Reggae on the High Seas. Damian Marley’s Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise.
Damian Marley performs on opening night. Photo by Diana O’Gilvie.
Picture this, a cruise ship transformed into a pulsating haven of energy, complete with live performances, sound system battles, and spontaneous dancehall parties under the stars. It’s not just a trip; it’s a journey into the heart of reggae culture, curated by none other than Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley himself. I’ve been going on the cruise on and off since 2019. For me, it’s a slice of home, a spiritual release and a family reunion (with my UK-based family) rolled into a lovely five-day cruise package.
The Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise is not your average Caribbean getaway. Sure, the turquoise waters and tropical breezes are part of the package, but this isn’t about sipping piña coladas in serene silence. It’s a high-energy, bass-heavy immersion into reggae and dancehall, attracting music lovers from all corners of the globe. The cruise typically departs from Miami, making stops in Jamaican ports in Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, essential touchpoints for anyone seeking an authentic taste of the island’s rich musical heritage.
What makes this cruise a bucket-list event is the star-studded lineup. This year, the ship was rocking with performances by dancehall legend Bounty Killa, lyrical powerhouse Masicka, the soulful Romain Virgo, the ever-inspiring Culture Kenyatta Hill, the elegant Marcia Griffiths, and effervescent and indefatigable Big Youth. It’s a seamless blend of old-school legends and the new generation, ensuring every reggae subgenre gets its moment to shine. Plus, with surprise guests popping up for impromptu performances (hey Kabaka Pyramid!), you’re guaranteed more than a few goosebump-worthy moments.
Outside of the lyrical performances, during the daytime, they also have yoga with Universal Empress, meditation and sound baths, dancehall classes, domino tournaments, football matches, and cardio classes with Kamilla McDonald. Iconic Jamaican movies are on repeat daily. This year Shottas, I am Bolt, Cool Runnings and Third World Cop were playing in the theater. We are completely immersed in reggae and dancehall with DJ’s playing on the promenade daily, the Welcome to Jamrock radio and TV station streaming interviews and songs 24/7. Packing is made easy with themed nights like All White, All Black and Rep Your Country.
But the nights? That’s when the ship truly comes alive. The massive pool deck is packed with fans skanking to the rhythm of a live band interspersed with DJs from across the globe spinning classic dubplates. Whether you’re catching a performance in the main theater or stumbling upon a late-night jam session, every corner of the ship is a celebration of reggae culture. Once the night’s performances are wrapped, we move inside to the promenade for a street vibes party with DJs from Stone Love, Steelie Bashment, Collin Hines, and Renaissance Disco. After that, we move back upstairs at daybreak to greet the sunrise with Nyabinghi drumming and chanting. Then off to bed and do it all again the following day.
The highlight for me every year is the Soundclash at Sea. This year, four former champions, Tony Matterhorn (Jamaica), Warrior Sound (Germany), Jah Works (Japan), and Dynamq (South Sudan) all competed. It was a night of theatrics, showmanship, and deft dubplates. Matterhorn used an AI voice of Trump and donned a spacesuit and Jah Works came equipped with a samurai sword and kimono. At the end of the night, Matterhorn emerged as the clear victor.
Tony Matterhorn in his iconic spacesuit at Soundclash at Sea. Photo by Diana O’Gilvie.
While the music is the headline act, the Welcome to Jamrock Cruise is also a deep dive into Jamaican culture. It is cool and quite common to brush shoulders with artists in the buffet line. Damian Marley serves as the consummate host and is present at every event, like the cruise shepherd. When the ship docks in Jamaica, you get to experience the land that birthed the music. The ship docks for five or six hours at each port, which is enough time to find a beach, layout, and eat some fish.
A perfect beach day in Ocho Rios.
The Jamrock Cruise attracts a diverse crowd, die-hard reggae fans, casual listeners, and cultural explorers alike. It’s not uncommon to see a group of seasoned Rastafarians vibing alongside twenty-somethings discovering dub for the first time. What unites everyone is a shared love for the music and the sense of community it fosters. This isn’t just a cruise; it’s a tribe.
The Welcome to Jamrock Cruise isn’t just a vacation; it’s an experience that lingers long after the ship docks. It’s a celebration of reggae music, Jamaican culture, and the unifying power of a shared rhythm. This is what keeps me going back over the years. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a curious newcomer, this cruise has a way of turning everyone on board into family. So, if you’re ready to vibe with the best, pack your bags and let the spirit of reggae take over.
Tips for First-Timers
Pack Smart: Leave the formalwear at home. This is all about comfort and vibes. Think flip-flops, tank tops, and your boldest reggae-themed gear.
Pace Yourself: With non-stop entertainment, it’s tempting to go all-in, all the time. But don’t forget to recharge. A quick nap or a quiet moment watching the sunset can be just as rejuvenating as a night of dancing.
Embrace the Experience: Whether it’s trying jerk chicken for the first time or joining a random dance circle, lean into the spontaneity.