Music continues to be one of the greatest unifying forces. This fact was undeniable as soca lovers proudly waved their flags high as they enjoyed the latest edition of Ubersoca Cruise 2019. Previous exotic destinations have included Mexico and Haiti but this year there were two sold out back to back sailings to Turks and Caicos on board Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas.

 

Attendees were mesmerised by the star-studded line-up which included the who is who on the music scene from across the region.  Among the extensive cast was Soca Queen Alison Hinds from Barbados entertaining with a slew of her hits. Bunji Garlin of Trinidad and Tobago impressed with his freestyle capabilities as he humorously lamented having his bottle of puncheon seized by the ship’s personnel. Sweet vocals were delivered by Teddyson John of St Lucia while rising star V’ghn from Grenada was exciting with his youthful vigour. Even the deejay line-up was exceptional with internationally acclaimed DJ Puffy from Barbados and the extra hyped DJ Avalanche from the Virgin Islands. The latter’s over the top antics have made him a favourite on the ship. He took crowd diving to another level when he had eager fans lift him through the fete on top an inflatable raft, all while protected with a life vest for good measure.

 

The musical treats were limitless. Another popular musician making an appearance was Barbadian Lil Rick. In previous instalments the well-loved artiste performed at the J’ouvert party when the ship docked. However, in this edition he made his debut appearance on the boat at the jam-packed Hawaii 5-0 themed pool party. He provided a characteristically high energy set that left tongues wagging with approval.

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Attendees were drawn from across the length and breadth of the Caribbean, with some travelling from as far away as Europe. The massive vocal contingent from the Virgin Islands ensured that their presence was felt in both sailings.

 

Ubersoca Cruise is more than just a musical showcase, it’s about the experience. The five-day cruise did not need to signal a total departure from your normal routine. Exercise, or rather socacize provided the morning warmup session or soca yoga was an alternative. The packed schedule included a comedy show hosted by Keevo and featuring White Yardie and Trixx. Friendly rivalry took centre stage as the celebrities battled it out for bragging rights in football, cricket and even cook offs. After the main events were finished there were a series of after parties to match the eclectic tastes of the patrons with Small Island Turnup being a favourite.

 

One definite is the Ubersoca cruisers like to dress up. Each day featured a different theme, whether it was being decked out in camouflage for the Battle Royale, African prints for the Wild African Safari Pool Party or donning your Grecian styled clothing for toga night. Each theme was readily embraced and the premiere event the Arabian Nights Bacchanal Ball was no different. Even the food matched the varied palettes and ranged from ackee and saltfish to curried meats washed down with mauby.

As the curtain comes down on yet another action-packed cruise one can not help but to wonder what the next edition holds.