A Floating Soca Party Is Coming Soon to St Thomas

When the UberSoca Cruise docks in St. Thomas on Nov. 19, the harbor won’t just welcome a ship — it will transform into a full-scale celebration of Caribbean culture. The arrival of the Norwegian Encore cruise ship will turn the waterfront into a festival of color, sound, and flavor as thousands of soca fans join Virgin Islanders for a day of parades, live music, and local food.

The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and the Division of Festivals will host the event, part of a growing partnership with UberSoca Cruise to spotlight the Territory’s creative community and its role in shaping regional cultural tourism.

A street parade will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., followed by a Food Fair at the Bennie Iguana parking lot near the West Indian Company Limited pier, where local entertainers and vendors will showcase the distinct spirit of the islands.

“The UberSoca Cruise is a dynamic platform for celebrating the spirit of the Virgin Islands among a passionate community of soca fans and Caribbean music lovers,” said Commissioner Nominee Jennifer Matarangas-King of the Department of Tourism.

For the Division of Festivals, the visit reinforces St. Thomas’s growing profile as a center for music and creative experiences across the Caribbean.

“We are proud to welcome the UberSoca Cruise family back to our shores,” said Ian M. Turnbull, Director of the Division of Festivals. “This year’s celebration will bring together residents and visitors in a shared experience that honors our traditions and celebrates the enduring connection between culture and tourism.”