Think Groove Cruise is just an EDM cruise? Think again.
While Groove Cruise has earned its reputation as the world's premier EDM cruise and electronic music festival at sea, one of the most beloved traditions onboard has nothing to do with techno, trance, or house music.
It's called Taking Back Emo.
As Groove Cruise's annual emo and pop-punk stage takeover at sea, TBE features live performances, singalongs, DJs, and special guests celebrating the music of the 2000s. What started as a passion project has grown into one of the most anticipated experiences aboard Groove Cruise. Every sailing, thousands of Captains swap their rave gear for skinny jeans, dust off their eyeliner, relive their MySpace glory days, and gather for a night dedicated to the songs that shaped a generation.
And for Groove Cruise 2027, Taking Back Emo is back with its biggest lineup yet, including Tom Higgenson (Plain White T's), Travis Clark (We The Kings), Luci, SadBois, and The Brothers Grim aboard Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas.
Since debuting on Groove Cruise Cabo 2022, Taking Back Emo has grown from a niche passion project into one of the most anticipated experiences aboard the ship.
What started as a fun late-night gathering for emo and pop-punk lovers quickly evolved into packed venues, singalong moments, and a passionate community that continues to grow with every sailing. As more Captains embraced the opportunity to relive the music that shaped their youth, Taking Back Emo expanded from a side event into a full-fledged Groove Cruise staple.
Last year marked a defining moment for Taking Back Emo with the addition of Ryan Key of Yellowcard, the very first official Taking Back Emo headliner in Groove Cruise history. Bringing one of pop-punk's most iconic voices aboard wasn't just a booking; it was a celebration of how far the brand had come. When thousands of Captains packed the venue and screamed every word to the songs that shaped an entire generation, one thing became crystal clear: emo didn't just belong on Groove Cruise, it had become one of the most unforgettable experiences onboard.
But the growth didn't stop there. The overwhelming response to Taking Back Emo inspired something even bigger: Shattered Shores.
Created by the team behind Groove Cruise, Shattered Shores is a destination music experience that brings together multiple genres, immersive programming, and the same sense of community that has made Groove Cruise so special over the years. While it's not an emo-focused event, Taking Back Emo has become one of its signature hosted experiences, giving fans another opportunity to come together and celebrate the music, nostalgia, and emotional connection that first made the brand such a phenomenon at sea.
The launch of Shattered Shores is a testament to just how much the Taking Back Emo community has grown. What began as a single themed party onboard Groove Cruise has evolved into a fan-favorite brand that now extends beyond the ship, creating new spaces for connection through music while staying true to the spirit that made it so beloved in the first place.
Now, as Taking Back Emo returns for Groove Cruise 2027, we're building on that momentum with a lineup that celebrates both the roots of the genre and its continued evolution.
As the lead singer and founding member of Plain White T's, Tom Higgenson helped create some of the most recognizable songs of the 2000s alternative and pop-punk era.
Best known for the multi-platinum hit "Hey There Delilah," Higgenson's songwriting combines heartfelt storytelling, emotional vulnerability, and singalong-worthy melodies that have resonated with fans for decades. His appearance aboard Groove Cruise 2027 brings a rare opportunity to experience one of the voices behind an entire generation's soundtrack in an intimate music festival at sea setting.
Few artists embody the spirit of pop-punk nostalgia quite like Travis Clark. As the frontman of We The Kings, Clark helped define an era with anthems like "Check Yes Juliet" and "We'll Be a Dream." Known for high-energy performances and infectious crowd interaction, he continues to be a fan favorite across festivals, tours, and special events around the world.
Expect massive singalongs, feel-good energy, and plenty of moments that transport you right back to the glory days of Warped Tour.
Luci represents the modern evolution of alternative and electronic music.
Known for blending emotional songwriting with powerful electronic production, she has built a loyal fanbase through her unique ability to merge vulnerability, melody, and energy into a sound all her own. Her inclusion in Taking Back Emo perfectly reflects Groove Cruise's commitment to celebrating artists who blur genre lines while staying true to the emotional core that makes emo culture so special.
If emotional catharsis had a soundtrack, SadBois would probably be responsible for it. SadBois are a Long Island-based electronic act redefining the intersection of EDM and alternative rock. Known for their emotionally charged songwriting and guitar-driven production, the duo has emerged as a leading force in the rapidly growing “rocktronic” space, combining elements of emo, pop-punk, electronic music, and alternative rock. Their music captures everything that made the original emo movement resonate while introducing those themes to a new generation of listeners.
No Taking Back Emo lineup would feel complete without The Brothers Grim.
Longtime favorites within the Groove Cruise community, The Brothers Grim have become synonymous with the Taking Back Emo experience itself. Their ability to blend classic emo anthems, pop-punk favorites, alternative throwbacks, and unexpected remixes has helped define the energy of the brand since its earliest days.
Whether you're reliving your favorite songs or discovering new ones, they know exactly how to create the soundtrack for a room full of people singing their hearts out.
From the first Taking Back Emo party aboard Groove Cruise Cabo 2022 to welcoming our first headliner in Ryan Key last year, and now assembling our biggest and most dynamic lineup to date, one thing is clear: Taking Back Emo isn't just growing, it’s becoming one of the defining experiences of Groove Cruise.
The 2027 lineup is our most diverse and exciting yet, bringing together legendary voices from the golden era of pop-punk, modern artists who are redefining alternative music, and longtime Groove Cruise favorites who have helped shape the Taking Back Emo experience from the very beginning.
For the first time ever, we're welcoming Tom Higgenson of Plain White T's aboard Groove Cruise. As the voice behind one of the most recognizable songs of the 2000s, his appearance marks another major milestone for Taking Back Emo and gives Captains the chance to experience an artist whose music has soundtracked countless memories for fans around the world.
We're also thrilled to welcome Travis Clark of We The Kings, a true Warped Tour icon whose infectious energy, heartfelt songwriting, and fan-favorite anthems have made him one of the defining voices of modern pop-punk. His addition brings another beloved chapter of the genre's history to the middle of the ocean.
Then there's SadBois, who perfectly represents where Taking Back Emo is headed. By blending electronic production with the emotional storytelling and vulnerability that have always defined emo music, SadBois bridges the worlds of EDM and alternative music in a way that feels uniquely at home on Groove Cruise. Their sound reflects exactly what Taking Back Emo has become: nostalgic, evolving, and unafraid to push boundaries.
Alongside Luci, whose emotionally driven performances blur the lines between bass music and alternative influences, and The Brothers Grim, the longtime Groove Cruise favorites who have become synonymous with the Taking Back Emo experience, this year's lineup celebrates both where the genre came from and where it's going next.
For years, music cruises, festival cruises, and destination festivals have expanded beyond a single genre, creating space for fans to experience a wider spectrum of sounds, cultures, and communities in one unforgettable weekend.
While electronic music may be the foundation of Groove Cruise, Captains aren't just looking for nonstop dance music, they're looking for moments that surprise them, spark nostalgia, and create deeper emotional connections. That's where emo and pop-punk naturally fit in.
Both genres are built on the same qualities that make music vacations so memorable: authenticity, self-expression, vulnerability, and a powerful sense of community. Whether you're losing yourself in a sunrise trance set or screaming every word to a pop-punk anthem, the feeling is remarkably similar. Music becomes the vehicle for connection.
There's also something uniquely magical about hearing the songs you grew up with in an entirely new setting. Surrounded by thousands of fellow fans, with the ocean as your backdrop, familiar lyrics take on new meaning. The shared nostalgia creates instant camaraderie, turning strangers into friends and singalongs into unforgettable memories.
As music cruises continue to evolve, fans are embracing experiences that blend genres rather than separate them. The result is a richer, more immersive journey where discovery happens just as often outside your comfort zone as it does within it.
That's exactly why Taking Back Emo has resonated so deeply. It isn't simply a break from electronic music, it's another reminder that great music, regardless of genre, has the power to bring people together.
One of the reasons Groove Cruise continues to evolve year after year is its willingness to embrace the diverse musical tastes of its community.
While the voyage remains rooted in electronic music through its six genre brands – Abyss, Embark, Rising Tides, Siren's Echo, Trench, and Taking Back Emo – the experience has grown to include everything from hip-hop and throwback parties to surprise performances, genre mashups, and moments nobody sees coming.
This commitment to musical discovery helps transform Groove Cruise from a traditional festival into a true music festival cruise experience. For fans searching for an EDM cruise that also includes pop-punk, emo, alternative music, and unexpected genre crossovers, that variety has become part of the appeal.
You might spend one night dancing to melodic techno under the stars and the next screaming every lyric to your favorite emo anthem alongside thousands of new friends.
That's part of the magic.
The momentum behind Taking Back Emo has reached a new milestone with the announcement of the inaugural Shattered Shores 2027 lineup.
Built from years of fan demand and the incredible response to Taking Back Emo events and alternative music experiences aboard Groove Cruise, Shattered Shores expands this community beyond a single onboard event into a dedicated alternative music and pop-punk cruise celebrating emo, pop-punk, alternative rock, and the culture that continues to unite generations of fans.
The inaugural sailing brings together a cross-generational lineup featuring artists who helped define the scene alongside the next wave of artists carrying the genre forward. Headlining the September 2027 voyage are 3OH!3, New Found Glory, and Cobra Starship, joined by Jaret Reddick of Bowling For Soup, with a massive lineup of additional artists including Breathe Carolina, Cartel, Hey Monday, The Summer Set, MOD SUN, nothing,nowhere., Stand Atlantic, Plain White T's, Hot Chelle Rae, Four Year Strong, Broadside, and many more.
For the Taking Back Emo community, this announcement represents how far the movement has come. What began as a themed experience aboard Groove Cruise has grown into a larger celebration of the music, memories, and connections that shaped a generation.
But Shattered Shores isn't about simply recreating the past. It's about honoring the songs that defined us while creating new experiences for longtime fans and the next generation discovering the genre for the first time. Much like Groove Cruise, the focus goes beyond the music itself, it's about the friendships formed, the stories shared, and the moments that stay with you long after the final song ends.
Set to sail aboard the brand-new Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber, Shattered Shores will introduce fans to a completely new type of music cruise experience featuring the first-ever artist-designed live music venue at sea, the world's largest 5 O'Clock Somewhere bar, and immersive spaces designed specifically for connection, celebration, and unforgettable performances.
The evolution from Taking Back Emo to Shattered Shores is a reminder of the power of community. Whether you're singing along to your favorite pop-punk anthem onboard Groove Cruise or experiencing the full alternative music universe of Shattered Shores, the mission remains the same: Bring people together through the music that shaped them and create memories that last far beyond the voyage.
If Taking Back Emo is one of your favorite parts of Groove Cruise, Shattered Shores gives you the chance to experience that same sense of community on a much larger scale. The 2027 sailing brings together emo, pop-punk, alternative rock, and genre-blending artists for a dedicated music cruise built around the songs, memories, and connections that shaped the scene.
Explore the Shattered Shores 2027 lineup, sailing details, and available staterooms.
Whether you're here for the electronic music, the community, the themed experiences, or the chance to relive your favorite emo memories, Taking Back Emo 2027 promises to be one of the most unforgettable moments of the sailing.
So refresh your MySpace Top 8, break out the eyeliner, practice your favorite singalong lyrics, and prepare to scream your heart out with thousands of fellow Captains somewhere in the middle of the ocean.
We'll see you onboard Groove Cruise 2027.
Not at all. Many Captains attend simply because of the incredible energy, community, and singalong atmosphere. Whether you grew up listening to emo and pop-punk or you're discovering the genre for the first time, Taking Back Emo is one of the most welcoming and memorable experiences onboard.
While Groove Cruise is rooted in electronic music and features world-class house, techno, trance, bass, and drum & bass artists, the experience has expanded to include multiple genres and unique musical experiences. Taking Back Emo has become a fan favorite because it offers a fun change of pace while staying true to Groove Cruise's focus on connection through music.
The 2027 Taking Back Emo lineup includes Tom Higgenson (Plain White T's), Travis Clark (We The Kings), Luci, SadBois, and Groove Cruise favorites The Brothers Grim. Together, they bring a mix of nostalgia, live performance, and modern alternative energy to the ship.
Shattered Shores is a standalone music experience created by the team behind Groove Cruise. Inspired by the incredible growth of Taking Back Emo, Shattered Shores celebrates emo, pop-punk, alternative music, and the community that surrounds it through immersive events and experiences beyond the ship. For more information and booking, click here.
Yes! Taking Back Emo is included as part of your Groove Cruise experience and is one of the many themed music events that take place throughout the sailing. Like the rest of the onboard entertainment, Taking Back Emo is included in your reservation, giving Captains access to an unforgettable night of emo, pop-punk, and alternative music alongside the world's premier electronic music cruise.
One of the things that makes Groove Cruise unlike any other music festival or music cruise is the opportunity to interact with the artists throughout the voyage. In addition to live performances, many artists participate in artist-hosted activities, specialty dinners, meet-and-greets, and other unique experiences onboard. While participation varies by artist and schedule, Groove Cruise is known for creating intimate opportunities for Captains and artists to connect in ways that simply aren't possible at traditional festivals.
Taking Back Emo is a unique experience that can feature both live performances and DJ-driven sets, depending on the year's programming and special guests. Previous sailings have included live performances from iconic artists like Ryan Key of Yellowcard, alongside DJs and performers spinning emo, pop-punk, and alternative anthems that transform the venue into one massive singalong. Every year brings something new, making Taking Back Emo one of the most anticipated events aboard Groove Cruise.
While future programming is always subject to change, Taking Back Emo has become one of the most popular and fastest-growing brands on Groove Cruise since its debut in 2022. Thanks to overwhelming support from the #GCFAM community, it has expanded every year, inspired the launch of the Shattered Shores hosted experience, and continues to be a staple of the Groove Cruise lineup. If the passion and energy of our Captains are any indication, the future of Taking Back Emo has never looked brighter.
Groove Cruise 2027 sails January 21–25, 2027, departing from Miami, Florida aboard Royal Caribbean’s newly renovated Allure of the Seas.
The 2027 lineup brings together global headliners and rising stars across house, techno, melodic, and bass. Highlights include Adam Beyer, BUNT., Disco Lines, Eli Brown, and Kettama, alongside a diverse roster of artists spanning multiple genres and styles. Groove Cruise also continues to lead the industry with over 35% female artists, far exceeding festival norms.
The 2027 sailing visits the brand-new Royal Beach Club on Paradise Island, where Captains will enjoy an all-day destination party featuring beachside DJ sets, dancing, relaxation areas, and the world’s largest swim-up bar.
Captains can expect 96 hours of nonstop music, themed parties, artist-hosted experiences, world-class production, mental health panels, and transformative community programming across the entire ship. Read more about what makes Groove Cruise so unique HERE!
Yes – our 2027 sailing sold out 11 months in advance. You can sign up for our priority paid waitlist here and our general waitlist here.
Yes. Taking Back Emo brings dedicated emo and pop-punk programming to Groove Cruise, while Shattered Shores expands that experience into a larger alternative music cruise featuring pop-punk, emo, rock, and related genres.
An emo cruise combines a traditional cruise vacation with live emo, pop-punk, alternative music, themed programming, and fan experiences at sea. Taking Back Emo brings that concept to Groove Cruise through its annual stage takeover, while Shattered Shores offers a broader destination music experience built around alternative music.
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