Ink Or Swim: Set Sail On A Tattoo-Themed Cruise

Ink or Swim, North America’s first-ever tattoo-themed cruise, sets sail next year to offer tattoo enthusiasts the chance to get fresh ink on the high seas with some of the most in-demand artists in the country.

Produced by the popular REBEL INK magazine, the first annual cruise sails April 16–20, 2015 from Fort Lauderdale to Cozumel, Mexico, on Royal Caribbean’s recently renovated Liberty of the Seas. As well as exclusive opportunities for onboard inking experiences, activities include onboard burlesque shows, tattoo contests, complimentary photo shoots and a private beach party in Cozumel.

“From new reality shows to a growing celebrity status amongst artists, ink culture in this country has grown significantly, with recent polls suggesting nearly 20 percent of Americans have a least one tattoo,” said Paul Gambino, editor in chief, REBEL INK magazine. “With Ink or Swim, we’re creating a brand new concept for an evolving audience, merging the popularity of a classic tattoo conference with an exclusive vacation experience.”

Tattoo artists anchoring the cruise include Tatu Baby, seen on Spike TV’s Ink Master; Sarah Miller, the award-winning owner of the popular Wyld Child Tattoo Shop in Pittsburgh; Mark Longenecker, owner of Endless Summer Tattoo in Cocoa Beach, Fla.; Amy Nicoletto, appearing on LA Ink opposite Kat Von D; and Chris Torres, a famed artist known for his renowned old-school style and Red Legged Devils tattoo parlor in Brooklyn.

Starting from $970 per person, rates include all Ink or Swim activities, amenities and exclusive events; a $100 credit toward an onboard tattoo; and four nights aboard Liberty of the Seas, featuring a variety of dining venues and lounges, 10 pools and whirlpools, Broadway-style musicals, a Vegas-style casino and complimentary ice shows.