Written by: Vic Han
If you’ve ever dreamed of a festival where the party never stops, where your hotel is also your stage, and where you can wake up steps away from world-class DJs—Groove Cruise is it.
I had no idea what to expect when I first stepped onto the ship. I was traveling with four other girls from Festival Babes—all complete strangers before this trip (rave.bxnny, jess.be.vibrant, kariselle, and itsvichan ) But by the end? We were basically sisters. That’s the magic of Groove Cruise—the instant connections, the welcoming community, and the unforgettable experiences.
THEMED PARTIES: THE HEART OF GROOVE CRUISE ♥️
One of the best parts of Groove Cruise? The themes. Every day and night, the entire ship transforms, and everyone goes all out.
This year, the eight themes were:
🌎 Represent Your Country/Virgins Wear White – A perfect icebreaker for first-timers and a chance to show off where you’re from!
🍭 50 Shades of Candyland – Think candy, but with a kinky twist.
🏝️ Tropic Like It’s Hot – A tropical dream, fitting for our beach day in Labadee, Haiti.
🎨 Neon Splash – Bright, bold, and glowing in every color imaginable.
⚓ Nauti Sleepover – Pajama party meets sexy sailor vibes.
✨ Stars on Deck – Dress as your favorite movie character and bring Hollywood to the high seas.
🐄 OnlyFarms – Sexy cowboys, farm animals, and everything in between.
🧚 Realm of Enchantment – A fantasy lover’s dream, from fairies to mermaids to mythical creatures.Everyone dresses to the nines, and it’s impossible not to make friends when you’re in a ship full of like-minded, fun, and ridiculously creative people. PLUR vibes were strong.
OUR STOP: LABADEE, HAITI 📍
One of the coolest things about Groove Cruise is that it’s not just a rave on water—you actually get to explore amazing destinations. This year’s stop was Labadee, Haiti, a breathtaking private island with crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches.
While we were there, buntmusic played a dreamy beachside set as we danced in the sand. There were tons of activities—ziplining over the ocean, kayaking, and even floating bars where you could just chill and enjoy the views.
Honestly? One of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen.
The Music: A Dream Lineup 🎶
Groove Cruise is stacked with talent, but my favorite sets of the weekend?
🔥 BUNT. – Their sunset beach set was pure magic.
🚀 Its Murph – Bouncy, high-energy, and absolutely insane.
⚡ Maddix – Delivered an electric, high-BPM performance that had everyone going wild.
But the best part? Meeting them all in person. Since everyone stays on the ship, DJs are just walking around, partying with the crowd. I got to personally meet itsmurph, buntmusic, gudfella, twinsick, and luci_official. They were all so down-to-earth and kind.
If you’ve ever dreamed of casually bumping into your favorite artist in an elevator or at the buffet, this is the festival for you.
The Community: PLUR on a Ship
Groove Cruise has one of the most welcoming, respectful crowds I’ve ever experienced. While most festivals draw a younger crowd, Groove Cruise tends to have an older, more seasoned raver demographic (think 30s-50s), and it creates an environment that’s fun, safe, and filled with amazing people.
There was so much gift-giving—people decorated their cabin doors with stickers, kandi, candy, and little treats for others to take . Everyone was so thoughtful and kind. There were Rave Mommies and Daddies everywhere, making sure everyone was okay.
If you’ve ever been hesitant to try a festival alone, this is the one to go to. You’ll leave with lifelong friends.
