Port Canaveral/Cocoa Beach, Florida was flooded by metal band t-shirts wearing rockers as a large (and loud!) family arrived on 21st January 2024 for the pre-festivities of the 13th edition of ShipRocked.
Even if some ShipRockers (indeed, the actual name for ShipRocked family members) hadn’t retired to bed, Port Canaveral was overflowing with hugs, smiles, and boisterous laughter as early as 8am on embarkation day. As is tradition, once everyone was on board, ShipRocked captain Alan Koenig and his crew delivered their annual speech and revealed the plans for the next year. Although we were still docked, the crowd was already buzzing with anticipation for the 2024 cruise setting sail from Miami, with stops in Bimini, Ocho Rios, and the Grand Cayman Islands.
This year, ShipRocked boasted an array of exceptionally talented musicians. With Parkway Drive and Falling In Reverse headlining, fans enjoyed both their performances on the deck stage. Meanwhile, bands such as Motionless In White, Bad Omens, Nothing More, Nonpoint, and Memphis May Fire filled the theater and main deck with their dynamic shows. With 30 bands and more than a dozen additional artists performing at least twice throughout the week, there was never a dull moment on this cruise.,No festival replicates the experience that allows emerging bands such as Wage War, Zero 9:36, or Giovannie & The Hired Guns to perform on the same stage, and occasionally even share it with legends like Corey Glover of Living Colour, Dave Ellefson, formerly of Megadeth, Randy Blythe from Lamb of God, or Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal, previously with Guns N’ Roses.
Why you should be on the next ShipRocked? When you have two big headliners like Falling in Reverse and Parkway Drive who haven’t played in America for over 4 years, Alan proved to everybody that ShipRocked is as ‘big’ as any other festival and is able to make ‘Premieres’ happen. (Obviously, as much as everybody would enjoy it and no matter how famous the band is, forget about pyro on a boat in the middle of the ocean, I don’t think this type of ‘Premiere’ would happen on ShipRocked!) With roughly 4000 music enthusiasts aboard the same vessel, and 2 to 4 stages operating simultaneously, you’re guaranteed an excellent view of your favorite band no matter where you stand on the ship, sometimes even with a seat and drink service. Watch, drink, and enjoy! Constantly running into your favorite artist at the buffet or in the casino, or even sharing some drinks on the beach, how could you beat that?
Beyond the scheduled shows on four stages across six days, every ShipRocker is aware that surprise performances are a staple throughout the week. Indeed, many unforgettable moments at ShipRocked happen at the Piano Bar, where artists spontaneously gather to jam and belt out classic tunes with the audience. Karaoke nights might cost you some sleep, but they’re absolutely worth attending every time. They’re particularly special when a live band accompanies, and you witness some of your favorite artists stepping up to the mic to cover a song from their own musical heroes.
Finally, stops and excursions at stunning beaches such as the private island of Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, or Amber Cove truly enhance this unique vacation experience. It becomes even more special when one of these islands transforms into a massive rock concert setting amidst a wrecked pirate ship, complete with beach games featuring band members, official meet-and-greets on the sand, and of course, delightful frozen beverages. La vita è bella! (Life is Beautiful)!
Why ShipRocked might NOT be for you? Like many fellow Shiprockers, if you’re prone to seasickness, it’s wise to prepare a ‘seasickness kit’ with medication and ginger before embarking on the 14th edition. Some past cruises have been quite turbulent. I experienced sea legs for two weeks after the cruise, but it was absolutely worth it. However, if you’re eager to partake in this memorable adventure, be mindful that your week may involve a risky mix of Dramamine and alcohol.
If you enjoy crowd surfing or a good mosh pit, I am sorry to inform you that these 2 common festival activities are not allowed on the boat. Chad Nicefield (former member of Wilson) had a quick free pass this year as he was crowd surfed for a few minutes with a GoPro on his forehead during one of the giant jams on the main deck that he was part of, called the Stowaways. Knowing that we are in the middle of the ocean and injuries are pretty common from these types of activities, I get why Alan and his team, Ask4, don’t allow them.
ShipRocked may not be suitable if you prefer solitude. Festivals in general might not appeal to you, but it’s worth noting that at ShipRocked, you’re never truly alone, even if you arrive without acquaintances. The ShipRocked community is vast and supportive with connections extended throughout the year via social media, podcasts, and other festival gatherings. Once you join the family, boredom and loneliness are simply not options.
Now that you know what to expect, know where we are going next year, and that almost no headliner is ‘Too Big’ for this festival, are you joining the family for the 2024??
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