The Homecoming Cruise
THE HOMECOMING CRUISE 2026
Cruise Dates: January 15 - 20.2026
Ports-of-Call: Ft. Lauderdale | Bimini | Nassau
A Celebration of HBCUs, The Divine Nine & Excellence, Education & Entertainment
Entertainment
Hosts
_________
MLK Day Celebrations | Poetry & Open Mic Lounge | Comedy Shows | Celebrity Q & A Interviews | Divine Nine Step and Stroll Competitions | Gospel Show | Enrichment Seminars | Beach & Pool Parties | HBCU Round Table Talks | And Much More!
What do you think of when you hear Homecoming?
Many would say family, community, entertainment, laughter, fun, and, most of all, pride. We would say, "You're right!" We are bringing all of those elements that make a Homecoming so great onboard a luxury ship. Fine dining experiences, seminars to enrich and educate, Divine Nine competitions, poetry sessions, game shows, celebrity interviews, beach and pool parties, HBCU round table discussions, and, of course, world-class entertainment make up the fabric of Homecoming: The Cruise.
In the essence of community, instead of the age-old argument of who has the best HBCU Homecoming, we have made it all-encompassing by inviting everyone to participate in this signature experience.
Whether you're coming to be part of The Divine Nine activities or just immersing yourself in Black Excellence, Homecoming: The Cruise will not disappoint.
MLK Day Celebrations | Poetry & Open Mic Lounge | Comedy Shows | Celebrity Q & A Interviews | DIVINE NINE STEP AND STROLL COMPETITIONS | Gospel Show | Enrichment Seminars | Beach & Pool Parties | HBCU Round Table Talks | And Much More!
EXCELLENCE
This immersive experience goes beyond simply celebrating cultural heritage—it’s about recognizing and honoring the achievements, brilliance, and resilience of the Black community in all its facets. Guests will have the opportunity to engage in panel discussions that feature leading thinkers, entrepreneurs and activists, sharing their insights on the importance of education and the continued pursuit of equality. These panels offer not just conversation, but actionable knowledge, creating an environment where learning and growth are celebrated alongside entertainment.
EDUCATION
Beyond the fun and celebration, Homecoming: The Cruise has a noble purpose: to raise funds for scholarships that empower future generations of students. With each event, whether it’s a concert, a community forum, or a social gathering, attendees are reminded of the powerful legacy of HBCUs and the vital role they play in shaping the future of Black America. Homecoming: The Cruise will inspire pride, unity, and a commitment to education and progress.
ENTERTAINMENT
The cruise will showcase a stunning lineup of live performances from renowned artists, offering a diverse blend of music, dance, and cultural expressions. These performances not only provide entertainment, but also celebrate the resilience and creativity of the Black community. Signature Cruise Experiences will ensure that all performances are presented with the first-class production, sound and lighting they are known for.
IN CONCERT
Each night, Homecoming: The Cruise will feature a special “main show” performance in The Theatre, with guests attending one of two showings to ensure everyone can enjoy the experience. Beyond the main shows, the ship will come alive with high-energy concerts, soulful acoustic sets, live DJ sessions by the pool, a powerful Gospel Show, and much more each evening of the cruise and during days “at sea”.
LEARN
Another specialty of Homecoming: The Cruise ’26 is our series of “Learn” events, which include one-on-one interviews, panel discussions, round table talks, enrichment seminars and tutorials, and presentations of special topics. These events offer attendees the opportunity to engage directly with artists and thought leaders, gain in-depth knowledge on a wide range of subjects and participate in interactive learning experiences. Whether you're looking to expand your expertise or discover something new, the “Learn” events provide a dynamic platform for intellectual growth and personal enrichment.
ENJOY
Sometimes events are presented on the cruise just to have fun. We are careful not to share too much of this information now as the element of surprise is part of the excitement, but we produce a variety of events just for the sheer enjoyment of doing so. These include Comedy Shows, Bid Whist, Dominoes & Spades, Game Shows, Fitness Classes & Basketball Games, Food & Wine Events, and more. There’s something special for everyone! CRUISING AFTER DARK
Signature Cruise Experiences are renowned for special late-night entertainment called “Cruising After Dark.” Starting around 10:30 PM, the entire ship will be alive with music, parties, comedy, dancing and much more. The Rendezvous Lounge becomes a “party” spot that features dancing, karaoke, silent disco, and revelry until the wee hours of the morning. Cruise Director Mario Vines and our favorite DJ patrol the Rendezvous Lounge making it fun for all.