New Soul Train Cruise Announced | 2013 feat. Earth Wind & Fire, Gladys Knight, The Whispers & More!

Artists confirmed to perform onboard include Earth, Wind & Fire, Gladys Knight, Jeffrey Osborne, The Whispers, Freddie Jackson, Sugarfoot’s Ohio Players, Jennifer Holliday, Billy Paul , ConFunkShun, Jody Watley, Regina Belle, The Bar-Kays, The Dazz Band, The Mary Jane Girls, The Original Lakeside, A Taste of Honey featuring Janice Marie, DW3, Comedian Alonzo Bodden and DJ extraordinaire Biz Markie.

Excitement is already running high as the legendary acts look forward to the historic trip and meeting their fans.  Earth, Wind & Fire declare, “Soul Train is an American institution.   The weekly show not only was one of the longest running series in the history of television it changed us and pop culture forever.   We are looking forward to celebrating the legacy on the SOUL TRAIN CRUISE!”  Jeffrey Osborne says, “I can’t wait for the second SOUL TRAIN CRUISE to set sail in October of 2013.  I will be on board performing and hanging out with all of the wonderful passengers as we visit places like Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas.”

Jennifer Holliday remarks, “Performing on the SOUL TRAIN CRUISE is a very special way for me to personally thank and honor the legacy of Don Cornelius.  I’m proud and thrilled to join the newest ‘Hippest Trip In America’ as we jump the track and climb aboard this beautiful ship to celebrate a music icon and set sail in the name of ‘Love, Peace & Soul’.”   And Freddy Jackson agrees, adding, “What an honor it is to be performing on the SOUL TRAIN CRUISE.  I will say a prayer on board for all that God has done for me as I give place to the memory of Don Cornelius with ‘Love, Peace & Soul’.”

Guests will also be invited to non-stop parties, special events, meet and greets with legendary R&B acts and more.  CENTRIC Television (a part of BET Networks, a division of Viacom) returns to the Hippest Trip at Sea as a media partner and presenting sponsor. Continues Osborne, “I’m also looking forward to hosting a celebrity golf tournament in Puerto Vallarta. Make your reservations now. This one is gonna be incredible!”

The seven day luxury cruise will depart from San Diego, CA on October 5th, traveling to Cabo San Lucas, with two days in Puerto Vallarta and a scenic cruising of Baja Magdalena, before returning on October 12th. The Inaugural SOUL TRAIN CRUISE, featuring Patti LaBelle, The O’Jays and Jeffrey Osborne, and many more, has been sold out since early summer and will depart on February 17th from Fort Lauderdale before returning on February 24th.

The SOUL TRAIN CRUISE West will be aboard  Holland America’s m/s Westerdam as was the inaugural SOUL TRAIN CRUISE.  The m/s Westerdam is an internationally recognized luxury cruise ship with more than two-thirds of the cabins featuring verandas.  Cruisers will enjoy world class dining, and will attend concerts by an incredible array of R&B legends such as Earth, Wind & Fire, Gladys Knight, Jeffrey Osborne, The Whispers, Freddie Jackson, Jennifer Holiday, Billy Paul, Regina Bell and Jody Whatley among many others. This year will also feature a who’s who of funk bands including Sugarfoot’s Ohio Players, ConFunkShun, The Bar-Kays, The Dazz Band, The Mary Jane Girls, The Original Lakeside and A Taste of Honey, featuring Janice Marie.  

Back-to-back concerts by legendary artists are just part of the non-stop events scheduled aboard the SOUL TRAIN CRUISE.  Guests will also be invited to wildly fun Soul By The Sea beach parties, a Solid Gold Theme Ball with the iconic Soul Train Line led by Original Soul Train Dancers who actually danced on the iconic show, and DJ extraordinaire Biz Markie spinning classic R&B and current hits on deck all transporting them back in time to the early days (and outrageous fashions) of the original TV series.  Cruisers will also participate in onboard games such as the beloved Scramble Board and other retro-fueled contests, vie for Soul Train DVD, t-shirt and CD giveaways all while enjoying world class meals, sun and fun, and much, much more.

Soul Train has been an integral part of popular culture since its debut in 1970 and continues be a vital force in entertainment with its all-star Soul Train Awards shows.  Soul Train is also one of the most successful shows ever created, holding the record for the longest, first-run, nationally syndicated television show ever and remains popular to this day.  Vintage episodes continue to air on CENTRIC (a SOUL TRAIN CRUISE Presenting Sponsor), nearly 500,000 DVDs have been sold, and the Soul Train Awards draw international superstars to its ceremony every year.

Reservations for cabins on this cruise may be made now by visiting www.SoulTrainCruise.com or calling (toll free) (855) SOUL TRAIN (855-768-5872). Cabin rates start at $1,900 per person and include all meals, concerts, entertainment and onboard activities

About Direct Holdings Americas, Inc.:

Headquartered in Fairfax, VA, Direct Holdings Americas, Inc. currently develops and sells audio and video products via retail, on line and direct response TV under the Time Life name.  Time Life is a registered trademark of Time Warner Inc. and affiliated companies, used under license by Direct Holdings Americas, Inc., which is not affiliated with Time Warner Inc. or Time Inc.  In 2010, Direct Holdings Americas, Inc. launched its Starvista Live Entertainment division with the inaugural sailing of the Malt Shop Memories Cruise, now an annual event, and is expanding to include the Soul Train Cruises, The Celtic Thunder Cruise and The Ship of Fear: A Horror Cruise in 2013.

About ECP-CHARTER CRUISES, LLC

The largest private music charter company in the world, St. Louis, Missouri-based ECP-CHARTER CRUISES, LLC owns, produces and promotes The Smooth Jazz Cruise: The Greatest Party At Sea (www.thesmoothjazzcruise.com) and The Jazz Cruise (www.thejazzcruise.com), and is proud to work with Direct Holdings -Americas, Inc. for The Malt Shop Memories Cruise (www.maltshopcruise.com) and The Soul Train Cruise (www.soultraincruise.com).  ECP-CHARTER CRUISES, LLC prides itself on providing first-class musical vacation experiences featuring marquee stars from their respective genres for loyal passengers, many of whom make the cruises an annual affair.  With its current slate of excursions, Entertainment Cruise Productions, LLC (Jazz Cruises) will have produced 35 full-ship charter cruises.  Additional information is available at www.ecpcruises.com.