Keyshia Cole, Monica, and SWV are the standout performers confirmed to headline the inaugural Femme It Forward cruise, as exclusively reported by Billboard. This exciting event, dubbed Femmeland at Sea, will embark on a journey from Miami to Nassau, Bahamas, taking place from February 20 to 23, 2026. This cruise promises an unforgettable experience celebrating female empowerment and artistry in music.
The voyage aboard the Norwegian Pearl represents a significant milestone for Femme It Forward, marking its evolution into a fully woman- and Black-owned enterprise after five fruitful years in partnership with Live Nation. This transition highlights the organization’s commitment to empowering women in the music and entertainment industries, ensuring that their future endeavors will be led by female visionaries.
Heather Lowery, the president and CEO of Femme It Forward, founded the organization in 2019. In an interview with Billboard, she expressed her pride in achieving a 100% woman- and Black-owned status, stating, “I’ve always fought to secure more equity in a company I’ve worked tirelessly to build. Now, Femme It Forward stands as a beacon of empowerment. This feels like a fresh start, but from a place of strength and purpose.”
Reflecting on her partnership with Live Nation, Lowery remarked, “They have been a phenomenal partner, contributing to my personal and professional growth. I am sincerely thankful for the resources they provided, which will allow me to advance Femme It Forward independently as we celebrate our five-year anniversary. The number five symbolizes freedom, transformation, exploration, and adaptability. I eagerly embrace this new chapter in our journey.”
Femmeland at Sea will feature not only exhilarating live performances but also a diverse range of specially curated activities. Attendees can look forward to live podcast recordings, lively parties, engaging workshops and panels, mentorship labs, delightful wine tastings, and fun karaoke sessions. The cruise will showcase popular podcasts such as Keep It Positive Sweetie, hosted by Crystal Renee Hayslett, and Let’s Try This Again with B. Simone. Additionally, wellness sessions led by WalkGood LA, Pretty Vee, Pretty Girls Sweat, and Morning Mindset with Tai will be offered, along with unique branded activities like Femme Salon and Femme Mentorship, featuring mentors from the company’s Next Gem Femme and MUSE initiatives. Other scheduled activities include Kirk Franklin’s Sunday School and #MusicSermon LIVE.
In a press release announcing this momentous first sailing, Lowery shared that this cruise embodies “a vision I’ve held since our inception in 2020. I have always passionately advocated for the values that Femme It Forward represents and for creating experiences centered around women. Despite current societal pressures urging us to retreat, we are committed to expanding our efforts—creating more opportunities, increasing representation, and curating experiences that uplift the voices of women globally.”
<Femme It Forward will continue to host its various events established over the past five years, including the annual Give Her FlowHERS Gala, the Femme It Forward High Tea, and the My Sister’s Keeper Summit, which honors remarkable artists and executives in the music and entertainment industries. Looking ahead, plans for the mentorship program include launching global chapters in South Africa and Europe, further extending their reach and impact.
Pre-sale sign-ups for Femmeland at Sea’s inaugural journey are currently open and will remain available until April 1 at 11:59 PM (ET). The final round of pre-sale sign-ups will conclude on April 9 at 11:59 PM (ET), with public ticket sales kicking off on April 11 at 2:00 PM (ET), exclusively available through the official channel.
