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Tom Joyner Foundation

Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage Cruise

November 7, 2019 by KC Burks

The Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage was created as a fundraiser to support students in schools at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, the long-running  music and empowerment-themed event generally features more than 50 plus live entertainment acts, seminars, daily inspiration, celebrities, and fun theme nights.  Cabins are going fast!

We will be sailing aboard ROYAL CARIBBEAN’s Independence of the Seas, departure is from Miami, Florida on Saturday, April 27, 2024 returning on Saturday, May 4, 2024

For more information, interested travelers can visit www.FantasticVoyage.BlackAmericaWeb.com or call (214) 495-1963 to get on the cabin waitlist.

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Tom joyner's fantastic voyage cruise 2024.

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Janet Jackson

Photo: Ander Gillenea/AFP/Getty Images

Janet Jackson To Headline Tom Joyner Foundation's 20th Fantastic Voyage

More GRAMMY winners cruising on the "party with a purpose" include Shirley Caesar, Maxwell and Smokie Norful

On April 7–14, the 20th cruise of the Tom Joyner Foundation's Fantastic Voyage will ship off from Miami and tour the Caribbean with wide-ranging activities and an incredible array of musical performances planned. Headlined by Janet Jackson , the "party with a purpose" also includes  Shirley Caesar , Fantasia , Maxwell , Chrisette Michele , Smokie Norful , and Fatman Scoop .

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In addition to concerts, enriching activities and fun, as well as Fantastic Voyage's fundraising for historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), this year a Filmmaker's Scholarship Program in partnership with Denny's will spotlight the work of a half dozen HBCU creatives who've made movies on the reality of hunger at the community level. Through the years, the Tom Joyner Foundation has awarded more than a half million dollars in scholarships, also including support for K-12 students.

"I'm proud of a lot of things we've accomplished on the Tom Joyner Morning Show ," said Joyner, "but I think I'm most proud of all the students we've helped stay in school for the last 20 years, and our biggest fundraiser for HBCUs is the Fantastic Voyage cruise."

With 13 GRAMMY nominations, R&B/Gospel singer Charlie Wilson stands out among the previous nominees in the announcement. Others include  Kem , Mase , MC Lyte , Sheila E. , War , and Brian Courtney Wilson .

Check out the full list , which includes emerging DJs and many more memorable artists such as Biz Markie, Midnight Star and the S.O.S. Band.

Janet Jackson's 'Rhythm Nation 1814': For The Record

Photo: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

GRAMMY.com’s 50th Anniversary Of Hip-Hop Coverage: A Recap

The Recording Academy’s celebration of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary included televised events and captivating interviews. Check out the wide range of articles and features produced by GRAMMY.com commemorating this musical milestone.

When we look back at the Recording Academy’s 2023, the 50th anniversary of hip-hop will loom exceptionally large.

The ongoing celebration permeated every facet of the world’s leading society of music professionals this year, from the 65th Annual Awards Ceremony in February to the special airing of "A GRAMMY Salute To Hip-Hop" in December — a dense, thrillingly kaleidoscopic televised tribute to the breadth of this genre.

One major accompaniment to this was coverage of the genre’s legacy via GRAMMY.com, the editorial site run by the Recording Academy. If you haven’t been keeping up, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a highlight reel of the work GRAMMY.com published in honor of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.

We Profiled Rising Stars

From Lola Brooke to Tkay Maidza , GRAMMY.com engaged in comprehensive in-depth interviews with artists who are at the forefront of shaping the future of hip-hop, and held a roundtable discussion about exactly what the next 50 years might look like. 

We Published Conversations With Legends

DJ Kool Herc and Questlove , who have played unquestionable roles in hip-hop’s continuing evolution, spoke to GRAMMY.com about their profound and abiding connections to the idiom.

The Contributions Of Women Were Highlighted

Without the inspired vision of countless women, hip-hop would not be what it is today. The "Ladies First" segment, which kicked off "A GRAMMY Salute To Hip-Hop" featuring Queen Latifah , Monie Love , and MC Lyte , among other lady greats with Spinderella as DJ, was an ode to this. 

In acknowledgment of female trailblazers in a world dominated by men, GRAMMY.com wrote about teen girl pioneers , women behind the scenes , a revealing Netflix doc , and women artists pushing the genre forward in 2023, from Ice Spice to Lil Simz .

We Revisted Hip-Hop’s Biggest Releases

From Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers ) to Jay-Z’ s The Black Album to Cardi B ’s Invasion of Privacy , GRAMMY.com dove deep into the core hip-hop canon. We also broke down the genre’s development decade by decade through the 70s , 80s , 90s , 00s , 10s , and 20s , with a focus on classic albums from each era.

Listen To GRAMMY.com's 50th Anniversary Of Hip-Hop Playlist: 50 Songs That Show The Genre's Evolution

We Criss-Crossed The Country

GRAMMY.com’s series of regional guides — from the Bay Area and SoCal , to Texas and the Dirty South , to D.C. and NYC — highlight hip-hop’s diversity of culture and sound.

We Went International

Although hip-hop is a quintessentially American phenomenon, its impact, appeal, and influence has spread worldwide. The international appetite for hip-hop was showcased in coverage of Latinx and Argentinian rappers to know, as well as five international hip-hop scenes to know : France, Nigeria, Brazil, South Africa, and England.

We Explored Hip-Hop’s Larger Impact

Hip-hop is more than a sound. It’s a culture that permeates almost every sector of life. Showcasing this effervescence, GRAMMY.com ran pieces about the evolution of hip-hop’s influence on educational curriculum worldwide, as well as its biggest fashion and style moments .

We Covered On Stage Celebrations

"A GRAMMY Salute To 50 Years Of Hip-Hop," the two-hour special that aired in December on CBS and is available on demand on Paramount+ represented a culmination of the Recording Academy’s 50th year anniversary celebration.

Revisit the 2023 GRAMMYs’ hip-hop revue , and check out a recap of "A GRAMMY Salute" with photos, a rundown of all the performers and songs and coverage of the Black Music Collective’s Recording Academy honors in February.

It Didn’t Stop There…

Notable coverage also included the evolution of the mixtape , 11 Hip-Hop Subgenres to Know and 10 Binge-worthy Hip-Hop Podcasts , as well as a breakdown of Jay-Z ’s Songbook and Snoop Dogg ’s discography .

For everything GRAMMY.com and all things hip-hop — including our rap-focused run in the GRAMMY Rewind series — visit here .

2023 In Review: 5 Trends That Defined Hip-Hop

Photo: Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Inside Resonance: Celebrating 50 Years Of Hip-Hop At The GRAMMY Museum

"Nothing resonates more in our everyday lives than hip-hop," Jimmy Jam said during the celebratory event Resonance, which honored the legacy of hip-hop at the GRAMMY Museum.

The Recording Academy is continuing to honor the legacy of hip-hop, to one of the most popular genres of music in America. Held on Dec. 4 at the GRAMMY Museum in downtown Los Angeles, Resonance: Celebrating 50 Years of Hip-Hop was presented by the Academy's Black Music Collective and sponsored by City National Bank.

The Resonance event took over the Museum's fourth floor, which is home to the recently unveiled " Hip Hop America: The Mixtape Exhibit ." There, members and leadership from the Academy and BMC, along with musicians and industry professionals, celebrated 50 years of music that has transcended boundaries, inspired advocacy and fostered impactful social change. 

Guests were welcomed into the space by an unparalleled collection of artifacts — an ode to the genre through memorabilia and interactive displays showcasing the evolution of hip-hop music and culture. Tupac ’s all-white suit — worn in the last video he made — is displayed next to Notorious B.I.G. 's red leather pea jacket worn in the music video for Junior M.A.F.I.A.’s "Players Anthem." The impact of the museum’s intentionally curated collection evokes the extended struggle of the Black experience in America, while celebrating its culture, creativity, and endurance against all odds.

The power of connection and representation was emphasized by five-time GRAMMY winner Jimmy Jam , an R&B songwriter, music producer, and illustrious GRAMMY Museum Board Member. "The idea of 'resonance' struck a chord in me because the mission is unification, amplification and to celebrate Black music. Nothing resonates more in our everyday lives than hip-hop." 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Black Music Collective (@blackmusiccollective)

A legendary figure who made his mark in the '80s by producing artists such as Janet Jackson, Jimmy Jam and producing partner Terry Lewis , were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022. 

"I'm proud to have known my partner Terry Lewis for 50 years. We were raised on hip-hop," he told the crowd. "Hip-hop inspires, it embodies transcendence. Hip-hop advocates and fosters social change, and the cultural significance is astounding."

Jimmy Jam highlighted the integral role of partnerships between the Black Music Collective and sponsor/supporters such as City National Bank and Amazon Music. Such relationships have enabled the third year of the Amazon Music-sponsored Your Future Is Now , a scholarship program.

"We have the opportunity to pour knowledge, resources and many opportunities into the young talent and the young creatives of the future. And that's what we're here to do," he continued.

GRAMMY Museum Board Member and Executive Vice President of City National Bank, Linda Duncombe, who was introduced by Jimmy Jam as "music’s best friend" spoke to the critical work of support. 

"We protect and celebrate those who have shared their gift as well as ensure their artistic contributions are accessible for people of all walks of life around the world and for future generations," she said, adding that as a Museum board member, "educating the next generation of artists and teachers is always top of mind. The 'Mixtape Exhibit' really will inspire students to pursue hip hop and the music industry."

Host Lady London , a rapper and songwriter from The Bronx summed up the power of hip-hop and its ability to transcend music. A hyped crowd enthusiastically received her words.

"It's beautiful to see what we have been able to cultivate in such a short amount of time. We are the culture, we have the power to shift the culture and we continue to move mountains," she said. "We are influences in fashion and design and the Black family education, economic empowerment, the arts. We're limitless.

"We have balanced everything and there is nothing that is quite parallel to that," Lady London continued. "I'm so proud to be a part of the culture."

As guests mingled among the exhibits many displays and highlights like original lyric sketches, mixtapes, and an interactive "sonic playground" where guests could interact with recording devices, make 808 beats and record tracks. Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. reflected on the culmination of a year celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. 

"Hip hop has been a defining force in our culture and it is so important to be able to honor it in this way" he said. "This is the end of a year that started with us celebrating at our GRAMMY Awards show last season."

Los Angeles' DJ Jadaboo — who has performed for Tommy Hilfiger at New York Fashion Week and a slew of celebrity parties and high profile events — set the vibe all night. Her mix spanned all five decades of the genre and beyond, from R&B to hip hop classics by Jay-Z and Drake , stacking much-sampled songs like Curtis Mayfield ’s "Pusher Man" into the set. 

As the event carried on, Jimmy Jam’s earlier remarks echoed between the museum’s walls. "Look at what's been done in the last 50 years. You see it all around here," he said. "Now take a look at each other and know all that is happening right now… is because we are the people that are gonna continue to carry this on for another 50 years."

The GRAMMY Museum’s " Hip Hop America: The Mixtape Exhibit " runs through Sept. 4, 2024. "A GRAMMY Salute To 50 Years Of Hip-Hop" will air Sunday, Dec. 10 , from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. ET and 8 to 10 p.m. PT on the CBS Television Network, and stream live and on demand on Paramount+.

How To Watch "A GRAMMY Salute To 50 Years Of Hip-Hop": Air Date, Performers Lineup, Streaming Channel & More

Image courtesy of the Recording Academy

Additional Performers Added To "A GRAMMY Salute to 50 Years of Hip-Hop" Live Concert Special: 2 Chainz, T.I., Gunna, Too $hort, Latto, E-40, Big Daddy Kane, GloRilla, Three 6 Mafia & More Confirmed

The star-studded tribute will take place Wednesday, Nov. 8, at YouTube Theater at Hollywood Park in Inglewood, California. Tickets are on sale now. "A GRAMMY Salute to 50 Years of Hip-Hop" will air on Sunday, Dec. 10, on CBS and Paramount+.

This article was updated Sunday, Dec. 10, to add the full performer lineup .

The massive lineup for the "A GRAMMY Salute to 50 Years of Hip-Hop" live concert special just got bigger and more legendary with the addition of rap icons and next-gen hip-hop superstars: 2 Chainz , T.I. , Gunna , Too $hort , Latto , E-40, Big Daddy Kane , GloRilla , Juvenile , Three 6 Mafia , Cypress Hill , Jeezy , DJ Quik , MC Lyte , Roxanne Shanté , Warren G , YG , Digable Planets , Arrested Development , Spinderella , Black Sheep , and Luniz have all been added to the lineup.

They join previously announced performers Black Thought , Bun B , Common , De La Soul , Jermaine Dupri , J.J. Fad , Talib Kweli, The Lady Of Rage, LL COOL J , MC Sha-Rock , Monie Love , The Pharcyde, Queen Latifah , Questlove , Rakim, Remy Ma , Uncle Luke, and Yo-Yo , who will perform at a once-in-a-lifetime live concert special celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop , which the Recording Academy is honoring all year long across 2023. See the full performer lineup .

Read More: 50 Artists Who Changed Rap: Jay-Z, The Notorious B.I.G., Dr. Dre, Nicki Minaj, Kendrick Lamar, Eminem & More

Airing Sunday, Dec. 10, at 8:30 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT on the CBS Television Network and streaming live and on demand on Paramount+, "A GRAMMY Salute to 50 Years of Hip-Hop" is a two-hour live concert special that will showcase the profound history of hip-hop and celebrate the genre's monumental cultural impact around the world. The special will feature exclusive performances from hip-hop legends and GRAMMY-winning artists and much more.

The live concert comprising the "A GRAMMY Salute To 50 Years Of Hip-Hop" special, which is open to the public, will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 8, at YouTube Theater at Hollywood Park in Inglewood, California . Footage from the concert will then air on Sunday, Dec. 10 , as a live concert TV special.

Tickets for the "A GRAMMY Salute To 50 Years Of Hip-Hop" live concert are available to the public now.

Explore More Of "A GRAMMY Salute to 50 Years of Hip-Hop"

Full concert details are below:

Concert: Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023 (tonight) Doors: 6 p.m. PT Concert: 7 p.m. PT          

Venue: YouTube Theater 1011 Stadium Dr. Inglewood, CA 90305

Full List Of Confirmed Performers For "A GRAMMY Salute To 50 Years Of Hip-Hop":  

Arrested Development

Big Daddy Kane

Black Sheep

Black Thought

Boosie Badazz

Chance The Rapper

Cypress Hill

Digable Planets

DJ Diamond Kuts

DJ Greg Street

DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince

Doug E. Fresh

Jermaine Dupri

Kool DJ Red Alert

The Lady of Rage

MC Sha-Rock

The Pharcyde

Public Enemy

Queen Latifah

Roddy Ricch

Roxanne Shanté

Spinderella

Talib Kweli

Three 6 Mafia

^Names in bold indicate newly added artists.

Purchase tickets here.

Stay tuned to GRAMMY.com for more news and updates about "A GRAMMY Salute to 50 Years of Hip-Hop."

A GRAMMY Salute to 50 Years of Hip-Hop is produced by Jesse Collins Entertainment. Jesse Collins, Shawn Gee, Dionne Harmon, Claudine Joseph, LL COOL J, Fatima Robinson, Jeannae Rouzan-Clay, and Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson for Two One Five Entertainment serve as executive producers and Marcelo Gama as director of the special.

Hip-Hop Just Rang In 50 Years As A Genre. What Will Its Next 50 Years Look Like?

Photo: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

GRAMMY Rewind: Kendrick Lamar Honors Hip-Hop's Greats While Accepting Best Rap Album GRAMMY For 'To Pimp a Butterfly' In 2016

Upon winning the GRAMMY for Best Rap Album for 'To Pimp a Butterfly,' Kendrick Lamar thanked those that helped him get to the stage, and the artists that blazed the trail for him.

Updated Friday Oct. 13, 2023 to include info about Kendrick Lamar's most recent GRAMMY wins, as of the 2023 GRAMMYs.

A GRAMMY veteran these days, Kendrick Lamar has won 17 GRAMMYs and has received 47 GRAMMY nominations overall. A sizable chunk of his trophies came from the 58th annual GRAMMY Awards in 2016, when he walked away with five — including his first-ever win in the Best Rap Album category.

This installment of GRAMMY Rewind turns back the clock to 2016, revisiting Lamar's acceptance speech upon winning Best Rap Album for To Pimp A Butterfly . Though Lamar was alone on stage, he made it clear that he wouldn't be at the top of his game without the help of a broad support system. 

"First off, all glory to God, that's for sure," he said, kicking off a speech that went on to thank his parents, who he described as his "those who gave me the responsibility of knowing, of accepting the good with the bad."

Looking for more GRAMMYs news? The 2024 GRAMMY nominations are here!

He also extended his love and gratitude to his fiancée, Whitney Alford, and shouted out his Top Dawg Entertainment labelmates. Lamar specifically praised Top Dawg's CEO, Anthony Tiffith, for finding and developing raw talent that might not otherwise get the chance to pursue their musical dreams.

"We'd never forget that: Taking these kids out of the projects, out of Compton, and putting them right here on this stage, to be the best that they can be," Lamar — a Compton native himself — continued, leading into an impassioned conclusion spotlighting some of the cornerstone rap albums that came before To Pimp a Butterfly .

"Hip-hop. Ice Cube . This is for hip-hop," he said. "This is for Snoop Dogg , Doggystyle . This is for Illmatic , this is for Nas . We will live forever. Believe that."

To Pimp a Butterfly singles "Alright" and "These Walls" earned Lamar three more GRAMMYs that night, the former winning Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song and the latter taking Best Rap/Sung Collaboration (the song features Bilal , Anna Wise and Thundercat ). He also won Best Music Video for the remix of Taylor Swift 's "Bad Blood." 

Lamar has since won Best Rap Album two more times, taking home the golden gramophone in 2018 for his blockbuster LP DAMN ., and in 2023 for his bold fifth album, Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers .

Watch Lamar's full acceptance speech above, and check back at GRAMMY.com every Friday for more GRAMMY Rewind episodes. 

10 Essential Facts To Know About GRAMMY-Winning Rapper J. Cole

• 1 Janet Jackson To Headline Tom Joyner Foundation's 20th Fantastic Voyage
• 2 GRAMMY.com’s 50th Anniversary Of Hip-Hop Coverage: A Recap
• 3 Inside Resonance: Celebrating 50 Years Of Hip-Hop At The GRAMMY Museum
• 4 Additional Performers Added To "A GRAMMY Salute to 50 Years of Hip-Hop" Live Concert Special: 2 Chainz, T.I., Gunna, Too $hort, Latto, E-40, Big Daddy Kane, GloRilla, Three 6 Mafia & More Confirmed
• 5 GRAMMY Rewind: Kendrick Lamar Honors Hip-Hop's Greats While Accepting Best Rap Album GRAMMY For 'To Pimp a Butterfly' In 2016

• Fantastic Voyage 2023
• Accommodations
• Guest Details
• Confirmation
• Adventure of the Seas
• May 20, 2023 - May 27, 2023

Welcome to the Fantastic Voyage Online Web Reservations Booking Process !

Here, you can complete an entire reservation, including selecting your cabin and  paying the required deposit of $500 per person for each individual who will occupy the cabin.  If you are booking a single occupancy (1 guest in a room), a double occupancy (2 guests in the room), a triple occupancy (3 guests in the room), or a quad occupancy (4 guests in the room), then please continue.

If you are NOT ready to book and pay your deposit, and are simply looking for pricing, please DO NOT continue.  All pricing is available on the web site and selecting a cabin here will not offer you a different price. If you will be booking MORE than 4 people in a room, or would like to discuss alternative payment options or have any other questions, please call one of our travel representatives at 214 495 1963 or 972 980 SAIL (7245)  for help with your travel arrangements.

If you are requesting an ADA-modified cabin, you must request by calling 214-495-1963 . Itinerary, schedule and performances are subject to change . Thank you for choosing the Tom Joyner Fanstastic Voyage !

If you have already booked a reservation on the Fantastic Voyage and are returning to pay a balance, please use the button below.

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Lauryn Hill Set To Perform On Tom Joyner's 2023 Fantastic Voyage Cruise

(Photo by Erika Goldring/WireImage)

Singer Lauryn Hill is set to perform on the Tom Joyner Foundation’s Fantastic Voyage Cruise in 2023.

The popular radio show veteran shared the news on Instagram on November 23.

Related Story: Lauryn Hill Teases 2023 Tour, Gets Onstage Surprise From Her Oldest Child During ONE Musicfest

“The rapper, singer, songwriter, actress and producer Ms. Lauryn Hill is doing her part by joining the 2023 Tom Joyner Fantastic Voyage to help Tom raise money to keep kids in school at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. If you want to party with a purpose in May 2023, get your cabin today by calling (214) 495-1963 or go to FantasticVoyage2023.com! Don’t get left behind!”

The Royal Caribbean cruise will take place from May 20-27 and will depart from Fort Lauderdale and head to Mexico, Grand Cayman Islands and Jamaica.

The 2023 cruise, which raises funds for scholarships for students at HBCUs, varies in price. Fans' and supporters’ fare range from $3,174 to almost $9,000. A $500 deposit is required for each individual occupying the chosen cabin.

Legendary acts like Charlie Wilson and Stevie Wonder are also set to perform on the Fantastic Voyage cruise.

According to the Tom Joyner Foundation’s official Facebook page, the charity cruise is 85% sold out.

“The Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage 2023 is over 85% sold! It’s time for YOU to experience this true ICONIC PARTY with a PURPOSE!  Enjoy theme nights, the parade on the Promenade, or enjoy Fun In the Sun in Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Jamaica.  If you want to party with a purpose in May 2023, get your cabin today by calling (214) 495-1963 or go to FantasticVoyage2023.com !”

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If You Want A Fun And Lively Party Cruise, Tom Joyner's Cruise Is The One For You

Some parties are too big to contain in a single day — or even a single country. Iconic radio show host Tom Joyner's Fantastic Voyage, which brands itself as "the ultimate party with a purpose," is a prime example, as per its  Facebook  page. The cruise has been around for years and has become one of the most popular sailings for Black Americans and people of color, with its incredible line-up of soul, hip-hop, and R&B acts. In 2024, guests can catch performances by music legends Earth, Wind & Fire, Chaka Khan, Bobby Brown, Ashanti, and Method Man and Redman, among others. When not busy dancing, sailers can also participate in a comedy showdown between Myra J., George Wallace, and J. Anthony Brown.

The cruise departs from Miami, Florida, on April 27, and over the following seven days, passengers can visit Haiti's Labadee Beach, Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic , and San Juan in Puerto Rico. Between stops and live music, passengers can also partake in nightly parades, dips in the pool and jacuzzis, daily workout classes, and seminars on topics such as health and business.

From the water to the ports of call, the fun never stops, so don't expect a calm and quiet getaway when you book a spot on the Fantastic Voyage.

The festivities are all for a good cause

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chris Jey (@chrisjeyofficial)

Booking a cruise can be an act of self-care, especially when you're in desperate need of a vacation, but joining the Fantastic Voyage also means giving back to others. The annual trip is in partnership with the Tom Joyner Foundation, an organization that aims to support historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and the students and communities they serve. The cruise was started as a way to fundraise money for these institutions, and people who sail on the voyage in 2024 can feel good knowing that a portion of their fare goes toward scholarships for HBCU students (part of the purchase may even be tax deductible, according to the cruise).

Tom Joyner discussed the impact of the Fantastic Voyage during an interview with BlackAmericaWeb : "It's a party with a purpose, and the purpose is helping kids stay in school at HBCUs. And we've raised more than $71 million for HBCUs since 1998." He added that over 29,000 scholarships have been awarded to young people throughout the years, largely thanks to the partygoers who board the Fantastic Voyage.

What to know before booking your cabin

Cabin fare for Tom Joyner's Fantastic Voyage is all-inclusive and covers a room, standard meals and beverages (alcohol and soda are extra), taxes and gratuities, on-board entertainment, and port charges. It also includes a complimentary shuttle from Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale Airport, for passengers who will be flying into the area. Some additional amenities, such as phone calls and Wi-Fi, massages, and casino fees, are sold separately.

Fares vary depending on the suite and the number of people who will be bunking together — and gathering a few of your closest friends to accompany you during the week-long celebration typically results in lower prices. For a group of four, staterooms can range from $2,470 to $5,865 per person.

Note that Fantastic Voyage might not be the right cruise for you if you're looking for a family-centric trip. From the grown-up comedy shows to the bars and nightclubs, the party mostly caters to a mature audience. Fittingly, as of 2024, Fantastic Voyage requires passengers to be at least 21 years old.

Limited Time Offer

Score up to 80% off your 2nd sailor.

This spring, get your ticket to an unforgettable summer with up to 80% off your 2nd Sailor. Whether longing for the Med or craving the Caribbean, set sail from our homeports in Barcelona, Athens, Miami, or San Juan without overstretching your budget.

WHAT YOU GET

• 80% off the second Sailor on all Mediterranean sailings
• 70% off the second Sailor on all Caribbean sailings

NEED TO KNOW

All voyages through 2025 are eligible for the Boarding Pass to Sunlit Savings offer, applicable to new bookings in the XL Sea Terrace, Central Sea Terrace, The Sea Terrace, and Ltd View Sea Terrace cabins and below categories. This offer is combinable with the exclusive My Next Virgin Voyages onboard offer and our Florida Resident Rate program.

TRAVEL DATES

• Mar 28, 2024 - Oct 29, 2025
• Transatlantic and More
• Buy One Fare Get a Second Fare 70% off all Caribbean Sailings (departing from Miami and San Juan). Under the ”April & May 2024” Offer through 30 April 2024, Virgin Voyages will provide a total discount of up to 35% off both Sailor 1 and Sailor 2 retail (base) voyage fares when two (2) Sailors book a voyage to sail together in an Eligible Cabin on an Eligible Booking (see sections 2 and 3.1.). 
• Buy One Fare Get a Second Fare 80% off all Mediterranean Sailings (departing from Barcelona, Piraeus, Portsmouth) and Repositionings (departing from Barcelona, Piraeus, Portsmouth, Civitavecchia (Rome), Miami, and San Juan). Under the ”April & May 2024” Offer through 30 April 2024, Virgin Voyages will provide a total discount of up to 40% off both Sailor 1 and Sailor 2 retail (base) voyage fares when two (2) Sailors book a voyage to sail together in an Eligible Cabin on an Eligible Booking (see sections 2 and 3.1.). 
• My Next Virgin Voyage Offer
• FL Resident Rate
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• Delta SkyMiles Offer 
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• Incentive and Contracted Circle Programs
• Tour Operators 
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Frequently Asked Questions

Ahoy Cruisers!

  Frequently Asked Questions

Your cabin purchase benefits The Tom Joyner Foundation, and a portion of your cabin purchase may qualify as a charitable contribution. Please consult with your tax advisor for details.

Q: Why is my reservation in Royal reflecting a certain dining time and why didn’t I get a choice?

A: For a charter, such as the Fantastic Voyage, Royal uses this code to indicate which color of pass card you will receive, not for dining seating. Dining aboard the Fantastic Voyage is open seating; there are no assigned times. When an entertainer performs more than once aboard the cruise, the color of your card indicates which performance you will attend. The colors are distributed evenly and randomly.

Q: Are there any more cabins available?

A: Please call (214) 495-1963 to book your cabin or book online at www.FantasticVoyage2024.com

Q: Do I need Travel Insurance? How do I buy Travel Insurance?

A: This is a great question as we strongly recommend travel insurance because you never know what can happen! You can purchase travel insurance from Travel Guard (Foundation receives a nominal fee) at ( www.TravelGuard.com ) or type “cruise travel insurance” into any Internet search engine. You would normally just need your FV reservation number and not the booking number. If you have any problems with your number being accepted, please contact your CSR rep. or call (214) 495-1963. 

Q: Can I buy and bring non-alcoholic beverages onboard? How much can I bring? 

A: Guests may bring non-alcoholic beverages as carry-on items on boarding day. Non-alcoholic beverages may not exceed twelve standard (17 oz.) cans, bottles, or cartons per stateroom . Please read the Royal Caribbean Policy .

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/food-drink-onboard-policy

Q: Is there an Iron & Ironing Board on the ship? How large are the laundry bags?

A: For safety concerns self-service laundry facilities are not provided onboard ships, but they do offer washing, pressing, and dry-cleaning services. They do not provide irons in the staterooms as they constitute a fire hazard but do offer laundry services. Please review and read the Laundry Service information .

Q: The Cruise Line told me that my gratuities were not paid when I called.

A: As a charter, the Fantastic Voyage covers all cabin-related gratuities aboard the ship, which are posted to the ship the day before sailing. The Fantastic Voyage has already made payment for the gratuities.

Quoted from Royal: “We do not customize e-docs for charters, so if guests with booking reservations pull the e-docs that are automatically generated with the booking, they will find generic information like in any other sailing. The gratuities are sent over to the ship right before the charter sailing starts and that is when they will be prepaid. There is no way to stop this for just one sailing. Kindly ask them to disregard gratuity information.”

Q: What is included in the Cruise price ?

A: The price includes your stateroom, entertainment, meals (except in specialty restaurants), beverages (except soda and alcohol), gratuities, government taxes, and fees, port charges, and shuttle service between the airport and pier.

Port charges include but are not limited to (i) taxes/fees assessed by governmental and other agencies; (ii) cost incidental to entering/leaving ports such as pilotage; (iii) costs incurred while in port.

The cruise vacation price does not include air transportation, shore excursions, telephone calls, Internet service, photographs, soda or alcoholic beverages, gratuities on drinks and in specialty restaurants, medical services, gift shop or souvenir purchases, beauty/barber/massage services, and gambling/casino fees.

Q: Into which airport should I fly?

A : Preferably the Miami International Airport (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL). There will be complimentary shuttles provided from these two (2) airports to the pier on embarkation day April 27, 2024, and from the pier to these airports on debarkation day May 4, 2024. More information will be updated and distributed in January 2024.

Q: Is airfare included in the cost of the cruise?

A: No, airline tickets are purchased separately and are not included in the price of the cruise.

Q: What travel documents are required to board as of August 31, 202 4 ?

A: Please carefully read the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line document requirements by clicking the link below.   https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/what-travel-documents-i-need-for-boarding-day

Q. If I plan to travel with a Birth Certificate and not a passport what are the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line accepted forms of a birth certificate?

A: He re is what Royal Preferably the Miami International Airport (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL). There will be complimentary shuttles provided from these two (2) airports to the pier on embarkation day April 27, 2024, and from the pier to these airports on debarkation day May 4, 2024. More information will be updated and distributed in January 2024.

Caribbean requires if travelling with a Birth Certificate .

Must be an original or Government issued copy.

If U.S. Citizens aged 16 and older traveling on a closed loop U.S sailing are planning to use their Birth Certificate, Naturalization Paper, or Consular Report of Birth Abroad as their proof of citizenship, they will still need to bring a state issued photo ID if they plan to travel on a closed loop U.S. sailing without a passport book.

Hint:  If the birth “certificate” has the baby’s footprints stamped on it, or has a place for the baby’s footprints, the certificate was issued by the hospital and is NOT acceptable for proof of citizenship.

Q: When should I plan to arrive and depart for the cruise?

A:  When booking your flights, it is suggested that you allow two -3 hours of travel time from the airport, to allow for travel time, baggage retrieval, loading, and unloading.

Arrival to Florida before b oard ing – Plan to make your arrival on the date of sail no later than 2 pm.

Departure from Florida – Due to potential weather issues, we recommend that you make flight reservations for AFTER 12 N oon on the day of departure.

Q: Is transportation available from the airport to the pier? Do you need my flight itinerary?

A: Yes, we have planned for transportation from either the Miami International Airport (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to be available on April 27, 2024, and May 4, 2024, during designated hours. More details will be sent out via email with your cruise documents and through guest communications leading up to the sail date.

Q: Can I get Internet access aboard the ship?

A : There is Internet aboard the ship. Internet access is billed at rates established by the cruise line. You can visit the Royal Caribbean website for the correct rate information.

Q: How are onboard purchases charged?

A: Royal Caribbean Cruise Line accepts VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and cash for a deposit on your account. Sea Pass i s the Royal Caribbean’s onboard cashless credit program . This a llows you to charge all your services, gratuities, and purchases during your cruise to your stateroom. All locations on board will accept your Sea Pass card for payment; the casino will also accept cash. A credit card or cash deposit is needed to establish your personal onboard account.

Q: Why haven’t I gotten my reservation agreement after I booked my cabin ?

A: Reservation Agr eements are usually sent out once per month starting near the beginning of October.

Q: What happens if I am not able to make the cruise once I have paid?

A: Troubles can occur when you least anticipate them forcing you to cancel or interrupt your trip, lose your vacation investment, and incur unplanned expenses. We strongly encourage you to consider the purchase of travel insurance from a national insurer such as  Travel Guard  (800-826-4919, reference number 98362) (or type “travel insurance” into a search engine). We earn a nominal commission from Travel Guard sales. Insurers usually require the purchase of coverage to occur near the date of booking. Please be aware that travel insurance purchased through your travel vendors (for example, your airline), may not cover your entire travel investment. We highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance from an insurance carrier that specializes in travel insurance to receive your best benefit.

Q: What types of payments will be accepted to purchase a cabin?

A: Credit cards (MasterCard, VISA, American Express, and Discover), personal checks, cashier’s checks, or money orders. Additionally, financing is available through Uplift after qualification.

Q: What if I need to cancel my trip?

A: Knowing that unforeseen situations may present themselves to our guests, we do offer a procedure for canceling your cruise. Cancellation requests must be received in writing. We make a great commitment to bringing such a luxurious cruise to our guests and, therefore, the deposit of $500 per person is non-refundable regardless of circumstances. However, the balance of your cruise commitment is refundable at declining percentages closer to the sailing date (refer to the Fantastic Voyage website for specific percentages). In fairness to our passengers that purchase travel insurance, we strictly abide by the Transfer, Cancellation, and Refund Policy regardless of personal circumstances or circumstances beyond your control that prevent or delay your participation .

Q: How much of my cabin is tax deductible?

A: Your cabin purchase benefits The Tom Joyner Foundation, and a portion of your cabin purchase may qualify as a charitable contribution. Please consult with your tax advisor for details.

Q: What are the travel dates, ports, and the name of the Cruise Ship?

A:  Saturday, April 2 7 , 202 4 – Saturday, May 4 , 202 4

Ports:  Leaving from Miami , Florid a . P orts of Call; Labadee, Haiti, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic and San Juan, Puert o Rico back to Miami Florida for debarkation

Ship: Royal Caribbean’s  Independence of the Seas

Q: How do I submit a proposal to host an activity/fitness/seminar on the Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage cruise?

A: Thank you but we are no t accepting submissions or presenters currently .

Q: Why didn’t I get the same drink special price as my roommate?

A: The Cruise Line offers specials to its own passengers daily , so you never know what is in the box of chocolates on that day. But once you book, you should be offered the special for that day.

*All itineraries, dates and times, cruise ports, artists, performers, appearances, locations, etc. are subject to change without notice.

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Luxury cruise line selling world cruise suite for $1.7 million

C ruise vacations cover a range of budgets, with some bargain jaunts costing a few hundred dollars, while more upscale, longer voyages lay on more perks to justify the big expense.

But a new offering by luxury operator Regent Seven Seas Cruises raises the price tag to eye-watering levels, with a suite on an upcoming 140-day world voyage costing $1.7 million.

The cruise line is pitching this 2027 voyage as a “once-in-a-lifetime experience” on board its Seven Seas Splendor liner. Over 20 weeks, this cruise ship will visit 71 ports, including stopovers in Bali, Sydney and Mumbai.

Andrea DeMarco, president of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, told CNN Travel the cruise line has seen a “fantastic response” since announcing the voyage earlier this week, and that there’s been “strong interest” among prospective passengers in the $1.7 million Regent Suite.

Whatever room guests opt for, there are steep costs involved, with the most affordable room on board starting at $91,499 per guest. Meanwhile, the 4,443 square feet Regent Suite is designed for two people, so that high price tag works out as $839,999 per guest.

Prospective passengers willing to splash that kind of cash get what DeMarco calls a “palatial” apartment in which to ride out the world cruise – think original Picasso art on the wall, 14th-deck ocean views and a grand piano.

The heady price also includes first class air tickets for cruise-associated domestic US flights, and business class tickets for all international flights. Plus, Regent Suite guests have access to a variety of perks including a personal tour guide at each destination, in-suite spa services, an on-call butler and personalized stationery for writing dispatches home.

The two-bedroom suite is also kitted out with a vast living room, three walk-in closets and an in-suite spa with a sauna, steam room and jetted tub.

Regent Seven Seas’ 2027 world cruise officially opens for reservations on April 10, 2024, but prospective guests have been able to preregister since Wednesday.

Onboard decadence

Whether guests opt for the Regent Suite or not, prospective Regent Seven Seas Cruises travelers should expect onboard decadence.

The Seven Seas Splendor ship hosts an art collection worth $5 million, including two works by Joan Miró, the aforementioned Picasso hanging in the Regent Suite, and another Picasso adorning the walls of the onboard steakhouse.

Speaking of food, the cruise line’s pledged to carry 13,000 pounds of lobster, 14,000 pounds of filet mignon, 3,600 pounds of smoked salmon, 150 pounds pounds of caviar and 14,000 bottles of champagne for its 2027 world cruise.

Flights, excursions and alcohol are included in all ticket prices. And every suite has a private balcony for travelers to enjoy.

Popularity of world cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises, a subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, is one of several cruise lines that operate annual around-the-world cruises. Every world cruise comes with a pretty steep price tag, with Regent Seven Seas’ offerings at the priciest end of the spectrum.

Cruise line president DeMarco told CNN Travel that the fact Regent Seven Seas’ world cruise is “truly all-inclusive” means there’s “value” associated with these high costs.

The cruise line is currently operating a sold-out 2024 world cruise on board its Seven Seas Mariner cruise ship, while its 2025 world cruise also sold out in what Regent Seven Seas’ claimed was “record time .” The cruise line’s 2026 world voyage still has suites available at time of writing.

Regent Seven Seas’ announcement comes at a time of high interest in world cruises. Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate World Cruise, currently circumnavigating the world’s oceans, unexpectedly captured the internet’s imagination earlier this year , with passengers on board documenting their experience via viral TikTok videos.

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