Damian Marley’s 2018 Sold-Out Jamrock Cruise (WTJRC) Celebrates 5th Year Anniversary; Full Line Up Announced

0
2143
Bounty Killer performs aboard Welcome to Jamrock Cruise 2017 PHOTO: RedCarpetShelley.com
Bounty Killer performs aboard Welcome to Jamrock Cruise 2017 PHOTO: RedCarpetShelley.com

Hailed as one of the most authentic, intimate and international reggae experiences, Welcome To Jamrock Reggae Cruise will celebrate its fifth year on the high seas from December 1-6, 2018. The sold-out 5-day voyage aboard Royal Caribbean departs Ft. Lauderdale, FL with stops in Ocho Rios and Falmouth, Jamaica.

This monumental year will be packed with unforgettable moments. To celebrate this occasion, five of Bob Marley’s children Ziggy, Stephen, Julian, Ky-Mani and Damian will unite on one stage for a rare performance.

Freddie McGregor Performs Aboard WTJRC 2017 (PHOTO: Red Carpet Shelley)
Freddie McGregor Performs Aboard WTJRC 2017 (PHOTO: Red Carpet Shelley)

Welcome To Jamrock Reggae Cruise (WTJRC) has become one of the most in-demand reggae gatherings in the world. Since its inception in 2014, every single cruise sells out almost a year in advance. Each year, fans spanning from over 40 countries all converge for their love of reggae music and Jamaican culture.

Damian 'Jr. Gong' Marley
Damian ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley Performs Aboard WTJRC 2017 (PHOTO: Red Carpet Shelley)

 

Founded by Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, the Grammy-winning musician has made it his mission for the cruise to embody the island’s rich culture. The music, entertainment, food, fitness and wellness activities all give cruise-goers a slice of the Jamaica before they dock, from Ital Rastafarian cuisine to the celebrity football (soccer) tournaments to cult-classic films to the annual soundclash (in layman’s terms, a Jamaica-originated DJ battle), this is not the average cruise. It is the only place where fans can stay up until dawn to catch their favorite acts performing throughout the ship and join them the same morning on the pool deck for sunrise meditation with Nyabinghi drumming and chanting. After fully immersing into these pure organic experiences, the cruisers appreciate their arrival to Jamaica that much more.

WTJRC2016-20161114_193611

This year’s voyage will be the third one for Team RCS.  Each year I amazed at how much I continue to enjoy myself.  The production and performances are stellar but I just love the feeling of  “one loveness”.  Everyone is irie and you feel only positive vibrations on this cruise.  I also love just walking, eating, riding the elevator and bumping into one of my favorite artists.  Last year, on my way to line up at our muster stations for emergency training, I ran into Freddie McGregor and Kabaka Pyramid was actually on line in back of me!  Mutabaruka’s cabin was across the hall from me and he and his wife sat behind me during the Clash at Sea.  They were HILARIOUS!!!  They should take their show on the road.

Bounty Killer

This year’s artist lineup boasts a diverse range of Jamaican talent from today’s emerging stars to the legends who paved the way. In addition to the Marley Brothers’ anticipated performance, Damian “Jr Gong” Marley will carry on the Jamrock tradition to deliver an electrifying solo set. The power bill continues with Mykal Rose with Sly & Robbie, Bounty Killer, Jah Cure, Chronixx, Tarrus Riley, Third World, Konshens, Elephant Man, Aidonia, Queen Ifrica, Agent Sasco, Kabaka Pyramid, Shenseea, Skatalites, Ken Boothe, Leroy Sibbles, Horace Andy, Jo Mersa Marley, Jesse Royal, Dexta Daps, Spragga Benz, General Degree, Red Rat, Buccaneer, Jah9, King Jammy’s, Johnny Osbourne, Admiral Bailey, Pinchers, Bunny General and Pad Anthony.

Following the artists’ performances, cruisers can catch their favorite sound systems (Stone Love, Renaissance, Mighty Crown, Tony Matterhorn, Kingston 12 Hi-Fi, Bass Odyssey, Heavy Hammer and Black Scorpio) spinning tunes until the wee hours of the night.

Red Carpet Shelley and Stephen Marley - WTJRC 2017
Red Carpet Shelley and Stephen Marley – WTJRC 2017

 

Throughout the cruise, there will also be a variety of DJs and hosts (DJ Rory, Mutabaruka, Bambino, Big A, Nikki Z, Colin Hines, ZJ Liquid, DJ Roy, Spex, Robbo Ranx, Rassarella, GT Taylor, Ron Muschette, Seani B, Westafa, Steelie Bashment, Shacia Payne, Foota Hype, Shortkut, DJ Gringo, Yaardcore, Mad Out, Mixmaster J, Supa Hype and Hotta Rice) providing sounds and entertainment along with enlightening discussions from guest speakers Cindy Breakspeare and Neville Garrick.

My favorite part of the cruise is the “Sound Clash at Sea”.  I look forward to it each and every year and I am eager to see what Mighty Crown has up their sleeves this year. The Tony Matterhorn/Mighty Crown rivalry is is classic!

2018 may be sold out, but fans can reserve a spot on 2019’s ship, on sale now.  And in the meantime, check out my photo gallery from last year’s cruise.

Share

Leave a reply

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.