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Groove Cruise is an Electronic dance music cruise festival that sets sail from various U.S. ports, offering an experience that combines, music, dance, travel and philanthropy.[1] It was founded in 2004[2] and is known for its performances by well known DJs and producers within the EDM community. It is the world's longest running dance music cruise[3] and as of 2025, it is the world's largest music cruise.[4]

History

[edit]

Groove Cruise was founded in 2004 by Jason Beukema.[2] The event initially started as a small gathering of 125 electronic music enthusiasts, but it quickly grew in popularity due to its immersive atmosphere and diverse lineup of DJs. In 2011, the event had grown large enough to charter an entire cruise ship, making Jason the youngest person to single-handedly do so.[5] Since then, Groove Cruise has chartered over 20 cruise ships.

Whet Travel, the parent company of Groove Cruise,[6] has received Partner of the Year Awards from both Norwegian[7] and Carnival[8] Cruise Lines, been in the Inc 5000 list three times[9] and been featured in media such as USA Today, The New York Times,[10] Travel Channel,[11] MTV, NBC,[12] Wall Street Journal, Rolling Stone,[13] Billboard,[3] Mixmag,[14] and Forbes.[15] In 2025, Whet Travel remains the largest independent music cruise company.[9]

Groove Cruise was ranked among the world's Top 100 Festivals by DJ Mag in 2023,[16] 2024,[17] and 2025.[18]

Over the years, Groove Cruise has hosted events out of ports in Miami, Orlando, Florida, Los Angeles, and San Diego. The destinations have included The Bahamas, Haiti, Mexico, Key West and Santa Catalina Island (California), and the cruise has featured performances by Kaskade, Tiësto, Eric Prydz, Green Velvet, Deadmau5, Oliver Heldens and John Summit.

Concept and format

[edit]

Each Groove Cruise event features a lineup of world-renowned DJs,[19] live performances, daily themed parties,[20] and curated activities for attendees. The festival offers a multi-day experience aboard cruise ships, where passengers have access to various events, beach parties, and private island stops.[2]

Groove Cruise offers 24 hour music and performance programming during the duration of the entire cruise,[2] across 10 or more stages in various locations on the ship. The event mainly features dance music, but has also included a variety of other genres such as emo music, country music, and throwback hip-hop. Pop music was introduced on the 2025 sailing in the form of a Taylor Swift tribute party.

An aspect of the Groove Cruise experience is the opportunity for attendees to interact with the DJs on board through artist-hosted activities.[21] Past activities have included dinners, blackjack tournaments, scavenger hunts, pickleball, wine tasting, hot wing eating contests, jet ski tours, roller coaster rides, ziplining, and kayaking.[22] The proceeds of paid artist activities benefit Whet Foundation,[23] Whet Travel's 501c3 that offers programs and initiatives to children in South Florida, the Caribbean, and Mexico. Due to the intimate nature and size of the festival, attendees are often able to meet the artists outside of these structured activities as well.

Additional cruise activities include:

  • Celebration of Life,[23] a ceremony to honor loved ones who have died, in which participants have the opportunity to share their stories.
  • Volunteer opportunities at the cruise destinations in partnership with Whet Foundation as part of the Destination Donation Initiative,[23] such as reconstructing schools and churches, engaging in music and arts activities with local children, and delivering supplies.[1] All festival attendees are encouraged to pack essential items to be donated to underprivileged children.[24] Financial donations are encouraged as well.
  • Mental health talks and workshops.[23]
  • Music industry panels and demo listening sessions.[25]

Venues and locations

[edit]

The event typically departs from major U.S. cities like Miami, and Los Angeles and travels to destinations such as the Caribbean islands, The Bahamas, and Mexico.

List of events

[edit]
Event Dates Cruise Ship Destination
Groove Cruise 2004[2] November 7-14, 2004 Royal Caribbean Explorer of the Seas Belize, Cozumel, Mexico and Cayman Islands
Groove Cruise 2005[26] May 20-23, 2005 Royal Caribbean Monarch of the Seas Catalina Island, California and Ensenada, Mexico
Groove Cruise Armada 2006 May 2006 Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas Coco Cay and Nassau, Bahamas
Groove Cruise Los Angeles 2006 July 21-24, 2006 Royal Caribbean Monarch of the Seas Ensenada, Mexico
Groove Cruise Miami 2006[26] November 12-19, 2006 Royal Caribbean Monarch of the Seas Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Montego Bay, and Labadee
Groove Cruise Miami 2007[26] May 11-14, 2007 Royal Caribbean Majesty of the Seas Coco Cay and Nassau, Bahamas
Groove Cruise Los Angeles 2007 July 20-23, 2007 Royal Caribbean Monarch of the Seas Ensenada, Mexico
Groove Cruise Miami 2008[27] January 21-24, 2008 Royal Caribbean Majesty of the Seas Coco Cay and Nassau, Bahamas
Groove Cruise Los Angeles 2008 July 25-28, 2008 Royal Caribbean Monarch of the Seas Ensenada, Mexico
Groove Cruise Miami 2009[28] January 23-26, 2009[28] Royal Caribbean Majesty of the Seas[28] Nassau and Coco Cay, Bahamas[28]
Groove Cruise San Diego 2009[29] October 1-5, 2009[29] Carnival Elation[29] Cabo San Lucas, Mexico[29]
Groove Cruise Miami 2010[30] January 29-February 1, 2010[30] Norwegian Sky[30] Great Stirrup Cay and Nassau, Bahamas
Groove Cruise New York City 2010[31] August 4-9, 2010[31] Carnival Glory[31] St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador[31]
Groove Cruise Miami 2011[32] January 21-24, 2011[32] Norwegian Sky[32] Great Stirrup Cay and Nassau, Bahamas[32]
Groove Cruise Miami 2012[33] January 27-30, 2012[33] Norwegian Sky[33] Great Stirrup Cay and Nassau, Bahamas[33]
Groove Cruise Miami 2013[34] January 25-28, 2013[34] Norwegian Sky[34] The Bahamas[34]
Groove Cruise Los Angeles 2013[35] September 27-30, 2013[35] Carnival Inspiration[36] Mexico[35]
Groove Cruise Miami 2014[37] January 30-February 3, 2014[37] Norwegian Pearl[37] Cozumel, Mexico[37]
Groove Cruise Los Angeles 2014[38] October 2-5, 2014[38] Princess Cruises Golden Princess[38] Catalina Island, California and Mexico[38]
Groove Cruise Miami 2015[39] January 28-February 1, 2015[39] Norwegian Pearl[39] The Bahamas
Groove Cruise Los Angeles 2015[40] October 2-5, 2015[40] Carnival Inspiration[40] Catalina Island, California and Ensenada, Mexico[40]
Groove Cruise Miami 2016[41] January 22-26, 2016[41] Norwegian Pearl[41] Jamaica[41]
Groove Cruise Cabo 2016[42] October 28-November 2, 2016[42] Norwegian Sun[42] Cabo San Lucas, Mexico[42]
Groove Cruise Miami 2017[43] January 23-27, 2017[43] Carnival Victory[43] Caribbean, Grand Turk Island[43]
Groove Cruise Los Angeles 2017[44] October 6-9, 2017[44] Carnival Inspiration[44] Ensenada, Mexico[44]
Groove Cruise Miami 2018[45] January 26-29, 2018[45] Royal Caribbean Enchantment of the Seas[45] Coco Cay and Nassau, Bahamas[45]
Groove Cruise Cabo 2018[46] October 10-14, 2018[46] Norwegian Pearl[46] Cabo San Lucas, Mexico[46]
Groove Cruise Miami 2019[47] January 10-14, 2019[47] Celebrity Infinity[47] Key West and Cozumel, Mexico[47]
Groove Island 2019[48] September 29-30, 2019[48] N/A Catalina Island, California[48]
Groove Cruise Miami 2020[49] January 9-13, 2020[49] Celebrity Infinity[49] Costa Maya, Mexico[49]
Groove Cruise Los Angeles 2020 (Cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic)[50] October 2020[50] Norwegian Bliss[50] Mexico[50]
Groove Cruise Miami 2021 (Cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic)[51] January 7-11, 2021[51] Celebrity Infinity[51] Costa Maya, Mexico[51]
Groove Cruise Orlando 2022[52] January 20-24, 2022[52] Royal Caribbean Mariner of the Seas[52] Free Port, The Bahamas[52]
Groove Cruise Cabo 2022[53] October 19-24, 2022[53] Norwegian Jewel[53] Cabo San Lucas, Mexico[53]
Groove Cruise Miami 2023[54] January 19-23, 2023[54] Celebrity Summit[54] Labadee, Haiti[54]
Groove Cruise Miami 2024[55] January 24- 28, 2024[55] Norwegian Encore[55] Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas[55]
Groove Cruise Miami 2025[56] January 23-27, 2025[56] Royal Caribbean Allure Of The Seas[56] Labadee, Haiti[56]
Groove Cruise Miami 2026[57] January 22-26, 2026[57] Royal Caribbean Wonder Of The Seas[57] Nassau, Bahamas[57]

Artists and lineups

[edit]

Groove Cruise has hosted EDM artists such as Kaskade, Tiësto, Eric Prydz, Green Velvet, Claude Von Stroke, Markus Schulz, Seven Lions, James Hype, Deadmau5, Oliver Heldens and John Summit. The festival's lineup includes over 100 artists on each cruise and encompasses multiple sub-genres of EDM, including house music, techno, trance music, melodic dubstep and drum & bass.

Groove Cruise also provides aspiring artists the opportunity to play on board by competing in a DJ contest.[58] Cruising For Kindness, which also includes a charity component that raised over $23,000 for the Whet Foundation Hurricane Relief Fund in 2024.[59]

The cruise is notable for its efforts to support diverse talent representation, with over 40 female artists on the lineup for the 2026 sailing.[60]

Reception and impact

[edit]

Groove Cruise has received widespread acclaim for its immersive music festival experience, with fans praising the atmosphere and DJ performances.[61][55][62] The event has significantly contributed to the growing popularity of EDM festivals and the crossover between music and travel.[63]

In 2020, the Whet Foundation raised over $50,000 for the COVID-19 Relief Fund through the Groove Cruise Virtual Sail Always live streams on Twitch[64] and Groove Cruise has raised over $104,000 for various charities and initiatives since 2020.[65]

Groove Cruise has been sponsored by brands such as Red Bull, Bacardi, Pernod Ricard, Jameson, and Molson Coors.[66]

Future and developments

[edit]

Groove Cruise Miami 2026 sets sail to Nassau, Bahamas from January 22nd-26th, 2026 aboard Royal Caribbean Wonder Of The Seas.[60] The ship holds up to 7084 passengers,[67] making it the largest Groove Cruise sailing to date.

In upcoming years, Groove Cruise plans to expand its offerings by exploring new cruise routes and incorporating more international destinations to provide a global EDM experience.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Marcano, Maria (2023-10-22). "Groove Cruise Announces Charity Initiatives and Over 50 Artist Hosted Activities for 20th Anniversary". Exron. Retrieved 2025-07-29.
  2. ^ a b c d e "What Makes Groove Cruise So Unique? 8 Fun Facts". www.groovecruise.com. Retrieved 2025-07-28.
  3. ^ a b Bain, Katie (2025-01-24). "Three Dance Music Cruises Embark from U.S. Ports. Are the High Seas Big Enough for All of Them?". Billboard. Retrieved 2025-07-28.
  4. ^ Levy, Danielle (2023-11-01). "Groove Cruise To Make Waves With Largest Music Cruise In History In 2025". EDM Maniac. Retrieved 2025-07-28.
  5. ^ "Jason Beukema – "There was a point in time when I didn't think Groove Cruise was going to survive another year."". MasterMind of a DJ. 2021-10-09. Retrieved 2025-07-28.
  6. ^ "Experiences". www.whettravel.com. Retrieved 2025-07-30.
  7. ^ media, LogiMonde. "NCL recognizes its top travel partners of 2015". www.paxnews.com. Retrieved 2025-07-28.
  8. ^ Newsdesk (2016-08-10). "Carnival Cruise Line Awards Top Travel Agencies With "Excellence Awards" | Travel Agent Central". www.travelagentcentral.com. Retrieved 2025-07-28.
  9. ^ a b "Whet Travel - Miami Beach, FL". Inc.com. Archived from the original on 2021-07-11. Retrieved 2025-07-28.
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  11. ^ GROOVE CRUISE (2013-05-13). Travel Channel dubs #1 place in the world to Get Your Groove On!. Retrieved 2025-07-28 – via YouTube.
  12. ^ • (2011-01-25). "A Weekend On The Groove Cruise". NBC 6 South Florida. Retrieved 2025-07-28. {{cite web}}: |last= has numeric name (help)
  13. ^ Stone, Rolling (2014-09-29). "Ahöy: Anthrax and Motörhead Rock the Motörboat". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2025-07-28.
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  18. ^ "The Top 100 Festivals of 2025, as voted by DJ Mag readers". DJ Mag. 2025-06-18. Retrieved 2025-07-28.
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  26. ^ a b c "Ships Are Rocking More, and Not From Waves (Published 2007)". 2007-02-25. Retrieved 2025-07-31.
  27. ^ "Groove Cruise Miami 2008 Lineup". Grooveist. Retrieved 2025-07-31.
  28. ^ a b c d none (2009-01-07). "Groove Cruise 2009 1/23-26/09". The Soul Of Miami. Retrieved 2025-07-30.
  29. ^ a b c d "Party All the Time: DJ Sharam's Groove Cruise". Retrieved 2025-07-30.
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  32. ^ a b c d Levisman, Sean. "Five Groove Cruise DJs Totally Worth the Sea Sickness". Miami New Times. Retrieved 2025-07-30.
  33. ^ a b c d Pajot, S. "Groove Cruise 2012 Is 96-Percent Sold Out! Less Than 40 Cabins Left!". Miami New Times. Retrieved 2025-07-30.
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  38. ^ a b c d Staff, Dancing Astronaut (2014-03-21). "Groove Cruise Los Angeles 2014 tickets now on sale". Dancing Astronaut. Retrieved 2025-07-30.
  39. ^ a b c Sverdrup, Nate. "Groove Cruise Announces Phase One Headliners For Miami Sailing Jan 22-26, 2016". Relentless Beats. Retrieved 2025-07-30.
  40. ^ a b c d Sverdrup, Nate. "Groove Cruise 2015 Announces Complete Music Lineup For LA Sailing". Relentless Beats. Retrieved 2025-07-30.
  41. ^ a b c d Diaz, Jordan (2015-12-08). "Groove Cruise Miami releases full 2016 artist lineup". Dancing Astronaut. Retrieved 2025-07-29.
  42. ^ a b c d Jared (2016-03-02). "Groove Cruise 2016 to be world's longest dance music cruise". EDM Maniac. Retrieved 2025-07-29.
  43. ^ a b c d Bein, Kat (2016-10-26). "Dash Berlin, Lee Foss, Umek & More Lead Groove Cruise Miami 2017 Phase 1 Lineup". Billboard. Retrieved 2025-07-29.
  44. ^ a b c d "Groove Cruise sails again in 2017 with Green Velvet, Thomas Jack, Autograf". Mixmag.net. Retrieved 2025-07-29.
  45. ^ a b c d Jared (2017-08-30). "Groove Cruise Miami 2018 Lineup Announced". EDM Maniac. Retrieved 2025-07-29.
  46. ^ a b c d Creative (2018-05-24). "Groove Cruise Cabo Announces Phase 1 Lineup for 30th Sailing". Travel Professional NEWS®. Retrieved 2025-07-29.
  47. ^ a b c d Bein, Kat (2018-08-08). "Kaskade, MK, Hot Since 82 & More Will Help Groove Cruise Celebrate 15 Years: Exclusive". Billboard. Retrieved 2025-07-29.
  48. ^ a b c Staff, EDM com (2019-03-06). "Groove Cruise Announces Groove Island 2019: A One-Of-A-Kind Dance Music Experience On Catalina Island". EDM.com - The Latest Electronic Dance Music News, Reviews & Artists. Retrieved 2025-07-29.
  49. ^ a b c d Staff, EDM com (2020-01-24). "Groove Cruise 2020 was One to Remember [Review]". EDM.com - The Latest Electronic Dance Music News, Reviews & Artists. Retrieved 2025-07-29.
  50. ^ a b c d Heffler, Jason (2020-04-16). "Groove Cruise Announces 3-Day "Virtual Sail Aways" Live Stream This Weekend". EDM.com - The Latest Electronic Dance Music News, Reviews & Artists. Retrieved 2025-07-29.
  51. ^ a b c d "Groove Cruise Miami [CANCELED] 2021 Lineup - Jan 7 - 11, 2021". JamBase. Retrieved 2025-07-29.
  52. ^ a b c d Sierra, Matt (2022-02-01). "[EVENT REVIEW] In A Post-Pandemic World, Groove Cruise Finds A Way To Make It Work!". EDMTunes. Retrieved 2025-07-29.
  53. ^ a b c d "Groove Cruise Cabo at Norwegian Jewel". Gray Area. Retrieved 2025-07-29.
  54. ^ a b c d "Sailing into 2023 with Groove Cruise". Miami Vibes Magazine. Retrieved 2025-07-29.
  55. ^ a b c d e "96 Hours Of Nonstop Madness On Groove Cruise 2024". UPROXX. 2024-02-09. Retrieved 2025-07-29.
  56. ^ a b c d "Groove Cruise Miami 2025 Set Times, Activity Schedule, and Essential Info | EDM Identity". edmidentity.com. 2025-01-13. Retrieved 2025-07-29.
  57. ^ a b c d "Groove Cruise Miami Reveals Stacked Lineup for 2026 Sailing | EDM Identity". edmidentity.com. 2025-04-23. Retrieved 2025-07-29.
  58. ^ "Groove Cruise Announces Cruisin' For Kindness DJ Contest for 2025 Sailing | EDM Identity". edmidentity.com. 2024-09-25. Retrieved 2025-07-29.
  59. ^ "Contests - 2025". www.groovecruise.com. Retrieved 2025-07-29.
  60. ^ a b "Groove Cruise announces 2026 lineup Featuring John Summit, Cloonee, Chris Lorenzo, and More". Mixmag Caribbean. Retrieved 2025-07-29.
  61. ^ "Groove Cruise Miami Made Me Fall Back in Love with Raving | EDM Identity". edmidentity.com. 2025-02-06. Retrieved 2025-07-29.
  62. ^ "Beyond The Beats: How Groove Cruise Redefines The Festival Experience". Evolution. Retrieved 2025-07-29.
  63. ^ Bain, Katie (2025-01-24). "Three Dance Music Cruises Embark from U.S. Ports. Are the High Seas Big Enough for All of Them?". Billboard. Retrieved 2025-07-29.
  64. ^ "Whet Foundation". www.whetfoundation.org. Retrieved 2025-07-29.
  65. ^ "Tiltify - Made for Fundraisers". tiltify.com. Retrieved 2025-07-29.
  66. ^ "GROOVE CRUISE CELEBRATED ITS 20TH ANNIVERSARY ON THE HIGH SEAS WITH SOLD-OUT SAILING FROM MIAMI TO GREAT STIRRUP CAY WITH NEARLY 5,000 ATTENDEES". Canadianravers. 2024-02-01. Retrieved 2025-07-29.
  67. ^ Sherman, Skye. "Wonder Of The Seas". U.S. News. Retrieved June 29, 2025.
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