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Music Festival Blog

Celebrating Groove Cruise’s 20th Anniversary (2024 Review & Recap)

Ade / Festivals + Reviews

It’s been four years since I did my last festival cruise and I got the incredible honor of being invited as a content creator and workshop host to attend Groove Cruise to celebrate their 20th anniversary. I had heard of Groove Cruise from friends attending previous sailings; however, the timing never worked out until this sailing came around. I fully believe what’s meant to be will be and I was meant to experience Groove Cruise for the first time on this special occasion. I’m excited to share my experience as a first-time Groove Cruiser.

About Groove Cruise

Groove Cruise began in 2004 by Jason Beukema as the premier floating dance music festival. This special cruise sailing has become known as a weekend escape for Groove Cruisers to dance, express, have fun, connect, and more. Groove Cruise has always fostered a community of die-hard music lovers and I immediately felt the energy and connection the moment I stepped onto the ship. You can expect a wide variety of music, activities, outfit themes, and people when you board Groove Cruise.

This sailing I joined was held from January 24, 2024, to January 28, 2024, docking off from the Port of Miami and boarding the Norwegian Encore. Before the sailing, we flew into Miami and stayed in Brickell the night before to get ready for the sailing the next day. In this review, I’ll dive into the venue, the music, the vibes, and the overall experience. I’ll also share some tips for next time and if I would attend again.

Your home for the next four days is a massive cruise ship where you can eat, sleep, rave, and REPEAT. Having this all-inclusive experience within the Norwegian Encore makes it so easy for you to create the experience you want. Whether you want to go dance, hit the gym, have a spa day, or take a nap, the possibilities are endless as this ship has everything you need. The process for boarding the ship and getting off the ship was also super seamless and not stressful thankfully. The ship was really easy to navigate and we lucked out having our room on the same side of the ship (forward) where a lot of the stages and activities were. I was one of the fortunate ones that didn’t deal with sea sickness although I did feel the ship moving.

@vibewithade tour of our inside stateroom om the Norwegian Encore @Groove Cruise 🛳️ #groovecruise #GCMIA24 #GCFAM #whettravel #norwegiancruise ♬ Blurring the Lines – Disco Lines & Miggy Dela Rosa

I had an interior stateroom with two beds that I found to be super spacious. There was a lot of storage for our clothes and things. The bathroom and shower were spacious as well. There were plenty of places to charge things and it did come with a blow dryer. You can also turn on a button to let housekeeping know to clean your room and when you don’t want to be disturbed. You could also order 24-hour room service to your room anytime you needed it. They also dropped off a daily newsletter with the events for the day. One mistake we made was not preordering water prior so that was a lesson learned for next time. Overall, I felt our room and the boat was very clean and well put together.

Stages and Production

What truly is amazing to see is how Groove Cruise converts typical cruise areas into stages. With 10 stages to explore on this ship, each stage brought its own vibe. There was one outside stage that was the “main stage” on the pool deck where you could enjoy daytime sets, sunset sets, and late night into sunrise sets. The second mainstage was the Theater stage where you could even take sitting breaks in the theater-style seating with invigorating production. The Atrium was another main inside stage where they swapped out production and decorations based on the nighttime theme for that day which I enjoyed. The rest of the stages were found in converted bars and restaurants and even in the casino on the ship. Production was on point with all of the stages as well as the sound was bumping for all of the sets.

When it comes to food on the ship, there are a few options available to you that are included. Then there are also a few options on the ship that you could pay for like Teppanyaki. For the included options, you could go to the buffet or go to one of the standalone included restaurants. They also had the main dining rooms open for dinner. The one dinner we did pay for was Teppanyaki which was one of our favorite dinners of the whole time. To see what your food options are, you could check out the cruise line app to see. You could also set dinner reservations through the app as well.

With music going basically 24 hours, there was no shortage of good music. Groove Cruise had a wide variety of subgenres, from bass to trance to house to techno and more. You could easily walk across the ship and stumble upon a new favorite artist. There were also specialty sets like Throwback sets, Deep House Brunch, and fun sets to vibe to.

Top 5 Favorite Sets

Here are my top sets of the sailing:

• Max Styler with the headline spot on night 3 on the Main Pool Deck was FIRE. He really turned on the dark and sexy house vibes and we had a great time. He’s definitely on the rise if you don’t know him, get to know him!
• What was scheduled as a Kyle Walker set, turned into a mass b4b in the Atrium on the second night. It’s always so fun seeing similar artists vibe together and watching them collaborate together to bring a solid set.
• Our group was planted at this set and we decided to check it out and I thoroughly was surprised by this set. I thought it was going to be more trance-like and it was definitely more melodic and progressive house with sprinkles of trance. Production also brought out the lasers for this set which was a nice surprise.
• The perfect daytime island set was brought by Disco Lines. I really enjoy Disco Lines set because he really plays to whatever environment he is playing in. It was the perfect set on the most perfect day. Honorable mention is Tiësto’s set afterwards which was very iconic. I just enjoyed Disco Lines set more.
• The perfect ending to this sailing was John Summit’s Main Pool Deck set on the final night. This was by far my favorite John Summit set I’ve seen. He really curated the best set list and kept the energy high the whole time for the 2 hours.

Going into Groove Cruise, I did have a preconceived notion about the vibes. I had heard it was an older crowd and a more rowdy crowd. To be honest, I didn’t feel like I was the only young person aboard. There was such a diversity of ages, races, and ravers.

Groove Cruisers

Overall, the Groove Cruisers are what make this cruise what it is. From the moment I got to the port, I could instantly feel the energy. People were just excited to be there and had good energy right away. People were ready to have a good time and spread the Groove Cruise vibes to each other. I left this weekend with so many new connections as well as fun little gifts and trinkets. It can be intimidating to be a newbie, but any veteran I met welcomed us with open arms and connection. It really is a testament to this festival when you can meet people on their 17th Groove Cruise or 9th Groove Cruise why they keep coming back. A lot of veterans also returned to Groove Cruise just for the 20th anniversary. I can officially say I am a part of the Groove Cruisers.

To keep the energy and vibes going, Groove Cruise plans out themes for day and night. This honestly is super helpful with packing and planning what to wear. It makes it a lot easier to curate outfits based on the themes rather than planning outfits yourself. Have fun with the themes if you attend Groove Cruise. You won’t be left out if you don’t dress to the theme, but it makes it that much more fun when you can.

Another part of the vibes of Groove Cruise is the activities aboard the ship. The ship had some of its own activities, but Groove Cruise had a full calendar of activities that cruisers could partake in. For some activities, you had to register beforehand and the others you could just show up for. Even more special is there were activities where you could interact with artists as well. Similar to a regular cruise, there were also excursions on the island day that you could sign up for along with artists being included too. With the activities included, it definitely gives you a packed and fun schedule with the music and other things a part of Groove Cruise. I was honored to host an intention setting workshop and vision board workshop for attendees.

Overall Experience

Looking at the overall Groove Cruise experience, it truly was a well-rounded experience. I had the best time aboard and I am grateful for the experience. I would highly recommend this experience to any festival goer. The all-inclusive cruise mixed with seeing your favorite artists and enjoying the sights of the Caribbean truly can’t be beat. On top of the community that you join when you come to Groove Cruise is special.

Tips for Next Time

I wanted to include some tips for myself next time and some lessons learned. I definitely will do some more tips for Groove Cruisers for the years to come.

• Make sure you preorder your beverage package or water to the room ahead of time. I think the window was 48 hours before the sailing you could do it in your account online.
• Try to sleep when you can and become a pro at naps.
• Next time I’d like to explore a lot more between sets, parts of the ship, and activities.
• BE PRESENT. Spend more time relaxing.
• Getting off the ship sooner on disembarkation day helps to avoid panic at the port. Could also consider getting a hotel for that day to decompress then fly out the next day.

Would I attend again?

10000%! I’m already ready for 2025 to come. This is an event to look forward to and am so excited for what’s to come for this festival. You can appreciate this festival as a truly community-grown festival that isn’t backed by a major festival corporation. Jason has created something really special here and I can’t wait to return.

If you’re interested in Groove Cruise, be sure to l ock in your room for 2025 as rooms are selling quick. Use code RaveCultureCast when booking your rooms. Stay tuned for more content to get you ready on all of my platforms.

Check out my Groove Cruise videos on YouTube!

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Festival Report Card: Groove Cruise 2024

The 20 th year of Groove Cruise 2024 set sail on the Norwegian Encore cruise ship from January 24 to January 28,   departing from Miami to Great Stirrup Cay.

Groove Cruise, with a shipping capacity of nearly 4,500 attendees, was an epic event that hosted artists such as Tiesto , John Summit , GG Magree , Gem & Tauri , LP Giobbi , Markus Schulz , and many other fan favorites.

Groove Cruise is known to be more than just the music and focuses on fan interactions with artists and crazy themes for attendees to dress up in. With over 40 artist activities that attendees could sign up for, sponsored activations, and many secret renegade parties, Groove Cruise 2024 was an event to remember. 

Although there were a few issues boarding and disembarking the ship, they were minor hiccups for our fantastic time at Groove Cruise 2024.

There was not a single moment where the vibes on the cruise were not immaculate. The number of “excuse me” and “I’m sorry” comments we heard was refreshing. At one point, people were holding their phones to their foreheads and had the words EXCUSE ME in big letters on their phones in case it was hard to hear.

Walking through the hallways was always an adventure. Every stateroom was having a party, everyone always greeted each other with a “happy groove cruise,” and the staff was just as friendly to festival goers. All aboard the ship had the same PLUR attitude, including the artists and the staff. 

The thing that sets Groove Cruise apart is the artist-to-attendee interactions. Seeing artists at their friends’ sets and interacting with people in the crowd was customary.

Making friends on the ship was easy and expected. The Groove Cruise community has been building for 20 years, and even newbies were welcomed with open arms.

Costumes also set the tone for some major good vibes. We saw tons of fancy outfits and attendees brought out their A-game. From a traffic cone telling partygoers when to dance to full LED suits, costumes were the best we’d ever seen at a festival. 

We did run into some frustration disembarking, which slightly brought the vibes down, but were minor. We also noticed a lack of harm reduction services, such as volunteers checking on guests, but overall, we were safe and happy with the vibes on the ship.

Production: A-

With over ten stages, there was no shortage of sets.

The theater on Deck 7 gave us a whole cinematic experience with top-tier production. It allowed ravers to sit in comfy theater chairs and enjoy the fog machines, confetti blasters, LED screens, and synchronized lasers (that could even point downwards, thank you, international waters).

The pool deck on Level 16 served as the main stage and did not skimp out on production. With inflatable decorations all around the pool deck, fireworks that dropped during sets, and excellent sound quality all around the pool, the sets on the main pool deck had some of the best production on the ship. 

Multiple rooms on the ship were converted to stages, such as the smokehouse BBQ restaurant that hosted panels during the day and a hip-hop-themed hub at night. We do wish there was music in the elevators, so we didn’t have to use cell phone speakers for entertainment (although we did see a game of Twister take place there.)

There were sets on the cruise that have become some new favorites such as Trivecta B2B Mitis , Haliene , Danny Olson , and Deeper Purpose.  

Music was in every corner of the cruise: from the rooms to the hallway, to the casino, and even the elevator when our fellow music lovers took out a speaker and started playing their favorite playlist.

The stages were far enough apart that sound bleed didn’t exist, yet each stage was only a short walk away.

After parties were coordinated so we got to keep the music going 24/7. Artists were seen walking into rooms and playing unreleased music on a deck on top of a corner table.

The music never stopped…. unless you went back to your room to sleep. The music was terrific and artists really shined at this event. 

Who doesn’t love a festival on international waters?

Groove Cruise took place on the Norwegian Encore, which has an overall length of 1,094 feet, 20 decks, and 2,043 staterooms. The cruise gave a similar feel to a camping festival because you could party, take a quick nap, eat, and dance all on the same floor.

The venue included more than 20 restaurants on board, an arcade room, a spa, a gym, pools, hot tubs, a racetrack of go-carts, outdoor laser tag, a casino, yoga, and many pop-up stages. 

The venue was not just about the music; it featured many artists’ activities, talking panels, and a few weddings. Groove Cruise contains a variety of events, many of which were created in the spur of the moment, such as secret disco parties and elevator parties.

The beach venue is at a Norwegian private resort, The Great Stirrup CA, in the Bahamas. The stage was on the beach, and a separate stage was set up for just this one party. Attendees could swim in the ocean and watch Tiesto all at the same time! The only thing we wish about the beach party was that it was longer! 

Groove Cruise is a bucket list festival for any festival goer to attend, no matter what genre you are into. Few events allow attendees to party/have dinner with their favorite artists, see unique renegade sets, and create memories that will last a lifetime.  

The 20th-anniversary sailing of Groove Cruise cultivated years of hard work from the Whet Travel team and proved to be an experience unlike any other. For this same reason, Groove Cruise is the ultimate festival for passionate and real music lovers to enjoy good music, good company, and the time of our lives.

While there were delays getting off the ship (the Miami Marathon caused hours of delayed traffic), we’d go through the same issues again in a heartbeat if we could relive one second of Groove Cruise 2024.

• festival report card
• Groove Cruise

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Groove Cruise Miami Reveals 20th Anniversary Lineup For 2024

Elyse McGraw

Apr 12, 2023

Groove Cruise Miami  is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2024, and they have just revealed the powerful lineup. Tiësto, Diplo, and John Summit will headline. The ship will sail on January 24-28, traveling from Miami, FL, to Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas.

Artists supporting the headliners are Aly & Fila, Anthony Attalla, Biscits, Boris, Disco Lines, Gabriel & Dresden, Gem & Tauri, Gene Farris, LP Giobbi, Markus Schulz, Pig&Dan, So Tuff So Cute, Speaker Honey, Trivecta, VNSSA, and more.

Groove Cruise will have a new ship for its 20th-anniversary celebration. Per the festival website, “Norwegian Encore will be the newest and largest ship to join the ranks of Groove Cruise’s 20 year history.” The Encore sits 20 decks above the ocean, offering incredible amenities such as the largest go-cart race track at sea, an open-air laser tag arena, virtual reality interactive gaming, an aqua park, a fitness center, and a casino.

The experience is completely sold out for 2024. However, you can join the waitlist  here .

Groove Cruise Miami is a 21+ event.

Headliners A-Z

• John Summit

Groove Cruise Miami

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Top 10 curated outfits for groove cruise 2024: inspo for theme days and nights.

As the 20th anniversary of Groove Cruise approaches, the countdown to this extraordinary fusion of EDM and maritime revelry has reached a fever pitch.

Setting sail from Miami to the captivating Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas on January 24, 2024 , Groove Cruise 2024 promises an unparalleled four days and nights of non-stop music and immersive experiences aboard the Norwegian Encore . This year's lineup boasts the headliner debut of John Summit, Grammy-winning maestro Diplo , and the legendary three-time DJ Mag's #1 DJ, Tiësto .

Amidst the beats from house virtuosos like Kyle Walker, Ranger Trucco, and LP Giobbi, and the melodic bass tones of HALIENE and Trivecta , Groove Cruise 2024 will be a sonic journey like no other. However, it's not just about the music. With themes like “Welcome to the Jungle” and “Dancing thru the Decades,” Groove Cruise and iEDM invite you to explore curated fashion that mirrors the eclectic vibes of each themed day and night party.

Join us as we unveil these spellbinding apparel and accessory combos, ensuring you are not only part of the music but a style icon on this unforgettable voyage.

Check out iEDM's Top 10 Curated Outfits for Groove Cruise 2024 below.

10)   Level Up Mushroom Tank  and  GBC Weekend Shorts

Kicking off our list is a lethal combo for any 90s and 2000s gaming aficionado. These shorts and tank top are primed for the  Groove Racers  day theme on Friday, but could also be compatible with that night's  50 Shades Of Nintendo party (although you may want something a little less PG).

Take a look at all the Level Up Mushroom  apparel  HERE  for other day options as well as night fits for  50 Shades Of Nintendo , like zip-up hoodies.

Check out the Level Up Mushroom Tank HERE!

Check out the GBC Weekend Shorts HERE!

9)   Mermaid Scales Gold Crop Top  and Mermaid Scales Gold High-Waisted Shorts  

Matching apparel is not always essential, but in this specific case, it is the recipe for the dopest outfit at Groove Cruise's Naughty Nautical  party on Saturday afternoon. 

Flaunt this stellar blend of gold and black aboard the Norwegian to close out the final day of this spectacular getaway experience. You could also pair these with some basic shades or a simplistically patterned bucket hat.

Check out the Mermaid Scales Gold Crop Top   HERE!

Check out the Mermaid Scales Gold High-Waisted Shorts   HERE!

8)  Metasphere T-Shirt and Joggers Combo  and Black Diffraction Ski Goggles

Hyperbeam yourself to another dimension when tossing on this interstellar fusion of vibrant colors. The  Metasphere T-Shirt and Joggers Combo  were destined to be worn at the U Are The Universe  night rager on Wednesday, Day 1.

An optimal pairing with this outfit, iEDM's  Black Diffraction Ski Goggles  are a contender for the most elite festival-based eyewear on the market. You can also rip them on the slopes, but given their disorienting nature, we wouldn't recommend it.

These goggles come with an adjustable headband so they fit any size noggin. Also, there is the option to get a Microfiber Carrying Case for extra protection.

Check out the Metasphere T-Shirt and Joggers Combo   HERE!

Check out the   Black Diffraction Ski Goggles HERE!

7)   Level Up Mushroom Crop Top  and Growth Booty Shorts

For our ladies, we are going back to the Level Up Mushroom design once again for the 50 Shades Of Nintendo or Groove Racers-themed  parties

Adding an irresistible allure to this outfit is the Growth Booty Shorts.  This gem fits that Nintendo-retro vibe with its rainbow road-esque reflective graphic.

Check out the Level Up Mushroom Crop Top   HERE!

Check out the Growth Booty Shorts   HERE!

Click to dive into our top 10 must-see artists aboard Groove Cruise's 20th-anniversary sailing next month!

6)   junglist tundra tank  and  giraffe spots swim trunks.

Contrasting colors like purple and green can be a risky pairing, but when pulled off correctly, it can make for an amazing outfit. The Junglist Tundra Tank and Giraffe Spots Swim Trunks joining forces is proof of this.

Catered towards Thursday's Welcome to the Jungle  darty, the top makes you feel like you should be holding a machete, carving out a path as you trek through the Amazon. Meanwhile, the giraffe-inspired bathing suit transports you to the wildlife-filled outback.

If you have one of those solid tan-colored safari hats or a visor, either would be solid to pair.

Check out the Junglist Tundra Tank   HERE!

Check out the Giraffe Spots Swim Trunks   HERE!

5)   Awakening Crop Top  and  Canndala Purple High-Waisted Shorts

Enjoy the galactic beauty of these two pieces and simultaneously look on point for Wednesday night's  U Are The Universe party.

Both designs are the epitomes of symmetry, overflowing with kaleidoscopic neon pigments, from hot pink to turquoise. Their stunning geometric shapes and patterns will put everyone around you in a hypnotic trance.

Check out the Awakening Crop Top   HERE!

Check out the Canndala Purple High-Waisted Shorts   HERE!

4)   80s Rainbow and Hoodies Joggers Combo  and  MC Squared Kaleidoscope Glasses

Even though the disco era emerged in the 1970s, it was thriving throughout the early 80s too. Nothing says let's get down and groovy like iEDM's  80s Rainbow and Hoodies Joggers Combo. 

This funky fit will have you shuffling across the dance floor with unmatched energy. The MC Squared Kaleidoscope Glasses  are the go-to accessory for Dancing thru the Decades  on Thursday when the sun goes down.

Check out the 80s Rainbow and Hoodies Joggers Combo   HERE!

Check out the MC Squared Kaleidoscope Glasses   HERE!

3)   Acid Tiger High Cut One-Piece Swimsuit  and  Furry Party Animal Diffraction Goggles

As we near the top of our countdown, this Acid Tiger graphic is a staple of iEDM. One of the most iconic visual creations in festival fashion, this versatile design has been worn by the likes of Jack Black, members of the cannabis industry, DJs, and more.

Photos courtesy of @tenaciousd and @smokeproper on Instagram.

When worn at the same time as any of the furry goggles collection, this outfit will leave your rave squad in awe. The lenses themselves come in three different tints, and the frames and fur have four unparalleled options to choose from: Plur Fur, Cotton Candy, Neon Night, and Slime.

Check out the  Acid Tiger High Cut One-Piece Swimsuit   HERE!

Check out the  Furry Party Animal Diffraction Goggles   HERE!

2)  Spellbound Tank and Shorts with Bucket Hat Combo  and Classic Beats (Summer Jam Edition)

Taking down the #2 spot is another outfit that encompasses the atmosphere of the  Naughty Nautical  theme on Friday. This three-in-one package makes an incredible synced graphic from head to toe.

The intricate design boasts a tropical island amid an enchanting neon night, with the moon shining over the scenic paradise.

Due to the 360-degree visual aspect bursting with color, it would be smart to align it with an accessory that is more basic but effective, like the  Classic Beats (Summer Jam Edition)  shades.

Check out the Spellbound Tank and Shorts with Bucket Hat Combo   HERE!

Check out the   Classic Beats (Summer Jam Edition) HERE!

1)   Peace Rafiki High Cut One-Piece Swimsuit and  Cosmic Dream High-Waisted Shorts

One look at this mesmerizing duo and it is obvious why this outfit has been chosen to hold the top placement for Groove Cruise-catered apparel.  Dance the night away during  Dancing thru the Decades  with this fierce and electrifying combo.

The  Peace Rafiki High Cut One-Piece Swimsuit and Cosmic Dream High-Waisted Shorts  are equally immersive, each bringing its own color palette into the mix.

Check out the Peace Rafiki High Cut One-Piece Swimsuit   HERE!

Check out the Cosmic Dream High-Waisted Shorts   HERE!

Photos courtesy of @veranmiky on Instagram and Groove Cruise .

Upgrade your rave wardrobe with iEDM apparel and accessories. Check out our entire collection  HERE!

Stay up to date on the latest festival announcements and music news   here.

Fueled by his passion for EDM, Connor’s life revolves around dance music and its ability to bring people together. Raised in upstate New York, Connor was deprived of festivals and raves until he attended Florida State University, where he was instantly hooked. Fast-forward to today and Connor has become a house and melodic techno DJ, an avid EDM-based interviewer and writer, and has worked PR for the likes of Matroda, Bleu Clair, and other new-wave house icons.

Outside of music, Connor loves pretty much any sport (huge Knicks, Yankees, and NY Giants fan), going on hikes, traveling, and food. Based in Florida, there’s a good chance you will eventually run into Connor at one of the popular festivals and clubs throughout the state.

CONNOR PHILLIPS

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Groove Cruise to Celebrate Milestone 20th Anniversary with Miami 2024 Sailing

Whet Travel ’s flagship event Groove Cruise will celebrate 20 years on the open sea in 2024, adventuring from Miami to Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas from Wednesday, January 24 – Sunday, January 28, 2024 with an amazing lineup. To cement the impressive milestone, Groove Cruise Miami 2024 will be hosted on the award-winning Norwegian Encore – the largest and most luxurious Groove Cruise ship to date. 

Groove Cruise treats everyone as the Captain and invites veterans and newcomers alike to indulge in a once-in-a-lifetime experience aboard the Norwegian Encore . The sailing will feature 96 hours of nonstop music, as well as Groove Cruise ’s signature immersive programming which will include 11 stages boasting world-class production, daily themes with curated parties, over 50 artist-hosted activities, beachside destination parties, Whet Foundation volunteer opportunities, mental health panels, producer/DJ album listening and mentorship workshops, and so much more. 

Groove Cruise has enlisted world-renowned dance music superstars Tiësto , Diplo and John Summit to headline the 20th anniversary celebration.

Groove Cruise 2024 Lineup

GRAMMY award-winning producer Tiësto will make his inaugural Groove Cruise appearance on the 2024 sailing. One of the most influential dance music acts of this generation, Tiesto was the first artist ever to win DJ Mag’s #1 DJ for three consecutive years in a row in 2002-2004, and has since amassed billions of streams across platforms while performing around the globe. Making his long-awaited Groove Cruise debut, Tiësto is slated to headline the private beach party in Great Stirrup Cay .

Adding another legendary dance music icon to the #GCFAM, Diplo will also make his first-ever Groove Cruise performance on the 2024 edition, hosting a highly-coveted takeover from his Higher Ground imprint. The three-time GRAMMY award-winning producer has had quite a career with his various collaborative projects like Major Lazer , Jack Ū , LSD , Silk City , and more. He launched his underground-focused label Higher Ground in 2019 to pay tribute to his house music roots, and has since curated various label showcases across the globe. The Diplo-hosted Higher Ground takeover on Groove Cruise will feature a range of underground acts and promises to be one of the highlights of the weekend.

Following his unforgettable Groove Cruise debut aboard the Orlando 2022 sailing, global party-starter John Summit will make his Groove Cruise Miami debut as a headliner of the 2024 installment. The Beatport chart-shredder will once again deliver an electrifying performance, in addition to hosting Groove Cruise ’s first-ever Off The Grid takeover. Tapping label favorites that are famed for igniting dance floors, John Summit’s Off The Grid takeover will be a high-octane marathon of rip-roaring beats. 

In addition to the star-studded trio of headliners, Groove Cruise will welcome an impressive medley of genre-crossing acts to make their festival debuts. Transporting the sounds of the underground, Groove Cruise will welcome UK tech-house favorite Biscits , fast-rising techno act Brennen Grey , trance purveyor Craig Connelly , international techno queen Lilly Palmer , London house music ace Deeper Purpose , London-based Joshwa , Croatian born San Pacho , prolific duo Pig&Dan , and house music icon VNSSA . Mija and GG Magree will also make their Groove Cruise debut with collaborative So Tuff So Cute .

Groove Cruise  will also welcome back some fan-favorite veteran acts to celebrate the 20th anniversary. Longtime  Groove Cruise  veterans  Gene Farris  and  Markus Schulz  will once again return to bring their own unique blends of electronic music. Other returning artists include Egyptian trance titans  Aly & Fila ; multifaceted artist  Amidy ;  Incorrect Music boss   Anthony Attalla ; New York City favorite  Boris ; masked duo  Deepfake ; Dutch trance act  Factor B ; American trance music legends  Gabriel & Dresden ; house music ace  LP Giobbi ; a bevy of Ophelia Records favorites such as  Gem & Tauri , melodic bass titan  MiTiS , and emotive bass wizard  Trivecta ; renowned electronic music singer  Haliene ; and psytrance icon  Blastoyz .

The lineup also features UK producer and TV personality  Joel Corry ; LA native  Kyle Walker ; house duo  Max Low ; fast-rising house act  Ranger Trucco ; mau5trap favorite  Speaker Honey , and more.

Groove Cruise  will take attendees on a 96 hour non stop ride through the curated dance music realms of the  Abyss  underground,  Rising Tides  house music,  Embark  Trance, and  Sirens Echo  Melodic Bass along with a plethora of uniquely-crafted parties ranging from old school hip hop, disco, and emo night.

In addition to the music programming,  Groove Cruise  is known for its immersive experiences that educate, connect, and heal its Captains. Some of the highlights include  Martian Circus 5D  live interactive band,  Great Bingo Revival ,  Frick Frack Blackjack , and more. Fans can also relax and recharge at the  Whet Oasis  lounge with yoga, breathwork, mediation, and tarot card readings soundtracked by blissful downtempo music. Other activities on  Groove Cruise  include 80s themed workout “Crusher Camp”, silent disco, drag and burlesque shows, craft stations, comedians, and so much more.

Selected by  Porthole Cruise Magazine  as the 2020 Editors’ Pick for  Best New Ship , the  Norwegian Encore  will be the newest and largest ship to join the ranks of  Groove Cruise ’s 20-year history. Spanning an impressive 20 decks above the ocean, the list of onboard amenities feels endless with 40 bars and restaurants, the largest race track at sea for over 1100 feet of pedal-to-the-metal action, 10,000 square foot open-air laser tag arena, and virtual reality interactive gaming including a ride simulator at the Galaxy Pavilion. If that wasn’t enough the ship also hosts an aqua park with 2 multi-story waterslides that extend over the edges of the ship, 8 hot tubs and pools, spa offering and extensive list of treatments: IV hydration, large thermal suite including a snow room, saunas and steam rooms  high-tech Pulse fitness center with workout classes, Encore casino, and much more.

Over the last two decades,  Groove Cruise  has evolved into the world’s “premier floating dance music festival.” The nautical festival brand is famous for championing creative self-expression and curating inclusive environments that welcome attendees to follow their inner compasses toward adventure.  Groove Cruise ’s central ethos is all about finding your own individual flow, while simultaneously connecting with fellow passengers for a tight-knit, community-oriented experience.

Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of  Groove Cruise ’s 20th anniversary and purchase one of the last remaining staterooms via  https://www.groovecruise. com/miami24

Press Release

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Groove Cruise 2024: The Ultimate EDM Odyssey at Sea

Introduction

Groove Cruise, the iconic dance music festival on the sea, is set to make waves again in 2024. As the world’s premier floating electronic dance music festival, Groove Cruise has been setting the standard for oceanic festivals for nearly two decades. In 2024, the cruise is gearing up to celebrate its 20th anniversary, promising an experience like never before.

A Legacy of Groove: The Journey So Far

From its humble beginnings, Groove Cruise has grown exponentially, attracting dance music enthusiasts from all over the world. The festival’s unique blend of sun, sea, and sound has made it a must-attend event for many. Over the years, Groove Cruise has featured some of the biggest names in the dance music industry, providing attendees with unforgettable musical memories.

What to Expect in Groove Cruise 2024

While specific details about Groove Cruise 2024 are still under wraps, given its track record, attendees can expect:

• Stellar Line-up: Groove Cruise has always boasted a line-up of world-class DJs and artists. 2024 will be no exception, with the event likely to pull out all the stops for its 20th-anniversary celebration.
• Themed Nights: One of the hallmarks of Groove Cruise is its themed nights, where attendees can dress up and immerse themselves in a world of fantasy and fun.
• Unparalleled Experiences: Beyond the music, Groove Cruise offers a range of experiences, from wellness activities to gourmet dining, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Setting Sail from Miami

l from the vibrant city of Miami . Known for its beautiful beaches and pulsating nightlife, Miami is the perfect launchpad for the Groove Cruise experience. Attendees can explore the city before boarding, soaking in its rich culture and diverse culinary scene.

A Commitment to Excellence

Groove Cruise’s longevity in the industry is a testament to its commitment to excellence. The organizers continually strive to enhance the attendee experience, ensuring safety, comfort, and, of course, non-stop entertainment. Their dedication is evident in the rave reviews and loyal fan base that eagerly anticipates each year’s voyage.

Giving Back: More Than Just a Festival

Groove Cruise isn’t just about music and dance; it’s about making a difference. Over the years, the festival has been associated with various charitable initiatives. While details about 2024’s charitable partnerships are yet to be announced, attendees can expect to be a part of something bigger, contributing to meaningful causes.

Navigating the Costs: Groove Cruise 2024 Expenses and Admission

Attending the Groove Cruise is an experience like no other, but like all festivals, it comes with its set of expenses. If you’re considering embarking on this musical voyage in 2024, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of the costs involved. Let’s break down the general expenses and admission costs based on historical data and estimates.

Admission Tickets: Your Passport to Groove

Historically, Groove Cruise ticket prices have varied based on the type of accommodation chosen:

• Interior Cabins: These are the most budget-friendly options, offering a cozy space without a sea view. Historically, prices for these cabins have started at around $800 per person.
• Ocean View Cabins: A step up from the interior cabins, these rooms offer attendees a view of the ocean. Prices have typically ranged from $1,000 to $1,500 per person.
• Suites: For those looking for a more luxurious experience, suites offer spacious accommodations with premium amenities. Historically, suite prices have started at $2,000 per person and can go up based on the suite’s size and features.

Onboard Expenses: Grooving Beyond the Ticket

Once onboard, there are additional expenses attendees should be aware of:

• Dining: While many meals are included in the ticket price, specialty dining options and certain beverages might come at an additional cost. On average, attendees might spend around $100-$200 on extra dining and drinks over the cruise’s duration.
• Excursions: Groove Cruise often docks at exotic locations, offering attendees the chance to explore. These excursions, while optional, can range from $50 to $200, depending on the activity.
• Merchandise: From exclusive Groove Cruise apparel to artist merchandise, there’s plenty to shop for onboard. It’s estimated that attendees might spend anywhere from $50 to $150 on merchandise.

Additional Costs: Getting Ready to Set Sail

• Travel to Miami: Depending on where you’re coming from, you’ll need to budget for travel to Miami, the cruise’s departure point. A round-trip flight within the U.S. can range from $150 to $500.
• Accommodation in Miami: If you plan to arrive a day or two before the cruise’s departure, consider the cost of staying in a hotel. On average, a night in a mid-range hotel in Miami can cost between $100 and $250.
• Miscellaneous: From travel insurance to personal shopping, set aside around $100-$200 for miscellaneous expenses.

Survival Guide: Navigating Groove Cruise 2024 Like a Pro

Drawing from the rich history and culture of this iconic event, here’s a survival guide to ensure you make the most of your Groove Cruise experience in 2024.

1. Embrace the Themes: Dive into the Culture

Groove Cruise is renowned for its themed nights, a nod to the festival’s vibrant culture. Historically, attendees have gone all out, dressing up and immersing themselves in the fantasy world created onboard.

Survival Tip: Check the theme announcements ahead of time and pack accordingly. Embracing the themes not only enhances your experience but also helps you connect with fellow attendees.

2. Stay Hydrated: Dance Responsibly

With non-stop music and dancing, it’s easy to forget the basics. The sun, sea, and sound can be a heady mix, and dehydration can sneak up on you.

Survival Tip: Carry a refillable water bottle and set reminders to hydrate regularly. Remember, while the party is essential, so is your well-being.

3. Explore the Ship: More than Just Music

The Groove Cruise isn’t just about the beats. Over the years, the festival has expanded to offer a range of experiences, from wellness activities to gourmet dining.

Survival Tip: Take time to explore the ship and partake in non-musical activities. It’s a great way to recharge and experience everything the cruise has to offer.

4. Respect the Ocean: Leave No Trace

The Groove Cruise’s unique setting on the ocean is a reminder of the beauty and fragility of our natural environment. Historically, the festival has emphasized the importance of sustainable practices.

Survival Tip: Be mindful of your waste. Use the recycling facilities onboard and avoid single-use plastics. Let’s ensure the ocean remains pristine for future Groove Cruises.

5. Connect and Network: A Community at Sea

One of the most enriching aspects of Groove Cruise is its community. Over the years, attendees have formed lasting friendships, with many returning year after year.

Survival Tip: Engage with fellow attendees, share stories, and create memories. The Groove Cruise community is welcoming, and you might just make friends for life.

6. Plan Your Schedule: So Much to See and Do

With a line-up of world-class DJs and artists, it’s tempting to try and attend every set. However, with so much happening simultaneously, it’s essential to prioritize.

Survival Tip: Before setting sail, review the schedule and highlight your must-see acts. Factor in rest periods to ensure you’re energized for your favorite performances.

Finding Your Rave Buddy: Groove Cruise 2024 Companionship

While solo voyages can be liberating, having a rave buddy can enhance the festival experience manifold. Here’s a guide on finding that perfect dance partner for Groove Cruise 2024, rooted in the event’s culture and traditions.

1. Dive into Groove Cruise Forums and Groups

Historically, the Groove Cruise community has been active online, with forums and social media groups buzzing with anticipation months before the event.

Survival Tip: Join these platforms and introduce yourself. Share your music preferences, past rave experiences, and what you’re looking forward to in 2024. You’ll likely find like-minded individuals eager to connect.

2. Attend Pre-Cruise Meetups

In the past, attendees have organized pre-cruise meetups in various cities. These gatherings are a fantastic way to mingle and potentially find your rave buddy.

Survival Tip: Keep an eye out for meetup announcements on official Groove Cruise channels or fan pages. Attend with an open mind and a friendly demeanor.

3. Embrace the Ship’s Social Spaces

The Groove Cruise ship is designed to foster connections. From lounges to dining areas, there are numerous spaces where attendees gather and socialize.

Survival Tip: Spend time in these communal areas. Strike up conversations, share your festival itinerary, and you might just find someone with a matching vibe.

4. Participate in Workshops and Activities

Over the years, Groove Cruise has expanded beyond music to offer a range of workshops and activities, reflecting its diverse culture.

Survival Tip: Sign up for these sessions. Whether it’s a dance workshop or a wellness activity, you’ll naturally connect with attendees who share similar interests.

5. Respect and Openness: The Groove Cruise Mantra

The Groove Cruise culture is built on mutual respect and openness. Historically, attendees have celebrated differences, creating an inclusive environment.

Survival Tip: Approach potential rave buddies with genuine interest and respect. Remember, it’s the shared love for music and the Groove Cruise spirit that binds everyone.

6. Utilize the Buddy System

In recent years, some festivals have introduced ‘buddy systems’ or ‘meet and greet’ events to help solo attendees find companions.

Survival Tip: Check if Groove Cruise 2024 has such initiatives. Participating can be a structured way to meet potential rave buddies.

In Conclusion

Groove Cruise 2024 is shaping up to be an event for the ages. As it celebrates its 20th anniversary, attendees can look forward to a blend of nostalgic moments and fresh, exciting experiences. Whether you’re a Groove Cruise veteran or considering attending for the first time, 2024 promises a voyage filled with rhythm, revelry, and memories that will last a lifetime.

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Groove Cruise 2024 – Escape the Ordinary, Find Utopia

In literature, movies, and TV, there are two classic narratives that we’re all familiar with. The first is the group/company retreat where the characters leave their ordinary lives of drudgery behind for a wild escape that gets a bit crazy but also ends up being exactly what everybody needs to rest, reset, and tackle their next challenge. The second is the utopia; a fantasy world governed by its own rules and separated from normal society. Everybody there is in a state of bliss that’s simply unattainable in the real world. These narratives are important because Groove Cruise embodies both, while also being like the sleepaway camps of childhood. Groove Cruise is way more than a festival that you compare with Ultra, EDC, or even Tomorrowland. Groove Cruise is, for most attendees, a floating slice of heaven that appears for 4 days out of the year, as described by Groove Cruise President Jason Beukema ( @traveljason ). The only event that comes close is Burning Man , according to Groove Cruisers I spoke with.

As I embarked on my third Groove Cruise in 2024 aboard the Norwegian Encore , the full value it provides came into focus. Of course, it’s a fun festival with a solid lineup and excellent production, but it goes way beyond that. Everything is curated to be more than that, even if it’s not immediately apparent. As an EDM blogger and admitted music snob, I was not initially wow-ed by the lineups when I first learned of Groove Cruise years ago. Sure the lineup is good, but it’s not a direct competitor to Florida festivals like EDC Orlando or Ultra. Upon first arriving, you’ll note that the crowd is totally different in its makeup than any major festival you’ll go to, and is not what you’d expect from a party cruise either.

And yet, all of these things are part of what propels Groove Cruise into a whole different stratosphere than regular music festivals. The lineup is curated to feature the latest and greatest right along with a slew of talented up-and-comers topped off with a sprinkling of nostalgia and fan service. It features DJs who understand the Groove Cruise ethos and will enjoy the experience like an attendee and not like a celebrity. The crowd is not your Ultra Music Festival or EDC crowd, but a crowd spanning multiple generations of partiers. Groove Cruise revives PLUR (peace, love, unity, respect) from the ashes and reminds you of what it actually means, where everybody, including the staff and artists, is friendly and fun af. The Groove Cruise team invites you and the artists into the family, and you feel part of it by the end of the trip.

The array of subgenres is way more varied than you’d expect because it caters to a wide variety of fans. It features more trance than most festivals in 2024, something very much appreciated by the #trancefamily. It includes DnB and dubstep even while it features some of the biggest stars and ones to watch. The lineup is curated for fans who just come for the party and those who have discerning tastes at once. John Summit played Groove Cruise a few years ago when he was relatively new to the scene, but he totally embodied the GC lifestyle, and that lifestyle is a huge part of his brand now. Now that role is being filled in 2024 by Max Styler (keep an eye on him), who played a b2b with John Summit on the closing night. GC features an extremely solid undercard of hidden gems and underrated artists that kill it year after year, like Gene Farris and Anthony Attalla . This year Lilly Palmer was an artist who’s rapidly on the rise and killed it at Groove Cruise. There’s so much programming when you have 4 days of nonstop parties, that you will 100% discover a new artist that you will love going forward.

It’s amazing to have an event where I don’t feel the pressure to see the biggest name all the time, and I can go back to my roots in trance, or see a Tiesto set for the first time in years. I will be honest, after being a techno snob for the last few years, seeing Tiesto play on the beach in the Bahamas for us was ridiculously fun and refreshing. He played a surprisingly good mix of new trendy styles, but he also peppered in some golden-era classics that had everybody going bonkers. This is not a festival to be pretentious about anything, so just go check out all of the music and have fun.

Some amazing sets this year were from Joel Corry (even playing a techno set at one point), Markus Schulz , Gene Farris, Lilly Palmer, Diplo , Max Styler, Tiesto, and of course John Summit. Next year for 2025, Jason tells us that he has booked the #1 most requested artist over the past 15 years. My guess is Armin van Buuren but we shall see soon enough.

Groove Cruise is so amazing because it is the place for people who partied hard af during an earlier/simpler time in their lives, but have had to grow up and become responsible adults. These are people who were raving in the 90s and experienced Sandstorm when it was being played out live for the very first time in nightclubs (I spoke to several veteran ravers who shared that experience). Now they have (well-paying) jobs, families, responsibilities, and not so much free time. These are the people your younger self thought would never grow up but managed to grow up all the same. Groove Cruise is the annual retreat for these people just as much as it is for the people who are still very much work hard, play hard people. So for your friends who know how to party but would rarely pull an all-nighter at Space anymore, they come here.

People you talk to will tell you it’s their 5th Groove Cruise or it’s their 11th, or they met their spouse on GC and got married on GC years later and continue to come back every year. You’ll frequently see the same groups of people coming together every year. There are die-hards on here but also mixed in with people who probably don’t go to many festivals in a year besides GC. Once you get it, you start trying to convince new people to come experience it, and then they turn around and do the same. So after 21 years, Groove Cruise is hosting 2025 on the 2nd largest class of ship in the world, and it’s selling fast with a year to go.

The amazing thing about this is that you make friends and connections that are unlike any other. Like a sleepaway camp, you make friends here that you may only ever see or hang out with during Groove Cruise, but they become some of your deepest connections. These are people who literally only know you at your wildest and happiest. There is no life in the way of making new friends or romantic partners during GC. When you see these people year after year, you get right back on the same note that you left off on a year or more ago, without missing a beat (pun intended). These are people who may only ever see you dressed up in crazy theme costumes. When debarkation finally comes, seeing everybody in their real-world attire is jarring because you no longer even recognize anyone.

Work hard, play hard is the mantra here. The entire ship is going feral most of the time, but this crowd is mature and knows how to handle themselves (for the most part). People are enjoying the open bar package and more. This even extends to the ship’s main dining room and the elevators. You might find women there in nothing but pasties, or an entire table in coordinated costumes for that night’s theme. There is a different costume theme for each day and each night. There will be at least one person blaring dance music no matter where you are, even in the line to get off the ship when you’re running on no sleep and want to die. Everybody is friends with everybody. You get into an elevator and the people will be chatting you up, asking how many Groove Cruises you’ve been on, who you’re going to see, or giving you random thoughtful trinkets.

The random little quirks and inside jokes become a way of life. One of the favorites is when, each morning (at some point), Jason will get on the ship’s PA system to wake everyone up with a “Gooooood Morning Groove Cruisers” and proceed to talk for about 15 minutes. You’ll hate it but end up loving it at the same time. It’s yet another way that Groove Cruise feels a bit like a sleepaway camp. On the very last day back in Miami, the PA system will play a track produced specifically to wake everyone up in time to get off the ship. Funny moments like this continue all throughout the experience and become shared jokes among the entire GCFAM (as it is called).

The artists enjoy the experience and understand the vibe as much as the attendees, by design. Jason picks artists who he knows will hang out amongst the people and want to have a good time. If an artist is a bad sport and shows up only for their set and then hides in private areas, they probably won’t be back. This is an event that feels like it has no VIP, and it barely has a backstage. Everybody is equal and the artists are hanging in the crowd with their management teams just like everyone else. You can hit the gym with Joel Corry and then watch a Joel Corry set with Max Styler right next to you on the same day. You can chat up the DJs like they’re anybody else, and if you don’t meet or talk to at least one DJ you’re doing it wrong. Even now that John Summit is selling out MSG in 2 hours, he enjoys mixing and mingling in the crowd like everyone else and has no problem chatting it up and taking pics with everyone. The important thing is to enjoy a good time and a good party with friends new and old.

I’ve talked about all these reasons why GC is so amazing, and haven’t even talked about the most obvious part. It’s a tropical cruise on one of the world’s largest and most gorgeous cruise ships. This year was the Norwegian Encore, which upped the ante. The pool deck area was massive with an equally massive LED wall, enough to create a festival crowd as big as you’d see at a major event. The ship has waterslides, go-kart racing, VR experiences, multiple dining venues, a state-of-the-art theater, a fantastic spa and thermal suite area, a great atrium area, and clean beautiful cabins. Even without GC, a cruise is always a fun vacation. There’s everything at your fingertips, always. A drink, a meal, the bathroom, and your bed are never more than 5 minutes away. Where else can you eat pizza in a hot tub while watching the DJs perform on the main stage? How much easier is it to party all night when you can go to eat or to your room for a disco nap at any time, hit up the Whet Oasis for a pillow party and back massage, or go to the thermal suite for hot tubs, heated loungers, a steam room, and a snow room? You can hit a DJ set, have dinner, hit the spa for an hour, nap for another hour, and then be ready to party until the sun comes up before hitting the breakfast buffet.

It’s not a cruise to nowhere either. It goes to the cruise line’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. This means that even when you get off the ship in paradise, it’s only GCFAM on the island and your food and drinks packages continue to work. Gene Farris vibed along with the crowd to an impromptu set played by Vintage 72 on the tender boat back to the ship when the party ended. You can go zip-lining, jet-skiing, or just rage on the beach watching Tiesto. Having the island party on the 3rd day is perfect because it really feels like the culmination of the experience. The GC Beach Party is really unlike anything you’ll ever experience. When people say “it was a movie”, that’s the type of experience they talk about. It’s something that will never be duplicated in the real world. You have a beautiful private island inhabited solely by EDM ravers with unlimited food and open bar packages wearing Naughy Nautical costumes and watching DJs play all afternoon. The Beach Party is when nirvana is reached. What more could you ask for?

The thing that makes Groove Cruise so special is the team around it. Like the artists, the Groove Cruise team is totally accessible to the attendees. This starts from the moment you book and you are let into the Facebook group for attendees. All of the attendees and the GC team are there answering questions, hyping people up, and asking opinions on things. The key to this is Jason Beukema, because Groove Cruise is his baby. He is so inextricably linked to the Groove Cruise ethos and experience, that everybody attending the festival is cheering him on. The 20th Anniversary was celebrated in 2024 and it was an especially emotional experience for Jason. Not only did he get to see his life’s dream realized with one of the biggest DJs in the world in tow, but the moment almost didn’t happen at all. El Nino made the area weather way cloudier, rainier, and colder than it would normally be at this time of year in Florida and the Bahamas. The previous several days were cloudy, windy and rainy. If the weather was too rough, the tenders would not be allowed to go to shore. Yet the clouds parted as we arrived onshore and the sun’s rays created the most perfect weather you could dream of.

After Tiesto wrapped his set, Jason’s teary-eyed speech describing his elation had the whole crowd sobbing along with him. The GCFAM is emotionally invested in Groove Cruise and Jason’s vision for it. Jason is the fearless leader in this utopia, but it’s all for the better. If you have an issue or a question you can speak to him directly and he will answer you, whether online or on GC. It’s the same vibe that Pasquale Rotella aims to cultivate, but taken to a much more personal level. While Groove Cruise has grown and become a bit less intimate than it once was, people love it more than ever as it continues to grow.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Groove Cruise (@groovecruise)

Groove Cruise has become such a phenomenon that it is upgrading again in 2025 to the Allure of the Seas , while EDSea and Friendship are staying put on the Norwegian Breakaway-Plus Class from this year. With a year to go, Groove Cruise 2025 is selling out already. There’s a reason that most of the people on GC come back year after year. It’s not about the headliners, lineup, the ship, or the destination. It’s about this temporary slice of heaven and the people inhabiting it can’t be replicated anywhere else. Do yourself a favor and gather up your 3 best friends or family members to book your own little slice of heaven in 2025 . If you want a little taste of the vibes sooner, check out the Incorrect Showcase during Miami Music Week next month, featuring Anthony Attalla, Gene Farris, Max Styler and more.

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Event Reviews

Groove cruise 2024: an electrifying voyage celebrating 20 years in the making.

This past weekend, Groove Cruise celebrated its 20th-anniversary extravaganza aboard the Norwegian Encore with roughly 5,000 music lovers, artists, and industry creatives in attendance. The concept of thousands of avid dance music aficionados living their best lives on a festival cruise might sound insane to some, but the reality? It’s every raver’s dream vacation.

From Wednesday, January 24th to Sunday, January 28th, attendees got the opportunity to bask in all of Groove Cruise’s glory to celebrate such a special milestone for the one-of-a-kind festival. The unique idea of producing an EDM festival experience on a cruise ship came to fruition in the early 2000s all thanks to Groove Cruise’s founder Jason Beukema. And since then, no other festival out there has been able to match the authenticity of Groove Cruise’s ethos.

Groove Cruise doesn’t refer to its attendees as plain old festival goers. They refer to them as “captains”, allowing them to lead the festival experience they desire and be the captains of their own 96-hour music-filled nautical adventure.

Everyone aboard the ship came from different backgrounds and age groups, and some even traveled from other parts of the globe to attend. Some were music festival veterans while others were first-time ravers. But the one thing every single person had in common was that they were having the time of their lives aboard Groove Cruise.

The festival’s 20th-anniversary celebration hailed esteemed headliners John Summit , Diplo, Markus Schulz , and Tiësto among others, with this being Tiësto’s Groove Cruise debut on the private beach paradise of Great Stirrup Cay. Full of eager “captains” ready to set sail on day one, Markus Schulz, Joel Corry , Blastoyz, and Adam Scott remarkably set the tone for the rest of the weekend during the festival’s official Sail Away party that began around sunset.

Notable set highlights from the 96-hour nonstop Groove Cruise fiesta include Gene Farris throwing down some classic Chicago house music at The Atrium, LP Giobbi’s mesmerizing sunset set on the pool deck, a psytrance-heavy Trivecta b2b Blastoyz set at the Social Lounge, and Brennen Grey and Lily Palmer’s hard-hitting techno beats on Thursday evening.

The second half of the festival experience was topped by San Pacho ‘s moving Latin-house soundscapes during the Rising Tides daytime party, Max Styler’s hypnotic tech-house beats on night three, Tiësto’s nostalgic performance on the breathtaking island of Great Stirrup Cay, and John Summit’s explosive closing set during his John Summit and Friends stage takeover on the final night.

With over 100 artists playing across 11 stages, there was not a single moment that went by without music pulsating through our veins. The best part about Groove Cruise is that because artists are aboard the ship for four days just as everyone else, everyone gets to party it up and experience meaningful encounters with them. It was heartwarming to see all of these artists thoroughly enjoy a festival just like the rest of us get to.

Music aside, this 2024 installment of the renowned cruise ship festival also allowed its captains to play dress up and get quirky with all the imaginative, whimsical themes curated on each day. Some themes worth noting included ‘U Are The Universe,’ ‘Dancing Through The Decades,’ ’50 Shades of Nintendo,’ ‘Welcome To The Jungle’, and ‘Naughty Nautical’. Witnessing everyone dressed up to the nines and getting creative with these themes felt like being in an adult playground, leaving us inspired and even healing our inner child.

On top of that, the festival’s nonprofit organization Whet Foundation was able to raise $20,000 to benefit the local Bahamian community of Great Harbor with the help of many Groove Cruise crew members and volunteers. This philanthropic movement provided essential items like clothing, food, school supplies, beach and community cleanups, painting and art programs, and more to those in need.

The bottom line : Groove Cruise is unparalleled compared to any other music festival concept out there. The festival’s entire ethos is surrounded by the concept of a strong sense of community – making everyone, even newcomers feel like they are truly part of the “Groove Cruise Fam.”

Passes for Groove Cruise 2025 are available now via their official website. Check out next year’s official festival announcement video below:

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Currently based in Houston & Miami, I hope to inspire others through my writing. Electronic dance music has become a passion and a form of inspiration in my life, and I wouldn't change it for the world. I aspire to share this passion of mine with others and help them understand the uplifting potential it can have on our lives!

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With The Puzzle, David Williamson shows his continual capacity to satirise the  middle-class

Lecturer in Performing Arts, University of South Australia

Disclosure statement

Russell Fewster co-ordinates the 2nd year course: State Theatre Masterclass in the Performing Arts Major at the University of South Australia. This is a collaboration between the State Theatre of SA and the University of South Australia.

University of South Australia provides funding as a member of The Conversation AU.

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Fun, sex, Renoir and a reckoning might be a succinct way to introduce the new play by David Williamson, The Puzzle. As Williamson noted to me in the foyer, “life would be pretty boring without sex”. However, he writes, in the production program that this comes with a proviso that licentiousness without any moral grounding can lead to human beings inadvertently “upending their lives”.

In other words: be grateful for what you’re got.

Just last month New Wave Australian playwright Jack Hibberd passed away . Hibberd, in writing one of his best-known works, Dimboola (that Williamson directed for the Pram Factory in 1973), spoke of needing to find a human ritual by putting two competing families together in his rural comedy.

Williamson, of the same generation of playwrights, similarly has pointed out “the essence of drama – [is] you put people in a room that should never be in a room together and things happen”.

While Hibberd found this in a country wedding, Williamson has found it, in this instance, in a holiday cruise that appeals as a “lifestyle” change.

Post-COVID has seen an increase in holiday cruises. Though there are comparatively small offerings of adult only cruises euphemistically titled “lifestyle cruises” (or, to be blunter, swingers cruises), they are subject to increasing demand from both young and old.

A lively production

The play’s title is taken from the large Renoir jigsaw puzzle found in the games room of a cruise ship that brings together those wanting to shake up their monotonous lives.

Of course, this becomes a metaphor for how the middle-aged negotiate themes of sexual boredom, polygamy and parenthood. With shades of Williamson’s earlier satirical get-together Don’s Party (1971), the ensemble expertly navigate the promises that “swinging” might do to enliven their character’s sex lives, trapped as they are in close proximity to each other.

This is a lively production with uniformly good performances. Erik Thomson plays Drew, the father trying to improve his relationship with his daughter and provides a solid anchor for the promiscuousness that occurs around him. Ahunim Abebe brings rhythmic physicality to his daughter Cassie as she shocks the father with her own sexual adventures.

The two would-be swinging couples bring verve and vivacity to their performances. Chris Asimos delights as Brian who flips from depression to reinforced post coital vitality. Anna Lindner brings a refreshing groove as she sashays around the cruise ship as Brian’s wife, Michele.

Ansuya Nathan’s Mandy provides a moral counterpoint as her character struggles with the concept of swinging, while her onstage partner Craig, played by Nathan O’Keefe, provides both earnestness and excellent comic timing. At one point during the night O’Keefe toasts his glass too hard and loses his slice of lemon on the floor – which he promptly sucks on to the great amusement of the audience. Clearly an accident, but perhaps worth keeping.

Steady chuckles

Shannon Rush directs with panache, providing some excellent moments of physical vignettes interlaced with the increasing sexual frisson, accompanied by brisk and sharp lighting from Mark Shelton. This in turn is ably supported by the 70s-style guitar soundtrack from composer Andrew Howard and sound designer Patrick Pages-Oliver.

Williamson alludes to the garish décor found aboard cruise ships and Ailsa Paterson’s design doesn’t disappoint. She makes spectacular use of colour and proportion that beckons with promises of a new adventure.

The multi-layered set features tables and chairs with retro 70s/80s feel. The backdrop is a stylised view of the horizon changing with time passing – this is in the form of the Renoir style of brush stroke, neatly linking it to the jigsaw we see being slowly completed.

The play draws steady chuckles and the occasional guffaw as Williamson builds the expectations of the passengers. In the second half, naturalism gives way to farce as the characters experience both comic and life changing reversals. This comes with the moral reckoning of the unintended consequences intercouple sex may bring.

Williamson’s capacity to introduce ideas and return to them in new ways in the dialogue demonstrates his expert craft in constructing witty and challenging dialogue.

This grand old man of Australian theatre shows his continual insight and capacity to satirise the middle-class.

Kudos should also go to outgoing artistic director Mitchell Butel who had the foresight to see the potential in the finished script submitted by Williamson, followed by further development between playwright and company to bring the play to the stage.

The playwright, actors and director gain much from being able to work together over a period of time.

Like the new wave of the 1970s , artists don’t grow in isolation but blossom within a supportive community. In this instance a community Butel has fostered, evident in another fine offering.

The Puzzle is at the State Theatre Company South Australia, Adelaide, until October 12.

• Australian Theatre
• Theatre review
• David Williamson
• State Theatre Company South Australia
• Theatre and performance

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