Cultural Agent for the World’s Largest Mega Yacht

As a Creative Consultant and Technical Support Specialist with years in the live entertainment industry — from cruise lines, to international festivals — I’ve had the privilege of working on some truly incredible projects. However, serving as the Cultural Agent forThe World: Luxury Residences at Sea– the largest private mega yacht in the world, was a uniquely rewarding and complex experience. A blend of diplomacy, artistry, logistics, and a love for Caribbean culture.

This wasn’t my first time working withThe World. I had previously worked aboard the vessel as Stage and Broadcast Manager, producing a wide array of shows — including one unforgettable night with Latin Grammy-winning Peruvian icon Susana Baca. That role afforded me the chance to travel to remote parts of the world while delivering world-class performances to discerning audiences. WhenThe World reached out again, this time to coordinate a cultural showcase during their stay in Tobago– Trinidad’s gem of a sister island, I was all in.

The Initial Phase

The task was clear: source an authentic, high-caliber Tobagonian performance and manage the entire project from inception to showtime. Five potential performance troupes were put forward, andThe Tobago Performing Arts Company (TPAC) was selected. They were the largest troupe with the most theatrical and all encompassing cultural offering thatThe Worldhad ever seen. I knew I had my work cut out for me. Over nearly a year, I oversaw all the behind the scenes operations to ensure every element of the program was meticulously executed, reflective of artistic excellence and cultural integrity. 

I arrived in Tobago the weekend before the vessel’s scheduled docking. While I did enjoy a bit of sun, sea, and the many vibrant culinary offerings — Tobago is one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean, after all — the real work began almost immediately. Final calls, run sheets, customs documentation and last minute personnel changes were all on the agenda. By the time we got to dress rehearsal, it was time to shift gears into production mode.

Dress Rehearsal: Culture Meets Precision

The dress rehearsal marked my first official in-person meeting with the TPAC team. I already knew they were talented and organized, but watching their performance come together in person was something else. Their dedication, professionalism, and artistry were immediately evident. They reminded me of the high-level performers I’ve worked with in Europe and North America. Yet, they were showcasing something uniquelyours.

With my technical background and firsthand knowledge of the ship’s onboard venue, I advised the team on staging and made nuanced suggestions that would optimize their performance in this specific space. From acoustics to lighting to blocking, every decision mattered, especially when you’re performing for a globally experienced, culturally curious audience.

Showtime: A Long Day Ahead

Then came the big day. I happened to catch a view ofThe World as it sailed into port — a gleaming, cinematic entrance that felt like something out of a film. That moment made everything suddenly real.

Clipboard in hand, documents ready for customs and port authorities, I met up with TPAC for the load-in. My job on the day was multifaceted: liaising between ship and troupe, ensuring the schedule stayed tight, solving problems before they became problems, and jumping in wherever needed.

In fact, I mixed the performance live on an iPad interface— audio engineering at its sleekest. That’s one of the things I love most about my hybrid career path: I can shift between producing, consulting, and technical support without skipping a beat. It makes me a more valuable collaborator and keeps the work exciting.

As the audience trickled in, the room quickly reached capacity. Seats were filled, the balcony buzzed with anticipation. Lights up. Ensemble in. Showtime.

A Resounding Success

The performance was everything we hoped it would be: immersive, entertaining, and emotionally resonant. The audience— a mix of international residents and guests— was visibly moved. I was, too. As someone who cares deeply about elevating Caribbean culture on global stages, this was a powerful moment.

After the final bow, there were congratulations all around. I spent time debriefing with key stakeholders, connecting with TPAC leadership, and reflecting on what we had accomplished. We had not only pulled off a logistically complex event… we had done justice to the vibrancy and depth of Tobago and its cultural wonders.

Reflections

Projects like these aren’t just about the final show. They’re about long-term relationships, detailed planning, creative risk-taking, and shared vision. My role as a Cultural Agent isn’t just to book acts — it’s to shape experiences, bridge cultural narratives, and make sure that what’s presented honors the performers, the audience, the culture.

It’s not always glamorous either. There are spreadsheets, procedures, early morning calls, and late night meetings. 

“But when it all comes together… It’s magic.”

To the performers of TPAC, the teams at The World, and the cultural leaders who continue to invest in this kind of work: thank you. And to anyone out there wondering if Caribbean creatives belong on international stages — the answer is yes. We always have.

Final bows featuring the TPAC leadership team and cast, The World’s Program Manager and myself.

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Featured Image: Courtesy of The Tobago Performing Arts Company

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