black couple on cruise

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

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.

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BLACK COUPLES CRUISE

You and your partner can celebrate growth and unity with other successful couples. Please note that this is not another boring marriage retreat. The Black Couples Cruise is a non-stop Celebration of black love.

RELAX & REFRESH

Lounging on decks, pristine pools, hot tubs, strolls on beautiful beaches. Rest & relax with your partner.

There is always a party happening on Black Couples Cruise to unwind and have the some adult fun.

ABOUT CRUISE

Imagine yourself and your partner on a luxurious cruise ship, surrounded by crystal-clear waters and sun-kissed beaches. You’re sipping cocktails and enjoying quality time together, while also connecting with other successful Black couples from all over the country.

Join us for an unforgettable adventure to the beautiful Bahamas, filled with unique experiences that will create lifelong memories.

Our exclusive cruise offers a unique blend of luxury, entertainment, and connections. Experience the beauty of the Bahamas while indulging in thoughtfully curated activities designed to foster meaningful relationships and unforgettable memories. From our opening social to our closing celebration, every moment is crafted with you and your partner in mind.

Cruise includes: BCC Opening Social, Couples Dance Nights, Group Dinners, Discussions, Entertainment & Shows, Movies under the Stars, Couple’s Game Show, Casino Royal (formal affair), Couples Karaoke, Networking, Battle of the Sexes, Group Excursions, BCC Closing Social and more.

You won’t want to miss all the FUN we have!

additional info.

ABOUT INVITATIONS

If extended an invitation, you will be able to RSVP and reserve you and your partner’s spot on the next BCC. New couple invites are sent at least four months before our next embankment. Once a couple has been extended a invite, no need to submit for concurrent cruises.

No Anti-Social Couples

No Swingers in the “Lifestyle”  

Must Be Age 30+

Stay Updated!

Follow us on Instagram for updates: @BlackCouplesCruise

Email: [email protected]

BMC Trips & Retreats 2024-2025

Elevate Your Experience: Thrive in Love Beyond Measure

About our trips!

Over 4 years of sold out experiences!

Discover unforgettable getaways designed to strengthen, unite, and rejuvenate your love. Join us for the ultimate experience in love, laughter, and connection at our exclusive retreats and couples' getaways. Hosted by Black Marriage Club, these trips offer a unique opportunity for couples to enrich their relationships in breathtaking locations across the world. Each trip is thoughtfully curated with love, adventure, and growth in mind, ensuring that you leave with cherished memories and a deeper bond.

Thrive in Love Couples Retreat 2024

Secrets the Vine All-inclusive Resort

Cancun, Mexico

June 21-24, 2024

Thrive in Love Retreat  in Mexico, embodies our mission by offering a perfect blend of romance, education, entertainment, and community-building. Take action today, choose the perfect package for you and your partner, and embark on a journey to a healthier, more loving relationship. We'll see you there!"

Klarna, Afterpay and Affirm payment plan options available!

*registration fees are not included in travel expenses. Resort accommodations coordination by Picture Perfect Escapes (Shavon Bush)*

Cabin Weekend

Are you ready for a romantic escape nestled in the picturesque Smoky Mountains? Join us from January 17-20, 2025, for a love-filled getaway in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, that promises to create magical memories for you and your significant other.

Space is limited and expected to sell out! Register Today!

BMC Black Love Couples Cruise

Mexico & Bahamas

October 6-11, 2024

Island Melanin Mixer 2025

Breathless Resort - Montego Bay Jamaica

(Open to All: Families 21+, Single, Engaged, Married)

May 29 - June 2, 2025

It's the Black Love Takeover!

Grab your bae, cousins, and friends! We're headed back to Jamaica for the 3rd Year! This trip is not just couples alone, but open to all. Join us for a Private Boat Party*, Exclusive Meet & Greet and More. Although this is not our traditional retreat, it's a great time just to relax, network and have fun! Click the link below and book your travel ASAP. This trip will sell out fast!

Resort accommodations coordination by Picture Perfect Escapes (Shavon Bush). Private catermeran is extra*

*PLEASE NOTE ALL BMC TRIPS/RETREAT REGISTRATIONS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE AND NON-TRANSEFFERABLE*

Looking for something local?

Join the love empowerment bootcamp tour!

© 2024 Black Marriage Club , All Rights Reserved

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 Cruise Events Calendar 2024 - 2025

AFRICAN AMERICAN THEMED CRUISES FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY 2025

African american themed cruises for the month of february 2024 - 2025, african american themed cruises for the month of march 2025, african american themed cruises for the month of april 2024, african american themed cruises for the month of may 2024, african american themed cruises for the month of june 2024, african american themed cruises for the month of july 2024, african american themed cruises for the month of august 2024, african american themed cruises for the month of september 2024, african american themed cruises for the month of october 2024, african american themed cruises for the month of november 2024, african american themed cruises for the month of december 2024.

• Cruise For Less Than $200.00
• The Grown And Sexy Cruise
• Tom Joyner Fantastic Cruise
• The Soul Train 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
• 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
• UberSoca Cruise
• The Steppers Cruise
• Grown And Sexy Group Cruise
• 10 Paradise Cruises - No Passport Needed
• Black Deaf Christian Cruise
• 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
• Past Cruise Events
• Mr. Smooth Cruise
• Mature Black Men Cruise

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY! Please check your email for confirmation from us.

The reality of traveling while Black on Royal Caribbean’s 9-month Ultimate World Cruise

Travelers are reporting back from Royal Caribbean’s 9-month cruise — with at least one Black passenger recounting micro-aggressions onboard.

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The world of travel continually offers surprises, and the recent surge in popularity of global cruises is causing quite a stir on social media. Specifically, Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate World Cruise , spanning 274 nights, embarked on its inaugural journey on Dec. 10, 2023, with an expected return on Sept. 10, 2024. Soon after its launch, the cruise gained traction on platforms like TikTok, with passengers likening the voyage to a real-life reality show — and like reality shows, there have been less favorable aspects, particularly for Black passengers. 

Even on a voyage that promises “bonding with like-minded explorers over global discoveries across all seven continents” — and where every passenger has presumably made a considerable investment — issues such as racial profiling and micro-aggressions surfaced quickly and prominently, highlighting undeniably significant concerns that warrant attention.

When Royal Caribbean unveiled the Ultimate World Cruise aboard its Serenade of the Seas craft in late 2021 and began bookings in early 2022, travel enthusiasts viewed it as a dream opportunity. The prospect of exploring 11 world wonders while visiting over 60 countries across a nine-month voyage with all accommodations, meals, and beverages included seemed like an unparalleled adventure. However, before boarding even commenced, the pre-cruise gala signaled to one passenger, Brandee Lake , that it might not be an entirely smooth ride. 

 In a less-than-enthused video uploaded to her TikTok just seven days into the cruise, Lake shared an update:

 “If I get asked if I work on this ship one more time… It started at the pre-cruise gala. It was assumed that I must be working,” she expressed. “After I said I was not working, then I was asked was I independently wealthy. Like, basically, ‘How did you afford this?’”

Lake further remarked, “Now, one of the crew members assumed that I was not a guest when getting back on the ship from an excursion. It’s gonna be a long nine months,” she added, nodding in apparent acknowledgment of the complexities she may or may not have anticipated as a Black woman on this adventure.

Since then, individuals have been captivated by the #ultimateworldcruise “series,” which initially began as an informative hashtag offering a comprehensive look into ship life, complete with insights into onboard drama and the genuine experience of a nine-month voyage — that includes several stops with a strong history in the transatlantic slave trade . However, due to insights like Lake’s, some commenters are now leveraging the hashtag to monitor the safety, well-being, and mental and emotional health of the cruise’s Black passengers, raising concerns that Royal Caribbean may not have adequately anticipated or addressed their needs.

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While it’s understood that cruise operators can’t control every interaction among passengers, including potential microaggressions or overtly racist behaviors toward Black travelers who’ve paid the same $53,999 to $117,599 fee per person — depending on the stateroom booked— as their white counterparts, there’s a reasonable expectation of awareness and sensitivity among the crew. Ideally, crew members should be educated and trained both before and during such voyages —  and certain behaviors should be unequivocally unacceptable.

Even under normal circumstances, repeated experiences of racial bias can profoundly affect those targeted , leading to feelings of exclusion, invalidation, and other psychological distress. Given that this is a nine-month-long cruise, individuals might find it challenging, if not near impossible, to distance themselves from such situations, given limited spaces to escape onboard, rightly intensifying concerns about what should be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Obviously, the issues aren’t exclusive to ship life. “[Along] with those interactions comes a new set of excuses that are already in Lake’s comments but are also across multiple videos on this app,” points out TikTok user @culturework . “For the pictures, it’s just like, ‘Oh, they were just admiring your beauty or loved your outfit.’ For the cruise, it’s like, ‘Oh, it’s just day 3, wait until they get to know you, you have 9 months.’ No! How about that girl gets to enjoy her trip without having to build anti-racist defective strategies as part of it.”

Is that too much to ask? 

In our contemporary era, numerous diversity officers, departments, and organizations exist to guide companies in ensuring inclusivity and working against micro- and macro-aggressive tones and behaviors. For an endeavor as extensive as a nine-month cruise, it’s essential to have established protocols in place to ensure that all guests are treated with respect and equality, particularly by the crew members. (In fact, how about including a braider among the ship’s salon services ?)

Since the incident, Lake — who previously posted that she’d taken a break from corporate life to “[prioritize] self-care and quality time with loved ones” and is traveling with her sister Shannon Marie (also documenting her experience via TikTok) and their parents — has been contacted by a staff member. 

“I think (TikTok users who watched the post) were tagging Royal Caribbean like, ‘You need to fix this,'” Brandee Lake told Today.com . “They did at least take the time to come to me and you know, ask how everything’s going now.”

As reported by NBC News , Lake has since praised the staff and passengers for being “so friendly, so kind, [and having] so much energy.” Royal Caribbean could not immediately be reached for comment, as their offices are closed during this holiday week, but along with TikTok, theGrio will anticipate additional updates regarding the overall #ultimateworldcruise experience.

Noel Cymone Walker is an NYC-based writer specializing in beauty, fashion, music, travel, and cultural anthropology. She has written and produced visuals for several notable publications such as The Recording Academy/The Grammys, The Fader, Billboard, OkayPlayer, Marie Claire, Glamour, Allure, Essence, Ebony, and more.

Never miss a beat:  Get our daily stories straight to your inbox with theGrio’s newsletter . 

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Is Cruising Welcoming Enough for Black Travelers?

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

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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.

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 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 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.

“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.”

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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.

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How to Choose Between a Black Cruise and a Traditional Cruise

Black Cruises Can Be Expensive

Just when people are figuring out that cruises are affordable and a very good value for a great vacation, this discovery can be undermined by the price of many black cruises. Since black cruises usually bundle in live entertainment by well-known R&B singers, those professional singers have to be paid, and they are not cheap. The cost of those singers and other special events are generally passed down to consumers by being bundled into the price of the cruise. This means even if you don’t attend or enjoy a certain show or event for whatever reason, you’re still paying for it.

Another thing that makes black cruise pricing higher than a normal cruise is the multiple layers of marked up pricing. In addition to price markups to cover live entertainment, black cruises often tack on fees that go to the company or organization planning the cruise. With all of these additional costs wrapped into the overall price, it can be hard to know how much extra you’re paying.

Black Cruises Are Not “All Black”

One of the biggest misconceptions of black cruises is that everyone on the cruise ship will be black. In reality, that’s usually far from the truth. Depending on the company and event, a black cruise might be a group of anywhere from 50 to 500 people. But the average cruise ship now holds over 3,000 people and will usually be sold out, or nearly sold out. This means you’re in for a rude awakening if you’re looking forward to boarding a ship for a great time with 3,000 of your unrelated brothas and sistas, because most passengers on the ship will be white or a mix of other races. In reality, a black cruise group is usually just a minority subset of the ship’s larger population.

Black Cruises Have Major Limitations

When you book a black cruise, you instantly forfeit the options that many people consider “must haves” when planning a vacation. For example, when you find a black cruise to book, you’ll notice that the time of your vacation is strictly limited to the date of their pre-planned cruise. Many people will require more scheduling flexibility.

Other major limitations of black cruises are the cruise line, the specific cruise ship, and the destination of the cruise. Unfortunately you’re not allowed to select any of these options – a pre-planned black cruise will already have selected them, so you’d be forced to conform to whatever they have planned.

Black Cruises Can Be the Opposite of Relaxing

Aubrey Williams of Avion Travel Network says he became a cruise travel agent because he always had a passion for cruising, and one of his best pastimes on a cruise is to relax and unwind. It took a while, but eventually learned how to come back from a cruise feeling well-rested and ready to take on the rigors of real life after a great vacation. He comments, “Before I figured it out, my past vacations were the opposite. I remember coming home from vacations completely exhausted and feeling like I needed a second vacation to rest up from my first vacation. At some point it occurred to me that I was doing my vacations all wrong, spending a lot of money and subconsciously defeating the purpose.”

Black cruises are often defined by a lot of big parties and events that take place day and night on the ship. They have a way of pulling you in and leaving you void of all energy by the end of your cruise. While the amount of partying and socializing you do is entirely up to you, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment. You can easily find yourself doing too much partying, drinking, and dancing, and not enough relaxing, sleeping, and reading. If you find yourself going with the flow of the group, don’t be surprised if your vacation ends up being the opposite of relaxing.

Should You Book a Black Cruise or Choose a Traditional Cruise?

Like any other activity or event, it depends on which you think is the best fit for you. Here’s a quick set of bullets to help you decide:

Book a Black Cruise If…

* You don’t mind the higher, marked up pricing. * You need to have live, well-known R&B entertainment. * You have plenty of flexibility in your travel dates. * You want more partying and less relaxing.

Book a Traditional Cruise If…

* You prefer a more affordable price without the forced extras. * You can do without the live R&B singers during your vacation. * You want to pick your own travel dates, cruise ship, and destination. * You want more relaxing and less partying.

Where and How to Book a Traditional Cruise

Avion Travel Network is a black-owned travel agency that specializes in cruise vacations. Since 2010, they’ve been booking cruises for couples, friends, families, and groups. Their group cruises (usually 20 to 100 people) include family reunion cruises, church groups, alumni groups, fitness and yoga cruises, retirement groups, and countless other group themes. They work with all major cruise lines and cover cruise destinations such as The Caribbean, The Bahamas, Alaska, Mexico, Europe, and The Mediterranean, and more.

Avion Travel Network does not book clients into large, pre-planned black cruises. But if you’re interested in booking a cruise for 2 people, 100 people, or anything in between, contact us for information, pricing, and great service with no service fees and no price markups.

Learn more by visiting www.AvionTravelNetwork.com or sending an email to [email protected]

Also check out: HBCUconnect.com

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Guide to Black Singles Cruises

More and more travel agencies are catering their cruises toward black singles (or just single people in general). A black singles cruise caters to African American travelers who are looking to have fun with other single black travelers–sometimes with sometimes without a love connection.

What is the Cost of the cruise? Each travel package will be different depending on the travel agency/cruise ship line that you use but most of the time your cruise will be all inclusive to make it easier on the traveler (you). A good singles cruise package will cover the cost of your room, food, and all activities/excursions planned for the group.

Are singles cruises more expensive? It depends. When you are a solo passenger and you don’t wish to be paired up to share a room/cabin with anyone else, then some cruise lines charge you 200% of the regular rate because you are taking the cabin space of 2 people for one single person (in other words losing the cruise line money). So, what a lot of cruise lines will do is charge you double the cruise rate and port charges. Some singles cruise travel agents will pair people up to avoid this cost. It will be up to you whether you want to spend double the rate sometimes in order to have a cabin to yourself; OR be paired up with someone for the week to save money (you’re not going to be in your room much anyway on the cruise BUT people DO have their preferences).

*Note: A good agency will try to match you with another single of the same gender and age range if you prefer to room with someone vs. alone*

How many men vs. women will be on the cruise? The ratio of men to women on the cruise will vary BUT most of the time a good travel agent will try to have a good mix–so just ask. Travel planners strive to have a 50/50 mix of gender on the cruise (unless its a gay singles cruise) so that you will rebook with them another time and have good things to say about the trip when you are back.

Is everyone on the ship going to be single? Most of the time no. Unless an agency with a singles group has booked the ENTIRE ship, your singles group will just be a special group aboard the ship that includes passengers booked with other agencies or who booked themselves. This doesn’t mean that you might not meet someone OUTSIDE of the singles group that you are booked with though…

What are some companies who book black singles cruises? Check out our page on black singles cruises for recent groups that we’ve found.

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It could be exploring a faraway land or taking in a sunset from your balcony. Dancing the night away in a cozy lounge or enjoying an intimate meal and conversation in an elegant restaurant. Your favorite moment with your soulmate could be anything – or everything – when you choose the “Best Cruise Line for Romance.”*

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Let a getaway get you closer. And come back more in love than ever… when you sail with Princess to the world’s most romantic locales.

The Caribbean: treasure your time together

Turquoise waters, swaying palms, secluded white-sand beaches: this is bliss. It’s no wonder the Caribbean is our top destination for weddings, honeymooners and couples just craving an escape. With over 30 island ports to choose from, the two of you can sightsee, snorkel, shop… or, yes, just lounge side-by-side. Because sometimes the most romantic thing you can do together is nothing at all.

The Mediterranean: timeless places, priceless moments

Where will you write the next chapters of your love story? Swimming Corfu’s sparkling waters; cozied up in a Venetian gondola; people-watching in a Paris café; biking the Tuscan hills; or strolling the streets of Rome? Let the destination experts take you to these enchanting settings. You two can take it from there. When you share the world with the one you love, you create memories to share forever.

Hawaii: Paradise found

It’s just the two of you – discovering a hidden waterfall, strolling a black-sand beach under a scarlet sunset, gazing up at a billion gleaming stars. You’re not dreaming. You’re in Maui or Kauai on a relaxing, romantic Princess vacation. Lose yourselves in the natural wonders of Hawaii and you’ll find the true meaning of Paradise: experiencing the perfect place with that special person.

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Revel in your time together – try something new, explore somewhere extraordinary or simply relax and reconnect.

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See how it takes two to tango in a ballroom dance class. Request the song you call yours from the live band. Test how well you know each other in the Marriage Match Game Show. Get on the Kiss Cam at the Love Boat Disco Deck Party. Learn how to say “I love you” in a different language. Opportunities to bond are everywhere.

A passion for great food

Apologies to Shakespeare, but food is the food of love. Imagine Valentine’s Day without chocolate, or a date without Champagne. Not here. Savor a romantic dinner for two at one of our specialty restaurants or on your private balcony. Sweeten the deal with a chocolate and wine tasting. Play, or rather, eat on!

Romantic escapades

Ride a horse-drawn carriage through Tuscan vineyards. Share a picnic lunch after visiting an active volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii. Surround yourself with beauty in bloom at the Butchart Gardens in Victoria. Rediscover your sense of wonder and why you fell in love in the first place on award-winning excursions.

Relax on the best cruise for couples

Leave the hustle and bustle behind in the  Lotus Spa® , your haven away from home. Indulge in a couples’ massage. Primp for formal night — or just a night out — with any of our special salon services. Make the most of days free of obligation, where the only item on your to-do list is enjoying spending time together.

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