Originally published at AXS.com on Oct 15, 2017. Archived here for portfolio.
It’s been a week since the best party on the Seven Seas set sail (okay, Pacific Ocean). Groove Cruise LA just wrapped and the #GCFAM are still reliving fond memories, bouncing to imaginary beats and longing for the next cruise to hurry up and set sail (have no fear, GC Miami is just around the corner and tickets are still available here).
Never been on a Groove Cruise and wondering what all the talk is about? Let AXS introduce you to the party that just won’t stop. Groove Cruise is a three night, four day EDM festival set on a cruise ship.
It gathers some of the hottest DJs from all spectrums of EDM. You have trance, house, progressive and everything in between (and yes, there was even a retro set this year with vinyl spinning on the decks). Pair this along with multiple stages, laser shows, smoke machines and a score of professional dancers and you have the party to end all parties.
This year’s party was set on fire by the likes of 3lau, Autograf, Dash Berlin, This Ain’t Bristol (who absolutely stole the entire ship right out from under everyone’s feet) and Billy Kenny. With scores of activities from tequila tasting with your favorite DJs, to boot camp classes for those looking to have their puny bodies crushed by the “Crushers,” to a rager of a party at a cliffside mansion in Ensenada, Groove Cruise had it all.
Let’s take a look at just 10 of the awesome things going on at Groove Cruise LA this year (and bear in mind, these 10 are just a small collection of scores of things people experience throughout their time on this party cruise).
1. House Party, Kid ‘n Play Style – Just like the classic movie, Groove Cruise throws one hell of a raging house party. This year’s GCLA set sail from Long Beach port to dock in Ensenada. Once on shore, Captains (as Groove Cruise affectionately refers to its party crowd) were shuttled to an exclusive party held at a cliffside mansion. With 3lau, Autograf and Green Velvet hitting the decks, Captains had a blast as they danced and shuffled all afternoon while the ocean breeze kept them nice and cool. Costumes were in abundance, the PLUR was in full force and gratitude filled the air as DJs did their thing and Captains did theirs.
3lau played music he just finished the night before as well as an unreleased track from Oliver Heldens.
2. Are Those Astronauts on Stage!?! – It sure looked that way as The Dancetronauts absolutely ruled the Anjunabeats Stage during their set. With lasers bouncing off the walls and the Dancetrohotties gracing the stage, all the right pieces were in place to top their awesome performance earlier on the pool deck. The best thing about this late night performance? After they were done and finished breaking down equipment, they stopped to talk with fans as they were carrying boxes out of the theatre. These are some of the nicest guys in the industry who bring incredible performances any and every time they are on stage.
3. Not Your Typical Shuffleboard – This year’s cruise featured a very special tutorial on shuffle dancing with two stars on board, Elena Cruz and Vanesa Seco (with 3lau on the DJ deck providing some timely beats). From teaching the Running Man to the T-step and everything else, these girls not only demonstrated but also circulated the packed crowd and got everyone involved. Give these girls a follow on Instagram today (click their names above) and watch them effortlessly glide back and forth to the rhythm of their hearts.
4. Sharing is Caring – If anyone’s mama ever taught them how to share, it’s definitely the DJs on board Groove Cruise. Guests were routinely brought on stage to mix with friends and bring something entirely new to an eager crowd. 3lau brought up ARTY (also known as ALPHA 9) to play his remix of “Is It love” to the cheers of the crowd. 3lau even shared a brand new track he just finished the night before! Love was definitely in the air as he shared this and more at the mansion party.
5. “I Shake My Little Tush on the Catwalk” – Groove Cruise fashion model, anyone? This year’s cruise featured a fashion model contest leading up to the cruise. Men and women were encouraged to share body positive images and reflections on what makes someone a good representative of the #GCFAM. In true PLUR form, everyone was deemed a winner and encouraged to participate in a late night fashion show. These men and women shook those tushes on the catwalk to the delight of all gathered in the Paris Lounge. And the host, Reace Daniel? He was on a whole other level and made it the madhouse party that it was.
6. Crusher Camp – Groove Cruise always offers various activities on board to give dance fans a bit of respite from the “untz, untz, untz.” Case in point this year was the Crusher Camp, hosted by boot camp coaches Chris “Crusher” Carey and Suzie Carey. They helped limber people up for another night of raging by putting Captains through a great boot camp session. Fans got those butts ready by doing squats and they worked their cores for a night of letting it all out on the dance floor.
7. This Ain’t Bristol, Folks! – Every year, the DJs who are brought together on Groove Cruise always bring their best and newest beats for these fans of house, trance and everything else. However, the crew from This Ain’t Bristol (along with Lee Reynolds from Desert Hearts) took things to an entirely new level. To say that their set was on fire would be an understatement. The way they shared and transitioned seamlessly on the DJ deck was nothing less than awe-inspiring. The crowd loved it…for hours. The only thing we can say is, “Please bring back This Ain’t Bristol” on the next Groove Cruise and then the next and the next after that. You get the point. This Ain’t Bristol is incredible and must be experienced live.
8. The Whet Foundation Charity – If you thought Groove Cruise was all about the music and the sets and the costumes, well, you got it all wrong. At its heart, Groove Cruise is about family. Every year, Groove Cruise adds to that family by continually supporting charitable endeavors that help orphaned and abandoned children to have a better life. As the ship docked early morning in Ensenada, many of the #GCFAM disembarked to go visit this growing family. Even some of the DJs went as well. Convex (read our review of his GCLA set here) told us of his experience with the orphaned children in Ensenada: “I was really stoked to help out with the Destination Donations charity. I got to spend some time with some orphaned and abandoned kids from Mexico. It was really fun hanging out with them…literally kickin’ it. I played some soccer in high school but they showed me I really need to up my game.” For more on the Whet Foundation Charity, click here.
9. “Use the Force, Captain!” As with all Groove Cruises, each deck likes to build a special bond together. This often comes through a singular deck theme that ties everyone on that deck to each other. For example, Deck 7’s Star Wars theme had everyone thinking Jedi, Sith and Carbonite Han Solos. It was great to see strangers soon become friends and family through a unique deck theme. It served to tie people together and give them friendships that will last forever.
10. The PLUR is Real – No matter where you are in life with regard to relationships, physical fitness or family relations, Groove Cruise has always been a place of peace, love, unity and respect. The PLUR is real on this boat, and it continues long after everyone disembarks. If you want to make friends that will relate to you on a whole other level, you might just find them here on Groove Cruise. You’ll be able to dance the night away, encourage one another and even give back with each other to those who are in need. Groove Cruise has everything you need to make memories and friendships that will last forever. PLUR!
Like what you hear about Groove Cruise and want to check it out for yourself? You’re in luck. Groove Cruise Miami sets sail in January and still has cabins available. Grab your tickets here.
If that’s coming up a little too soon, make your way over to Groove Cruise Cabo (setting sail October 2018) and get your tickets while there is still time.
No matter which cruise you choose, you won’t be sorry. See you soon, Captains!
In the meanwhile, check out these sweet moves from Elena Cruz and Vanesa Seco on the deck of GCLA, and have a listen to This Ain’t Bristol below.