The recently concluded 2026 Love & Harmony Cruise — which made port calls in Nassau, Bahamas, and Ocho Rios, Jamaica — was a celebration of reggae, dancehall, spirituality, and, most importantly, connection among family and friends.
For singer Romain Virgo, the Love & Harmony experience was all of the above — but also deeply personal.
“It is my second time,” he told Caribbean National Weekly with a smile. “The first time Beres Hammond joined me on stage,” he shared.
That moment, performing alongside Hammond, remains one of the defining highlights of Virgo’s musical journey.
“He’s somebody that… you can sit down with and talk the entire night until daylight,” Virgo shared. “He doesn’t have to do what he’s doing for us, but it shows there’s a deeper kind of love within him.”
That sense of love and legacy carried into Virgo’s Night 2 performance on the 12th-floor deck, as he effortlessly moved through songs like Serious Time, Stay With Me, and He Who Feels It, reminding fans why he remains one of reggae’s leading voices of his generation.
“This feels like a family gathering,” he explained. “If we’re all here on this beautiful ship and we don’t connect, take pictures, hug, and dance, then it wouldn’t make sense. It’s about love and harmony.”
Unlike many artists who simply perform and then disappear, Virgo fully immersed himself in the cruise experience.
“I’m not just here to be Romain the artist, but also a fan,” he said. “I want to learn… I want to enjoy every single moment of it.”
That humility resonated with fans throughout the ship.
“He’s so humble,” said cruise guest Alicia Grant. “I saw him just walking around at the parties, taking pictures, talking to people like we’re all family.”
Another fan, Colin Beckford from Orlando, added, “When Romain performs, you feel it. But when you meet him, you respect him even more.”
Virgo’s philosophy remains rooted in respect for those who paved the way.
“My goal from day one is to make the people who inspire me feel proud,” he confessed. “People like Dennis Brown and Gregory Isaacs… if we can carry it forward the right way, then our work is meaningful.”
That respect was evident across the cruise, particularly during the “All White Concert,” where Beres Hammond once again proved why he remains relevant after more than four decades in the industry. The “Boss” glided through timeless hits including Rockaway, In Love With You, What One Dance Can Do, She Loves Me Now, and Step Aside. He also thrilled fans with Tempted to Touch, Golden Touch, Double Trouble, and Putting Up Resistance. His teenage grandson, Kingston Pauyo, also impressed with As Long As the Sun Shines.
Maxi Priest proved that, like fine wine, he continues to get better with age. The UK-born singer delivered several hits, earning rapturous applause with Groovin’ in the Midnight, Should I, Wild World, and House Call, performed alongside DJ New Kidz. Busy Signal energized fans with Step Out, Stay So, and Jamaica Love.
Agent Sasco, celebrating 25 years in music, delivered a powerful set and briefly shared the stage with Virgo. Other standout performances came from Tanya Stephens, who turned up the dancehall heat with It’s a Pity, These Streets, Yuh Nuh Ready Fi Dis Yet, Goggle, and Handle the Ride. Pinchers took patrons back to the 1980s with classics including I’m A Don, Sit Down Pon It, Bandelero, Request to Denise, and Champion Bubbler.
Easter Sunday Resurrection Sermon & Baptism at Sea
Amid the musical highs, one of the most profound moments came on Easter Sunday morning inside the Stardust Theatre. Marion Hall delivered a Resurrection sermon titled “The Grave Is Empty, But He Lives,” shifting the atmosphere from celebration to spiritual reflection.
“It was well received and filled with the glory of God,” Minister Hall told Caribbean National Weekly. “Six people came forward and wrote their names down to be baptized after the service. We believe that a revival is taking place.”
Five persons were eventually baptized in a pool aboard the Norwegian Jewel — an emotional moment that left a lasting impression on those in attendance.
Donna Powell, who traveled from New York, said, “Patrons thoroughly enjoyed the service and often bellowed inspirational responses of their own, in the form of ‘Praise the Lord’ and ‘Hallelujah.’”
The spiritual energy carried into the gospel concert, where Carlene Davis and Minister Hall delivered powerful, soul-stirring performances blending gospel with reggae’s rhythmic heartbeat.
Powell spoke highly of both performances.
“MC Tommy Cowan introduced his wife and even lent his vocals in support on a few of her songs. The crowd responded well and joined in on some of her most popular hits.”
Even Virgo, known for his smooth lovers-rock delivery, was seen fully engaged, “rocking and grooving” as the gospel segment unfolded. That fusion of music, ministry, and community helped set this year’s Love & Harmony Cruise apart.
From themed parties and a comedy show featuring Trixx and Fancy Cat, to authentic Jamaican cuisine and shared cultural experiences, the six-day journey offered something for everyone.
While the cruise delivered unforgettable performances, for Romain Virgo, the balance between music, humility, and purpose continues to define his path.
“We don’t rush music,” he explained. “We try to make the best music and give our best every time we step on stage.”
That commitment was felt in every note, every interaction, and every moment at sea, with stops in Ocho Rios and Nassau — proving that for Virgo and the thousands of Harmonizers aboard, the journey was just as powerful as the destination.
And with plans already set for Mother’s Day weekend next year, featuring Beres, Joey, Jabba, Bobby Konders, MC Glamour Wayne, DJ Roy, Marlon Famous, Ronnie Tomlinson and the entire Love & Harmony crew — fans are already counting down to 2027.
