A Mother's Day to Remember: Music, Dance, and Armenian Joy at Sea

There’s something magical about music at sea, especially when it's wrapped in the warmth of community, culture, and celebration. This past Sunday afternoon aboard the Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas, that magic was on full display as we gathered for an unforgettable Mother’s Day concert in the ship’s grand Royal Theatre. The venue was packed—every seat filled with excited faces, all ready to celebrate Armenian music, motherhood, and togetherness.

From the very first notes sung by Harutyun Mkrtchyan, the atmosphere shifted into something special. With his powerhouse vocals and deep emotional delivery, Harutyun opened the show with songs that stirred the soul. His renditions of “Mayrs” and “Ov Hayoc Mayrer” were particularly moving, resonating deeply on a day meant to honor mothers. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house—and that was just the beginning.

Sargis Avetisyan brought a completely different energy to the stage, one that had everyone up on their feet. Known for his infectious charisma, Sargis made the theatre feel more like a dance floor. With hits like “Qaxcrs,” he had the crowd clapping, singing, and dancing along, even stepping into the audience himself and inviting folks to join him onstage. And when he slowed things down for his heartfelt song “Mam,” the room shifted again—tender and warm, full of emotion and appreciation.

Sona Rubenyan’s performance was nothing short of enchanting. Her voice, so clear and emotive, filled the theatre beautifully. Her live take on “Patilner” was a highlight of the night, with the crowd softly singing along in harmony. Then, with a smile and a sparkle, she led the audience into a lively shoorch bar, stepping off stage and bringing everyone into the dance—literally. Her duet with Harutyun, “Chanaparh,” was another moment of pure joy, their voices blending effortlessly.

When Arman Hovhannisyan took the stage, he brought with him a contagious energy that elevated the room yet again. Backed by two singers, he launched into a set filled with fan favorites. His voice and presence commanded the room, but what made it truly fun was the way he pulled audience members on stage to sing and dance right alongside him. It didn’t feel like a performance—it felt like a party.

And that’s the best way to describe the whole evening: a big, beautiful Armenian dance party. SVH Travel has a way of turning a concert into a celebration, and this one was no exception. With Rafayel Mnatsakanyan hosting the night, everything flowed smoothly. His charm and humor kept the energy light and festive in between sets, and he made sure everyone—performers and audience alike—felt part of something special.

By the time the last notes echoed through the Royal Theatre, we weren’t ready for it to end. It wasn’t just a concert. It was a gathering of old friends and new ones, of families celebrating their mothers, of Armenians dancing and singing together in the middle of the sea. A reminder of how much joy we create when we come together—and how lucky we are to share these moments.