This Is Your Freestyle Blast #38
And welcome aboard The Freestyle Latin Cruise Issue
There was a time when cruises were seen as the ultimate luxury, reserved for the rich and famous. Many of us grew up watching The Love Boat, where celebrity guests were welcomed aboard as themselves, to sail in style.
But times have changed. Not only have cruises become one of the more popular vacation getaways, when you break down the cost, they’re also among the most affordable. A week at sea on a modern cruise ship can sometimes cost less than a single night at a four-star hotel, and that’s before you even factor in the endless buffets, which alone can make a cruise worth every penny, especially if you’re traveling with a bunch of greedy-ass kids like we do.
My mom was a huge fan of cruises and would always try to convince me to go on one with her. Sadly, that never happened, and it’s a regret I’ll carry with me forever.
When Angel and I got married, I decided to surprise her with a four-day honeymoon cruise. I wasn’t sure if we’d enjoy it, and since I grew up with a serious case of motion sickness, I was nervous about spending days at sea.
But who would’ve thought that not only did we have a blast, but that cruising would become our favorite way to vacation, and ever since, we’ve brought along our kids, grandkids, and even friends.
Now if you’re a Freestyle fan, chances are you’re more or less the same age as Angel and I, with grown kids who have probably left the nest, so by now, if you’ve yet to experience a cruise, I’m here to tell you… you need to look into one now!
Start small, maybe just a weekend with one or two stops. Book what they call an inside cabin, where there are no windows to save a few dollars, because seriously, the only time you should be in your cabin is to sleep.
Now if the entire cruise process seems a bit overwhelming, then don’t go it alone, reach out to Priscilla Laboricua and find out when her next Freestyle Latin Cruise sets sail.
In this issue of The Freestyle Blast Newsletter, I’m gonna to do my best to try and share with you what it’s like on the Freestyle Latin Cruise, and hopefully, you’ll consider booking one yourself. So without further ado, welcome aboard!
FREESTYLE CRUISES…
What’s with all the hype?
I've been doing Freestyle club and concert events for over 30 years. Everything from small, hole-in-the-wall pubs to some of the most incredible concert arenas across the country and abroad. But there’s something about these Freestyle cruises that seem to hit differently.
Maybe it’s the feeling of being on vacation, even though it’s actually work. Maybe it’s the excitement of spending a week surrounded by Freestyle legends, or finally getting to meet some of those incredible fans who have been supporting this genre for so long. Or what about the opportunity to make new friends, friends who share the same deep love for this music. Whatever it is, Freestyle cruises seem to have their own kind of magic.
Meet-and-greets have always been a highlight for fans, offering them the chance to Meet and Greet their favorite artists in an intimate setting after a show. I’ve always been an advocate of these segments, so long as time permits and safety remains a top priority, as I believe a solid connection to the fans is an essential part of an artist’s career.
Freestyle cruises are like those Meet-and greets, but on steroids, because, not only do the fans get to spend a bit more time to get to know the artists, the artists get to spend a bit more time to get to know their fans!
A cruise ship already carries its own unique energy. The open sea, the endless sky, an escape from the everyday rigors of life. Angel and I have always loved cruising as it has become our preferred family getaway. But when you add Freestyle music to the mix, something even more special happens. Imagine sailing to breathtaking destinations with a ship full of people who share one undeniable connection, a passion for Freestyle music.
These aren’t just casual listeners. These are die-hard fans who live and breathe the music. Who have woven it into the soundtrack of their lives, and who love the artists as if they were family, and on the Freestyle Latin cruise, that’s exactly what happens. Strangers become friends, and friends become family, and when the ship sets sail, it’s no longer just a cruise, it’s a Freestyle family reunion.
As a booking agent, I know most of these artists on a more personal level, and though it’s always great to see them, especially outside of the usual concert circuit, for me, the real joy comes from meeting the fans. Some we already know, and greet as if they’re family, but then there are those we’re meeting for the first time. Like anyone you meet for the first time, you don’t know them, and they don’t know you, but getting to know each other over the next several days is one of the things I love most.
I’m not an artist, so technically, they aren’t my fans. But they do love the artists I represent, and have supported the genre that has supported me for many years, and being able to witness firsthand the genuine admiration and appreciation that these people have for our community is truly wonderful.
I see how Angel interacts with her fans, and I promise you that if you’ve ever witnessed it, you’d swear they’re lifelong friends, but they’re not, in fact, there’s a good chance that they were meeting for the first time.
Many times after a show, she’ll say something like, “What a great crowd, huh?” but she wouldn’t be referring to just the energy during her performance. She’ll be referring to the people she got to meet, talk to, and share a special moment with.
There are many artists who haven’t yet been on a Freestyle cruise. For some it’s a fear of being seasick, and I get that, which by the way, there are remedies for that, and I feel they’re worth looking into, in fact, talk to Priscilla about that. I’m sure she can help you.
I remember one artist, a while back, telling me that they didn’t want to do the Freestyle Cruise because they felt the fans might be a bit overwhelming, but I’m here to set that record straight once and for all. No, Freestyle fans are not overwhelming! On the contrary, they are some of the most gracious and considerate people you’ll ever meet, so please… scratch that thought, and come give the Freestyle Cruise a try.
Angel and I could be relaxing on the deck, and the most we’ll get is a friendly wave or a warm smile as fans walk by, but with that said, please folks, don’t be shy. If you see us, come on over, say hi, pull up a chair, share your story, take a photo. Angel will love that... we both will!
I’m a fan of all our Freestyle artists, both the legends and the newcomers. How could I not be? How could anyone who calls themselves a true Freestyle fan, not respect and appreciate the newcomers who are out here chasing their dreams, while helping keep the genre alive?
Imagine if all we had were our classic artists, with no fresh talent coming in. How boring would that be? How long would the genre survive? This is what I love about Priscilla’s Freestyle Latin Cruise. Not only does she bring the legends, but she also gives rising artists a legitimate platform to showcase their talent and an opportunity to connect with fans, who will hopefully become their fans.
I’ll never underestimate the love Freestyle fans have for this music. I’ve seen them sing every word to new Freestyle songs that I never even heard before. And let’s not forget the DJs, as Priscilla usually brings aboard several, led of course by the one and only DJ Lucho. I’ve been around this brother quite a few times, but I never truly realized just how incredibly talented he is. From his flawless track selection to his ability to keep the crowd engaged, I’ll tell you, Lucho keeps that ship rocking every single night!
Let’s be real, I’m not a Freestyle artist. But I have dedicated a huge part of my life to this genre. From managing Freestyle icons to writing books about it, from creating content that kept us connected during the pandemic to running this very newsletter, I’ve carved out my own little place in this community, and the love and support I get from fans, artists, DJs, and industry peers mean the world to me.
When someone comes up to me and says they’ve been following my journey, or when they ask me to sign one of my books, there are no words to describe that feeling.
Angel and I have done Priscilla’s Freestyle Cruise before, and we loved it so much that when she invited us back, we didn’t hesitate. Again we brought our granddaughter, Santana, but also our daughter, Erica, and my sister, Cindy.
While Erica and Santana have grown up surrounded by Freestyle, my sister’s only experience has been through stories we’ve told her. To finally give her a firsthand experience of not just the music but the community that practically defines our lives, it was truly something special, and I want to personally thank all the artists and fans who welcomed Cindy with your kindness, because guess what? She has officially become a Freestyle fan!
It’s no surprise that so many fans return to Priscilla’s Freestyle Cruise year after year. The moment we gather at the bus to head to the port, it’s clear, this is a family. The hugs, the laughter, the excitement. It’s like coming home!
I’ve known Priscilla for years, and Angel has known her even longer. We both admire what she’s doing, because organizing a Freestyle event isn’t easy, and pulling off a multi-day experience on a cruise ship with themed events every single night is indeed a monumental task. Just writing about it is exhausting. But Priscilla does that shit… and she does it the best!
So, if you’ve never experienced a Freestyle Latin Cruise, what are you waiting for? Take the plunge and we’ll see you aboard ship!
THANK YOU, FLC FAMILY!
I want to take this moment to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who came out to the Freestyle Latin Cruise!
Your love, energy, and support mean the world to me. From the first moment to the last, we weren’t just fans—we became FAMILY.
This journey wouldn’t be the same without you, and I truly appreciate every smile, every dance, and every unforgettable moment we shared.
Thank you for making this experience so special! I can’t wait to see you all again in 2026 for another incredible adventure at sea! Until then, keep the music alive and the vibes strong!
Much love, always! The Queen of the Sea Priscilla “Laboricua” Ortiz
To all our Subscribers, Readers, Subjects, and of course our Sponsors, for being a part of this month’s issue of the Freestyle Blast Newsletter, Thank you all so much!
and until next time…
This was your Freestyle Blast!
Latif Mercado has been a part of the Freestyle Music scene for well over 30 years, as well as an integral player behind the genre’s continued success.
As a Booking Agent with a who's who roster of Freestyle Greats, as well as his managerial involvement with such industry icons as Lil' Suzy, Angel OCG, and The Cover Girls, rarely would you find a Freestyle event happening without Latif somewhere in the mix.
Latif loves hearing from his readers, answering questions, and sharing whatever advice he possibly can, whether it be on writing, or maybe something Freestyle-related, so be sure to reach out, even if it’s just to say hi.
So please Follow Him Everywhere @LatifMercado
I haven't been on a cruise to this day, but I wouldn't mind giving the Freestyle Latin Cruise a shot. That's something I think I would enjoy.
Great read as always!!! Love the detail and your cruise looked amazing!