R. Kelly won’t be sailing the high seas with his biggest fans.
The Grammy Award winner was supposed to embark on a “Love Letter Cruise,” leaving Miami on October 1, where Kelly and more than 2,600 of his biggest fans (with some very deep pockets) would sail for five nights and the singer would anchor two headlining concerts — along with a small roster of support acts.
Kelly jumped ship after he claimed the cruise’s promoter, Concerts Cruise LLC, failed to pay him.
“Concerts Cruise LLC has been unable to meet its financial obligations to a scheduled cruise with featured performer R. Kelly and will therefore have to cancel this cruise,” a statement from the singer reads. “R. Kelly had been looking forward to the cruise and was ready, willing and able to perform for fans. He is sorry for any disappointment but plans to see his fans very soon on a US tour. Ticket holders should contact Concerts Cruise LLC to handle refunds.”
The cruise was scheduled to include stops in Grand Turks; Nassau, Bahamas; and Half Moon Cay, a private island in the Bahamas owned by Carnival Cruise Lines (fans would have sailed on a Carnival ship). Fares started at $1,499 (Dh5,505) per person, based on double occupancy.
Earlier this year, The Times profiled these music-centric excursions that continue to grow in popularity with performers and fans — and prove profitable for promoters.
Concert Cruises LLC, reportedly sent an e-mail to fans who had purchased tickets and informed them that they would be refunded. The company didn’t return a request for comment and it appears they have deleted their Facebook and Twitter accounts.
