Revellers sail into Kingston Harbour for carnival

A boatload of party animals descended on Jamaica for road march yesterday, but not before getting a real dose of entertainment aboard the Treasure Queen.

The Treasure Queen is virtually unknown in these waters, but the entertainment which it serves up could become a staple for island-hopping revellers seeking a taste of carnival.

Candace Guppy, who spearheads Candy-Coated, told THE STAR that her party boat follows carnival across the region. She said Candy-Coated just completed a cruise in Trinidad before making its way to Jamaica.

"It's a party cruise that goes out off the coast of wherever we decide, and for three-four hours we just party and have a good time before coming back."

NOT A SOCA CRUISE

Guppy explained that the cruise takes place during carnival season, but said the event is not to be classified as a soca voyage.

"We try to do cruises in other countries outside of carnival so it's not a soca event per se," she explained. "The people who follow carnival, follow Candy-Coated events, and I just give them a way to enjoy themselves."

THE STAR spoke to several of the patrons as they disembarked the boat by the Kingston waterfront and they expressed satisfaction with the experience. A female patron, who identified herself as Simone, told THE STAR that she is an avid supporter of Candy-Coated events.

"I was on the cruise when it stopped in Trinidad and I'm here today. It never disappoints. It's an all-inclusive event that goes-out to sea. What more could you ask for?" she said.

"I love soca. I was born in Jamaica, but I live in New York," she said.