All aboard the Pitbull Cruise again for the ultimate Pitbull experience that can’t be replicated anywhere else with Mr Worldwide. The second annual Pitbull After Dark Party whisked away party goers on the Norwegian Jade from Miami to Nassau in the Bahamas between the 2-5th March 2018 for yet another jam packed, intensive, non-stop party-a-thon. Yet again proving that there is no party like a Pitbull party and there’s no party cruise like the Pitbull Cruise!
There’s nothing superficial or uptight about it. The cruise is very much like what Pitbull himself embodies ‘realness’ and fun. As Pitbull’s phrase goes to get off the chain and what happens on the ship? Well that’s a case of ‘convenient amnesia’
So what’s different this time round? Pitbull is always looking to shake things up and do things differently so it’s no surprise that the second cruise has been mixed up in more ways than one before we even board the ship. First, we have the opportunity for those who booked during the pre-sale to be automatically entered into a fan lotto to win a range of on board experiences from a photo with Pitbull, Teppanyaki dinner with a toast by Pitbull, chance to introduce Pitbull before his Motivational Conversation and a Voli 305 Vodka Cocktail Hour with Pitbull.
Yet it doesn’t end there. There’s a cocktail of brand new experiences on board such as Pitbull’s very own vodka brand Voli 305 Vodka hosting the Voli 305 Musical Chairs game, a bar crawl and cocktail contest. Add a good few hours in Nassau, Bahamas with a selection of on shore excursions. While some are just too good to shake up like The Most Bad Ones Boot camp, Zumba, Silent disco and themed nights which this time round are the White Party and That 70’s Night. We’ve only just touched upon a tip of what’s to come so without further ado let’s get on the ship.
DAY 1: Fri 2nd March
Pitbull paradise is upon us from the music in the hallways to images all over the place in one shape or form of the man himself. An escape from reality but a welcomed assault on the senses of all things Pitbull. There’s no escaping Voli 305 Vodka anywhere either who this year have brand new concoctions at the bar with A Lo Pit (Voli, water and three lime wedges a ‘Pitbull drink’ and Pom Con Coco infused with Coconut and pomegranate juice and La Mulita infused with ginger beer and guava juice. I dare you to try to even choose just one as a favourite!
After boarding and the important things are out of the way like the mandatory safety training, fans gather to take their place on the pool deck for a family photo and a shot of Voli 305 Vodka at the Sail Away Toast. Fans are handed out we free shot’s of Voli cocktails ready to down as Pitbull rolls on stage more prepared with a whole bottle in hand.
Where Mr Worldwide thanks his team, Flo Rida, Yandel, DJ Laz, fans who came in from all around the world. A thank you and a Happy Birthday to Becky G too who celebrated her birthday bash with the DJ ILL Set just before the Toast Off. Reminiscing about the Miami boys on the ship hustling back in the days like Flo Rida and what a blessing it was to be on a ship together.
Acknowledging fans from Down Under in OZ waving their national flag with a “Like those in Australia say - Cheers Big Ears! To Love, life happiness, enjoy, have fun. Thank you all so much” Just before fans get to down a shot in unison with Mr Worldwide on stage.
We can all say we had a drink with Pitbull and a good few hundred other members of the Pitbull Fan Family of course!
That’s the toast done and we’re straight in with fellow Miamian and international superstar Flo Rida. Mr International Flo Rida wowed the excited crowds screaming with delight as he performed hits such as such as Good Feeling which was a fitting song to start with to match vibe in air. Speaking of air it wasn’t long before Flo got everyones hands ‘In The Ayer’ too! Hit after hit not forgetting the iconic Low. The moment that took it to another high especially for old school fans like myself was a surprise performance by Flo Rida with DJ Laz of Move Shake Drop getting some ladies from the crowd and onto the stage to do just that. Trademark Flo Rida getting involved with the crowd on another level with his own version of crowd surfing and throwing a handful of roses and dollars in the air.
Pitbull promised a non-stop party and that means straight in with DJ Danny West keeping the party going on after Flo Rida. Dance away or get active and head over to the Flip Cup Challenge. Congratulations to our #PitbullGirls for getting through the first round and thank you for taking on my sponsorship.
If the Voli 305 Vodka at the Sail Away Toast gave you a taste for more, then for a small fee cruisers can explore the different bars on the Norwegian Jade and have a good few drinks along the way on the Around The Jade Bar Crawl. A bar crawl on the ship with your hands not short of a drink of Voli 305 Vodka in hand.
From Pitbull the man himself to some of his closest friends in the industry spanning from the beginning of his career, join us on this jamboree upon the sea. An exceptionally talented team of scratchologist’s from Pitbull’s Sirius XM Channel 13 Globalization Radio and media personalities such as the legendary DJ Laz , The Latin Prince, Danny West, DJ Soulman, Damaged Goods, Santarosa, DJ ILL Set joined by DJ Johnny Seriuss and Crisco Kidd. Along of course his very own DJ Chino who all make the whole experience just as spectacular with their great sets. Pitbull, the talent, the activities are amazing but just as equally the ones that keep the vibe flowing, the feet dancing, the memories in creation and emotions that come with it and make the Pitbull Cruise experience incomparable are these remarkably skilled DJ’s with the humble, warm and approachable personalities to match. Believe me when I say you haven’t seen and felt music until you hear the talent on Globalization radio. These DJ’s are a HUGE part in making the cruise the success that it is. The Norwegian Jade is screaming DJ City and Globalization Radio, or as I like to say ‘There is always a DJ on THEIR decks on one of THE decks!’
After Danny West on the Pool Deck follows more personal dream DJ’s The Latin Prince and also DJ Laz warming up the crowd re-introducing Booty Bass to the ship while Voli 305 Girls throw out merchandise into the crowd, just before the first Pitbull concert starts at 10pm.
After Dark Party really does mean an ‘after dark’ party. What an incredible show nothing short of infectious energy to get the crowd going. Back drop before Mr Worldwide hits the stage has snippets with Tony Robbins CAN in the word can’t and Possible in the word imPOSSIBLE. Pitbull ever the motivator, manifestor, inspirer brings us these words even before the motivational conversation. Always a nugget of inspiration and motivation in between the breaks during the concerts by Pitbull.
Pitbull, The Agents, DJ Chino and the sassiest and fierce dancers The Most Bad Ones. The moment gets higher in anticipation of the signature Pitbull and Leo Brooks air guitar session which never ceases to amaze. What a phenomenal feeling. Outdoor concert, at night, somewhere on the ocean between Miami and the Bahamas.
Simply exhilarating. Pitbull sets the stage alight with crowd pleasers such as Feel This Moment, Time Of Our Lives, Rain Over Me, Fireball, Hotel Room, Give Me Everything, Echa Pa’lla to some old school classics like Culo, to Mid school hits like Shake Señora. Mr Worldwide gave us a varied taste of old to new school and that was just a great trip down memory lane and the journey forward.
Simply exhilarating. Pitbull sets the stage alight with crowd pleasers such as Feel This Moment, Time Of Our Lives, Rain Over Me, Fireball, Hotel Room, Give Me Everything, Echa Pa’lla to some old school classics like Culo, to Mid school hits like Shake Señora. Mr Worldwide gave us a varied taste of old to new school and that was just a great trip down memory lane and the journey forward.
Taking a moment to look around, the proof is on the pool deck as once again we are reminded of just how Pitbull’s music still crosses all genres, all walks of life, all ages in life. Fans from all over the United States and around the world from UK, Australia and beyond are brought together by the music of this one man. Pitbull. True to his word that music is the universal language. Ageless and genre-less with everyone on board to have a great time and celebrate life, this wonderful man and his wonderful team. A pleasure to see and meet the lovely Abuela 305 ‘Margarita’ who is in her 80’s and partying again with a bottle of Voli 305 Vodka and shown a lot of love from Mr Worldwide, Team Pitbull and fans alike.
But the party has only just got started. As the concert draws to a close elsewhere on the other decks, sets from DJ Chino, DJ Soulman, Danny West, Damaged Goods and Santarosa open up for those who still have energy to burn as the DJ’s thrill with their mixes as the cruisers dance away until the early hours near to 3am. Great to hear mixes from DJ Mutis throughout the nights too and to discover another great DJ! However, if you want to party to your own beat then the Sound Off Silent Disco is the place to be.
DAY 2: Sat 3rd March
Up early and disembark at Nassau, Bahamas 8am where there is a choice of simply chilling on the beach and checking out local spots or a range of pre booked excursions such as swimming with dolphins (personally recommend) and other water based activities. If you didn’t fancy any of that then you can stay on the ship where Pitbull’s Globalization DJ’s spin tracks back to back until 3pm when The Most Bad Ones put us through our paces with their Dance Boot Camp and show us how to move. As if the scorching sun on the pool deck wasn’t hot enough, more sizzle and sass with a lot of class by these talented ladies who heat things up even more.
Everyone back on board and report to the pool deck by 4:30pm where Yandel took the stage to bring some more Latin flavour on the ship. Didn’t matter how good your Spanish was as Yandel drew everyone into feeling the rhythm of reggeaeton. Followed by rising star and stunning Becky G at 6:30pm keeping the crowd moving as the sun sets. Who is then followed by DJ Soulman and Damaged Goods keeping the party going at various spots on the ship.
Continuing with the full on Latin theme, Bliss Lounge brings us Latin Dance Lessons to show off later where you can learn some salsa y mas!
After all that, it’s time for a drink and an intimate Voli 305 Mixology session at the Spinnaker room where the team create a cocktail mix and pass round shots of the drink. Inviting the audience on stage to make a toast and take a shot together. The Voli Mixology Sessions featured two winning recipes submitted as part of a contest. The lucky winners were The Succulent TMBO created by Sherri Ann O and the Espresso Voli-tini created by Jack D. A shot after shot after shot after responsible shot with variations of Voli 305 Vodka in an intimate dark setting.
The second night brings an ocean of white on board with the ‘White Party’ theme with cruisers dressed in all white attire in different styles- including one brave man who simply had on a white suit shirt and white socks. So even if you didn’t have anything to wear it was crazy and comfortable enough to ‘push the boat out’ and go all in or just go improvise with the unthinkable! It all works!
The clock hits 11pm and its time for the second Pitbull concert. Mr Worldwide says ‘The devil’s hot but I’m hotter’ and he certainly doesn’t need any sun to prove that as we get ready ‘after dark’ for another rip-roaring show creating waves of excitement on the pool deck yet again. There’s a certain sense of magic that a Pitbull concert brings and everyone that comes with that package. The Most Bad Ones are one of the best in their business and their personalities, energy really radiate outwards. While The Agents draw us in with the sounds. There are good bands that are Live and then there are GREAT ones like The Agents and DJ Chino fist pumping away reeling everyone in. It’s game over. The crowd has been driven into Pit-elation.
Still not tired? Keep working those floors on the pool deck throwing moves and ‘Drop It Like It’s White Hot’ in line with the dress theme with DJ Laz and DJ Candy Boy. Followed by DJ Santarosa and Danny West with DJ Crisco Kidd on the mic. When Santarosa, Danny West and Crisco Kidd get together you better hold tight. This trio get the crowd jumping along with them. Insane.
Elsewhere on the ship, visit the Royalty that is the Latin Prince and check out this accomplished DJ with an exceptional gift to sense and respond rapidly to the crowds ear at a deeper level with his thrilling and surprising sound blends in the Bliss Lounge followed by the unparalleled and talented DJ ILL Set that brings along infectious energy and throws a few dance moves herself as she’s DJ-ing lifting the crowd even more. Great to see DJ Johnny Seriuss on the mic too keeping us on our feet.
The Sound Off Silent Disco too is back again around the same time if you want a switch from speakers to headphones
Day 3: Sun 4th March
Shake It off with some more Zumba and The Most Bad Ones Dance Boot Camp late morning on the deck. If your feet haven’t still touched the floor since we left shore then it’s time to spin around some more with the Voli 305 Musical Chairs with DJ ILL Set to entertain that inner child (a very grown up aged over 21 child) for an adaptation of musical chairs. When the music stops make sure you get that seat and be ready for some crazy challenges and shots of Voli in between!
Another spectacular show put on by Becky G before The Latin Prince gets the crowd going at 3pm for an hour just before the Pitbull Motivational Conversation starts. The Pitbull Motivational Conversation is the only time Pitbull can get the crowd on mute while he is on stage doing the inspirational talk sharing his wisdom. What makes it special is that it is real. Pitbull’s story, struggles, achievements and words of encouragement, drive and determination are moving and make an impact on fans. Mr Worldwide’s message is very relatable in one context or another in an engaging manner with ‘real talk’. Amongst one of the topics education and SLAM. Inspiring and giving children the opportunity and graduating them at 95% (and not stopping until it's at 100%) at the first school so far and making a change for the next generation. Thanking SLAM teachers and other teachers out there making a change. A shout out to the teacher always who changed his life, Hope Martinez.
Always love hearing these stories, especially the one about his mum slapping his hand while he was trying to turn off Tony Robbins in his mum’s radio in the car as a kid. Fast forward to today speaking on stage with Tony Robbin and moving in around the motivational field for which Armando has a natural knack for. With the ability to reach out and be a positive influence, example and impact on others starting with his very own fan base. See videos below
Always the teacher and sharing wisdom. Pitbull tells us about the two biggest diseases in the world his mum taught him is now passing on the lesson to us is ignorance and greed. Thought provoking, stirring, uplifting, motivating and always inspiring sessions. After the session was over Pitbull took a lot of time to walk around the crowd nearby taking photos, signing hats and even pulled out a $50 note, autographed it and gave it to a young boy.
Tonight sees That 70’s Night theme and cruisers get a chance to prepare with some old school moves with the 70’ Dance Lesson which was quite a blast.
With another Voli 305 Mixology session and Sound Off Silent Disco in between, the last night at sea which ended with a high from various sets by DJ City and Globalization Radio DJ’s throughout the final night.
DAY 4: Mon 5th March
Alas all good things come to an end, for now. The second Pitbull Cruise by far surpassed any expectations and emotions I had with the first. The ultimate Party experience for anyone who simply love a great party. The Pitbull Cruise has raised the bar on the second annual cruise with the talent, activities and the overall handling and management by Sixthman and Norwegian Cruise Line. Thank you all for an incredible experience. Roll on 2019 Pitbull After Dark Party!
Dale!
Voli 305 Sail Away Toast Off
Motivational Talk Snippets
Pitbull Concerts
Pitbull & Leo Brooks
Latin Prince
DJ Santarosa, Danny West, & Crisco Kidd
DJ ILL Set
DJ LAZ
Yandel
Flo Rida
Flo Rida & DJ Laz - Move Shake Drop
#Pitbull Girls Flip Cup Team
(Sponsored by PitbullFanUnleashed.com)
Becky G
DJ ILL Set & DJ Johnny Seriuss
Danny West
Crisco Kidd, Santarosa & Danny West
Voli 305 Mixology Session
Leo Brooks
DJ Laz
Latin Prince
The Most Bad Ones
Where The Cruisers Few In From Stats
Pitbull Signing Hats post Motivational Conversation
It's raining Voli 305 Everywhere...
The Rockstar Photographer himself, Greg Watermann
