Vybz Island cruise experience launched with Vybz Kartel and Dream Weekend partnership

The Vybz Island experience, a cruise event tied to Vybz Kartel and dancehall culture, has been launched more than a year before it is expected to set sail. Organisers and supporters at the launch described the project as a major entertainment package, combining concerts, parties and the wider energy of Jamaican music on board a cruise ship.

Guests at the launch said the appeal was not only Kartel’s name, but the atmosphere around the event and the number of entertainers present. One speaker said the movement around dancehall has helped open doors for younger producers, while still recognising established figures such as Tommy Lee, Don Corleon and Jermaine.

The event also featured fashion with African influence. One attendee said her outfit came from Africa, adding that the designer currently lives in Jamaica, operates a store in Florida, and uses clothing to connect people in the diaspora with African style.

Organisers said the cruise booking price is meant to cover the full experience. Once guests are on board, they are expected to have access to the scheduled events without paying additional entry fees. The package was described as including food, concerts, alcohol and the wider entertainment line-up.

Dancehall singer Jahvinci, who performed at the launch, said the crowd gave strong energy and responded well to his hits. The launch also highlighted the link between the Vybz Island project and Dream Weekend. One representative said the team previously staged a Dream Weekend cruise in 2019 with the McGregor family as partners, and framed the new project as a reunion of that working relationship.

Supporters said the concept takes the familiar party-driven Dream Weekend experience onto the sea. Another attendee said the attraction was a curated three-day escape with music, good vibes and 28 events planned across the Vybz Island experience.