You thought Groove Cruise was just EDM? Think again! As wecontinue to evolve, so does our music programming, embracing multiple genresthat define nostalgia and subculture, and our Taking Back Emo brand is aperfect example.
Since debuting on Groove Cruise Cabo 2022, Taking Back Emohas grown bigger with each sailing. After it packed out two venues on back toback nights, it seemed like it was time for us to bring an emo headliner onboard, so we are thrilled to share that we have a very special guest joining uson Groove Cruise Miami from January 22-26, 2026…
Ryan Key of Yellowcard!
Originally hailing from Florida, Ryan Key joined Yellowcard as lead vocalist and guitarist in the early 2000s, and helped push them into the mainstream with their iconic 2003 release Ocean Avenue. The album, and its title track, earned double-platinum status and remains a defining anthem in emo and alternative rock.
Following Yellowcard's initial hiatus in 2008, Ryan returned as frontman in 2022 for Childhood Eyes, a much‑celebrated reunion EP, and they've since begun work on new music, including the single “Better Days,” released in May of 2025.
But Ryan isn’t just a nostalgic throwback, he’s an evolving artist bridging past and future. He’s partnered with pop-punk legends like Travis Barker and released emotionally rich solo work through Patreon and EPs. His energetic live performances and heartfelt songwriting make him a dream headliner for an emo party on the world’s biggest music cruise!
Learn more about Ryan Key here!
What started as a small side event has grown into one of the most anticipated parties onboard Groove Cruise, the world's Largest Music Cruise! Taking Back Emo debuted on Groove Cruise Cabo 2022 as the passion project of our Managing Director, John Porrata, and has expanded on every sailing since, taking over bigger stages with prominent DJs and surprise guests.
Our floating emo party serves as a fun reset amidst the 96 hours of nonstop dance music you can find on every Groove Cruise. There’s nothing quite as healing as screaming your heart out to Yellowcard, My Chemical Romance, and Fall Out Boy in the middle of the ocean!
With a growing demand for more emo and alternative programming, Taking Back Emo made its off-ship debut at Temple in San Francisco in June 2025. Onboard favorites Nikita Page and The Brothers Grim threw down nostalgic emo hits and remixes for a wild crowd of both GCFAM and new fans alike.
With Ryan Key at the helm for Groove Cruise 2026, we’re headed towards our most emo year yet. As the momentum continues to build, who knows where we might take emo back next!
The emo and pop-punk revival, driven by festivals like When We Were Young and the return of Warped Tour, signals a powerful resurgence. Collaborations between mainstream artists like Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey and Sabrina Carpenter with iconic pop-punk producers like Blink 182’s Travis Barker and Panic! At the Disco’s Brendon Urie, are infusing chart-topping tracks with the gritty energy and emotional honesty characteristic of emo and pop-punk, making the genre more accessible to a wider audience. This can especially be seen with the popularity of My Chemical Romance, Paramore, and All Time Low songs on TikTok!
The revival resonates deeply with many, as it taps into feelings of nostalgia and self-expression that define a generation. As fans reconnect with the genre’s rebellious spirit and heartfelt lyrics, it amplifies the sense of community and shared memories, making it an electrifying and meaningful experience.
The raw emotion and authenticity of emo music offer a cathartic outlet, perfectly complementing the high-energy, liberating atmosphere of a music festival cruise like Groove Cruise!
The Groove Cruise lineup’s evolving programming reflects our commitment to embracing the diverse tastes of our vibrant community of Captains, while remaining rooted in our electronic music cruise origins. Though the voyage has long been a transformational journey at sea, we are constantly broadening our horizons to incorporate a wider range of genres with throwback hip hop sets, late night slow jams, and most recently, YEEDM, which fuses dance music with country!
This diversification allows for more than just musical variety, it fosters a sense of community and shared experience among our GCFAM, who bond over a love of different sounds and styles. Our goal is to make every sailing an immersive experience where music becomes a unifying force that breaks boundaries and celebrates collective creativity, making each journey not only a party, but a meaningful adventure of connection and self-expression!
Staterooms for Groove Cruise Miami 2026 are SOLD OUT, but cancellations occur, so join the waitlist for your chance to sail with us. Also, you’ll get first access to book Groove Cruise 2027!
Put your skinny jeans on, refresh your MySpace Top 8, and get ready to scream “we’re not okay!” with your best friends! We’ll SEA you on board Groove Cruise Miami 2026 from January 22-26, 2026.
Sign up here for more Groove Cruise and Taking Back Emo announcements!
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