Vybz Kartel named headliner for 2027 Vybz Island Xperience dancehall cruise

Promoters are rolling out Vybz Island Xperience, a dancehall-themed cruise scheduled for April 9 to 12, 2027, with Vybz Kartel billed as the headline attraction and a Bahamas festival component planned for Nassau.

The event is being pitched as a luxury dancehall getaway aboard Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, with the ship set to travel to a private island in The Bahamas. Organisers say the package will feature nonstop parties, more than 40 entertainers and activities scheduled throughout the cruise.

The announcement comes as Kartel, also known as World Boss, continues to draw online attention, including through a recent social media post showing him dancing in underwear. Promoters appeared unbothered by the publicity, saying Kartel remains a major crowd puller.

One promoter said the aim is to create a new lane for dancehall by pairing the genre with luxury travel. Another said Kartel is the main draw, describing him as the headliner and the reason many patrons are expected to attend.

The organisers also framed the event as more than a short club appearance, saying Kartel is expected to perform at a stadium show in Nassau before a crowd of 20,000 people, including 7,000 cruise patrons and 13,000 attendees from The Bahamas and elsewhere.

The cruise announcement arrives after reports earlier this month that a rat-carried hantavirus killed at least three passengers on a Dutch-flagged cruise ship in the Atlantic, though the Vybz Island Xperience date is still nearly two years away.

Scott Dunn of the Dream Weekend team and Jamie McGregor of Spectra Entertainment are among those promoting the venture. Dunn also said Dream Weekend will move from Negril to Montego Bay this summer, with a dancehall lineup expected to include Alkaline, Dexta Daps and Tommy Lee Sparta.

Promoters promised 72 hours of parties and entertainment for Vybz Island Xperience, urging patrons to secure places early.