Urban One and Virgin Voyages Launch 2026 ONE Voyage for HBCUs
The sailing shows how affinity cruises are evolving beyond entertainment, turning loyal fan communities into sustained support for historically Black colleges and universities.
Urban One is partnering with Virgin Voyages to launch the ONE Voyage Experience, a 2026 charter-style sailing aboard Virgin Voyages’ adults-only Resilient Lady. The Oct. 26-Nov. 1 voyage will sail round-trip from Miami with calls at Nassau and Virgin Voyages’ Beach Club at Bimini.
Urban One described the program as the next version of the Fantastic Voyage cruise, extending a long-running entertainment-and-fundraising format tied to historically Black colleges and universities. Radio host and comedian Rickey Smiley will host the 2026 sailing. Urban One did not name additional performers or onboard programming beyond Smiley’s role as host in the announcement.
UNCF partnership added to the program
Urban One is also partnering with UNCF, the United Negro College Fund, to support students attending HBCUs.
“For 25 years, this cruise has been about more than entertainment — it’s about community and impact,” said Alfred Liggins, president and CEO of Urban One. “With ONE Voyage and our partnership with UNCF, we’re expanding that impact and investing in the next generation of leaders.”
Maurice E. Jenkins Jr., executive vice president and chief development officer of UNCF, said the partnership demonstrates “the power of education” and creates “pathways for HBCU students to not only succeed but lead.”
Fantastic Voyage roots
The Fantastic Voyage cruise began in 1999. Under radio host Tom Joyner, it became known for combining R&B performances, comedy, seminars, theme nights and HBCU fundraising. More than 50,000 passengers have sailed on the program over its history, with fundraising tied to tens of millions of dollars in support for students and HBCUs.
