Unity on Deck: Festival at Sea with an African American Twist.

“On this cruise is when I feel most connected to my roots” -John Saxx

The 2025 Festival at Sea Cruise with an African American Twist, represented the thriving community among Black people. Our laughs filled the auditorium that we shared with comedian Damon Williams, we sailed the Caribbean waves our ancestors once endured, and we celebrated because our Blackness can never be erased. Y'all, I was happy that my first-ever cruise was filled with multiple Caribbean beaches and well-prepared performers. My first blog post will give highlights of the cruise while connecting highlights of who we are, the importance of our history, and strengthening diaspora unity by using featured voices from the cruise.

Pro tip: Bring your wine bottle on board (we didn’t find out until it was too late) ! Between the 15th floor ocean views, beautiful Black people everywhere, and catering staff, I didn’t even miss it and I became comfortable. We made two stops in the Dominican Republic, received ample time to enjoy Curacao, and enjoyed a beach party in Aruba. Even the outfit itinerary represented our brilliance. Black people shine in white, we showed out in rodeo soul night, and African attire night would just take your breath away. On White night, DJ Jazzy Jeff’s set pulled a continuous crowd that didn’t let up until the very last track. Every night there was a poised performer, there was also a woman empowerment panel, and a plethora of included activities to enjoy. 

Whether it's lounging in the hot tub or dancing all night, Festival at Sea always provides something to do and they leave it up to the guests to decide the best way they would like to spend their vacation.As we sailed through the international waters, I interviewed Black professionals on their identity and diaspora unity. To showcase an authentic African American perspective, I asked four main questions and the interviewees' enlightening answers underscored the importance of unity. 

My first question was: What does being African American mean to you today? “To be African American,” said John Saxx “is to be amazing on purpose”. A captivating saxophonist and longtime partner of Festival at Sea, Saxx embodied unity and connection, on and off the stage. When I asked Dr. Barbara Bethea, her answer was just as powerful. “African Americans are the ascendants of African people.” This powerful response reframes identity as an upward journey toward collective progress and power. 

“On this cruise is when I feel most connected to my roots,” said John Saxx. I asked him and other guests, “When do you feel most connected to your roots?” The Festival at Sea cruise with an African American twist is a safe space for Black people to connect, enjoy themselves, and be inspired. 

Dr. Bethea also expressed that Black spaces are where she feels most connected to her roots, citing events like the International African Art Festival and Alvin Ailey performances as moments that ground her. My third question was “Have you ever felt disconnected from the rest of the diaspora?” After his show, I got to sit down with the actor and comedian who had the ship rocking with laughter, Lance Woods. “I haven’t felt disconnected. When you educate, read more, and have those conversations, you don’t feel disconnected.” Woods' perspective is powerful because it also answers the question of what to do when you don’t feel connected. I went to check out the library and had the pleasure of sitting down with Joyce, a Stan State graduate from Stockton, California. “Miseducation furthers the disconnect,” Joyce replied. I found the focus of proper education to be extremely powerful because it is obvious that every part of the diaspora is unique and understanding is the first step to being undeniably unified.

For my last question, ‘what does unity in the Afro Diaspora mean to you?’ The interviewees had powerful visions. Saxx replied “Well through conversations and it’s important to know family history” Saxx’s answers show the importance of knowing you and where you come from.

“Working together,” Woods said. “We don’t have to agree on everything. Just work together”. Woods explains what unity is all about and reveals how important it is to have a central understanding amongst each other. 

Joyce's answer recognizes what my blog is all about. “Unity would look like respecting the differences, having understanding and compassion for decisions and not tearing each other down.” Respect is so important and I believe that we shouldn’t make decisions that tear each other down. Unity starts with you, it includes collaboration, and it doesn’t strike down your own. 

The featured voices’ perspective showed the swagger of African American communities, the power of Black spaces, and the importance of education.

My ancestors were brought to America against their will, disrupting the economy in Africa to build America. Born and raised in the Sacramento/Bay Area, I journeyed to the West Coast to go to the East Coast for an education at Howard University. At the Mecca, where many different cultures come together, I absorbed being around the diaspora, because I never really had. Reading about it, I loved the Afro diaspora but being around it I fell in love with the Afro diaspora. My goal is to strengthen our connection economically, politically, and culturally. This extravagant cruise was a graduation gift from my grandmother and it became a vivid celebration of the African American perspective.

Everyone knows the Festival at Sea cruise with an African American twist is an integral experience and that is why tickets sell out quickly. The cruise embodied what unity and luxury looks like when celebrated by Black people. My favorite aspect of the cruise was having a show to attend every night. Mya, Ruben Studdard, Sherri Shepherd, Boyz II Men, October London, and Damon Williams were the entertainers I had the pleasure of seeing. In addition to giving the Black American perspective, I also want to encourage the next generation of Black business leaders to consider owning or co-owning cruise lines or charter companies. This will allow the opportunity to lobby for people who are truly in support of our community and equity in international trade. Furthermore, think about different spaces to invest in and take advantage of networking opportunities. In Black spaces, I feel inspired because if we can come together for one thing, imagine the other ways we can come together. I hope that through this first blog post, readers can embrace the power of the 2025 Festival at Sea cruise to exemplify the African American experience and perspective of the Afro Diaspora. 

Edited by: Nerrymiah Stephen Scipio