Rock The Bells is bringing its Hip-Hop cruise back in 2026 with a bigger ship, an expanded itinerary, and a lineup that blends rap performances, DJ sets, and comedy. After three straight sellouts and a growing waitlist, the company announced that Rock The Bells Cruise: A Hip-Hop Experience will sail November 1 to 6, 2026, departing from Miami and traveling to Montego Bay, Jamaica, for the first time.
The 2026 edition moves to Norwegian Joy, described as a new, state-of-the-art ship that is twice the size of the vessels used in prior years. The cruise also adds an extra day at sea, extending the overall experience to six days. Rock The Bells says the Montego Bay stop will include a day for guests to enjoy local beaches with music, food, drinks, and on-the-ground activities.
The announcement follows the brand’s 2025 cruise, which featured performances from Juvenile, Da Brat, MC Lyte, Lupe Fiasco, and others. Rock The Bells, founded by LL COOL J, positions itself as a platform focused on preserving Hip-Hop’s legacy while creating new experiences that connect artists and fans.
In a statement included with the announcement, LL COOL J emphasized the community aspect of the cruise and how it differs from a standard concert setting.
"The Rock The Bells Cruise keeps leveling up, and 2026 is our biggest year yet. The performances go crazy every year, but it’s the culture and connection that make this experience hit different. A concert can’t give you what this does. You’re bumping into artists at breakfast, hanging by the pool together, and having late-night talks while looking at views of the water. The energy out here hits different because it’s elevated and luxurious, but still feels like a Hip-Hop family reunion. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built,” says Rock The Bells founder LL COOL J.
Beyond the performances, Rock The Bells is leaning into the “vacation” side of the concept by highlighting Norwegian Joy’s onboard amenities. The ship features a thermal spa space, an outdoor go-kart track, water slides, mini golf, a beauty salon, expanded pool and lounge areas, and modernized staterooms. Dining is also a major focus, with six complimentary dining options and more than twenty specialty restaurants and bars.
On the music side, the 2026 lineup includes T.I., E-40, Warren G, Jermaine Dupri, Too $hort, Rob Base, Rah Digga, Public Enemy, Bahamadia, Masta Ace, and more special guests to be announced. The DJ roster includes Jermaine Dupri, DJ Jazzy Jeff, DJ Money, Mannie Fresh, DJ Quik, DJ Spinderella, DJ Scratch, DJ Diamond Kuts, and DJ Epps.
Comedy is again part of the programming, with performances announced from Bill Bellamy, Kym Whitley, Tacarra Williams, Alton Walker, and more. Hip-Hop legend Roxanne Shanté returns as a host alongside Torae.
E-40 highlighted the cruise’s behind-the-scenes moments and the access it provides to fans and artists.
"Some of my best memories from the Rock The Bells Cruise were the fellowship between legendary artists, DJ's, and producers. Having the ability to connect with legends and fixtures like Scarface, Mannie Fresh, Rakim, Jadakiss, Kid Capri, and others from our culture in such an incredible setting was a memorable experience. From the live performances to the impromptu studio sessions to the artist meet-and-greets with fans, I was truly impressed with the overall experience. Rock The Bell's Cruise serves as a great example of how Hip-Hop has grown and progressed."
Kym Whitley also shared her perspective on joining the 2026 sailing.
“Hip Hop is the fabric of my life and America's culture. I'm going to Rock The Bells in November 2026, with fun, laughter, and music!”
The cruise is produced in partnership with Sixthman, a company known for music-focused festivals at sea. Sixthman CEO Jeff Cuellar described the 2026 edition as a major step up in scale and amenities.
"Bigger and Deffer! The evolution of Rock The Bells continues by taking the event to the next level on Norwegian Joy. We are excited to offer the Rock The Bells community more days, more balconies, more amenities, more food options, and more Hip-Hop. We even have go-karts! We are going big in 2026; don't miss out."
Rock The Bells also announced that a portion of the cost of each vacation will be contributed to Hurricane Melissa relief efforts in Jamaica via Jamaica’s Promise, a registered not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Additional donation and volunteer opportunities are expected to be announced in the coming months.
For more details, check out the official Rock The Bells website: https://www.rockthebellscruise.com
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