CENTRIC Television Boards The Soul Train Cruise as Presenting Sponsor

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., March 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- CENTRIC Television (a part of BET Networks, a division of Viacom)  joins the incredible array of R&B superstars scheduled to set sail on the first-ever Soul Train Cruise as the network is named an official media partner.  Home to the Soul Train Awards and the legendary weekly Soul Train series, CENTRIC will helps steer the iconic show in new and exciting destinations including extensive cruise promotions on the network, onboard events and co-branding opportunities.  The love, peace and Soul Train travels from the tracks of your memories to the sea your soul on its maiden voyage from Ft. Lauderdale, FL on February 17th, 2013 with intimate concerts and round-the-clock activities featuring Patti LaBelle, The O'Jays, Kool & the Gang, Jeffrey Osborne, War, the Spinners, Jody Watley, Harold Melvin's Blue Notes, Russell Thompkins, Jr. & The New Stylistics, Cuba Gooding, Sr. and the Main Ingredient, Gerald Alston of The Manhattans, George Duke, comedian Alonzo Bodden and many more will be onboard.  Special early reservation rates are now available through April 30th, 2012.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120326/PH74610-a )

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120326/PH74610-b )

"CENTRIC is the current home for both Soul Train's past and present and there is no more perfect partner to help us carry the legacy of this amazing brand forward with the new cruise," said Michael Mitchell, Vice President of Strategic Marketing, Partnerships, Cruises and Live Entertainment for Time Life. "Both companies have worked with Don Cornelius over the years and share a deep sense of loss and tremendous gratitude for all he has done," he added.  "Soul Train was – and continues to be – a weekly party bringing the best in music and entertainment to American homes," stated Paxton Baker, CENTRIC's General Manager and Executive Vice President. "We are honored to be a part of this new venture. It is with heavy hearts that we will make this journey without Don Cornelius, but will uphold his legacy through CENTRIC's programming and continued support of the Soul Train brand."  Plans are currently underway for a very special event during the voyage to honor Don Cornelius.  Further details will be released in the coming weeks. 

"Don Cornelius was simply a genius and the contributions he made to music and our culture are second to none," said Soul Train Cruise performer Patti LaBelle, who was a frequent guest on the television show.  "I can think of no better way to honor the memory of Don Cornelius and show the impact of the legacy he leaves behind," added Eddie Levert, who will be performing with The O'Jays, "and we're going to do him proud." 

After departing Ft. Lauderdale on February 17th, 2013, the ship will travel to Grand Turk, San Juan, St. Thomas and Half Moon Cay before returning on February 24th.  Throughout the journey, guests will be treated to concerts, meet and greets with the performers, parties, special events and games as well as world class dining all on the Holland America's MS Westerdam, an internationally recognized luxury cruise ship with more than two-thirds of the cabins featuring verandas with breathtaking views.

Reservations for cabins on this cruise may be made now by visiting  www.soultraincruise.com (toll free) (855) SOUL TRAIN (855-768-5872). Early Reservation cabin rates start at $1,800 per person and include all meals, concerts, entertainment and onboard activities.

About Direct Holdings Americas, Inc.:

Headquartered in Fairfax, VA, Direct Holdings Americas, Inc. currently develops and sells audio and video products via retail, on line and direct response TV.  Time Life is a registered trademark of Time Warner Inc. and affiliated companies, used under license by Direct Holdings Americas, Inc., which is not affiliated with Time Warner Inc. or Time Inc.  In 2010, Direct Holdings Americas, Inc. launched its Starvista Live Entertainment division with the inaugural sailing of the Malt Shop Memories Cruise, now an annual event, and is expanding to include the Soul Train Cruise in 2013.

About Entertainment Cruise Productions, LLC

The largest private music charter company in the world, St. Louis, Missouri-based Entertainment Cruise Productions, LLC (Jazz Cruises) owns, produces and promotes The Smooth Jazz Cruise: The Greatest Party At Sea (www.thesmoothjazzcruise.com) and The Jazz Cruise (www.thejazzcruise.com), and is proud to work with Direct Holdings -Americas, Inc. for The Malt Shop Memories Cruise (www.maltshopcruise.com) and The Soul Train Cruise (www.soultraincruise.com).  Entertainment Cruise Productions, LLC prides itself on providing first-class musical vacation experiences featuring marquee stars from their respective genres for loyal passengers, many of whom make the cruises an annual affair.  With its current slate of excursions, Entertainment Cruise Productions, LLC (Jazz Cruises) will have produced 35 full-ship charter cruises.  Additional information is available at www.ecpcruises.com. 

About CENTRIC:

CENTRIC is a 24-hour music and entertainment channel that reflects the lifestyle and sophistication of today's African-American and multicultural adult viewer.  With a finger on the pulse of an ever-changing beat, its compelling music content fuses Soul, R&B, Neo-Soul, Hip Hop, Reggae, Gospel, Jazz, Old School, New School and everything in between with today's hottest artists. It is a unique of mix of music, culture and lifestyle programming that embodies the lives, tastes and aspirations of the CENTRIC viewer: All you. All day. All night.

For further information, go to: www.SoulTrainCruise.com

SOURCE Time Life