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Nonstop EDM sets on Groove Cruise festival ship under LED lights
February 2, 2025

What Makes Groove Cruise So Unique? 8 Fun Facts

Groove Cruise isn’t just a party, it’s a movement. For over 20 years, this legendary music festival at sea has been bringing together thousands of dance music lovers from around the globe. Whether you’re new to the scene or a returning Captain, these facts will make you fall even deeper in love with the world’s premier EDM cruise.

1. Groove Cruise is 21!

That’s right, Groove Cruise 2025 marked 21 years of sailing, dancing, and making history. What started in 2004 with just 125 people and a big dream has now grown into the largest fully chartered music cruise in the world.

Founder Jason Beukema built it all from the ground up, relying on credit cards, grit, and a wild vision. Now? We’ve partnered with over 20 cruise ships and been awarded Charter Partner of the Year by both Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Lines.

Festival cruise guests raving under lasers on EDM cruise stage

2. It’s 96 Hours of Non-Stop Music

Think you’ve experienced a non-stop party before? Think again.

On Groove Cruise, the music literally never stops. From sunrise to sunset (and well beyond), there’s electronic dance music 24/7 across multiple stages, plus special sets featuring emo, country and more throughout the cruise. Whether you’re into deep house, trance, techno, melodic bass, drum n’ bass, or disco, you’ll find your flow somewhere on board.

See the full Groove Cruise Miami 2026 lineup here!

Festival cruise attendees take yoga class on ship deck

3. It’s More Than a Party, It’s an Adventure!

Yes, it’s an EDM cruise, but we’re also about experiential travel and personal transformation.

You’ll find everything from:

  • Drag shows and yoga at sunrise

  • Artist-hosted wine tastings, dinners, and excursions

  • Mental health panels and themed scavenger hunts

Where else can you challenge Trivecta to a Hot Ones-style showdown and then catch a sunset techno set on the top deck?

Explore on board activities here.

EDM cruise private beach party with palm trees and ocean views

4. Each Voyage Includes a Private Destination

Every Groove Cruise itinerary features an exclusive stop at a private island or beach club. You can party on the sand, swim in turquoise waters, or grab a cabana and recharge in paradise. It’s a built-in vacation within a vacation.

Groove Cruise guests volunteering with Whet Foundation abroad

5. We Give Back with the Whet Foundation

We believe in giving back to the communities we visit. The Whet Foundation, Whet Travel’s nonprofit arm, organizes:

  • Beach cleanups

  • Art and music activities with local kids

  • Food donations and school supply drives

  • Onboard fundraisers and volunteer excursions

Click here to get involved and help us make waves of change.

6. The Groove Cruise Community is Everything

Our Captains (aka attendees) are the soul of Groove Cruise. You’ll meet people from all walks of life, different ages, countries, styles, and stories, coming together with one shared purpose: love for the music and each other.

Whether you're cruising solo or rolling deep with your rave fam, you’ll feel instantly welcomed into the festival cruise family.

Groove Cruise 2026 attendees dancing on ship deck during DJ set

7. We Turn the Whole Ship Into a Stage

From the ship’s theater to the casino to the pool to the elevators everything becomes a stage. Expect 10+ immersive stages, each with a totally different look, feel, and musical vibe. It’s like 10 clubs, 1 ship, and zero bad sets.

Learn more about our home for Groove Cruise Miami 2026, Royal Carribean’s Wonder Of The Seas.

EDM cruise attendees dressed up for Groove Cruise theme night

8. There Are 8 Wild Theme Parties

Each day and night has its own theme, 8 total over 4 days. While dressing up is optional, we definitely recommend it. Whether you're rocking turquoise sequins or a donut onesie, the themes are an invitation to express yourself and connect with others.

Need outfit inspo? Check out our 2026 theme guide here. (link to themes blog)

Make History on Groove Cruise Miami 2026

Groove Cruise 2026 sets sail on Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas, one of the largest cruise ships in the world. This will be our biggest year yet, and the largest floating music festival in history.

Want to be part of something unforgettable? Head to groovecruise.com for more info!

Music cruise festival private beach party on island
all aboard!
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