At Sea Cruise
  • The Blues Cruise
  • Jamrock Reggae Cruise
  • Blacks Over 40 Cruise
  • Black Singles Cruise
  • The Groove Cruise
  • Travel Passports
  • The Jazz Cruise
  • Urban Cruise Weekend
  • Dave Koz Cruise At Sea
  • The Old School Cruise
  • Crab And Cruise
  • Rock The Bells Cruise
  • Days Of Summer Cruise
  • New Year's Eve Cruise
  • Black History Cruise
  • The Tribe Tambor Cruise
  • Paradise Island Cruise
  • Patti Labelle Michael McDonald Cruise
  • Melanin At Sea
  • Super Legends Cruise
  • Huddle On The Sea
  • Love And Harmony Cruise
  • The Vibe Cruise
  • 1980s And 1990s Old School Cruise
  • Past Cruise Events
  • UberSoca Cruise
  • The Steppers Cruise
  • Grown And Sexy Group Cruise
  • 10 Paradise Cruises - No Passport Needed
  • Black Deaf Christian Cruise
  • Utopia Carnival Cruise And Festival
  • Sistahood At Sea Cruise
  • The Girlfriends Cruise
  • Feteopia Cruise
  • Black Deaf Senior Citizens Cruise
  • Caribbean Fest At Sea
  • Botti At Sea
  • Wave Jam Cruise
  • BBlack Cruise
  • The HBCU Cruise
  • Soca On The Seas

Jolly Roger - Black Pearl Party Cruises

black party cruise

  • See all photos

black party cruise

Similar Experiences

black party cruise

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

jeanelle g

Jolly Roger - Black Pearl Party Cruises - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Jolly roger - black pearl party cruises information.

Cruise Insider Tips

The Ultimate Guide To Cruise Ship Theme Parties

If you are looking to add some fun and excitement to your cruise vacation, then cruise ship theme parties are the way to go. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, these parties offer a unique and enjoyable experience for all. In this ultimate guide, we will provide you with practical tips and recommendations to help you plan and throw the perfect cruise ship theme party. From choosing the right theme to incorporating captivating decor and entertainment, we’ve got you covered. So get ready to set sail on a memorable adventure of themed festivities and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Table of Contents

Understanding Cruise Ship Theme Parties

Cruise ship theme parties are special events or nights organized onboard a cruise ship that revolve around a specific theme. These parties are a fun and exciting way to enhance your cruise experience and add some flair to your journey. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, participating in theme parties can be a highlight of your cruise vacation.

Theme parties on cruise ships are important because they provide a unique and memorable experience for passengers. These parties create a festive atmosphere, allowing people to let loose, socialize, and have fun. They also help passengers connect with the onboard community by providing a shared interest or theme to bond over.

Common theme party activities include costume contests, live performances, dance-offs, themed food and drinks, and interactive games. These activities are designed to immerse passengers in the theme and create a vibrant and engaging environment for everyone onboard.

Popular Types of Cruise Ship Theme Parties

Formal theme parties.

Formal theme parties are a common occurrence on cruise ships. These parties often take place on elegant nights, where passengers are encouraged to dress up in formal attire. The theme could range from a classic black and white ball to a masquerade party. Formal theme parties provide an opportunity for passengers to showcase their style and elegance while enjoying a sophisticated evening of music and dancing.

Cultural Theme Parties

Cultural theme parties celebrate different cultures from around the world. Passengers can experience the vibrant traditions, music, and cuisine of various countries, immersing themselves in a multicultural atmosphere. Whether it’s a Caribbean Night or a Mexican Fiesta, cultural theme parties allow passengers to broaden their horizons and appreciate the diversity of the destinations they are visiting.

Decade or Era Based Parties

Decade or era based parties take passengers back in time to relive the excitement and fashion of a particular period. From the roaring 20s to the disco era of the 70s, these parties are a blast from the past. Passengers can get creative with their outfits and enjoy the nostalgia of a bygone era. Decade or era based parties are a hit among cruisers who love to dress up and transport themselves to a different time.

Colour or Costume Theme Parties

Colour or costume theme parties encourage passengers to dress up in specific colours or costumes related to the theme. Examples include White Out Night, Tropical Paradise Party, or Superhero Night. These parties allow passengers to showcase their creativity and have fun with their outfits. Costume theme parties often lead to lively conversations and interactions among fellow passengers who share a similar interest or favourite character.

Holiday Theme Parties

Holiday theme parties are especially popular during festive seasons such as Halloween, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve. Passengers can celebrate these holidays onboard the cruise ship, complete with decorations, themed music, and special menus. Holiday theme parties create a joyous atmosphere and bring people together to celebrate in a unique and memorable way.

The Ultimate Guide To Cruise Ship Theme Parties

Steps to Planning for Cruise Ship Theme Parties

To make the most of cruise ship theme parties, it’s important to plan ahead and be prepared. Here are some steps to help you get ready for the festivities.

Understanding Theme Party Schedule

Check the cruise ship’s daily newsletter or online portal to find out the schedule of theme parties during your voyage. Note down the dates, times, and themes of each party. This will help you plan your outfits and activities accordingly.

Planning Your Outfits

Once you know the themes of the parties, start brainstorming ideas for your outfits. Research online for inspiration and get creative with your costume choices. Make sure to pack all the necessary items, including accessories and props, to fully immerse yourself in the theme.

Participating in Activities

Take part in the activities and games organized during the theme parties. Whether it’s a dance-off, trivia quiz, or a talent show, these activities are designed to engage passengers and add to the overall fun and entertainment. Don’t be shy and join in the excitement – you might even win a prize or make new friends along the way.

How to Choose A Suitable Outfit for A Theme Party

Choosing the right outfit for a cruise ship theme party is crucial to fully enjoy and participate in the festivities. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect attire for any theme party.

Adhering to Theme and Dress Code

Make sure your outfit aligns with the theme of the party. For example, if it’s a Hawaiian Luau party, opt for a floral shirt or a grass skirt. Also, check if there are any specific dress code requirements for the party. Some parties may have formal or semi-formal dress codes, while others may require more casual or costume-like attire.

Comfortable and Appropriate Clothing

While it’s important to dress according to the theme, always prioritize comfort and appropriateness. Consider the weather, the type of activities involved, and the comfort level of your outfit. You don’t want to be in an uncomfortable costume all night or risk being underdressed in inappropriate clothing.

Accessorizing for a Theme Party

Accessories can take your theme party outfit to the next level. Choose accessories that complement your costume and enhance the overall look. Wigs, hats, jewelry, and props can add that extra touch of authenticity and fun to your ensemble. However, make sure your accessories are safe and won’t obstruct movement or cause any inconvenience during the party.

The Ultimate Guide To Cruise Ship Theme Parties

Maximizing Fun at Cruise Ship Theme Parties

To fully enjoy cruise ship theme parties, it’s important to immerse yourself in the party spirit and engage with fellow cruisers. Here are some tips to help you make the most of these festivities.

Getting In the Party Spirit

Before attending a theme party, get yourself in the party mood. Listen to music related to the theme, watch movies or shows that align with the party theme, or even read books or articles to familiarize yourself with the party’s cultural or historical references. This will help you feel more connected to the theme and enhance your overall experience.

Engaging with Fellow Cruisers

Cruise ship theme parties provide an excellent opportunity to socialize and meet new people. Strike up conversations with fellow cruisers who are also enthusiastic about the theme. Compliment their outfits, share your excitement about the party, and exchange stories or experiences related to the theme. Engaging with others will not only make the party more enjoyable but also create lasting memories and friendships.

Taking Part in Games and Theme Activities

Don’t be a wallflower at theme parties; actively participate in the games and activities organized. Whether it’s a dance competition, costume contest, or trivia quiz, take part and have fun. These activities are designed to bring people together and create a lively and interactive atmosphere. Even if you’re not the most outgoing person, challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone and embrace the opportunity to have a great time.

Tips for Family Friendly Cruise Ship Theme Parties

Cruise ship theme parties are not just for adults – they can be a fun and memorable experience for the whole family. Here are some tips to ensure that theme parties are family-friendly and enjoyable for everyone.

Choosing Family Appropriate Themes

When selecting theme parties to attend as a family, make sure the themes are suitable for all ages. Avoid parties that may have adult-oriented themes or activities. Look for themes like pirate night, superhero party, or Disney character night that cater to different age groups and interests.

Dressing Children for Theme Parties

Involve your children in choosing their outfits for theme parties. Let them express their creativity and imagination when selecting costumes. Make sure their outfits are comfortable and safe for them to move around in. Additionally, consider practicality – choose costumes that are easy to put on and take off, especially for younger children who may need to use the restroom more frequently.

Ensuring Safety and Comfort for Kids

While attending theme parties, ensure the safety and comfort of your children. Keep an eye on them during crowded events and make sure they stay within your sight. Dress them in breathable fabrics and provide appropriate footwear to prevent discomfort or potential injuries. Remember to bring any necessary items such as snacks, water, or entertainment to keep them occupied during the party.

The Ultimate Guide To Cruise Ship Theme Parties

Cruise Ship Theme Parties for Couples and Singles

Cruise ship theme parties provide unique opportunities for both couples and singles to have a fantastic time. Here are some suggestions for making the most of theme parties based on your relationship status.

Romantic Theme Parties for Couples

Couples can embrace the romantic atmosphere of cruise ship theme parties by dressing up in matching or complementary outfits. Take advantage of the dance floor and enjoy slow dances or lively dances together. Participate in couple-oriented activities like couple trivia contests, love song karaoke, or photo booths. Use theme parties as a chance to create special memories with your partner while having a great time.

Fun Ideas for Singles at Theme Parties

Singles can make the most of theme parties by embracing their individuality and enjoying the freedom that comes with it. Dress up as your favourite character or in a creative costume that reflects your personality. Use theme parties as an opportunity to meet new people and strike up conversations with fellow cruisers who share similar interests or outfits. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and have a blast on the dance floor or at the party games.

Mix and Mingle Opportunities

Cruise ship theme parties often include mix and mingle events where passengers can meet and socialize with others. Take advantage of these opportunities to make connections, whether it’s for friendship or romance. Engage in conversations, participate in ice-breaking activities, and exchange contact information if you feel a connection. Theme parties create a relaxed and fun-filled environment that encourages socialization and interaction among passengers.

Unique Cruise Ship Theme Party Ideas

While there are common types of cruise ship theme parties, some cruise lines and ships offer unique and creative party ideas. Here are a few examples of these unique theme parties that can add excitement to your cruise experience:

Musical Theme Parties

Musical theme parties are all about celebrating a specific genre or era of music. From rock and roll to disco, passengers can dance the night away to their favourite tunes. These parties often feature live performances, DJs, and themed decorations to create an immersive music experience onboard.

Sci-Fi or Fantasy Based Themes

Sci-fi or fantasy based theme parties transport passengers into the realm of their favourite movies, TV shows, or books. Whether it’s Star Wars, Harry Potter, or Game of Thrones, these parties allow cruisers to dress up as their beloved characters and engage in activities related to the chosen theme. It’s a fantastic opportunity for fans to celebrate their fandom in a lively and entertaining setting.

Parties Based on Popular Cultures or Fandoms

Cruise ships may organize theme parties that celebrate popular cultures or fandoms. From comic book heroes to popular video game franchises, these parties cater to fans of all kinds. Passengers can engage in discussions, showcase their fan art or memorabilia, and connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for a specific culture or fandom.

Customizing Your Cruise Experience with Theme Parties

Cruise lines often offer passengers the chance to participate in theme party planning and provide valuable input for future parties. Here are some ways you can get involved and contribute to the customization of your cruise experience.

Participating in Theme Party Planning

Some cruise lines invite passengers to join focus groups or provide feedback on potential theme party ideas. Take advantage of these opportunities and share your thoughts and suggestions. This way, you can have a direct impact on the types of theme parties that are planned onboard. Your input can help shape the future of theme parties and ensure that they align with the preferences and expectations of passengers.

Contributing Ideas for Future Parties

If you have unique and creative ideas for theme parties, don’t hesitate to share them with the cruise line. Write to them, participate in online forums, or submit suggestions through onboard feedback forms. Cruise lines are often open to new ideas and appreciate input from passengers. Your ideas could inspire exciting and innovative theme parties that enhance the overall cruise experience for everyone.

Sharing Experiences and Suggestions

After participating in a theme party, share your experiences and suggestions with the cruise line or fellow passengers. Write reviews, share photos on social media, or participate in online forums dedicated to cruise experiences. By sharing your thoughts and recommendations, you can help others make informed decisions and create a community of cruisers who can exchange ideas and tips for future theme parties.

Troubleshooting Common Theme Party Issues

While cruise ship theme parties are generally enjoyable, issues can arise that may require troubleshooting. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

Dealing with Unplanned Situations

In the event of a sudden change in schedule or cancellation of a theme party, stay calm and flexible. Cruise lines may have valid reasons for making changes, such as weather conditions or technical difficulties. Look for alternative activities or parties that are still taking place and embrace the opportunity to try something different. Remember, the cruise line’s priority is to ensure the safety and satisfaction of passengers.

Addressing Dress Code Difficulties

If you encounter difficulties with the dress code for a theme party, seek assistance from the cruise ship’s staff. They can provide guidance on appropriate attire or offer alternatives if you don’t have the necessary clothing. It’s important to respect the dress code to maintain the integrity of the theme party and create a cohesive and enjoyable atmosphere for all attendees.

Solving Socialization Concerns at Parties

If you’re feeling apprehensive about socializing at theme parties, remember that most passengers are in the same boat. Start by observing what others are doing, join group activities or games, or strike up conversations with people who seem friendly or approachable. Chances are, many fellow cruisers are also looking to make connections and have a good time. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and enjoy the party to the fullest.

In conclusion, cruise ship theme parties are a fantastic way to enhance your cruise experience and create lasting memories. Whether it’s a formal ball, a cultural celebration, or a holiday extravaganza, these parties offer something for everyone. By planning ahead, choosing suitable outfits, and actively participating in the festivities, you can maximize the fun and enjoyment of cruise ship theme parties. Families, couples, and singles alike can find opportunities for excitement and engagement, while unique and creative theme party ideas add an extra touch of excitement to your cruise. Get involved in the customization of your cruise experience and troubleshoot any issues that may arise to ensure a smooth and enjoyable theme party experience.

Similar Posts

The Shocking Truth About Cruise Ship Room Service

The Shocking Truth About Cruise Ship Room Service

Discover the hidden secrets and surprising pitfalls of cruise ship room service. Uncover the shocking truth and have your eyes opened.

Registration Open for China Cruise Shipping Event

Registration Open for China Cruise Shipping Event

Don’t miss out on the 16th China Cruise Shipping conference in Shenzhen, China from Nov. 25-27! Register now for early bird discount at www.ccs-cruise.com.

Princess Cruises Introduces New Katmai National Park Cruisetour

Princess Cruises Introduces New Katmai National Park Cruisetour

Experience the wonders of Alaska’s wilderness with Princess Cruises’ new Katmai National Park Cruisetour. Witness bears at Brooks Falls, explore Glacier Bay National Park, and encounter diverse wildlife. Prices start at $2,429. Book now for an unforgettable journey!

Barbados Welcomes Norwegian Viva

Barbados Welcomes Norwegian Viva

Discover the excitement as Barbados welcomes Norwegian Viva, a luxurious cruise ship. Explore the ship’s itinerary and the unforgettable Caribbean journey it offers passengers.

The Secret World Of Cruise Ship Theme Nights

The Secret World Of Cruise Ship Theme Nights

Unlock the hidden world of cruise ship theme nights! Discover the secrets behind these exciting and surprising events. From dazzling costume parties to lively dance-offs, this article will provide tips and recommendations to make the most of your next cruise vacation. Get ready for an immersive experience like no other!

Disney Treasure Cruise Ship to Debut in December 2024

Disney Treasure Cruise Ship to Debut in December 2024

Explore the Disney Treasure Cruise Ship, debuting in December 2024. Experience a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise filled with magic, entertainment, and amazing features for the whole family. Get ready to set sail on a treasure trove of fun and adventure!

black party cruise

  • Orientation Briefing
  • Reservations
  • About Barbados
  • Confidentiality
  • Dining with Baywater Tours

black party cruise

Jolly Roger

black party cruise

Black Pearl Party Cruises will excite you from the time they set sail.  Whether you are a first timer or a veteran “Pirate Partier” be prepared to experience the best Pirate Party Cruise – Ever!

Take part in one of the Jolly Roger’s many scheduled cruises and enjoy the fun, sun and of course their Captain’s special blend of Barbados Rum Punch.

black party cruise

Black Pearl Party Cruises can also cater to your individual needs. All sorts of functions can all be handled by their excellent well-trained staff. What better way to have fun during your vacation in Barbados than in a friendly relaxed atmosphere aboard the original “Jolly Roger 1”.

  • Google Plus
  • The Politics
  • Accommodation
  • Restaurants
  • Daytime activities
  • Nighttime activities
  • Beauty and Wellness
  • Wedding planners
  • Wedding vendors

Main Boat for Black Pearl Party Cruises Barbados

Black Pearl Party Cruises

black party cruise

Black Pearl Party Cruises  Carlisle House Bridgetown Tel: (246) 436-2885 Tel: (246) 826-7245 Website  

Geolocation

Activity Prices

General Info

Tell us a little bit about your experience..

More information about text formats

  • Allowed HTML tags: <a> <em> <strong> <cite> <blockquote> <code> <ul> <ol> <li> <dl> <dt> <dd>
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
  • Web page addresses and e-mail addresses turn into links automatically.
  • No HTML tags allowed.

Image CAPTCHA

©2015 Loop Barbados Inc. | All Right Reserved | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions

VIP Nightlife

Boston Halloween Black Pearl Party Cruise

Black pearl boston halloween party cruise: 4 decks, 2 djs, 2 floors music - saturday, october 29, 2022 aboard the sir winston boston yacht, at 60 rowes wharf rowes wharf ferry terminal boston..

Boston Halloween Black Pearl Party Cruise

VIP Nightlife &  Boston Nightlife presents…

Pier Pressure™ Black Pearl Boston Halloween Cruise

"The Legend Lives On ... The Sir Winston Boston Yacht " 

 • 4 Decks• 2 DJs• 2 Floors of Music • 1 Mega Halloween Yacht Party with Sounds by World Class House Music & Open Format DJs:

From the creators of  Pier Pressure - Halloween Saturday, October 29, 2022: Prepare for the ultimate Halloween yacht party packed with over 300+ people.

Bring your significant and or group of favorite friends; and create the ultimate experience that no club, hotel or land entity could possibly offer at this pirate-themed "all costumes welcome" party.

Don't be afraid to come aboard the most magnificent and luxurious yacht in the Boston Harbor, the ' Sir Winston Boston ' Mega Yacht. With two of Boston’s hottest DJs performing live on 2 decks, we'll rock this boat with the best club mixes on the planet!!

Top 10 Reasons Why 'Pier Pressure™ is the #1 Party this Halloween:

  • This is the biggest Yacht Party on the East Coast this Halloween!
  • An All Star Line-up of Boston's Top DJs
  • Exclusive VIP AREA with Special view of the dance floor
  • Check out some of the most gorgeous views of Boston Skyline
  • 3.5hr Party / 3hr Cruise from 11:00pm to 2:00am
  • 300 Party People in Costumes having the time of their lives!
  • The most unique party during the holiday weekend
  • Luxury cruise without leaving Boston Harbor
  • Boston's hottest party people
  • Massive party w/ plenty of ‘breathing room’ to dance your face off

So don’t be a land lover this Halloween - escape to this year's best and biggest Halloween party Boston has to offer!

CURRENT SCHEDULE

  • Check-in: 10:15 p.m.
  • VIP Boarding: 10:30 p.m.
  • GA Boarding: 10:40 p.m.
  • Gate Closes at 10:55 p.m. (Do Not Be Late, No Refunds if you miss the yacht)
  • Cruise Time: 11:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
  • Sir Winston Boston Yacht | 60 Rowes Wharf Boston, MA 02110

black party cruise

This isn't like any other cruise or event. Sir Winston Boston and Boston Nightlife's mission is to make sure our Pier Pressure yacht party is the perfect one for you and your friends. If you have any questions, contact us today!

SOME INFO TO KNOW

Age Requirement: Must be 21+ to participate. All sales are final; no refunds or exchanges. Prices are subject to change while supplies last.
Do Not Miss the Boat: Gates close at 10:55pm. Cruise leaves sharply at 11pm. Absolutely NO Refunds or exchanges. We reserved a spot for you on our cruise.
Boarding Location: Our cruises depart from the Marina at Rowes Wharf at 60 Rowes Wharf. We are located behind the Boston Harbor Hotel in the Ferry Terminal Building; at 60 Rowes Wharf Rowes Wharf Ferry Terminal, Boston, MA 02110.
Dress Code: Costumes are not required but strongly encouraged. All Mask will need to be removed prior to entering for verification of your ID. No weapons will be tolerated including toy: swords, knifes and/or guns regardless if they do not appear to be real or not. We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone or confiscate any props to a costume that may deem inappropriate or dangerous.
Bag Requirements: The only permitted bags that are allowed onboard the vessel must meet the following requirements: All bags must be completely clear and no larger than 6 inches long and 5 inches tall. Any other bags or purses will not be allowed onboard.
Parking: Parking is available in any of the nearby garages, including one right here at Boston Harbor Hotel. Street parking is also available on a very limited basis. The Blue Line Aquarium stop is the closest to us.
* Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to find parking. Boston Nightlife and Hornblower Cruises are not responsible for any parking lots.
Party Responsibly: Please DO NOT Drink & Drive. Opt for Ride Share Apps (Lyft or Uber), a taxi service or designated driver.
Please Note: This party cruise is expected to follow CDC Guidelines with social distancing and face mask coverings.
Covid-19 Protocol (if any at all) For All Guests will be announced closer to the event date, and will be based on current CDC Guideline and City of Boston's protocols for us to party safely and responsibly. If event is canceled due to Covid-19, you'll be refunded.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

No alcohol, open containers or outside food is permitted. No illegal drugs or controlled substances, including prescription drugs & marijuana, are tolerated. Using marijuana on the water is illegal, regardless of medical condition(s). The use and or possession of illegal drugs or controlled substances is absolutely prohibited by the US Coast Guard.
Yacht Company holds a zero tolerance policy related to illegal substances aboard all vessels. Anyone caught participating or processing any such items will not be allowed to board and substances will be confiscated.
If you are thought to be under the influence of, or caught participating in, illegal substances on board, you'll be quarantined until boat can safely return to dock and the cruise is subject to end for all guests immediately upon doing so; no refunds will be issued under any circumstances.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation. Let’s have fun and party safe!

Can't decide which boozer to hit this Halloween holiday? Not a problem. Get your attire on point and head out to some of the biggest Halloween costume parties & special events for a night full of fun in the city you're living or traveling to. Learn more .

PURCHASE POLICY

NO REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES. ALL SALES FINAL: There are NO REFUNDS, NO CANCELLATIONS, no credits, no exchanges, and no transfers after the order has been made.

Credit Card & ID:

You must present the original credit card used to purchase the ticket and a valid Government Issued Photo Identification (along with your e-tickets that have been emailed to you via Eventbrite when your order was placed): the name on both the credit card and ID match the name on your purchased tickets, in order to gain entry to the event. If the name on the Credit Card and/or ID does not match the tickets, or if you do not have both the credit card used to make the purchase and government issued identification, you will be denied entry to event without a refund.

Covid Policy:

No credit or refund will be issued as a result of the ticket purchaser or any person in the party contracting COVID-19 or a variant alike. By purchasing tickets to a VIP Nightlife Event, you understand and agree that tickets are non-refundable and you are assuming the risk that you may not be able to use tickets purchased if you contract COVID-19 or variants alike. You further agree that you will not attend any VIP Nightlife event if you currently have symptoms of COVID-19, have been exposed to COVID-19 prior to attending and/or have tested positive for COVID-19 and have not completed the CDC recommended quarantine period. Be advised attendees may be required to show proof of vaccine and/or a negative test result. As the rules for events vary by location and change often, please check your local listing and respective government authorities for any applicable rules that may apply to you. You will not receive a refund if you are unable to attend an event due to any non-compliance with local rules, event guidelines, vaccine status, or failure to provide a negative test result. However, VIP Nightlife may allow you to transfer your tickets for any reason to another person by having the ticket purchaser email customer service within 24 hours of the event [email protected] with a copy of the original ticket purchaser's photo ID and credit card used to purchase the tickets along with the email address and name of the customer to whom the tickets will be transferred. Please be advised that VIP Nightlife may not be able to honor all requests for transfers if they are made outside of business hours or too close to the time of the actual event.
If you encounter a problem at the event, you must file a complaint with Promoter within 5 calendar days following the date of the event; failure to contact Promoter within the 5-day period will be a complete waiver of your right to request compensation whether monetary or otherwise. If you need customer support, Promoter’s email is [email protected].

Purchase Policy:

By placing an order, you are confirming that you received this policy and are agreeing to abide by the clauses within. This Purchase Policy is a binding contract between you and event Promoter.

Event Booking:

By purchasing a ticket, package or reservation you're entitled to entry to event you're purchasing it for. At the time of your order, Eventbrite will place an order for your ticket(s) in the Promoter’s ticketing system, reducing the number of tickets available for the chosen event. Before purchasing your ticket(s) we urge you to confirm the title, time and location of the event(s) you wish to attend, as there are no refunds. Each event has a definitive date, start time and end time. If you do not show up to the event, you understand that you are forfeiting your ticket(s) and therefore your ticketing fee (the entirety of what you paid) will not be returned to you. If you do not attend your event, you're still 100% financially liable for your purchase. If you cannot attend event, you will not receive refund.

Event Cancellations:

If the event is canceled you will receive a refund for the face value of the ticket.

No Refunds:

Unforeseen circumstances beyond promoter’s control will not be grounds for a refund, including but not limited to the following: local or national weather conditions, natural disasters, waiting in lines, extended waits in lines, family emergencies, medical emergencies, employment issues including layoffs, traffic, parking, public or private transportation issues, etc. If you purchased for the incorrect date, location, event, etc, promoter is not obligated to provide a refund, credit, exchange or transfer. If cancellation or transfer request is approved, promoter reserves the right to charge a $10 administrative fee for its time, in addition to charging a $10 restocking fee per ticket if tickets are placed back on sale. Promoters, Venue Owners, Venue Management, Security, Event Staff, and other agents of the event, have the right to refuse entry to any ticket-holder, without a refund, for any reason at their discretion , including but not limited to: disorderly behavior, failing to comply with the rules of the venue, incorrect attire, intoxication, venue capacity, breach of security, and other restrictions. Ticket-holder is aware that the Venue and Talent are subject to change without notice, which are not grounds for a refund. Ticket-holder is aware that amenities promised by Promoter are not guaranteed, and are not grounds for a refund, including but not limited to: VIP amenities, drink specials, drink tickets, gifts, express entry, special areas, celebrity guests, etc. Dissatisfaction with any aspect of the event is not grounds for a refund, including but not limited to: music, DJ(s), decorations or lack thereof, party favors or lack thereof, beverages or lack thereof, alcohol selection, bar staff, food availability and selection, fellow patrons/attendees, venue staff, event staff, security, performances, ambiance, amenities, venue, check-in process, seating or lack of seating, wait in lines, emergency closures of event, emergency return of boats or yachts, delayed commencing of events, early ending of events, public amenities such as fireworks or public performances or the lack thereof, line of sight of public amenities such as fireworks or public performances being blocked by trees, buildings, boats, people, and/or other things, etc.

Release of Liability:

By purchasing the tickets through Eventbrite, you hereby release and forever discharge Promoter from any liability or claims for damages that may arise as a result of your attendance at, and voluntary participation in, the event(s), including claims for personal injury, or damage to personal property, or any other claims for negligence on the part of the event’s Promoter. By purchasing the tickets through Eventbrite for this event, you hereby release and forever discharge event Promoter, and their officers and agents, from any liability or claims for damages that may arise as a result of your attendance and participation at the event(s). It is hereby understood that the purchase of tickets by you and your participation in the events shall not be construed as an assumption on the part of Promoter of responsibility, liability, or control of the events.
By Purchasing tickets for this event, ticket purchaser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless event Promoter, said entities officers, owners, employees, and agents, from and against all claims, damages, losses and expenses, including reasonable attorney’s fees arising out of or by reason of complying with this Indemnity Clause. Ticket purchaser, their heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, hereby release, remise, and forever discharge event Promoter and its entities owners, officers, employees and agents, from all manner of actions, causes of actions, suits, debts, judgments, executions, claims, demands whatsoever, known or unknown, in law or equity, which ticket-holder has ever had, now have, may have, or claim against event Promoter.

Collections & Legal Action Against Debt:

Once you make a purchase, if those funds are removed from the Promoter's account and given back to you, you owe the Promoter that money back, plus applicable fees as outlined below. If you owe money to Promoter, Promoter reserves the right to take legal action against you and/or send you to collections for the recovery of said debt. If you are sent to collection or there is legal action taken against you, you are fiscally responsible for any and all legal costs and fees, directly associated and/or indirectly associated, with recovering the debt owed by you. Promoter's collection’s agencies reserve the right to negatively affect your personal credit score until your debt is paid. Once an account has been placed in collections, the only way to get yourself out of Collections is to pay the debt owed by you to the collections agency.

Arbitration Agreement:

In the event there are any legal disputes against Promoter, by agreeing to this Purchase Policy, you agree that such disputes will be arbitrated. You further agree that the location of arbitration will be set in Los Angeles County, California.

Severability:

If any clause, aspect, part or provisions of this Purchase Policy is found to be null, void, illegal or otherwise unenforceable, the rest of this Purchase Policy remains in full binding effect, and the unenforceable provision(s) shall be deemed modified to the limited extent required to permit the enforcement of said clause that required modification and of the agreement as a whole.

Thank you for your purchase!

Related events

black party cruise

Advertise HERE With US

Get Your Venue + Events Noticed

VIP nightlife complete party guide

Search events

Join our vip nightlife team

View list of availiable positions

find out more

black party cruise

Join our VIP List

Get the best deals & free tickets to events in your area!

Atlanta Austin Baltimore Baton Rouge Boston Charlotte Chicago Dallas Hoboken Houston Las Vegas Los Angeles Miami Montreal Nashville New York Orange County Philadelphia Phoenix Portland Raleigh San Diego San Francisco Seattle St. Louis Tampa Bay Toronto Vancouver Washington DC

IMAGES

  1. Black Bachelor party

    black party cruise

  2. Swinger Boat Party #54 Porn Pictures, XXX Photos, Sex Images #3864448

    black party cruise

  3. Velvet Swinger Club Cruise mit Lifestyle-Paaren nonstop

    black party cruise

  4. Cock hungry mature slut Erica Lauren enjoys a hard dick

    black party cruise

  5. Party Cruise

    black party cruise

  6. Hot School Teacher Gone Wild On A Cruise Ship

    black party cruise

VIDEO

  1. The Black Man's Guide To World Travel ® Carnival Mardi Gras Cruise Bahamas, Sosua, Turks And Caicos

  2. Mario Party 7

  3. Cabo San Lucas Party

  4. Black Party Rites XXXV Roseland, NYC March 22, 2014

  5. Sail Away Party aboard the Disney Dream Christening Cruise

  6. Mario Party 7

COMMENTS

  1. Black Cruises

    The groups listed below organize themed cruises for groups, in this case, Black Cultural Cruises. Some cruises take up a quarter, half, or all of a ship big cruise ship. Other Black Cultural Cruises may have groups of 100-200. ... Tom Joyner Fantastic Voyage Cruise "Party with a Purpose" in the Caribbean with Tom Joyner and friends

  2. Black Cruises: What to Know About African-American Cultural Cruises

    The black cruises we found aren't sponsored by the cruise lines ... over the Super Bowl weekend. In its sixth year, the theme cruise offers a cigar sail-away party, a lip sync battle and, of ...

  3. Black Cruise Events Calendar 2024

    Comments:The Worlds #1 Black Gay Cruise Takes the party to Hollywood, CA - Luxury Costa Cruise Lines - 7 Days Surrounded by the Hottest Men on The Planet *Unlimited Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner *Access to All BROTHERS at SEA V.I.P. Private Party's *Access to All BROTHERS at SEA V.I.P.-Exceptional Customer Service & Discounts *Award-winning ...

  4. Black Cruise Events To Book ASAP

    5 Black Cruise Events To Book ASAP. Issa party — at sea. African-American cruises have grown in popularity. Here are some to know about that spotlight Black history, jazz music and more. Issa ...

  5. Fantastic Voyage 2024

    The ultimate cruise ship party with a purpose | tickets, itinerary, live R&B, soul, funk, and gospel music, legendary music performers, island hopping in the Caribbean sea, summer fun for Black adults.

  6. Black Cruise Groups 2024

    The Smooth Jazz Cruise 2024.2 Celebrity Summit February 1-8, 2024 From Miami to Aruba & Curacao Line Up: JEFFREY OSBORNE, NORMAN BROWN, MARCUS ANDERSON and more. Black Cruise Group - Grown and Sexy Event photo. Past Cruises: Soul Train Cruise 2022 Holland America Nieuw Amsterdam January 22-29th, 2022 Fort Lauderdale |Costa Maya, Cozumel ...

  7. 5 Black Cruises to Book Now

    Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage Cruise 2020 (March 28 - April 5, 2020) Party with a purpose on radio personality Tom Joyner's annual Fantastic Voyage, starring Usher and Sisters from AARP playlist favorites Jill Scott and Alicia Keys. Departing on the Carnival Magic from Fort Lauderdale, ports of call on the all-inclusive excursion ...

  8. Black Cruise Week

    Black Cruise Week Is The Largest Cruise Network Portal In The World With Over 54 African American Themed Cruises Scheduled For 2024 - 2025! If you have ever taken a cruise or just want to find out more about all your options, then you are in the right place. We will have all the pictures, videos, news and so much more updated every day.

  9. Home

    The Cruise. The 2022 Island Vibes Spades Cruise is a 4-night cruising experience, sailing to The Bahamas, with a mission of celebrating Black history & culture. Over the course of the cruise, attendees will have the opportunity to take advantage of 2 nights of spades tutorials, game nights, a $3,000 spades tournament, panel discussions on Black ...

  10. How The First Black Cruise Experience Aims To Resurface At Sea ...

    Blue World Travel's Unique Post-Pandemic Cruises. The first Black cruise experience is celebrating 30 years with three culturally inspired cruises. These cruises include: Friends of Festival at ...

  11. Inside Festival At Sea 2019: The Black-Owned Cruise ...

    DeAnna Taylor • Aug 12, 2019. When you mix nearly 3000 Black people, celebrity entertainment, and culturally relevant programs all while sailing on the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean, you get the experience of a lifetime. Travel Noire had the opportunity to be apart of the first Black-owned cruise. Now in its 28th year, Festival at Sea ...

  12. These are the best party cruises on the high seas

    A shot from the Scarlet Night party on Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady. ERICA SILVERSTEIN/THE POINTS GUY. Ain't no party like a Richard Branson cruise ship party, and there are plenty of them on Virgin Voyages' ships. When the business mogul signed his name to the cruise line, it was a given that the vessels would be fresh, trendy and ready to rock.

  13. How Cruise Lines Aim to Be More Welcoming for Black Travelers

    Hurtigruten isn't the only cruise line realizing it has missed the ball when it comes to Black travelers. In the years since the murder of George Floyd in May 2020, there has been a stronger emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in the cruise industry. One of those efforts came from Celebrity Cruises, which in March 2022 ...

  14. Brothers At Sea Cruise

    BROTHERS AT SEA HALLOWEEN CRUISE 2024. The Worlds #1 Black Gay Cruise Takes the party to Hollywood, CA -. - Halloween Party Cruise -. Departs: Hollywood, Ca. When: October 25 - November 2, 2024. Luxury Costa Cruise Lines. Where: Cabo San Lucus ~PUERTO VALLARTA ~ Mazatlan. Video unavailable. Watch on YouTube.

  15. 6 Best Party Cruises: Top Cruise Ships for Partying

    The quintessential cool party cruise, adults-only sailings on Virgin's Scarlet Lady promise legendary musical entertainment. High-profile artists like Mark Ronson and Diplo started to join some of ...

  16. Jolly Roger

    The ORIGINAL Jolly Roger 1 is back! This boat is bought to you by Black Pearl Party Cruises. The most fun in the sun in the Caribbean!Please check out our website and become a fan on facebook - search for "Barbados Black Pearl Jolly Roger 1". Bridgetown, Barbados.

  17. The Ultimate Guide To Cruise Ship Theme Parties

    How to Choose A Suitable Outfit for A Theme Party. Choosing the right outfit for a cruise ship theme party is crucial to fully enjoy and participate in the festivities. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect attire for any theme party. Adhering to Theme and Dress Code. Make sure your outfit aligns with the theme of the party.

  18. Barbados Black Pearl Jolly Roger 1

    The biggest and best party cruise in the Caribbean! Snorkel with the Turtles! Fabulous Lunch or Dinner. Daily cruises 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Please call for evening cruise schedule - 246 436 2885.

  19. Jolly Roger

    Black Pearl Party Cruises will excite you from the time they set sail. Whether you are a first timer or a veteran "Pirate Partier" be prepared to experience the best Pirate Party Cruise - Ever! Take part in one of the Jolly Roger's many scheduled cruises and enjoy the fun, sun and of course their Captain's special blend of Barbados ...

  20. Boston Halloween Black Pearl Party Cruise

    Cruise Time: 10:30pm - 1:30am. Spirit of Boston | 200 Seaport Blvd | 21+ Event. This isn't like any other cruise or event. Hornblower & Boston Nightlife's mission is to make sure our Pier Pressure yacht party is the perfect one for you and your friends. If you have any questions, call 617-993-6444.

  21. Black Pearl Party Cruises

    US$87.50 per adult and US$45.00 per child (4-12years) Taste of the Caribbean Dinner Cruise & Show. Includes round trip transfers, cocktail eats from some of the Caribbean islands, such as Jerk Pork from Jamaica, Bol Jol from St. Vincent, Pelouri Balls from Trinidad, Fish cakes and Breadfruit chips from Barbados along with a BBQ Steak or grilled ...

  22. D.C. Halloween

    This is the biggest Yacht Party on Washington Harbor this Halloween! 2. An All Star Line-up of D.C.'s Top DJs. 3. Exclusive VIP AREA. 4. Check out some of the most gorgeous views of the D.C Skyline. 5. 3hr Party / 2hr Cruise from 12:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. 6.

  23. Boston Halloween Black Pearl Party Cruise

    Black Pearl Boston Halloween Party Cruise: 4 Decks, 2 DJs, 2 Floors Music - Saturday, October 29, 2022 aboard the Sir Winston Boston Yacht, at 60 Rowes Wharf Rowes Wharf Ferry Terminal Boston. Halloween's massive yacht party in full effect, Black Pearl, with 2 levels of music and top Boston DJs aboard the Sir Winston Boston Yacht!