Founder of Blue World Travel Corp in 1978, Patricia Nicholson Yarbrough launched ‘Festival at Sea’ – Cruising with an African-American twist, in August 1992 which became the first cruise experience tailored to Black culture. Events such as an Electric Slide Freeze Competition, Bid Whist Tournament, and parties every night helped the cruise line grow in popularity. In 1999 ‘Friends of Festival at Sea luxury cruise’ product was launched to travel to unique destinations around the globe. They are “all inclusive” sailings that include a superior standard of service, gourmet dining, fine wines, and premium spirits. These voyages are not full ship charters but they give an intimate forum to celebrate African American heritage and travel to destinations that inspire and explore cultures from around the world.
References:
- Chambers, B. 2019. ‘The First Black Cruise Experience And Its Inspirational Feminine Founder.” Forbes.
- 2019. Meet the founder of the world’s first Black-owned cruise experience. Travel Norie.