What makes Groove Cruise so unique isn’t just the 96 hours of nonstop music onboard but also what happens when we bring the party ashore.
Every Groove Cruise includes an exclusive destination day and private party, creating a true vacation within a vacation. One moment you’re dancing to exclusive sets, the next you’re out exploring island culture and recharging in paradise with your fellow Captains.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about docking day, Nassau, artist-hosted excursions, what to bring, and how to make the most of this unforgettable day.
Groove Cruise Miami 2026 docks in Nassau, the vibrant capital of the Bahamas. This stop is your chance to immerse yourself in island culture, shop, explore, experience once-in-a-lifetime excursions with your favorite artists, and dance the evening away at the destination party.
Nassau recently unveiled a state-of-the-art cruise port, featuring a waterfront amphitheater, upgraded shopping, dining, and entertainment.
New this year: Captains can walk directly off the ship and onto the island, making destination day easier, smoother, and more flexible than ever. Forgot something onboard? No worries. You can come and go between the ship and port throughout the day.
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Take your Groove Cruise journey beyond the ship and into paradise! Artist-hosted excursions are your chance to explore the beauty of The Bahamas alongside your favorite artists while making unforgettable memories onshore. Whether you're craving thrills, wildlife encounters, or sun-soaked sailing, this year's lineup is packed with once-in-a-lifetime ways to connect.
These excursions are an additional cost, with limited space available. You may sign up for up to one artist-hosted excursion. Those that sign up to volunteer for Destination Donation will not be able to participate in an excursion due to scheduling.
Swimming Pigs & Pearl Island Beach Escape with Blossom
Blossom and captains cruise to a tropical paradise for a one-of-a-kind swim with Nassau’s world-famous pigs, from tiny piglets to the legendary Big Momma. After your playful piggy encounter, kick back on Pearl Island’s beach, take in the ocean views, and soak up the warm Caribbean sun before returning to port.
Rum Runners Pub Crawl with Luci
Luci and captains sip and stroll through Nassau’s hidden gems, from breezy beach bars to craft breweries and distilleries. With pirate maps, local stories, and plenty of bold brews, island-made rum, and signature cocktails, this crawl promises an afternoon of flavor, fun, and a splash of adventure.
Island Dolphin Encounter & Beach Day with me n ü
me n ü and captains connect with playful, intelligent dolphins in waist-deep water at Blue Lagoon Island. Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime dolphin encounter, then spend time on the beach soaking up the sun, swimming, or exploring before cruising back to port.
Sea Lion Encounter with Sabai
Sabai and captains share an unforgettable sea lion encounter — feeding, playing, and connecting with these affectionate and hilarious marine mammals up close.
Island Stingray Encounter with Sarah de Warren
Captains join Sarah De Warren to meet gentle southern stingrays in their natural habitat at Blue Lagoon Island. Learn from expert trainers, touch and even feed these graceful creatures, then enjoy free time on the beach before heading back to Nassau.
Island Shark Encounter & Beach Day with Skilah
Skilah and captains take the plunge for a thrilling swim with gentle nurse sharks at Blue Lagoon Island. Guided by expert trainers, you’ll snorkel alongside these docile creatures before unwinding on white-sand beaches with time to relax, swim, and soak in the island breeze.
Nassau Sail & Reef Snorkeling with The Sponges & Last Heroes
The Sponges, Last Heroes, and captains set sail for a reef snorkel adventure filled with coral, colorful fish, and salty sea breezes. Spot sea sponges with The Sponges, or team up with Last Heroes to discover the Caribbean Sea’s hidden gems. After your underwater adventure, kick back with an hour of open bar vibes while sailing turquoise waters.
Every Groove Cruise stop brings something memorable, and Nassau is no exception. In fact, the Destination Party is usually home to some of the most insane sets of the whole weekend, full of surprises, special guests, and top-notch energy. Picture this: stunning tropical backdrops, world-class DJs, and thousands of Captains dancing together under the Caribbean sun.
While most past destination parties have concluded before sunset, this year Groove Cruisers will have the opportunity to dance into the night. What could be better than partying under the tropical stars?
Check out the destination party schedule below, which is subject to change. The stage will be located at the Nassau Port Amphitheatre and there are a few surprises in store, so make sure to come to the island early and stay late! Just make sure to be back onboard by 11PM.
Rising Tides Presents: Turquoise Temptation
Max Low
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Jackie Hollander
3:00 PM - 4:15 PM
Joshwa B2B Ranger Trucco
4:15 PM - 5:30 PM
AYYBO
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
John Summit
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Shannon Scott Williams
9:00 PM - 10:00 PM
To reserve cabanas, tables, or bottles, email admiralsclub@whettravel.com.
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Since this year’s destination allows Captains to walk right off the ship, you can easily go back and forth between the ship and the port if you forget something.
With eight hours to explore Nassau, you’ll be working up quite the appetite! There are a plethora of restaurants, bars, and sweet treat eateries at the port so bring a credit card and some cash with you to ensure you don’t go hungry at the port!
If you want to stay close to the action of the Destination Party, here are some close dining options on and near the Amphitheatre to ensure you don’t miss a beat.
Señor Frog’s: Authentic Mexican food right by the Amphitheatre! Expect colorful cocktails, frozen drinks, chips and salsa, corn tortilla tacos, crazy burgers, and more.
The Grill Hut Bahamas: Located just a few steps from the cruise port, you’ll find a menu featuring juicy burgers, crispy appetizers, fresh salads, and classic desserts prepared with authentic island taste.
Shore Break: Island flavors meet the freshest ingredients to create dishes that awaken your senses, while our expertly crafted drinks set the perfect tone for pure relaxation.
Conch & Curry: Bahamian seafood, bowls, and cocktails.
TropiChurro: Just across the street from the Nassau cruise port, expect mouth-watering churros, creamy ice cream, and savory empanadas.
Aunt Jane’s Delights: Bahamian dishes with a twist including cracked lobster, french fries, cracked conch and more.
Chasin’ Tail Restaurant and Bar: Fresh Bahamian food, cool drinks, and Authentic Bahamian vibes.
Gallery & Wine Bar: This interactive gallery space is the perfect place to cool off, enjoy a glass of wine, and relax while immersing yourself in an engaging environment that welcomes all art forms.
Gloria’s Daiquiri and Tropical Delights: Cool, fruity daiquiris and refreshing drinks.
Ice Cream Tropical Flavors: Just as the name implies…tropical soft serve ice cream!
Island Post: This classic bar features the best Bahamian and Caribbean cocktails and chill vibes.
Juice N’ Bites Deluxe: Pasta salads, chicken wings, fresh juice, light fare.
Linda’s Place: Chicken wings, conch fritters, conch salad and more Bahamian dishes.
The Bahama Mama Factory Bahamas Ltd.: Drinks, soft serve ice cream, sweet treats.
Groove Cruise themes carry onto our Destination Day! This year’s day theme when we port is Turquoise Temptation. In shimmering shades of teal and turquoise, you’ll sway, dance, and snorkel your way through island bliss.
Get turquoise beach outfit ideas on our Pinterest board here.
Whet Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to excite the lives of those less fortunate, and positively affect an entire generation in a brand new way. Whet Foundation offers exciting experiences to deserving children in South Florida, the Caribbean and Mexico.
Whet Foundation believes in making a positive impact through various initiatives including, Destination Donation, Mental Health Awareness, Celebration of Life, Community Captains, and Ocean Conservation. Through Destination Donation, Whet Foundation gives back to the destinations visited by Whet Travel clients, providing essential items to underprivileged children.
This year’s Destination Donation supports Ranfurly Homes for Children and the Boys & Girls Club of The Bahamas, providing essentials, education, and safe spaces for children in need.
Donations can be dropped at the Captain Support Desk on day one, or made online here.
Captains can also volunteer to deliver donations and engage with the kids during the Destination Donation trip – many say it’s the most meaningful moment of Groove Cruise.
From sunset adventures, once-in-a-lifetime artist-hosted excursions, and an unforgettable destination party under the Bahamian sky, Destination Day in Nassau will truly be one of the most memorable moments of Groove Cruise 2026. Whether you spend the day exploring the island, dancing with thousands of Captains at the amphitheater, giving back through Destination Donation, or simply soaking up the turquoise views, this day is all about connection, celebration, and island magic. Just be sure to plan your time wisely – all Captains must be back onboard by 11pm ET so we can safely set sail and continue the journey together.
Do I need to leave the ship on Destination Day?
Nope! Destination Day is optional. Captains are welcome to explore Nassau, attend the Destination Party, join an excursion, or stay and enjoy the ship at a quieter pace. Music programming will continue onboard at a limited number of stages.
What time do we dock in Nassau and when do we leave?
Docking will be announced onboard and in the daily schedule, but we should arrive in Nassau in on the morning of Saturday, January 24th. All Captains must be back on the ship by 11pm ET to ensure a smooth and timely departure.
Can I go back and forth between the ship and the port?
Yes! This year, Captains can walk directly off the ship and onto the island, making it easy to return onboard if you need to grab something or take a break. Just be sure to bring with you your keycard and passport as you’ll have to go through security to get back on the ship.
Do I need my passport or ID to get on and off the ship?
You’ll need to bring your room key and a government-issued ID when exiting the ship. Specific documentation requirements will be shared closer to sailing.
Are artist-hosted excursions required to attend the Destination Party?
Not at all. The Destination Party is open to all Captains and does not require signing up for an excursion.
How do artist-hosted excursions work?
Artist-hosted excursions are optional, ticketed experiences with limited availability. Each Captain may sign up for one (1) excursion, and spots are first-come, first-served. Click here to see a full list of available artist-hosted excursions.
Can I participate in an excursion if I volunteer for Destination Donation?
Due to scheduling, Captains who volunteer for Destination Donation are not able to participate in artist-hosted excursions on Destination Day.
Is food included while we’re in Nassau?
Food and drinks at the port and around Nassau are available for purchase. We recommend bringing a credit card and some cash if you plan to eat or shop onshore.
What should I wear for Destination Day?
Comfort is key! Lightweight clothing, swimwear, sun protection, and comfortable shoes are highly recommended. Don’t forget to dress for the day’s theme: Turquoise Temptation.
Can I bring my towel off the ship?
Yes, towels are available onboard, but must be returned before reboarding to avoid charges.
What happens if I miss the all-aboard time at 11pm ET?
The short answer: Don’t miss it. Music ends at 10pm so you will have plenty of time to make it back onto the ship. It’s extremely important to return on time. The ship will not wait for late arrivals, and Captains are responsible for any costs incurred if they miss departure.
How can I support Destination Donation?
You can donate items at the Captain Support Desk on Day One, contribute online, or volunteer to help deliver donations and engage with local children through Whet Foundation.
Where can I find updates or changes to Destination Day plans?
All final details, schedules, and updates will be shared in the daily onboard schedule and through official Groove Cruise communication channels.
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