What started off as an April Fools joke in 2014(!) is about to become a reality. Back then rumors circulated on April Fools about EDSea, the obvious choice for a name if the EDC experience was ever translated to a party cruise. Over the years, it’s been a bit surprising that Insomniac hasn’t ventured fully into that space.
Now, EDSea is actually becoming a reality. Wednesday night, Pasquale Rotella took to social media to tease the incoming announcement. There are already social media accounts for EDSea as well. The teaser is long but provides no clues, except at the very beginning (the part you can see right now). That ship is a Norwegian Cruise Line ship, and looks to be the Norwegian Joy, a sister ship to the Norwegian Encore. EDC is taking it directly to Groove Cruise, which has announced a move to the Norwegian Encore in January 2024. Check out the teaser below and come back to learn more when we get the details from the official announcement.
UPDATE: Official Press Release Info
Insomniac, the world’s leading producer of live events and globally-known experiences, has announced today its partnership with Vibee and Sixthman for the debut of EDSea. On November 4, 2023, EDSea will set sail for four nights transforming Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Joy into a premium cruise and music festival experience based upon the colorful paradise of the world’s largest electronic dance music festival, Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC). Departing from Miami, EDSea will sail to Nassau for an exclusive island party, followed by a visit to the private island of Great Stirrup Cay. On board, eight marine-themed stages will provide the soundtrack for the dual music festival and cruise experience, presenting top tastemakers across the electronic music genre who will help take the beloved Electric Daisy Carnival from land to sea. Watch here for a sneak peek at what’s in store on EDSea.
EDSea’s itinerary for four nights aboard the Norwegian Joy includes:
- Nov. 4 – Departure from Miami, Florida
- Nov. 5 – Day at Sea
- Nov. 6 – Nassau, Bahamas
- Nov. 7 – Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas
- Nov. 8 – Return to Miami, Florida
The world-class Norwegian Joy offers five cabin options to reserve, including Interior Rooms, Ocean View Rooms, Balcony Rooms, Suites, and the highly exclusive Haven Suites. This premium offering entails luxurious accommodations on the top decks of the ship complete with personal butler service, 24-hour concierge service, and a private sun deck. Cabin reservations for the inaugural EDSea may be reserved during the presale period beginning January 17 with the general on-sale beginning January 27 if cabins remain. Cabins may be reserved with a $100/person deposit at EDSea.com.
History of Music Festival Cruises
HARD’s HolyShip! pioneered the space for many, creating a diehard group of Shipfam that loved to reunite each year. However, HARD Events was later acquired by Insomniac and then HolyShip inexplicably converted itself into a destination event in 2020. During the height of music festival cruises there were two events that caused the music festival cruise market to dwindle. In 2014, Pete Tong announced the All Gone to Sea cruise event, featuring Calvin Harris, Steve Angello, Pete Tong, and more. The event was canceled before it ever began due to low sales. Many of those artists were subsequently booked to play EDC Orlando 2014 around the same time.
Then in 2015, the Mad Decent Boat Party quickly descended into chaos when a passenger intentionally jumped overboard. This tragic event marked the end of the very short life of Mad Decent Boat Party.
The other mainstay in this space is Groove Cruise. In fact, Groove Cruise is the only one that has been there from the beginning until now. Groove Cruise also has a die-hard fanbase that is surprisingly mature as well. Groove Cruise has not only survived, but thrived. The 2023 Miami event sold out so early that 2024 was announced on the huge Norwegian Encore and has already begun selling out of tiers.
It looks like the music festival cruise wars are back on.