Love and Harmony Cruise a sailing success
There was a throwback theme to the sixth Love and Harmony Cruise which took place from March 3-8 touring Miami, Cayman, and Ocho Rios.
Almost 4,000 fans on the Norwegian Joy vessel were treated to dancehall music with a 1990s feel, complemented by popular fare that reminded them of a simpler Jamaica.
Ronnie Tomlinson, publicist for the cruise, said it attracted 3,804 passengers who saw quality performances from Louie Culture, Elephant Man, Cham, Capleton (on March 4), Sanchez, Bounty Killer, and Beenie Man (on March 5), Richie Stephens, and headliner Beres Hammond on March 6, which closed the live segment.
“The response to Love and Harmony Cruise 2025 was overwhelmingly positive. Fans were thrilled with the unique combination of music, culture, and the unforgettable cruising experience. Attendees expressed their satisfaction with the diverse performances and vibrant atmosphere on-board, which featured a variety of activities,” Tomlinson told the Jamaica Observer. “The comedy show, hosted by Haitian V, Chris “Johnny” Daley, Lemon, and Kathy Grant, was a big hit, and the International Flag Party was another crowd-favourite. The cruise was packed with non-stop fun, and a newly added event, Sports Day, brought back nostalgic memories for many. Activities like the three-legged race, egg-and-spoon race, and sack race reminded everyone of the fun they had growing up in the Caribbean.”
The majority of patrons came from Jamaica; many of them residents in New York, Miami, and Toronto. There were also fans from The Bahamas, Bermuda, Belize, Guyana, Haiti, and the United Kingdom.
Like all of the acts on the cruise, Richie Stephens had a number of hit singles during the 1990s when many dancehall acts were signed to American record companies. He believes reggae on the high seas is a winning concept.
“What the format is doing for reggae is people are spending their money; it’s not a cheap vacation, and it’s good every year. It’s quality entertainment that opens itself to the culture and the music for people to enjoy themselves at another level,” he said. “We have two major cruises in Welcome To Jamrock and Love and Harmony, and it’s growing bigger and bigger every year.”
First held in 2014, Welcome To Jamrock is operated by the Marley family. It features roots-reggae, dancehall and hip hop artistes.
