Life's Irie onboard Carnival 2.0

Lifes Irie onboard Carnival 2.0 Image DJ Irie and Guy Fieri at the Carnival Fun Ship 2.0 announcement in NYC

Lifes Irie onboard Carnival 2.0 Image DJ Irie has a laugh with George Lopez at the Carnival Fun Ship 2.0 announcement in NYC

The days of moving through the ranks from waiter to DJ are being phased out on Carnival with the new 'Fun Ship 2.0' initiative.

In an exclusive interview with e-Travel Blackboard, Carnival's new Official DJ, DJ Irie, spoke of his involvement with the cruise line to bring a revamped vibe to partying onboard their fleet.

Selected for the prestigious role due to his popularity and experience as the official DJ of the Miami Heat basketball team, celebrities including Jamie Foxx and extensive nightclub gigs, Irie will select DJs to go through 'Spiniversity' onboard several Carnival ships before deciding if they have what it takes.

"We wanted to give everyone an opportunity to be a part of the program," Irie said from Miami last week.

"Just because you are already working on the ship does not guarantee that you will be successful and get into the program. We've had people not make it already!

"I'm looking for the best, if I'm going to put my name on something and certify it, it has to be what I feel is top notch."

Current DJs onboard will be given the opportunity to enroll in 'Spiniversity' and, if Irie deems them successful, they will be placed back in their role as DJ.

A strong knowledge and background in all aspects and styles of music is a must for Carnival DJs with Irie acknowledging the multicultural aspect onboard.

"One thing we pride ourselves on is being very inclusive. People that cruise come from all walks of life, all different backgrounds, all different colours and races. If you are on a cruise, at some point you should be hearing something you can really get into. From country to pop, rock to reggae."

He encouraged DJs thinking of applying for the program to research different styles of music and think of themselves as ambassadors of atmosphere onboard at all times, not just when they're behind the decks.

"The DJ is the star of the show. They are creating the mood, vibe and energy which is done with more than just music."

Although excited to be partnering with the cruise line, DJ Irie made his disagreement of the name of the initiative very clear.

"The concept around the whole new launch is just fantastic. I love the program but I disagree with the name because this is like 'Fun Ship 8.0'. 2.0 is such an understatement! Where can they go from here?"

Whilst he may have DJ'd onboard Carnival Magic's inaugural U.S. sailing from Galveston, Texas last month, his plan is to surprise passengers moving forward with no onboard gigs being confirmed officially.

Irie does share that he will be performing on one of the Carnival Breeze voyages departing from Miami when she launches in 2012 and hints that he may appear onboard a Carnival ship in the Mediterranean next northern hemisphere summer.

Click here to read about DJ Irie's favourite places to travel when he's not working.

Life's Irie onboard Carnival 2.0