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Markus Schulz performing an open-to-close trance set on Groove Cruise.
August 20, 2025

Embark on a Journey Through Trance on Groove Cruise

Few genres capture the spirit of escape and connection quite like trance music. With its euphoric melodies, driving basslines, and hypnotic builds, trance has been soundtracking dance floors around the world for decades. On Groove Cruise, trance has evolved into morethan just a genre! It’s become a movement at sea, uniting fans and artists alike under our dedicated trance brand, Embark.

Blastoyz playing a psytrance festival set in the Aquatheater aboard Royal Caribbean's Allure Of The Seas

A Genre That Moves the Masses

Trance first rose to prominence in the ’90s with iconic anthems that blended emotion, energy, and melody in a way no other genre could. Known for transporting listeners into a state of euphoria (often called “trance state”), it remains one of the most uplifting and emotionally charged styles of electronic music. From soaring vocals to deep, progressive beats, trance is as much about community and shared experience as it is about sound.

Trance at Sea: The Embark Experience

Groove Cruise has become a floating sanctuary for trance lovers. Through Embark, our trance-dedicated brand, fans get to experience everything from intimate sunrise sets on the pool deck to massive theater takeovers that feel like stepping into another dimension.

Over the years, Groove Cruise has hosted some of the biggest names in trance, from legends like Ferry Corsten, Aly & Fila, Paul Oakenfold, and Cosmic Gate to modern icons including Markus Schulz, Vini Vici, Blastoyz, Pretty Pink, and Gabriel & Dresden.

And it’s not just about the music. Embark is a community within the Groove Cruise family, built by passionate fans who return voyage after voyage for those unforgettable moments where the music, the ocean, and the energy align.

Gabriel & Dresden playing trance throwbacks during a rave cruise DJ set

Legendary Trance Moments on Groove Cruise

Every sailing brings new memories, but trance has delivered some of the most talked-about highlights in Groove Cruise history:

 

●      Markus Schulz’s iconic open-to-close theater sets

 

●      A surprise Gabriel & Dresden classics set on the Promenade

●      The Trance, Bro! party presented by trance maestro Adam Scott, serving up throwback anthems that make longtime fans feel right at home

●      Fan favorites like Trance Jesus, our resident DJ who always brings the fun (and the robe)

Groove Cruise resident trance DJ Trance Jesus posing with fans during artist hosted activity

Beyond the Dancefloor: Artist-Hosted Experiences

One of the most unique parts of trance on Groove Cruise is the chance to connect with artists beyond the stage. Imagine sipping wine with Markus Schulz, racing go-karts with Blastoyz, or playing poker with Aly & Fila. These once-in-a-lifetime moments make trance on Groove Cruise more than music! It’s about forging memories with the artists you love. Learn more about Artist-Hosted Experiences here!

The Trance Community on Groove Cruise

Trance has always held a special place on Groove Cruise, consistently ranking as a fan-favorite genre in post-sailing surveys. Many of the “OG” Captains who’ve been with us for years are part of the trance family, and their passion has helped keep Embark thriving. Whether you’re a seasoned trance traveler or discovering the genre for the first time, you’ll find yourself welcomed with open arms into a tight-knit, high-energy, and endlessly supportive community.

Aly & Fila performing a legendary music festival cruise trance set

Why Trance Belongs on Groove Cruise

At its core, trance is about connection: between melodies and emotions, between people and music. That’s why it feels so perfectly at home on Groove Cruise. With nothing but open seas surrounding you, each build feels bigger, every drop hits harder, and the community around you feels like family.

 

So whether you’re chasing your 100th trance show or your very first, Embark on Groove Cruise is where trance finds its true home at sea.

 

Check out the Groove Cruise Miami 2026 lineup to see which of your favorite trance artists are playing!

 

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Trance DJ performing in the theater aboard EDM cruise rave
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