Ship of Dreams: Groove Cruise’s Incredible Journey From LA to Cabo

Making a splash on its first trip in almost four years, Groove Cruise from Los Angeles to Cabo San Lucas just wrapped up its latest tour, running through October 19-24, 2022. Since its inception in 2004, Groove Cruise has been the hottest, most exciting floating festival in the world, with one-of-a-kind experiences like meet and greets, after-hours parties, oceanic raves, and so much more.

With 120 hours of non-stop music performed by 80 different artists, there’s nothing else quite like this event, called The Ascension, which took place aboard the regal, newly-renovated Norwegian Jewel.  

The Music

While the luxurious cruise ship amenities like 15 different restaurants, sponsored games with prizes, and themed dance parties were hot events, the music was even hotter.  Groove Cruise Cabo brought some of the top artists aboard the ship, headlined by Colorado native Said the Sky. Claude VonStroke brought his signature heavy house music, while other acts like Blond:ish, Desert Hearts, and Gene Farris played some extraordinary sets.  

Artists played both day and night, casting a sonic net far and wide over the open ocean. It was 120 hours of nonstop music! The tranquil breezes during the day and the quiet, surreal stillness of the night at sea created a vastly different experience than your typical music festival or rave. The music featuring chart-topping artists like:

• Gareth Emery
• Acraze
• Mary Droppinz
• Joel Corry
• Arctic Moon
• Green Velvet
• MitiS

No matter where you turned, there was another stage, another set, and someone new to meet. Whether you were there alone or with a group, there were plenty of events to attend, facilitating the mixture of a vast range of beautiful, diverse partygoers. Bingo Night, hosted by the legendary Claude VonStroke – founder of his own extraordinary music event, Dirtybird Campout, themed parties like Burlesque and Bowtie night, and even mental health seminars hosted by the founders of Groove Cruise were just some of the options to spend your idyllic days aboard this massive ship.  

However, the dance parties and raves were the main focus, with no shortage of people to dance with, smash hits to sing along to, and a backdrop of peaceful ocean waves that lent an unreal, dreamlike quality to the whole event.  

Giving Back While Getting Down

Groove Cruise founder Jason Beukema has always considered it part of his duty to give back to the communities they travel to. While docked in Cabo San Lucas, ship goers have some unique experiences they can choose to attend.  

Groove Cruise partners with the Solmar Foundation, along with Casa Hogar Orphanage, to serve local communities and the less privileged and fortunate among us. Partygoers got the incredible chance to serve impoverished children breakfast, and interact with them through live art, music, games, and more. This is a truly unique way to acquire the deep fulfillment that comes through helping others while still having a typically wild music festival experience.  

In fact, ancient wisdom tells us that the fastest way to find happiness within yourself is to selflessly help others and give back to the world. Groove Cruise offers an interesting and unlikely way to do so, and many who return say that this experience has changed their lives forever.  

Of course, in typical Groove Cruise fashion, there are some amazing opportunities to party afterward. After helping out the locals and bringing some much-needed charity, love, and compassion into the world, ship attendees went down to the Taboo beach club, where there were two stages of incredible performances, along with dancing, drinking, fire dancers, fireworks, and singing next to the beautiful Pacific Ocean.

Everyone is a Captain

Jason has attempted, and succeeded, in creating more than just a floating rave. While that would, no doubt, be almost as popular, the real success that Groove Cruise has achieved is creating an environment where everyone is welcome and personal differences are put aside to find a rare moment of unity.

Lovingly called “virgins”, first-time sailors are welcomed with open arms and shown the ropes. All aboard the ship are called “Captains”, signaling the inclusivity and openness that Groove Cruise strives for. When you spend this much time aboard a ship with the same people, you quickly develop a closeness that comes from only this type of shared experience in close quarters.

Indeed, the Groove Cruise team and those who attend report a family-like atmosphere aboard the ship, where all are welcome, guards are let down, and everyone is supported however they need. This can be seen through the #GCfam hashtag, where you can find all kinds of Groove Cruise pictures, videos, playlists, and more on various social media sites.  

Families are even created on board, with Jason presiding over several weddings on the ship. Much like the Grand Canyon or Niagara Falls, Groove Cruise has become a destination wedding for some, a place to meet friends you’ll stay in touch with, or make memories that will last a lifetime. 

Ascension on the Jewel: Fun, Food, and Special Events

Groove Cruise is put on by Whet Travel, which has been the leader in independent music cruises for almost 20 years now. That means that they have plenty of experience, know what makes people tick, and know what a good cruise ship needs to have on board. This includes a refurbished pool deck, nightclubs, a video arcade, two spas, an art gallery, a sports deck, and more. 

Those on the ship lacked no amenity and had everything they could dream of at their fingertips. With 15 different restaurants, bars, tequila tasting, casinos, intimate clubs and parties, and even exclusive private-room parties, this event had it all. If you’re looking for an all-inclusive vacation at a reasonable price – beds started at about $999, not a bad deal at all for a six-day event as luxurious as this, there’s no better option than Groove Cruise.

Let’s say you and your squad are looking for a way to party, go to a rave, get closer, give back to the world, get up close with your favorite artists, swim at the beach in Cabo, and drink at a casino all at the same time. Where else could you do all of that except Groove Cruise? For the price, there’s no better deal or offer than this, described as a “bucket list” event, one of those rare moments that you will remember and look back on for the rest of your life.

There’s a good reason this event is called “The Ascension”, which means to rise above, to transcend earthly forms and the grind of everyday life. The Groove Cruise is like a 6-day long daydream that you wish would never end. Alas, all good things must, but there will always be another one, and Groove Cruise has some exciting ideas in the works – new destinations, differently-themed ships, more artists, bigger events, and more.  

Stay tuned, and keep a close eye out for tickets, as they sell out fast! Groove Cruise is an experience like no other and the event of a lifetime for many, so plan ahead, get your squad together, and get your Captain’s hat on, because Groove Cruise is here to stay and will be making a splash for many years to come.   

Groove Cruise Miami

Make sure to get ready for Groove Cruise Miami, which sets sail in January 2023. Groove Cruise will make a triumphant return for its 35th sailing from Miami, Florida to a private island in Labadee, Haiti aboard the state-of-the-art and award-winning Celebrity Summit.

From Thursday, January 19 to Monday, January 23, 2023, dance music lovers from around the world will revel in the immersive experience that Groove Cruise has become known for while enjoying breathtaking views, an extensive list of programming, and some of the top acts in electronic music.

Groove Cruise Miami is 96 hours of nonstop music from more than 50 artists from around the world. Headliners include Nora En Pure, Markus Schulz, Claptone, Jauz, and so many more!

Aboard the newly-renovated Celebrity Summit cruise ship, fans can enjoy an abundance of amenities, luxury dining options, curated theme parties, artist-hosted activities, and more. The fleet underwent nearly $500 million in luxurious upgrades and earned Travel Weekly’s Magellan Gold Awards for The Spa by Canyon Ranch and Penthouse Suite Design.

Groove Cruise Miami 2023 promises to be another exciting chapter in Groove Cruise’s nearly 20-year history. With an award-winning fleet, an unparalleled lineup, and an extensive list of programming, Groove Cruise offers a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience for attendees and dance music lovers alike.

Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of Groove Cruise and purchase your passes today at https://www.groovecruise.com/miami There are only a few staterooms left so make sure to get yours before they sell out. We will SEA you there!