Carnival Cruise Lines has teamed up with DJ IRIE – the official DJ of Carnival and the Miami HEAT – to create Spin U, a new shipboard DJ academy exclusively for teens ages 15-17.

Part of the line’s popular Club O2 teen program and inspired by DJ IRIE’s own Spin’iversity – a customized training program exclusively for developing Carnival’s shipboard DJs – Spin U is designed to provide aspiring spin-masters all they need to know about this emerging art form, from bringing a crowd to its feet to pumping up the dance floor with energy and excitement.

Under the guidance of Carnival’s talented and energetic shipboard pro DJs, Spin U students learn not only how to operate the latest mixing and sound equipment but also how to read a crowd and tailor song selections from every musical genre to keep the party moving, while making maximum use of their own personality to create their own memorable DJ persona.

Three different Spin U packages will be offered:

Intro – a free 30-minute introductory session that includes an overview of equipment basics and spinning and mixing techniques.

DJ 101 – a 45-minute program that expands upon the Intro program with a comprehensive overview of both mixing and scratching.  Cost is $20.

DJ Master – comprised of three one-hour sessions, DJ Master is exactly what the name implies, helping participants master the art of mixing, mic skills and understanding song structure and transitions.  After selecting their own creative DJ moniker, DJ Master students participate in a “Battle of the Beats” against other up-and-coming DJs with one lucky DJ entertaining guests poolside on Lido deck.  Cost for the three-session program is $99.

Personalized, one-on-one sessions with Carnival’s shipboard DJs are also available and all DJ Master participants receive a “swag bag” containing a variety of premium branded logo items.

“I am thrilled that Carnival and I were able to cultivate a youth program that involves something I am so passionate about and really translates into a fun guest experience,” said DJ IRIE.  “It is exciting to be a part of a program that supports the arts and provides an outlet for young music lovers to express themselves during a family vacation,” he added.

Spin U is currently being piloted on six- and eight-day cruises of the Carnival Freedom from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., with fleetwide rollout expected by the end of 2015.

The Spin U program can be booked via the Club O2 venues throughout the fleet.