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Come alive: set sail to the sounds of Jamaica on the Welcome to Jamrock Reggae cruise

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My favorite collection of essays takes its title from a chapter referring to luxury cruises as “a supposedly cool thing I’ll never do again.” But the eighth annual Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise turned out to be so much of fun that I might definitely do again, a Jamaica-focused float that featured live performances by Sean Paul, Stephen Marley, Third World, Beenie Man and lots of more. Sold out months upfront, Jamrock offers nightly performances by veteran and young reggae and dancehall enthusiasts, sound battles and screenings of iconic Jamaican classics resembling “Shottas” as vacation cruise ships sail to the Caribbean.

Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite cruise — a ’90s R&B-themed cruise to the Bahamas with Maxwell, Ledisi, Musiq Soulchild and more — sent notifications to my social media timeline as I packed for Jamrock; the number of musical cruises catering to black vacationers is on the rise. Taking advantage of this 12 months’s fiftieth anniversary of hip-hop, the Rock the Bells Cruise had a fun launch in Nassau in November with De La Soul, MC Lyte, Rakim and other great rappers from the golden era. But Jamrock has spiritual reggae vibes on board, as I learned on my first cruise last December.

Someone once said that guests, like fish, start to stink after three days. The same could apply to spending almost per week with lots of of other passengers on our floating hotel, a large cruise ship called the Independent of the Seas. Fortunately, the experience of jostling amongst reggae lovers for five consecutive days of concert events was a positive one. On the 14-deck ship, everyone could enjoy a hot tub, slot machines, (relatively) advantageous dining, mini golf, movies, spa massages and morning yoga. Our swim itinerary included stops in the Jamaican towns of Falmouth and Ocho Rios before returning to Miami, with options for excursions that included ziplining, horseback riding, waterfall wading, etc.

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On the second day of “Whiteout Night,” we were all ordered to wear head-to-toe white for concert events by Wayne Wonder, Sean Paul, Stephen Marley and others. Sitting front and center behind a conga drum in the green, yellow and red of the Ethiopian flag, Marley delivered an acoustic set full of material from his latest album, “Old Soul.” His younger brother Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, who founded Jamrock Reggae Cruise in 2014, later joined him for a 2010 duet of “Jah Army.” Bob Marley covers are inevitable at Jamrock, and Stephen Marley didn’t disappoint, adding rousing new arrangements of “I Shot the Sheriff” and “Trenchtown Rock” to his setlist.

Jamrock’s fans included Rastafarians with long curls, middle-aged and retired couples, young women sunbathing BBL in thong bikinis with their muscular boyfriends – and, of course, the occasional white reggae fan. Looking for impressions from each a typical beginner reggae fan and an experienced expert of this scene, during “Blackout Night” on the third day (everyone wearing black), I contacted a young graduate of St. John’s University, which looked prefer it might have been the first Jamrock.

Chanel Mayers, a 25-year-old Afrobeats fan from Trinidad, got here on the cruise to spend time along with her parents. “They have been to Jamrock five times and loved it,” she said. “When I was performing, I thought, ‘Oh, I know more reggae than I thought!’ (With) Sean Paul, I knew most of the songs. Beenie Man was pretty cool.” Before Lady G took the stage, Mayers’ mother added that she loved the reggae theme most of all. “These are really conscious lyrics and we don’t hear them anymore because people are just singing about random things that aren’t really important,” she said. “I think reggae is more about life. It’s old school and I love it.”

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For my seasoned expert, I turned to music journalist and reggae specialist Rob Kenner. Known as the voice of Vibe Magazine’s “Boomshots” column (Kenner was a founding editor), he has been on the cruise since its inception, interviewing artists on Jamrock Radio. I approached him about several personal events.

“The performance in the Third World will be a legendary attraction,” he says. “This year they are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first recording. (guitarist and co-founder) Cat Coore played cello; singer AJ Brown sang opera-type vocals. It was just another level of musicality that you don’t see every day. Damian Marley produced Third World’s last album, More Work to Be Done, which was nominated for a Grammy Award. So it’s a family atmosphere.”

As each Kenner and Mayers’ mother noted, even during the great escape, music also reflects life on land. “(F)or the latest, Jahshii has been through a lot of really intense things over the last year,” Kenner explained of the rising dancehall artist, who began his set by singing a canopy of Jimmy Cliff’s “The Harder They Come.” “If you know the movie, it’s about an artist who gets caught up in street life and his music begins to reflect what he experiences in real life. Jahshii definitely has a similar experience … a lot of drama happened,” he continued. “I have never heard such a raw performance, with (Jahshii)’s voice bursting with emotion as he sang ‘Born Fighter.’ It was a big deal.”

Providing rest and pampering, whether you are an informal reggae listener or a rudebwoy fan, the Jamrock Reggae Cruise guarantees sunshine, positivity and righteous vibrations to revitalize you. Dates for 2024 are December 9-14; tickets are already on sale.

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Miles Marshall Lewis (@MMLunlimited) is a Harlem-based author and cultural critic whose work has appeared in The New York Times Magazine, GQ, Rolling Stone, and lots of other magazines. Lewis is currently completing a cultural biography of comedian Dave Chappelle, the sequel to Promise That You Will Sing About Me: The Power and Poetry of Kendrick Lamar.


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This article was originally published on : thegrio.com

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The USA Black Travellers is now represented by the $ 145 billion market

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American Airlines, kidnapping, travel, travelers, airline


Companies in the travel and entertainment industry are encouraged to involve the growing power of black travelers.

New MMGY Travel Intelligence studies, presented in cooperation with Black Travel Alliance and National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals, revealed The indisputable fact that black tourists bring the $ 145 billion sector, emphasizing the value of attraction of a more diverse customer base.

In recent years, Black Leisure Travellers exerted an excellent impact on the travel market, bringing $ 145 billion in 2023, and expenses provide for a median of $ 2,992 for a journey in 2025, including 1300 USD per person.

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“The data shown in these reports talk about the importance of black travelers,” said Martyque Lewis, president Black Travel Alliance. “It is also the wake of many destinations that consider adapting their current commitment strategy.”

In particular, 76% of black travelers plan to vacation in the US in 2025. Among them, 79% claims that the sense of security and welcome is the highest priority when selecting a destination. Places that remember black culture support black firms and offer extensive cultural experience, occupy the highest amongst the preferred places of travelers.

Elections vary depending on the generation, and the Black Millennium tends to decide on travel places that remember black culture and lift black firms, while genes with the I boomer travelers prioritize prioritize affordability when making decisions about booking.

“Once again, the data is clear: blacks travel and our shopping force affects the community,” said Jason Dunn, CEO of the National Coalition of Black Meetings of Professionals. “This should not be a question anymore, but the fact and point of speaking in all conference rooms, especially in this climate of indecision.”

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Black travelers often depend on recommendations from family and friends when selecting destinations, and 46% also belong to black travel groups. They also prioritize quality, and 87% claims that able to pay additional premium improvements, resembling higher hotel stays or preferred air seats.

The discoveries emphasize the significant strength of the spending of black travelers and their concentrate on safety and luxury when selecting destinations. Because holiday travel is becoming more related to general mood, many settle on a greater experience. For firms on travel and entertainment, this is the foremost opportunity to benefit from the growing value of the black travel market.

“Creating memories, relaxing and exploring new destinations, while a sense of security is the most important for today’s black travelers,” said Simon Moriarty, vp for research and evaluation for MMGY Travel Intelligence.

“By offering useful observations, these research enables traveling companies to develop adapted strategies and solutions that resonate with the needs of every audience, propelling both personalization and profitability.”

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This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com
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For the first time in Portugal? This is why Lisbon – and this hotel – should be your first stop

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If you visit Portugal for the first time and land in Lisbon, the capital of the country, selecting the right hotel is the key to starting things on the right foot. Lisbon (or Lisboa, as the locals call it) is the vibrant Vibey metropolis, which borders on water and has seven large hills in the heart of motion.

While quite a few accommodation options ranges from Airbnbs to super low-cost hostels, for those who are in search of peace, selecting a hotel is a really solid alternative. Of all hotels in the city, International design hotel (IDH), 4 -star boutique property in the city with “Clean and protected“The assessment from the Portugal of the Tourist Council is a particular.

Location, location, location
Located in the heart of the historical Squarea Rossio (Alias ​​Plaza D. Pedro IV), Idh sits at the center of the motion, surrounded by stunning vintage buildings with modern stores akin to Nike, Mango and Maxmanar right on the street. Zara, a favourite of American travelers, is situated opposite the entrance from the hotel, if it’s essential run a captivating outfit for the evening in the city.

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If you do not know Lisbon and get nervous about discovering, be sure – there are numerous to see just a number of steps.

The hotel is situated on the corner of the energetic cobbled streets, with one closed strip for cars and full of restaurants, souvenir shops and landmarks like Arco Da Rua August. Other districts, akin to Chiado, Bairro Alto and the famous Castle of St. George’s, are easy to succeed in (and in the case of the castle, in response to your opinion).

If you haven’t any guide or map, for those who haven’t got it – you are in the middle of all of it.

This black yoga studio is the perfect travel escape in Grenada

Comfort and creative design
As the name suggests, the Internacional Design Hotel provides aesthetics. The staff greets you with a sublime emerald lobby desk, with brilliant artworks.

Despite the historical external appearance, the hotel offers a modern boutique atmosphere – unlike massive hotel chains. Instead of a crowded lobby and elevators, expect one stylish elevator that comfortably matches three people.

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The rooms are artistic and well equipped with a regular layout, desk, television, mini-bar and high ceilings. The bathrooms are modern, containing full showers. We stopped in a regular room, but for those who need extra space, the apartments can be found and have great grades.

Editor’s attention: Unlike most American hotels, mini-bar prices were surprisingly reasonably priced. Snacks and drinks don’t send the account.

Another profit? Large bathing towels and hand towels (as a substitute of small common washers in American hotels). If you favor a smaller fabric, ask the reception or bring your own.

Tasty brunch at the bottom
Idh functions, restaurant and bar on the first floor with a delicious breakfast spread at the start of the day. The price is an especially reasonably priced price 15 euros.

In an actual Portuguese way of baking, they shine. Expect mini -tubes, croissants, toast, rolls, cupcakes, apple danks and beloved pastel de Nata (Portuguese egg tarts). You will copy, sweet and light-it is a necessity and present wherever you go in Portugal.

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The menu also includes eggs, bacon (note: more like a skinny, fried ham than American bacon), cereal flakes, milk, juices, tea and espresso.

Glass partitions provide a full view of the street while eating-ideal for individuals who follow people (and a friendly nod from other black travelers passing like us).

All new travel requirements that you need to know in 2025

Modern convenience in a historic city
Do you wish a contact solution at midnight? We tried it and Uber Eats delivered it in lower than 20 minutes. This is the central IDH.

When it was time to go to the airport, Ubers and taxis were also available outside, and we arrived at the airport in Lisbon in about 20 minutes.

Wi-Fi reliably operated from the lobby, and nearby stores offered European adapters for American chargers.

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Even if the city seems latest as a traveler, the hotel offers comfort, ease and sense of home.

The charm of the Old World is met with a living history
There is something transport in Square Idh. Although America may be known “Nowy Świat”, Lisbon history layers are inconceivable to disregard.

After the destructive earthquake, Tsunami and Fire hit the city in at some point in 1755, Lisbon needed to rebuild – and it did so beautifully.

The surrounding architecture is each elegant and neat, and the reminders of the colonial past of Portugal contained in statues for previous rulers and explorers invite reflection and real learning.

Because the city was built on seven hills, Lisbon is really a city stuffed with winding alleys, hand -arranged tiles and breathtaking views. This makes your stay in the Internet Design Hotel is rather more attractive since you don’t need a automotive or expensive transport to maneuver and see what the capital of Portugal has to supply.

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5 things I learned about traveling with children to foreign lands

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This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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American Airlines under the fire after Black Passnger claims that she was the only one in the first grade, the food was refused

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American Airlines, TikTok, First Class, Discrimination, passenger,


American Airlines is in the face of the heat after a black thicker claimed that she was the only first -rate passenger that denies food.

The influencer whose account name is @johbidoo_official shared her story with Tiktok. The film showed a particularly empty table of one that normally had the first class of amenities. The clip quickly gained over 4.8 million views and caused others to discuss the racism they encountered from the airline.

@johbidoo_official

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“When you are the only black person in the first grade, and the food apparently ended … Well, thank you American Airlines,” she wrote in the film.

According to the creator of the content of the lifestyle, the flight attendant expressed that the plane There was no food. However, taking into consideration the price point for a first -class ticket, many found this problem unacceptable, he informed.

“First class and exhaustion should not even be in the same sentence,” said one of the users of Tiktok.

Other commentators noticed how airlines normally follow passengers to supply enough food. This insistence meant that the authenticity of the flight attendant claim is questioned, telling the problem to report the problem to the thistker.

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“I work with such a service for another airline and I can guarantee that there will be food. Report it !!!” He called one other.

Other thickets have drawn detailed details about their very own experience in the first grade traveling, while black. One woman shared how she received a grimy appearance when observers believed that she was in the fallacious line.

“I flew the first class and I was the only black woman there,” explained the commentator. “They assumed that I was in the wrong line. I looked all the time. It was wild.”

American Airlines had earlier problems with racist treatment reported by passengers. The airline is currently in the face of the trial after its employees accused the black man of trading their white wife.

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The airline recently resolved the case for racial discrimination in December 2024 after three black men accused their flight attendants of improper removal of them from the plane in January this 12 months. In the light of a long-lasting problem, raised since 2017, NAACP he cried American Airlines to answer ongoing allegations of racism.

In relation to this last attack of the alleged racism, American Airlines also made a public statement confirming that they contacted the thicketker about her experience.

“We want all our clients to have a positive experience while traveling with us,” said the airline. “We contacted the client to learn more about their experience.”

The thicker also confirmed that he’s in communication with the airline in this matter.

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This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com
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