By the time TLC hit the Sea Deck stage during the 90’s Cruise 2026, the crowd had already seen a few solid nostalgia-driven sets. But from the moment the opening Intro rolled and the lights cut sharply against the open ocean backdrop, it was clear this wasn’t going to be just another pleasant trip down memory lane. This was the set of the night.
There’s always a question with legacy acts: can the songs still hit the way they did decades ago? For TLC, the answer was an emphatic yes. What made the performance stand out wasn’t just the catalog—though few 90s groups can match it—it was the energy, pacing, and undeniable stage presence that turned the Sea Deck into a full-blown 90s R&B party.
They launched straight into “Ain’t 2 Proud 2 Beg,” and the reaction was immediate. The choreography was tight without feeling forced, the vocals confident and punchy. The hook echoed across the water as the crowd shouted every word back. It wasn’t just enthusiasm—it felt like muscle memory. These songs are embedded in people’s lives.
Without losing momentum, they moved into “What About Your Friends” and “Baby-Baby-Baby.” The sequencing was smart, stacking early-career hits to build energy quickly. “Baby-Baby-Baby” in particular felt revitalized, the groove crisp and the harmonies landing cleanly. The dancers brought a sharp visual dynamic that elevated the performance beyond a standard cruise show.
Things shifted into sultrier territory with “Redlight Special” and “Diggin’ on You.” Under the night sky, those tracks carried extra weight. The production leaned into mood lighting and subtle staging rather than over-the-top spectacle, allowing the songs to breathe. Vocally, the control was impressive—smooth and assured without oversinging.
Then came one of the emotional peaks of the night: “Unpretty.” The Sea Deck went quiet in a way that only happens when a song truly resonates. Phone lights flickered on. The message still feels relevant decades later, and the performance honored that. It was heartfelt without being overly sentimental—a balance TLC handled masterfully.
The set’s pacing remained relentless. “Kick Your Game,” “Girl Talk,” and “Hat 2 Da Back” brought the tempo back up, blending hip-hop swagger with R&B polish. The transitions were seamless, and the choreography during this stretch was some of the sharpest of the evening. Unlike earlier acts on the cruise that felt content to coast on familiarity, TLC pushed forward with purpose.
A TLC Dance Break followed, and instead of feeling like filler, it worked as a reset—an opportunity to showcase the crew’s athletic choreography while giving the crowd a moment to catch its breath. It also reinforced what separated this set from the rest of the night: intention. Every segment felt designed, not just assembled.
From there, they dove into “Silly Ho” and “Fanmail,” tapping into the futuristic edge of their late-90s evolution. The beats still knock live, and the crowd responded with fresh energy. It was a reminder that TLC wasn’t just a radio-friendly R&B group—they were forward-thinking, stylistically bold, and unafraid to experiment.
When the unmistakable bassline of “Creep” dropped, the Sea Deck erupted. If “Unpretty” was the emotional high point, “Creep” was the groove apex. The choreography here was tight and playful, and the audience sang every word without hesitation. It felt like the entire ship was moving in sync.
And then came the final trio—three songs that could headline any 90s playlist.
“No Scrubs” turned into a full-deck anthem. The chorus rang out so loudly it nearly overpowered the speakers. It’s a song that hasn’t aged—it still feels sharp, catchy, and culturally locked in. TLC leaned into the crowd interaction here, feeding off the energy and giving it right back.
Finally, “Waterfalls.” There may not have been a more fitting song to perform literally surrounded by water. As the opening chords played, a hush fell over the deck before giving way to unified singing. The verses felt intimate; the chorus felt massive. It was the kind of closer that leaves no doubt about a set’s impact.
What made TLC’s Sea Deck performance the best of the night wasn’t just the string of hits—though that certainly helped. It was the execution. The vocals were strong, the choreography sharp, the pacing intentional. There were no lulls, no autopilot stretches, no sense of going through the motions. It felt lived-in, but not lazy. Nostalgic, but not trapped in the past.
On a cruise built around 90s memories, TLC managed to make their catalog feel present-tense. They didn’t just remind the audience why these songs mattered—they showed why they still do.
Setlist:
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Intro
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Ain’t 2 Proud 2 Beg
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What About Your Friends
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Baby-Baby-Baby
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Redlight Special
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Diggin’ on You
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Unpretty
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Kick Your Game
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Girl Talk
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Hat 2 Da Back
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TLC Dance Break
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Silly Ho
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Fanmail
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Creep
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No Scrubs
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Waterfalls
The Videos
00:00 – Intro
07:48 – Ain’t 2 Proud 2 Beg
12:20 – What About Your Friends
15:06 – Baby-Baby-Baby
19:05 – Redlight Special
23:02 – Diggin’ on You
27:50 – Unpretty
31:56 – Kick Your Game
33:09 – Girl Talk
33:49 – Hat 2 Da Back
35:47 – TLC Dance Break
44:19 – Silly Ho
47:04 – Fanmail
49:44 – Creep
55:25 – No Scrubs
58:55: – Waterfalls