Luxury Travel Experiences Curated for Us.
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Highlights from Friends of Festival at Sea, February 2025: Southeast Asia
Born from the overwhelming demand of Festival at Sea passengers to explore beyond the Caribbean, Friends of Festival at Sea launched in 1998 as a celebration of global travel for African-Americans and Black travelers of all backgrounds. Since then, we’ve provided the opportunity to journey to some of the world’s most breathtaking destinations while maintaining the culture, connection, and sense of community that makes our experiences unforgettable.
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Friends offers more than just travel — it is a gateway to luxury, cultural immersion and lifelong connections. With a focus on slowing down and savoring each destination, our itineraries allow guests to truly appreciate local cultures, cuisines, and traditions. From private parties and group dining experiences to opportunities for independent exploration, we create an elevated travel experience that blends adventure with community.​
"Traveling is Much Better with Friends"
​Over the years, we’ve taken our guests to extraordinary destinations, including Brazil, the Mediterranean, South Africa, Cuba, Australia, and the Rhone River in France, with tailored itineraries that reflect our commitment to excellence. Whether sailing along the Rhone from Arles to Lyon on a boutique river cruise or journeying through Southeast Asia in style, our trips are curated to inspire, elevate, and connect.
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Onboard or on land, the Friends experience remains deeply rooted in community. Dance the night away at our signature White Night or African Attire events, join spirited dominoes and bid whist games, or engage in thoughtful discussions at our Current Events Hat Chat. Every detail is designed to celebrate the vibrant spirit of our travelers while fostering a sense of belonging and pride.
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With exclusive itineraries, professional guides, all-inclusive luxury amenities, and personalized guest service, Friends of Festival at Sea is for those who seek the finer things in life while embracing the beauty of new cultures. Together, we elevate travel to an art form, creating memories and "friend-ships" (pun intended) that last a lifetime.
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Join us on our next adventure, where luxury meets culture, and see why we say:
"You get so much more when traveling with Friends."
Where Have We Been?
Spain
Italy
France
Greece
Turkey
South Africa
West Africa
East Africa
England
Russia
Netherlands
Sweden
Norway
Panama Canal
Tahiti
Dubai
Morocco
Portugal
Australia
New Zealand
Cuba
Southeast Asia
China
Brazil
Argentina
Uruguay
Words from our Friends:
"Our best cruise ever! Love the emphasis on making Friends & the inclusiveness of everyone in all activities."
DC & LC - Florida
"Loved the camaraderie. Never been in an environment of so many well-traveled people focused on having fun."
VJ - Nevada
"Had a wonderful experience. We enjoyed the ship, people, food, etc. We will definitely cruise with you again."
AB & DB - California
"Well Done. Would not cruise without Friends. Would not be the same experience."
L.& H. M. - Georgia
"Outstanding!!! Wonderful!!! Stupendous!!!"
JB & BB – California
"Everything went very well. Enjoyed every moment and made new Friends."
CW - Ohio
"You guys have done an awesome job. Love the excellent customer service."
JK & DK - Missouri
"Great Experience, fantastically planned and orchestrated. Thank you, Regina & Patricia for the positive energy throughout the trip."
JK - Missouri