Groove Cruise Miami has officially returned to port, leaving the “Captains” with a four-day odyssey of world-class dance music and memories. Sailing from Miami to Nassau, Bahamas aboard Royal Carribean’s Wonder of the Seas, the 2026 edition was truly a nonstop party.
A Community of Milestones
What truly set Groove Cruise apart was the depth of its community. From multiple onboard weddings to high-stakes game competitions, and even the cruise’s first-ever gender reveal. These moments, combined with a plethora of artist-hosted activities, proved that the “Captains” are more than just attendees. They are a family building a history together at sea, proven by Groove Cruise’s 70% yearly return rate.
John Summit’s Nassau Takeover
The undisputed crown jewel of this sailing was the destination stop in Nassau.The 2026 sailing leveled up by taking over the brand-new Nassau Port Amphitheatre. The energy reached an all-time high when John Summit hit the decks for a headlining sunset set, with some “Captains” even watching from their stateroom balconies. Summit delivered a mix of his signature house anthems and unreleased IDs from his upcoming album, wrapping up a perfect night in the Bahamas.
Non-Stop Beats
This year’s lineup was arguably the most well-rounded in the event’s 22-year history. While John Summit commanded the island, the ship itself was a revolving door of legends. Markus Schulz came through with another legendary trance marathon set, while techno queens Lilly Palmer and Jackie Hollander commanded Studio B and the Royal Theatre. Tech-house fans were spoiled with choices, highlighted by a powerhouse b4b featuring Cloonee, half of Gorgon City, Ranger Trucco, and Max Styler that lasted for over five hours. The momentum only intensified as Gene Farris, Cassian, and Layton Giordani drove the energy into the early morning hours, while Joshwa provided the ultimate “only on Groove Cruise” moment with a surprise pop-up set in the casino. With 13 stages bumping simultaneously, the only real challenge was deciding which side-quest to follow.
The Art of the Themes
What truly defines the “Groove Cruise Fam” is the commitment to daily themes. Each day and night offered a new identity, where everyone showcased their self expression and creativity:
Represent: The legendary sail-away kickoff where hometown pride took over the ship.
Crowns & Corsets: A renaissance-inspired night of velvet, lace, and royal energy.
Food Fetish: A deliciously deranged daytime vibe where ridiculous became the standard.
Down the Rabbit Hole: A psychedelic trip into Wonderland that featured countless bunnies and mad hatters.
Turquoise Temptation: The perfect aesthetic for Nassau, blending the crowd into the Bahamian waters.
Midnight Seduction: A sultry, late-night shift into silks, feathers, and shadows.
Animal Instincts: The wild side of the final day, where the “Captains” channeled their inner creatures.
Shimmerverse: Glowing crowds of glitter and shimmer to close the journey.
The Verdict
Whet Travel continues to set the gold standard for high-production festivals at sea year after year. Whether it was artist-led excursions like sushi making with Blanke, sunset yoga sessions, or late-night tarot readings, the sailing offered a curated, transformational journey that extended far beyond the music. Ultimately, Groove Cruise 2026 delivered another ambitious and unforgettable music experience.
Sign up for Groove Cruise 2027 to experience the world’s premier floating festival here.