March is designated Women’s History Month, celebrating the history and achievements of women. Originally started as Women’s History Week in Santa Rosa, California in 1978, it has since evolved as a full national monthly recognition when Congress passed Public Law 100-9 in 1987.
Women’s History Month is a time to recognize, celebrate, and reflect on the impact women have made, not just historically, but in the spaces we’re building right now. It’s about honoring progress, acknowledging the work still to be done, and uplifting the voices, stories, and contributions of women across every corner of our community.
In many ways, this mirrors the essence of The Groove Effect. It’s about leaning into your power, embracing your individuality, and showing up fully, even when it’s uncomfortable. The women we celebrate this month are a reflection of that journey: individuals who took risks, broke barriers, and created a legacy that continues to inspire future generations.
At Whet Travel, that impact is felt everywhere. From the dance floor to behind the scenes, women are shaping the energy, the culture, and the connection that defines this experience. As we’re wrapping up the month, we wanted to spotlight the strength, creativity, and leadership that women bring to the #GCFAM and to continue creating a space where everyone can thrive, be seen, and be celebrated.
The soundtrack of Groove Cruise wouldn’t be what it is without the women behind the decks. Where many events fall short, Groove Cruise stands out with a lineup that consistently books women acts 3-5x more than the industry standard. Each year, an incredible lineup of female artists brings their sound, style, and presence to the ship, all pushing boundaries, creating moments, and setting the BPM for unforgettable memories.
While the lineups have changed throughout Groove Cruise’s 22 year history, there are some women artists who have routinely been a part of the transformation, playing multiple sets throughout the years and bringing their empowering energy to our stages.
Brand: Abyss
Originally based in Zurich where Lilly spent a lot of time with the great and flourishing underground scene, her devotion for music got stronger and stronger which finally led her to the decision to fully dive into the realm of the underground in 2015. With powerful, impulsive tech and melancholic deep sounds, intriguing melodies and electrifying basslines, Lilly creates an unique and energetic vibe sending her audience straight to outta space on a trip where return tickets are not needed anymore.
Brand: Siren’s Echo
In a constantly changing scene, singer, songwriter, producer, and performer Luci is an artist who has remained pushing boundaries. Originally finding her footing in the world of bass music, Luci has built a loyal fanbase throughout her career. After solidifying herself as a formidable presence in the dance space, Luci embarked on a musical hiatus where she explored her creative capabilities touching on different genres of music such as pop and punk. After spending some time within each of those genres, she realized that she has always found a home within the electronic space and sought to combine each of them within her image leading her to release her “Enchanted Era.” This era has allowed her to have the best of both worlds and bring together Luci’s love for pop, edm, and experimental music through her melodic dubstep releases giving you an insight of the light and darkness that is Enchanted.
Genre Brand: Rising Tides
The Los Angeles-based house duo with roots in Seattle, brings an infectious sense of fun, connection, and energy to every stage they touch. Comprised of longtime friends Jamie and Kiraleigh, their journey into dance music began with a chance meeting in a clothing store and quickly evolved into a shared passion that has propelled them onto some of the scene’s biggest platforms.
Known for their vibrant sound and dynamic performances, Max Low has played major festivals including EDC Las Vegas, Day Trip Festival, and Groove Cruise, while touring globally across cities like Miami, Chicago, Las Vegas, and Amsterdam. They’ve also supported industry heavyweights such as Tiësto, Oliver Heldens, and Biscits.
Brand: Abyss
Sarah de Warren is a globally recognized vocalist and songwriter whose ethereal yet powerful voice has become a defining element across the trance and techno landscape. Best known for her work on Eli Brown’s “Be The One” and Layton Giordani’s “Act of God,” she has established herself as a go-to collaborator for some of the genre’s most influential producers.
Brand: Embark
London-based producer Leena Punks has carved out a global reputation for her genre-blending sound, fusing melodic techno, progressive house, and breaks into deeply emotive and driving productions. With releases across esteemed labels including Anjunabeats, Insomniac, Stress Records, Good Company, and Lane 8’s This Never Happened imprint, she continues to push sonic boundaries while building a dedicated international following.
Brand: Abyss
Alley Kay is a dynamic techno artist whose foundation in dance and performance has shaped her powerful presence behind the decks. Originally trained in ballet and contemporary dance, she developed a deep connection to music from an early age, later finding her home in the underground techno scene rooted near Detroit, the birthplace of the genre.
During the pandemic, Alley built a strong digital following as one of Twitch’s top DJs, earning recognition from platforms and brands such as Beatport, Insomniac, Paxahau, and Octopus Recordings. Since returning to live stages, she has become a standout force in Toronto’s techno scene, supporting global icons including Charlotte de Witte, Carl Cox, and Sara Landry.
Brand: Rising Tides
Starting from the underground nightclubs of Miami, Nala has quickly ascended to one of the most electrifying names in dance music today. Fusing punk energy with cutting-edge electronic production, she has become a fixture on the world’s biggest stages, performing at Coachella, Ultra, Portola, III Points, EDC, Outside Lands, Electric Forest, and Bonnaroo. Her signature "Riot Grrrl meets dance floor" sound has positioned her at the forefront of a new wave of artists bridging alternative music with underground club culture. Expanding her sonic world even further, Nala recently debuted Girl Math, a high-voltage collaboration with VNSSA blending live drums, vocals, and punk-infused club energy.
Brand: Embark
VNSSA is a California-born DJ, producer, and genre-defying force known for blending house, techno, disco, and a gritty punk edge into a sound that’s entirely her own. With releases on labels like Dirtybird, Higher Ground, and Three Six Zero, and standout tracks like “Shiny Disco Balls” and “I Don’t Remember,” she has become a staple across global dance floors and major festival stages including Coachella, EDC Las Vegas, and HARD Summer. Beyond the decks, VNSSA continues to shape the scene through her radio shows and her new project Girl Math with Nala, pushing boundaries with a bold, high-energy fusion of live elements and club culture. Fearless, versatile, and constantly evolving, VNSSA stands at the forefront of the next wave of electronic music.
Brand: Abyss
Ms. Behave is a Seattle-based DJ and producer known for her genre-fluid sets and infectious energy, blending melodic house, funk, and deep basslines into what she calls “booty house for the soul.” Formerly one half of the acclaimed duo Gem & Tauri, she now steps into a solo identity that embraces a more intimate, expressive, and community-driven approach to dance music. With a passion for pushing boundaries and creating inclusive spaces, Ms. Behave crafts euphoric, groove-forward journeys that invite authenticity, connection, and freedom on the dance floor.
Brand: Rising Tides
Texas-based DJ Brookie is a vibrant force within the Groove Cruise community, making her mark both on and off the decks. A dedicated Deep House Brunch resident, she has become a familiar and beloved presence, bringing her signature energy to the party year after year on the ship, as well as at events off the ship.
Known for her infectious spirit and seamless selections, Brookie delivered a standout performance during Pineapple Paradise on the Miami 2026 sailing, further cementing her place as a GCFAM favorite. Beyond her sets, she plays an integral role as one of GC’s most active ambassadors, embodying and spreading the community’s energy wherever she goes.
Whether she’s behind the decks or connecting with fellow cruisers around the world, Brookie represents the heart of what Groove Cruise is all about: passion, connection, and unforgettable vibes.
Brand: Rising Tides
RavnZen is a conscious DJ and producer whose sound transcends genres, blending techno, melodic house, deep house, tribal, afro, and progressive influences into deeply immersive sonic journeys. More than just a performance, each RavnZen set is an experience designed to awaken the spirit, invite release, and reconnect listeners to their inner child and heart-centered awareness. Rooted in intention and energy, RavnZen’s music is guided by a belief in unity, harmony, and collective elevation. Their sets flow with uplifting rhythms, hypnotic textures, and powerful emotional resonance — creating a space where dance floors become shared moments of presence and transformation.
Behind every unforgettable moment on Groove Cruise is a team of passionate individuals bringing it all to life and that includes an incredible group of women working behind the scenes at Whet Travel.
From planning and production to marketing, operations, and community engagement, these women help build the foundation of the experience Captains know and love. Their creativity, dedication, and attention to detail are woven into every aspect of the journey, helping turn a music festival into something far more meaningful.
Role: VP of Captain Support
Whet Travel Employee: 13 years
“Smile more, worry less.”
Role: Senior Captain Support Specialist
Whet Travel Employee: 10 years
“Gratitude is my attitude.”
Role: VP of Event Operations
Whet Travel Employee: 13 years
“You don’t know how strong you are until being strong is the only option you have.”
Role: Senior Captain Support Specialist
Whet Travel Employee: 8 years
“I can do hard things, no one is coming to save me and that’s my power!!!!!”
Role: Marketing & Sales Manager
Whet Travel Employee: 1 year
“Growth can be uncomfortable, but it’s always worth it.”
Role: Event Partnerships & Programs Manager
Whet Travel Employee: 3.5 years
“Be the energy you want to attract.”
Role: Captain Engagement Coordinator
Whet Travel Employee: 1 year
“The mantra “get lost, find yourself” reminds me that growth comes from embracing the unknown, and that each new experience builds confidence, expands perspective, and helps shape who I am.”
Role: Captain Support
Whet Travel Employee: 1.5 years
“Be the girl who decided to go for it! Every woman's success should be an inspiration to another. We’re strongest when we cheer each other on.”
Role: Social Media Manager
Whet Travel Employee: 3 years
“Be the energy you want to attract. Stay positive, constantly learn and grow, be kind, and never give up. Do those things and watch the right people and opportunities come your way.”
Role: Social Media Assistant
Whet Travel Employee: 1 year, 8 months
“‘Si se puede’ is a Spanish phrase that means ‘it can be done.’ It empowers me because it’s a reminder that no matter how hard something feels, it’s still possible. Growing up, my family used it to encourage me to keep going, and now it motivates me every day to push through challenges, honor their sacrifices, and keep chasing my dreams.”
Role: Marketing Assistant
Whet Travel Employee: 5 months
“Find out who you are and do it on purpose.”
If there’s one thing that defines Groove Cruise, it’s the community and the way women show up for each other within it is something truly special.
This is where Wave 6: Embrace & Elevate (Connection & Belonging) comes to life. It’s found in the small moments like hyping each other up before a set, welcoming a first-time Captain with open arms, offering support when it’s needed most, or simply creating space where everyone feels seen and accepted.
Whether it’s friendships formed on the dance floor, connections made at meetups, or bonds that continue long after the ship docks, this community thrives because women consistently choose to lift each other up.
On International Women’s Day, we asked the GCFAM if a woman in the community had ever inspired them, supported them, or made their cruise experience unforgettable, and here is what they had to say…
"I nominated Azzecca because she recently started her own label to give herself the freedom and creativity to make whatever she wants. She's been on 🔥 ever since and I'm so here for it!”
"Emma is never afraid to share all of who she is. She is 100% authentic while sharing her struggles and triumphs, letting us know we're not alone and that life isn't perfect for anyone. Emma has inspired me to be my authentic self unapologetically every day, while growing and evolving into versions of me I didn’t know existed."
"Karen is the hardest working woman I know. She brings light to other people’s lives even when her own might not be as bright. And she’s the love of my life!"
"I nominated my mom (Suzie) because she taught me how to stand on my own, dream big, and never settle for less than I deserve."
Earlier this month, March 8th celebrated International Women's Day, calling on all women to center their efforts on this year’s theme, “Give To Gain.” The theme encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration, knowing that when people, organizations, and communities give generously, opportunities and support for women increase.
At the heart of Groove Cruise is a simple but powerful philosophy: what you give to this community is what you receive in return. This year’s theme, Give to Gain, reflects that energy and it’s something that women across the GC family embody effortlessly.
Through the lens of The Groove Effect, this aligns deeply with both Wave 6: Embrace & Elevate (Connection & Belonging) and Wave 7: Spark a Ripple (Impact & Contribution).
When you uplift another woman, offer encouragement, share your energy, or simply show up with intention, you’re not just creating a moment, you’re creating impact. Those actions ripple outward, shaping experiences, strengthening connections, and contributing to something far greater than yourself.
Women within Groove Cruise continue to lead by example, proving that true empowerment isn’t just about personal growth, it’s about bringing others along with you. And in doing so, they create a community where everyone has the opportunity to feel supported, inspired, and empowered to step into their own light.
Women’s History Month isn’t just about looking back, it’s about recognizing the impact happening right now within our own community. Through connection, courage, and contribution, the women of Groove Cruise continue to embody the Groove Effect, creating ripples that extend far beyond the ship and into everyday life.
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