A REVIEW OF UBERSOCA CRUISE 2019
After doing Ubersoca Cruise (USC) in 2018, I was sure there was no way the experience could be topped!
To be frank, my expectations this year were pretty mild: a reunion with many of my carnival friends, party together and drink plenty, touch Turks and Caicos for the first time and call it a day with the USC experience.
HOWEVER.
USC 2019 was besss, y’hear me!! I had the most epic time from start to finish!
Have you reviewed my Instagram story highlights yet?!
Sandra Manjie USC Recap Part 1
Sandra Manjie USC Recap Part 2
It has been two weeks since I returned and I have been able to sift through videos and pictures and process the trip. Here is a detailed breakdown of my experience.
What is Ubersoca Cruise?
3700 people
80+ entertainers
50+ events
5 days & 4 nights
2 back-to-back sailings
Ubersoca Cruise prides itself on being the largest Soca music festival at sea, and they have lived up to this reputation.
Ship 2 Dates: November 8 - November 12
Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
Ship: Mariner of the Seas
Departure Port: Cape Canaveral, FL
Destination Port: Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos
How to Sign Up?
Dat Ain’t Missing Me (DAMM): If you were on Ubersoca Cruise in 2018, you had the opportunity to sign up for the Dat Ain’t Missing Me (DAMM) program, the priority level program to ensure you had a cabin on the ship. I believe cruisers were able to join DAMM up to a month after the second ship made it back to shore.
DAMM membership cost $250 and went towards your reservation if you decided to go. If you chose not to go, you were able to receive your money back (less $50 for administrative fees) within 2 days of official launch if you sent a written request to Ubersoca Cruise.
RSVP: The RSVP level was for those who did not go on the cruise, but wanted to guarantee a spot on the ship. RSVPs opened up at the very top of the year and closed on February 14th, right after the destination was announced. The pricing and terms for refund are the same as DAMM.
Bookings opened up a couple of weeks after the destination was announced, with DAMM members going first (48 hours), followed by RSVPs. Registration for the general public started on March 18th and both boats sold out completely by April 1st. Woi!
For me, I decided to go on Ubersoca Cruise at the end of August and was actively searching for someone selling their cabin spot. I lucked out with an affordable spot and was able to complete the name change and take over payments without issue.
Cost and What is Included?
These were the 2019 prices per person. Included is:
A spot in the cabin of your choice
All meals (except in specialty restaurants and room service)
Beverages - water, tea, coffee, juice, milk & soda drinks
All taxes, fees and gratuities (additional $250)
Entry to all events
Entertainment activities on the ship
All inclusive alcohol experience (!!!)
Also, factor in your transportation to the destination port, as well as a stay at a hotel or Airbnb (if you decide to arrive before the sail date).
Note: the port was about a 45 minute to an hour drive from the city of Orlando. Plan accordingly.
Boarding Process
Before we stepped into the building, we were lit! The DJs were playing our fave tracks, a couple of people were finishing their nips and there was a fete in the parking lot. We were doing last minute packing and giving our luggage to the cruise attendants, while catching up with friends and acquaintances.
Pro Tip: Make sure you include your Day One needs (clothes, clothes, accessories, makeup etc.) in a carry-on or tote in case you do not receive your luggage right away.
The boarding process, though, at Orlando was not as seamless as my experience in the Miami port. The initial line to go through the first passport and security check was extremely long. There weren’t enough cruise attendants to handle the flow of people.
However, once we moved past that area, things were pretty swift - our passports and sail passes were checked again and we were given our Ubersoca Cruise goodie bags. The DJs kept up the momentum throughout and into the ship and the excitement was palpable!
USC 2019 Goodie Bag
The Cabins
I stayed in an Interior stateroom with a female roommate I did not know. It was a decent experience, but I do not think I would want to do either (interior; rooming blind) again.
The interior cabins are pretty small at only 160 square feet inclusive of the bathroom with no outside light to indicate whether it is night or day. It’s a time warp.
Here is a quick video tour of my room.
The Drink Inclusive Experience
For the first time in its 4-year existence, Ubersoca Cruise offered an all-inclusive alcohol experience. Finally! It changed the game and loosened people up in a different way.
This was the menu. Not bad at all, eh?!
We were able to get any drink on the ship that was $13 or less. If it exceeded $13, the difference was included in the final bill with the expected gratutity. Thankfully, most of the drinks were $13 and less. I had my fill of Irish cream, Long Islands and lots of caipirinhas!
Before getting on the ship, we thought the lines would be ridiculously long but Royal Caribbean and Ubersoca Cruise ensured that there were mobile bars everywhere. You could find a bar within feet at all times. The longest I may have ever waited for a drink may have been 5 minutes, if that. The bartenders were very efficient.
The Food
Fried escargot.
There were several places to eat on the ship, the most popular of which was at the Windjammer, aka the cafeteria.
I enjoyed the food more this year - I had some excellent barbeque chicken, whole grilled snapper with hot pepper, Indian biryani rice, fried fish, different types of pasta dishes, jumbo shrimp etc. Apparently I missed the oxtail, bake and roti, but was able to grab some doubles and corn soup. Decent Caribbean cuisine infusions.
I also made more of an effort to have dinner in the main Dining Room. Though the waiter service was at times long, it was honestly a calming time for me because it allowed a little more reprieve from the noise and large crowds of people. The food there was tasty - over the trip, I had lamb chops, sirloin, salmon, seafood and delicious desserts.
Wi-Fi
As a proud millennial, I am (kind of) addicted to my phone, so I knew I was going to get wi-fi. Not only did it keep me plugged in to the real world (at sea, you can feel soooo far removed), It allowed me to connect with my friends on the boat because otherwise, we would not know how to meet with each other.
I was part of the 4-device package and saved a lot of money that way - I ended up paying about $31. It wasn’t great everywhere and good luck uploading videos to your social media, but it was essential (for me).
The Schedule & THEMES
The themes were announced approximately two months before sailing, which helped in outfit shopping. However, the full schedule was sent out only days before sail.
Reviews of Key Events
Sail Away Party
The cruise started off with a bang and this party definitely set the tone for the rest of the adventure. Everyone was excited, well-rested and reuniting with old and new friends. The theme was “Do You” where we represented our “crew”. USC challenged our competitive spirit with this theme, but I do not remember them announcing a winner. No one seemed to care - the music was banging and the vibes were everything.
OPENING NIGHT Toga Party
Staying in an interior cabin will have you falling into the deepest REM sleep imaginable. I almost missed this party but luckily my internal clock woke me up, despite not hearing my alarm.
I liked the twist to the standard all-white party with the toga infusion and most people dressed accordingly with gladiator sandals/slippers, leaf headbands, and gold embellishments.
Unfortunately, the event was moved indoors to the Promenade, which naturally led to a spillover into the Star Lounge. I had a good time, but was feeling a bit stifled in my outfit in the close quarters. I ended up changing after taking pictures and continuing on with my night.
Hawaii 5-0
This year, USC organized 2 pool parties - Hawaii 5-0 was the first. It was FUNNNNNNN.
It rained on and off, and at first I was not enthused. After all, I had just done my makeup LOL. However, after a drink in my system, I was ready to brave the rain and wade in the pool. There were people jumping into the pool, throwing buckets of water onto the crowd, slipping and sliding and writhing and gyrating…it was crazy and wild and entertaning.
I think V’ghn performed? But by the time Lil Rick came on stage, I was a new woman! What cover up? What behavior? More water! We raced to the front of the stage and we were jamming without a care in the world. I felt like I was out on the pool deck for ages, and was sad when the fete ended because I was still ready to keep going.
Battle Royale
For this theme, we were encouraged to channel our favorite revolutionary figure or culture of resistance. I decided to dress as my favorite African (Burkinabé) revolutionary, Thomas Sankara. Most people wore camouflage or army fatigue.
I was at the main Battle Royale event for a very short time - instead I decided to skip the performance-heavy night and rest instead, so that I could fully enjoy the Small Island Party.
The only performance I wish I had seen was Kerwin Du Bois simply because I don’t see him perform often and he’s in my top 5 favorite soca musicians. I heard it was a good time, but also too performance heavy so I am glad I conserved my energy.
J ‘ O U V E R T
J’ouvert is like a happiness elixir, as well as the most exhausting feat. This may have been one of my favorite, if not the best, j’ouverts I have experienced. It’s not the same as chipping behind a truck but the energy of the sea of people was remarkable.
I admit that I came in with low(ish) expectations because I was exhausted ( I had been awake for over 24 hours with no nap), but as soon as I touched that beach and got doused by the water truck, I was alive again. The Red Bull I had before I left the ship helped too.
We were each given a bottle of paint and a packet of powder upon entry and within 5 steps, I was a cacophony of vibrant color.
The crowd was dense and initially, I felt quite uncomfortable in the thick of it. We eventually moved to the outskirts a bit for relief and space to move. I eventually found my way onto the stage speakers, where I stayed until I was ready to leave.
J’ouvert was AMAZING. I was loving the music, dancing and taking Henny to the head while enjoying the performances up close. Kes, Lavaman, Shal Marshall, Asa Bantan and Lil Natty and Thunda performed and it was lit. However, I would have liked more DJs and fewer performers.
I did not check out the liquor on the beach, so please comment on if that was available. I drank before I left the ship and filled up my cup with Henny Pineapple so I was good for the afternoon.
I went back to the ship looking like the greenest Grinch, thoroughly exhausted and thoroughly satisfied.
Midnight Mas
After j’ouvert was sleep time (at last) and Midnight Mas, the event where you wear an old costume or “monday wear” piece to invoke the feeling of mas. This year, I rewore my costume from St. Lucia Carnival.
Again, due to high winds and rough seas, the event was moved from the outside deck to the Promenade. This made for an annoying and uncomfortable experience because of all the feathers and sharp pieces of the costumes. But you can’t control the weather.
I was feeling ill due to seasickness, so I was not fully enjoying myself much. After about an hour, I was ready to go back to my room and change. I would have just slept the rest of the evening, but FOMO on the ship is real. You don’t want to be the person hearing about events that took place while you were next door.
I changed, took some Dramamine and soldiered back out to join the party. It was a nice time and I could tell people were trying to forget the sway of the ship and make the most of it, but my stomach could not. I ended up calling it a night “early” (maybe 4am ish).
WILD African Safari POOL PARTY
This was the second pool party on our last full day on the ship. It was time to go big or go home. This was my reasoning behind how I ended up in the jacuzzi pelting my worries away.
Bunji Garlin and Preedy surprised us with their performances as they weren’t scheduled to grace the stage until that evening. Patrick the Hypeman’s energy was as infectious as ever, maintaning the vibes of the crowd, all while getting his hair braided on the stage. The bouncing and jumping up was on another level and it was real RUKSHUN in the place.
Ubersoca Cruise really stepped it up this year with their use of props and decor to bring life to the themes of the main events - I saw an elephant statue on stage, capable of withstanding the weight of a grown adult male (Patrick lol), a whole safari jeep, a rhino horn and more.
Again, everyone I saw came dressed to the nines and in theme with their animal print swimwear.
Bacchanal Ball
After the African Safari pool party, it was a bit of a rush getting to the first seating of the Bacchanal Ball. I decided to do the first seating this year because I wanted a different experience from last year, and because I knew I would have an easier time napping before the next event.
The theme this year was Arabian Nights, with a strong inclusion of Bollywood.
Yes, I too, was confused.
I did not have time nor money to dress the part, however those who did looked stunning! And I believe most people followed the theme very respectfully.
Perhaps it is because of where we were seated on floor 4, but I felt like the whole affair was very demure. I heard the entertainment but could not see Johanna Chuckaree perform on the piano; I didn’t see the dancing on the main floor nor did I see the steelpan players. I quickly ate my food, drank some wine, took some pictures and went back to my room to pack.
I could have missed it.
UBER Finale Party (Pajama night)
This was another party where I was almost a no-show 😂 I passed out and overslept my alarm by an hour. Even after I woke up, I did not want to get up. I eventually made it out to the pool deck and caught several performers - Alison Hinds, Voice, Skinny Fabulous and Mr. Killa. The performances and trip wrapped up with a short segment of several artists freestyling and singing their tracks over a riddim section. I loved it!
We ended the night popping champagne, shuffling between the Promenade and Star Lounge and savoring the last few hours of our time on the ship. Unfortunately, they stopped serving alcohol in preparation of our arrival back in Orlando, and the shock to our systems was a bit severe LOL.
I missed out on watching the sunrise but I ended the trip with gratitude and FOOD!
Other Events and After Parties
WE JABBIN
I was particularly excited about this after-party on Night 1 because Grenada soca was really great this year (and every year, if we are honest) so I was glad the organizers decided to pay particular focus on it.
The party was fun but I wanted 90% Grenada soca with a smattering of others, but it was probably 50% with the rest spread out over the other islands. There were songs that were popular during Spicemas 2020 that weren’t played at all and I was a little disappointed.
If it wasn’t for Kevin Crown bringing the jab jab vibes, I would have been annoyed. He switched things over and saved the night in my opinion.
Overall, I had a good time.
Small Island TURN UP
This was one of my favorite parties on the ship! It continues to live up to its reputation. DJs International Stephen, Avalanche, DeejBlaze and By Far Mega did an amazing job maintaining the high energy of the crowd until 7am!
DJ Avalanche gave out bottles of baby powder to the crowd and we went berserk with it. If you were towards the front of the stage, you were proper doused and it was FUN! The music was varied and excellent, from the most popular tracks out of St. Lucia to the more obscure from Martinique; from current to old. We did not want to leave! We eventually left only after we were forced out to accommodate the cleaning crew.
Cabin Fever
I didn’t stay at this fete long because I was not feeling 100%, however other people seemed to be having fun. In general, I don’t like the Star Lounge venue because there isn’t much space, but many people stayed in their rooms that night (orrr were at the lit hip hop room), the crowd was just right.
THEATRE TURN UP Comedy Show
Keevo (Trinidad & Tobago), White Yardie (UK/Jamaica) and Trixx (Canada/Ghana) provided the funny entertainment of the night, and absolutely came with the jokes. I had seen Trixx last year and he was even more hilarious this year. It was great seeing Keevo do stand up because I was only familiar with the 30 second Instagram jokes and sometimes it doesn’t quite translate. Similarly, White Yardie held his own on the stage and got the biggest laughs from me.
Football and Basketball Tournaments
I stopped by these tournaments very briefly and they were a great change of pace from the parties. I just want to know if there are any prizes at play for these competitions.
Special mention to the other events I was supposed to go to:
Ubersoca on Ice
Laser Tag
Soca in Stilettos
Land Excursions
Royal Caribbean offers land excursions at their ports. This time, I decided to do the 2 hour dune buggy ride, organized by Chukka Tours. Though it was a nice opportunity to get out and see a little bit of Grand Turk, it was a subpar experience and I should have caught up on sleep instead. Next year, I will reconsider whether I want to do anything during the morning of J’ouvert.
I know this was a looong read, but I hope this comprehensive review of Ubersoca Cruise 2019 was helpful! Especially if you have never been.
It was amazing, and I must commend and salute the USC team for their immense success this year. Though communication could still be improved when it came to announcing the lineup and activities, they came through and made sure the experience lived up to the expectations and hype!
I may do a vlog…stay tuned!
2020 will be Ubersoca Cruise Year 5. I bet that the epic levels of 2019 will be surpassed. Do not miss it!
Were you on Ubersoca Cruise 2019? Are you going in 2020?
Until next time!
Sandra
