It was smooth sailing for the Love And Harmony Cruise which returned to the seas after a two-year break due to COVID-19. Steven “Jabba” Beckford, a spokesperson for the event, said things went according to plan.

Beckford told the Jamaica Observer that all the acts delivered, to the delight of patrons whom he called ‘The Harmonisers’.

“The past two years have been unpredictable for us all, not knowing whether or not this pandemic would ever bring us back to a sense of normalcy again. We are pleased with the return of Love And Harmony Cruise, especially after COVID-19. The Harmonisers enjoyed themselves and we delivered the ultimate Caribbean party at sea,” he said.

The show took place on the MS Nieuw Amsterdam, which departed Fort Lauderdale for Ocho Rios on April 2. It also made stops in Nassau, Bahamas, before returning to Fort Lauderdale.

Beres Hammond, who started the Love And Harmony Cruise in 2017, was again headline act. His supporting cast included Buju Banton, Nadine Sutherland, Wayne Wonder, Cocoa Tea, Beenie Man, and soca star Edwin Yearwood.

Beckford said that package attracted a full ship, with all 2,100 cabins occupied.

“This year, we definitely had return passengers, but I must say for the first time in four years we had a lot of first-time Love And Harmony cruisers, who are now officially a part of our Harmoniser family,” he disclosed.

Among the cruise’s high points was the debut of Buju Banton who returned to Jamaica in December 2018 after serving eight years on drug-related charges in American prison.

“There were so many highlights: Buju and Beres performing on each other’s set, on separate nights; Beenie Man performing on Beres’ set. Or seeing Beenie Man in the club after the shows, selecting music for the Harmonisers. The connection Edwin Yearwood had with Harmonisers during his performance. But if I had to pick one major highlight, it was hearing the joy, and seeing the smiles on faces of the Harmonisers throughout the cruise,” said Beckford.