Groove Cruise 2015 – Miami Recap

Impossible, incredible, mind-blowing, unbelievable, and life-changing are some of the words guests used to describe The Groove Cruise 2015. A four day, floating dance music extravaganza aboard the Norwegian Pearl with over 40 of the best DJs in the business. The ship set sail out of the port of Miami and stopped by paradise aka Great Stirrup Cay Island in the Bahamas on day two.

Photo Credit: Poselski Brothers Photography

Cato K gave us a warm welcoming as over 3,000 beautiful people poured onto the ship; mostly dressed in costumes representing all different countries from Italy to Australia, California to New York- everyone came together to dance.

In 2010 Miami DJ Louis Dee joined forces with Chicago based nightclub percussionist Bam Bam Buddha and Drums Of The Sun was born. They gave us a sweet taste of what was to come at the pre-party at The Clevelander Hotel in Miami. On the first day aboard the ship the duo yet again delivered an amazing, high energy set on the pool deck as we sailed away from Miami. What a surreal moment that was as confetti rained down on us as we embarked on our journey into the Atlantic.

Photo Credit: El Jefe B Photography

Dean Mason won the Dj contest in 2012 and has been spinning on the Groove Cruise ever since. Fans illustrated their support for Mason by wearing his ‘Officially Addicted’ merchandise as they grooved to his multiple, upbeat sets on the ship. His passion for the music that he broadcasts clearly shows during his performances.

Photo Credit: Veranmiky

One of the amazing aspects of The Groove Cruise is that when the DJs aren’t playing, they’re hanging out with you on the ship. Scotty Boy was always out and about spending time with fans and is really down to earth. His sets were remarkably entertaining and I look forward to seeing him spin again in the future.

One of the two female artists to perform on the ship, Sydney Blu, tore up the Atrium with her dance moves and tech-house beats. Hailing from Canada, this lady knows how to put on an exhilarating set. Be sure to check out her radio show on Sound Cloud: Blu Radio.

Photo Credit: Poselski Brothers Photography

As the sun set, Oliver Heldens brought an insane amount of energy to the pool deck. Two guys in the crowd were dressed as a gecko and as pikachu symbolizing Heldens well known tracks. His ‘future house’ sound is meant to get you dancing, and that’s exactly what everyone was doing.

Photo Credit: Poselski Brothers Photography

Erick Morillo’s four hour set the first night truly set high expectations for what the rest of the cruise was going to bring us. Multiple, giant LED robots dancing on stage complimented the crowd very well as everyone was dressed to impress coinciding with the nights theme, shine the f*ck up.

Photo Credit: Poselski Brothers Photography

New World Punx were incredible as they blessed us with their set on our own private island, Great Stirrup Cay. Everyone was dancing with their feet in the sand and the perfect amount of sun rays on their backs. The water was a flawless shade of sea foam blue and life couldn’t have been much sweeter. Markus Schulz and Ferry Corsten spread so much love on the beach a couple got engaged, now that’s a proposal even I would say yes to!

Photo Credit: Poselski Brothers Photography

Darude followed with a super energetic set and when he dropped his classic track “Sandstorm” I swear I was back in my parents basement playing DDR. I pinched myself and I was onstage, facing the crowd and god did you all look beautiful. Darude asked the audience to chant, “We Are Groove Cruise” as he live recorded and sampled the phrase into his set. We headed back on the boat for more Atlantic Ocean swaying, as the boat tended to do this often, and got ready for the upcoming night.

Photo Credit: Blaise Joseph Photography

Sidney Samson brought us back with heavenly old school hip- hop in Bliss lounge. He dropped throwback records from 50 Cent to Biggie, and we all got down. This guy seriously knows what he’s doing on the decks. Expect some exhilarating new music coming from Samson in the near future.

Photo Credit: Poselski Brothers Photography

Bynon followed directly after, dropping Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” and everyone went off as Samson jumped off the stage to dance with us. I took a much needed break to get some fresh air on the side balcony, as I looked over the edge of the ship the stars twinkled and the moonlight radiated onto the water. A special moment away from the madness to remember how incredibly grateful I was to be on that ship. We truly are the lucky ones.

Cocodrills describe their sets as consisting of “funky grooves, positive vibes and rampant debauchery.” I was a witness and can testify that Pridef and Adam Cruz brought nothing less during Incorrect After Hours bright and early on the pool deck.

Photo Credit: Poselski Brothers Photography

Feenixpawl delivered non- stop progressive house in the Atrium venue. The duo played records such as their latest single, “Destination.” These two Aussies really know how to generate some real good vibes. Dj Jason Forte was also having a blast on stage filming his brother and the crowd going wild. Their track “In My Mind” defined 2012 for me, it was #1 on the dance charts and was played at least once at every festival that summer. Pure nostalgia took over as the melody flooded the Atrium.

Photo Credit: Veranmiky

Thomas Gold blew our minds as blow up pool toys were bombarding everyone as we celebrated the last day dancing on the pool deck. I didn’t realize how much enjoyment people got out of throwing around giant crocodiles, whales, and every animal under the sun.

Photo Credit: Poselski Brothers Photography

Arty exploded the Theatre venue as giant LED robots and girls in scandalous costumes delivering explicit dance moves captivated our attention. Everyone was singing along to his breathtaking remix of Porter Robinson’s “Lionhearted”. As I left the Theatre, my ears led me to the casino where this year’s first place Groove Cruise Dj contest winner Keith Christopher aka Man Pretty was spinning. I have to admit I was getting a bit tired at this point but suddenly my vitality had returned and I was grooving with Christopher’s fans all rocking #ManPretty fitted hats.

Photo Credit: Veranmiky

Lastly, I ended up in the hot tub on the Penthouse floor. Not a bad way to end my Groove Cruise adventure!

Groove Cruise was a magical experience. Not only was the music incredible but the people were so unbelievably friendly and genuine. Everyone had the same mentality: to escape everyday life and dance under the sun with new friends and old. Groove Cruise should be a mandatory right of passage for everyone.

I don’t even mind my notifications blowing up by the Facebook group, “Groove Cruise Miami 2015 Attendees Only,” in which everyone posts photos, videos, and blurbs about memories of DJ sets, the incredible people they met, and how badly they want to go back. Keep them coming, I want to relive those moments forever.

For full photo albums of the Groove Cruise experience, visit us on facebook!

Photo Credit: Poselski Brothers Photography