The frontpage of the Utopia Carnival Website: www.utopiaccf.com Photo Credit: UTOPIA CARNIVAL
On Monday night, in between the energetic rhythms and melodies of Karnage, Jougo, and Super Trakz, Virgin Islanders and the world learned of the newest wrap-around entertainment experience to hit the Caribbean.
Utopia Carnival Cruise & Festival launched on the Crown Bay port on St. Thomas, which will serve as home to the Norwegian Breakaway as it docks for 5 nights at the height of St. Thomas Carnival 2024.
Prior to arriving in the territory, guests would have spent three nights cruising down from Miami, partying at themed events every evening. Despite being timed to coincide with Carnival festivities on St. Thomas, themed parties at sea and on land will feature artists and DJs from the Virgin Islands, and Caribbean musical heavyweights across genres. Reggae legends Morgan Heritage and dancehall royalty Spice were the headliners announced on Monday night, with heavy hints of a bigger announcement in upcoming weeks.
Local officials at the launch were excited about the new opportunities the cruise presents for entertainment in the territory. Tourism Commissioner Joseph Boschulte welcomed the future guests of the erstwhile floating hotel to participate in Carnival Village activities while docked, and Port Authority director Carlton Dowe welcomed the chance to transform Crown Bay into a nexus of entertainment.
Glowbal Citizens Entertainment CEO Ernice Gilbert, who is also the founder of V.I. Consortium, announced that the ship would leave Miami on April 28, and make a stop in Punta Cana before arriving at Crown Bay, where it will stay for five nights, four of which will feature a major music festival.
Governor Albert Bryan Jr. encouraged the diaspora to cruise down for St. Thomas Carnival next year. “Don’t go and stay by your mother,” he joked, emphasizing the convenience of being able to enjoy Carnival festivities while based in the heart of downtown Charlotte Amalie. With shore-based hotel rooms a scarce commodity during that time of year, Governor Bryan welcomed the extra visitor capacity during a crescendo of activity on St. Thomas. “We want to expand Carnival,” he said, signaling that a cruise of this nature, bringing additional activities to the event calendar, was the right way to go.
The governor explained that the first Utopia Carnival Cruise & Festival was originally planned to come to St. Croix, however logistical challenges at the height of the cruise season made it more feasible to start with St. Thomas 2024.
Mr. Gilbert announced that bookings were currently open, with deposits required to secure a cabin.
