Groove Cruise Miami eluded me for over a decade, and after setting sail with them this year, I regret not hopping on board sooner.
Music festivals can feel like a dime a dozen in this otherwise saturated scene, but there’s something special about Groove Cruise. This unique festival at sea, organized by Whet Travel, began with a small group of passionate attendees but has grown into a massive event attracting thousands over the years.
I watched from the sidelines as Groove Cruise evolved. I knew many who embraced the GCFAM community and witnessed numerous sailings depart from both coasts, including their land-based island edition, which went off without a hitch. Yet, for some reason, I never committed to attending until the latest Groove Cruise Miami.
Now that I’m back from my inaugural Groove Cruise Miami adventure, I can’t help but feel foolish for not joining them sooner.
Groove Cruise Miami is the largest floating music festival in the world, and it’s overwhelming, but in the best way possible.
Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas, the second-largest cruise ship in the world, served as the perfect venue for Groove Cruise Miami. With 13 stages, including transformed venues onboard, plus a variety of food options and activities, there was no possibility of getting bored.
Let’s dive into the stages. Groove Cruise Miami boasts an impressive 96 hours of non-stop music, and they deliver on that promise. Whether you were in the mood for house, techno, trance, or bass, you could find the right vibe throughout the ship. Hypnotic beats filled the air, and the only way to escape was to retreat to your cabin.
The venues ranged from massive stages capable of accommodating hundreds to cozy spots designed for smaller crowds. The AquaTheater and Amber Theater hosted major acts, while the Main Pool Deck and Promenade Deck featured standout performances. However, my favorite areas were the stages on Deck 4 – Blaze, Comedy Live, and Studio B – which made it easy to bounce between sets.
Since most artists performed multiple times, there was no need to worry about missing out. This created a relaxed atmosphere where you could let the music guide you, a rare quality in other festivals. If I loved a set, I could chill and enjoy it; if I craved something new, I could quickly move to another stage. It was simply ideal.
The plethora of activities on Groove Cruise Miami enhanced the overwhelming nature of non-stop music.
After recently sailing on EDSea, I was taken aback by the range of activities available on Groove Cruise Miami. Beyond the standard amenities on Allure of the Seas – including spa treatments, shopping, and an abundance of dining options – there were countless daily activities, many hosted by artists.
From playing Pickleball with Odd Mob to dining with artists like MitiS or Ranger Trucco, engaging in Duck Duck Goose with ALLEYCVT, finding tranquility in Yoga with Casmalia, or rock climbing with Daxson, the options were plentiful. That’s just a glimpse of what was on offer, with many more activities occurring over the weekend.
As a newcomer to the GCFAM and someone who booked late, many activities were already filled or had limited spots. So, a pro tip: if you plan to join in on any activities, book your cabin early and be ready to sign up as soon as they become available.
Labadee allowed us to have some fun in the sun and was the perfect break from the rolling ocean waves.
The only stop on this year’s Groove Cruise Miami was the stunning Haitian island of Labadee. Upon stepping onto the sandy shores, I could sense its special vibe. Two stages on opposite sides of the island showcased competing genres without any sound bleed. While adventurous activities were available, most attendees seemed to prefer lounging in chairs or dancing at the stages.
If you purchased the drink package, all beverages were covered since Royal Caribbean operates the island. However, it was slightly disappointing that no food options were available, as a snack would have been perfect during our brief stay.
Back onboard the Allure of the Seas, you couldn’t help but find a place to grab a bite or get a drink.
The ship offered a wide variety of dining options. The complimentary buffet was my go-to, as I found myself there frequently due to my busy schedule. While the food wasn’t as impressive as what I’ve had on other cruise lines, I could always find something satisfying.
The pizza place near the Promenade stage became a lifesaver, particularly since it was the only food option late at night besides room service. I also enjoyed the hot dog stand near the Aquatheater and tried the main dining room for a multi-course dinner on one of the nights, which was delightful.
As for drinks, I opted not to purchase the drink package and never regretted that decision. While I needed to buy any beverages other than water, the prices for liquor and beer were reasonable, and I don’t typically drink soda or coffee. Plus, I made friends within the GCFAM, many of whom had the drink package and generously offered me drinks throughout the trip.
The music was plentiful, and there never seemed to be a bad set throughout the sailing.
The lineup at Groove Cruise Miami was so extensive that it’s challenging to recall every performance I experienced. Everything flowed together seamlessly, enhanced by unexpected surprises. Nevertheless, several sets stood out, showcasing the diverse musical offerings of Groove Cruise.
Cristoph and Eric Prydz opened at the Aquatheater, battling the unusually cool Miami temperatures with their progressive magic. I was pleasantly surprised by Bunt. as I had never seen him before, but his beachside set left me in awe. The night kicked off with some drum and bass from Deeper Purpose—a delightful treat.
Anabel Englund delivered two of the hottest sets of the weekend, both on Labadee and in Studio B. Nicole Moudaber and Layton Giordani showcased multiple sets packed with techno beats that resonated deeply. Witnessing Ranger Trucco and Joshwa go back-to-back was a special moment, their chemistry behind the decks was exhilarating. I also enjoyed the latter half of Gem & Tauri’s final performance as a duo.
Two trance-centric sets stood out: Markus Schulz dominating the Amber Theater with an open-to-close set, and Dave Dresden of Gabriel & Dresden delivering a nostalgic performance filled with classics at the Promenade stage.
Additionally, I must give shoutouts to artists like James Hype, Meduza, Tita Lau, Seven Lions, Trivecta, Yotto, Odd Mob, AIMMIA, Casmalia, Nicolette, Pretty Pink, VAVO, Gudfella, Kream, Matt Sassari, Maddix, it’s murph, Max Low, DEEPFAKE, and Adam Scott. These are just a few of the remarkable artists I caught throughout the sailing who contributed to my unforgettable Groove Cruise soundtrack.
If there was one thing that overshadowed the music on Groove Cruise, it was the community.
For over a decade, I’ve believed that what makes a festival magical isn’t just the music. While the lineup brings people together, the community is what truly creates the special experience. This was clearly evident on Groove Cruise.
The demographic at Groove Cruise tends to be older than that of many other festivals I’ve attended. The lineup caters to those who’ve been in the scene longer, and the ticket prices reflect that. These factors combined create a dedicated crowd, resulting in one of the most positive and welcoming atmospheres I’ve encountered.
Throughout my time on Groove Cruise, I never felt out of place. Conversations flowed easily with fellow attendees, and there was an abundance of kandi trading and positive energy. The older crowd spent less time on their phones and more time dancing, which added to the experience.
Jason Beukema and others from Groove Cruise often speak about the unique nature of the GCFAM. While I was initially skeptical, I can now say firsthand that the community is genuine. As long as you open yourself up to them, they’ll welcome you as one of their own.
The culture behind Groove Cruise doesn’t happen overnight; it takes time to get there.
With over two decades of operation, Groove Cruise has cultivated a strong sense of community. The countless editions held over the years have built trust and loyalty among attendees, as well as relationships with major corporations like Royal Caribbean, allowing ravers to take over one of their premier cruise liners.
The GCFAM returns to this festival for the unique experience, artists repeatedly perform because they cherish the intimate atmosphere, and Whet Travel continues to innovate with fresh ideas. This creates a self-sustaining ecosystem that ensures everyone involved feels fulfilled.
Such a dynamic feels increasingly rare in today’s festival landscape, often focused on maximizing profits at the expense of attendee experience. Perhaps it’s because Whet Travel is dedicated solely to Groove Cruise or their genuine connection to the community, but either way, it’s a breath of fresh air.
If you were considering Groove Cruise Miami for their 2026 sailing, just do it.
Don’t follow in my footsteps—sitting on the sidelines and wondering if Groove Cruise is worth the investment. This is an experience I should have embraced much earlier. Now that I’ve completed my first cruise, I’m already planning my return for 2026, and I hope to see you onboard!
Whether you seek a welcoming community filled with love, an escape from conventional festival experiences, or the chance to enjoy your favorite artists in intimate venues, Groove Cruise offers it all.
