EDSea Embarks on a Journey to Bimini: A Reflection on the 2023 Experience
Earlier this month, EDSea set sail for Bimini, and after recovering from an unforgettable party, it’s time to reflect on the highs and lows of this year’s edition. Insomniac celebrated its monumental 30-year anniversary last year by introducing exciting new experiences for dance music enthusiasts. One of these experiences, EDSea, quickly captured the attention of many, including myself. I had been anticipating this event from Pasquale Rotella for years, and it certainly lived up to the hype.
As with many inaugural festivals, EDSea’s first voyage came with its challenges, but I fell in love with the intimate atmosphere it offered. When cabins became available again shortly after the Norwegian Joy docked, I eagerly booked my trip for 2024.
This year, I was eager to see if Pasquale and the Insomniac and Sixthman teams had ironed out the previous year’s issues to enhance the experience. The outcome wasn’t as straightforward as I had hoped, but let’s delve into the details.
I decided to arrive in Miami a bit earlier this year, spending two nights at Hocus Pocus before boarding EDSea to head to Bimini. This unexpected combination prepared me well for the long nights ahead on the ship. I highly recommend it as a convenient pre-party for future attendees.
Seamless Boarding Process on Norwegian Joy
My friend and I enjoyed a remarkably quick boarding experience with virtually no wait at security and check-in. Moments later, we joined the throng of fellow attendees in the terminal waiting for our boarding group to be called. This year, they announced the boarding groups over a loudspeaker, a nice upgrade from last year when we had to rely on others for updates.
Once aboard, we promptly dropped off our bags in our room and got ready for the festivities. With music already playing at The Pearl stage, we quickly connected to the ship’s WiFi and rushed to the bar for our first drinks.
EDSea’s Layout Remains Familiar
The layout of EDSea was largely unchanged from last year, with most stages remaining in their original locations. However, one significant change was the relocation of The Nest stage, which transformed into the Deep Dive Disco stage. This adjustment was appreciated, as the original location at Q Texas Smokehouse often felt overcrowded. The former space of The Nest became the new merch booth.
Visually, EDSea maintained much of the aesthetic from its previous sailing. I found the Kinetic Ocean design captivating, but I usually gravitated towards stages such as the Rave Cave, The Pearl, or Neon Splash for my musical fix — and there was certainly no shortage of music to enjoy.
A Lineup Reflecting Today’s Dance Music Scene
The lineup for EDSea this year prompted mixed reactions from attendees. Some were disappointed by the absence of major artists, while others were excited about the innovative, up-and-coming talent showcased. I felt a sense of excitement as the lineup offered a diverse range of genres I love.
On the first night, I thoroughly enjoyed performances by Chris Lorenzo, Max Styler, VNSSA, AK Sports, Clawz, and Nico Moreno, who collectively set the tone for the remainder of the sailing, which only improved from there.
Highlights for me included two stellar sets from Sara Landry, an exhilarating drum and bass performance by 1991, and laid-back vibes on the beach with Riordan, HUGEL, and Mau P. I also experienced the incredible b2b set from Levity and Subtronics alongside Level Up, and had an unforgettable time with Odd Mob.
A delightful surprise occurred on Monday when I attended Bad Girl Bailey’s set at The Pearl. I was already enjoying the performance when I noticed she was joined by Sara Landry, Mary Droppinz, Coco & Breezy, and VNSSA for an electrifying b2b session. It was a remarkable moment to witness these artists from different genres come together, enjoying themselves and supporting their agent.
Another standout for me was Wakyin, whom I discovered during the beach party. Initially, I was looking for a place to rest, but as soon as he stepped on the decks, I was transported to another world. My friends and I were consistently amazed by his track selection and remixes. When he later teamed up with Francis Mercier, it left me completely enthralled.
Beyond Music: EDSea’s Shortcomings in Activities
Many of the activities from the inaugural voyage returned, such as Ravercise, Kandi Making, Dance Yoga, and the Character Brunch. However, laser tag was notably absent due to renovations on the Norwegian Joy, and Rainbow Road Rage wasn’t advertised at all.
Out of all the artists performing, only two stepped up to host activities. A big shoutout to Wreckno for hosting a lively catwalk show featuring guest judges Sara Landry, Coco & Breezy, and Lucille Croft. It was a blast to see fellow attendees showcase their creativity. Earlier that day, SLANDER hosted a massive Super Smash Bros tournament at The Pearl stage, attracting a large crowd.
Beyond these events, only a handful of artists participated in the Booze & Beats Bar Crawl. It would have been great to see more artists engaging in planned activities, especially during the sea days when there wasn’t much else on the agenda.
Attendees seeking daytime activities may have felt the limited options. While there were certainly opportunities to relax or catch up on sleep, it would have been wonderful to incorporate some panels for fans to learn more about their favorite artists, discuss the scene, or gain insight into Insomniac’s inner workings. More community-focused experiences would be a welcome addition in the future.
Food at EDSea: A Mixed Bag
Food quality was a hot topic after last year’s sailing, and overall, it was satisfactory this year. As someone who has cruised extensively, I have a clear understanding of what to expect onboard, which may differ from others’ experiences. Everything I tried on EDSea met my expectations.
I dined at Savor & Taste, the Garden Cafe, and Cagney’s for two dinners. I also enjoyed late-night snacks at the American Diner. Overall, my meals had more hits than misses, and I never felt deprived of satisfying options. Cagney’s steaks were excellent, the buffet offered plenty of variety, and the late-night choices were diverse and delicious. However, I can see how those with strict dietary requirements might struggle with the available options.
Bimini: A Memorable Island Experience
The experience at Bimini was solid, with a short walk to the shuttle that took us directly to the beach party, which featured two stages and some impressive sets. We leisurely departed the ship in the afternoon, enjoying the sun, swimming, and making new friends.
However, the pricey drink package we purchased did not extend to Bimini, as the beach club is operated by Resorts World. This led us to make multiple trips back to the ship to avoid high drink and food costs.
The situation became frustrating when it was announced that the schedule had changed, moving all sunrise sets from the ship to the beach. This shift resulted in more time without access to the amenities we had already paid for, causing many, including myself, to remain on the ship after a few trips back.
With the sunrise sets relocated to the beach, the ship felt eerily quiet, with only a few guests wandering around. The pools and jacuzzis were closed, and only a few bars and the American Diner were operating. It would have been nice to have activities available for those who opted to stay on the ship, but thankfully, a spontaneous gathering in the stairwell area of Deck 12 kept the energy alive. Apologies to Eli Brown, but that’s where I spent my sunrise, rather than at your set.
Crowd Energy: A Positive Vibe Throughout EDSea
While some have claimed there were no PLUR vibes aboard EDSea, my experience was quite the opposite. I encountered no rudeness or hostility; instead, everyone seemed happy and positive.
I spoke with numerous attendees, both veterans and newcomers, who were all pleasant. There was a vibrant atmosphere of kandi trading wherever I went. I even felt comfortable asking a nearby group at the beach party to watch my bag while I embarked on a side adventure. Such experiences have been increasingly rare at other Insomniac events lately, so it was refreshing to witness this sense of community.
EDSea: A Unique Experience for Insomniac Fans
This year’s EDSea experience differed from last year’s in many ways, but it was never meant to be the same. I approached it with an open mindset, ready to go with the flow, and I had an absolute blast onboard.
As Insomniac festivals continue to grow larger each year, it was a breath of fresh air to connect with a smaller, more intimate community of dedicated dance music lovers. That’s what makes EDSea truly special.
The next EDSea sailing is set for November 1-6 next year, and cabins will be available soon. The dates coincide with one of my favorite festivals, Escape Halloween, but you might just find me on Deck 14 of the Norwegian Joy instead.
