Sailing Ahead With Love And Harmony

THE INAUGURAL Love and Harmony Cruise 2017, taking reggae and dancehall fans from Miami, Florida to Ochi Rios, Jamaica, cruising for five days and four nights, boasted a star-studded line-up performing against the breathtaking backdrop of the Caribbean Sea last month.

More than 2,000 patrons aboard the Norwegian Pearl headed out of the port of Miami in the afternoon sunshine to an amazing sail-away party hosted by NYC Hot 97’s Bobby Konders and Jabba.

After a jerk barbecue deck party, it was time for Tuesday’s Caribbean flag night when all the passengers were represented with their colours and flags. There were impressive performances from Soca star Kevin Yearwood and vocal quartet L.U.S.T.

There was a fiery set from I-Wayne. His hit Cant Satisfy Her rounded off the night. Wednesday morning and the cruise arrived in Jamaica. Everyone disembarked and enjoyed a day savouring all that the island had to offer before re-boarding.

The evening started with a stand-out performance from legends Third World, the band were celebrating 43 years together and reminded the audience of their class with hits like Now That We’ve Found Love, Try Jah Love and 96 Degrees In The Shade.

Following them was the chart-topping Wayne Wonder. His polished set included hits like No Letting Go, Bounce Along and Saddest Day, as he effortlessly rocked the audience. Beres Hammond’s first-ever performance at sea didn’t disappoint. His carefully crafted set had his worshipping fans singing to him line by line. He hit back at them with his classics Tempted To Touch, Double Trouble and I Feel Good.

Affectionately known as the Chairman of the Board, Beres confirmed his place as one of Reggae’s all-time great showmen. Thursday was dancehall night. Newcomer Dexta Daps had the ladies melting and there were outstanding sets from both Konshens and Queen Ifrica with Robbo Ranks.

An energetic Elephant Man did his best at trying to tip over the cruise liner with his trademark performance. The Energy God had the crowds moving as he lit up the night with his tracks.

However, it was the arrival on stage of big dutty Shabba Ranks that had everyone up in a frenzy. Shabba thundered through his huge 90s hits such as Ting-A-Ling, Mr Loverman and House Call.

Barely recording any new music in recent times, the superstar dancehall DJ’s popularity has not faded at all. He told the audience throughout his set, “legends caan done” and he wasn’t wrong.

Proving to be an amazing five days at sea, the organizers didn’t delay in announcing that the Love and Harmony Cruise is to return in March 2018.

Hear more highlights of the Love and Harmony Cruise this Thursday on Robbo Ranx Radio from 8pm, robboranx.com