Festival at Sea: Immerse Yourself in Black Culture on the High Seas

Whether you call it a black cruise or an African American cultural cruise, Festival at Sea hits all the marks. Festival at Sea allows cruise passengers to fully embrace and immerse themselves in their cultural identity -- or that of their friends and family members -- as their cruise ship sails the oceans of the world.

What began initially as short Caribbean sailings has expanded beyond its geographic borders to encompass everything from European river cruises that offer a black cultural twist, to luxury cruise explorations of Southeast Asia -- all designed specifically for black cruisers, by black cruisers.

Festival at Sea Cruises: What Is It?

Group photo of the 2023 Festival at Sea cruise (Photo: Festival at Sea)

Festival at Sea is the longest running African American-themed chartered cruise in the world. As a chartered sailing, the cruise lines and ships utilized by the cruise organizer may vary from year to year, though Celebrity remains a favored partner.

These special sailings feature a bevy of onboard activities and entertainment options that highlight African American culture and influence in everything from music and dance to sports and fashion.

A total of three unique cruises are scheduled between 2024 and 2025:

Festival at Sea 2024 takes place aboard Celebrity Reflection. Sailing for eight nights on July 13, 2024, the ship departs roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale and visits Nassau, San Juan, St. Thomas and St. Maarten. And while the sailing is currently sold out, you can get on the waitlist here.

Festival at Sea is also partnering with river cruise line AmaWaterways this year to offer a special Friends of Festival at Sea 2024 River Cruise, which will depart roundtrip from Paris on one of AmaWaterways' special "Soulful Epicurean Cruises" that caters specifically to black travelers. This special voyage departs August 22, 2024 and sails aboard AmaKristina -- and even includes three days post-cruise in Paris.

In 2025, Festival at Sea joins forces with luxury cruise line Regent Seven Seas to offer a very special journey: a Friends of Festival At Sea Allure of Asia voyage. Departing February 5, 2025 aboard Seven Seas Explorer, this grand voyage from Singapore to Hong Kong visits ports of call in Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines -- all with the inclusive, friendly style Festival at Sea is known for.

Festival at Sea Cruises: Lineup and Highlights

Live music is a huge part of Festival at Sea cruises (Photo: Festival at Sea)

Festival at Sea offers cruisegoers plenty of onboard activities and entertainment options to enjoy between port stops, including: Parties hosted by live DJs, costume theme nights, a white party, urban line dancing, an American Idol-style singing competition (entitled “African American Idol”), a fashion show, African dance aerobics and much more.

Other activities that touch on African American cultural staples range from step competitions and classes to games like: Dominoes, Family Feud and a basketball tournament. You can even partake in faith-based activities such as a worship service, Bible study and of course, a Gospel Brunch.

Festival at Sea: Onboard Vibe

Early-morning exercise on the pool deck with Festival at Sea (Photo: Festival at Sea)

Festival at Sea is all about having a good time exactly the way you want to and vacationing with people like you. The options for onboard fun are seemingly endless, whether you're traveling as a couple, family, group or solo.

Anyone who appreciates authentic African American culture will have a blast on the Festival at Sea cruise.

Festival at Sea Cruises: How to Book

Festival at Sea cruises focus on Black cruisers (Photo: Festival at Sea)

Festival at Sea is organized by Blue World Travel Corp, which organizes a few other African American cultural cruises, including those sailing Africa, Western Europe and Asia. Bookings can be made on the Festival at Sea website.

Want to learn more about black cruises? Here's what you need to know about African American cultural cruises.