Half a year to go. Half of the bands have been announced. It is time to once again get amped for the annual heavy metal cruise, 70000 Tons of Metal. Returning for its 14th iteration in international waters, this floating festival like no other is set to have its biggest year yet. Kicking off the announcements on June 30th with Melodic Death Metal staples “Dark Tranquility”, and following up with big announcements in “Eluveitie”, “Insomnium”, “Windrose”, and “Soilwork”, the line-up already has many well-known bands along with repeat “boat favourites”. Among many more announcements of great bands that have been parts brutal, symphonic, thrashy, melodic, folky, and just fun, there’s something for everyone, even if they’re unfamiliar with some of the bands. I couldn’t count the number of times I walked by a stage and got pulled into watching a band I had never heard of, or even thought I’d be skipping.
Originally, the 2026 cruise was to set sail to Haiti, but the organizers decided to change course. For the first time, the festival on the Freedom of the Seas is visiting Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas. A beautiful city with both a rich and dark history, including its role in the heart of the “Golden Age of Piracy”. Once docked, there will be much to do in and around the city. Visit pristine beaches, the world-renowned resort of Atlantis, coral reefs, or even Royal Caribbean’s brand new (set to open December 2025) all-inclusive “Royal Beach Club Paradise Island” will be available to the guests of the cruise. On top of that, tailored excursions with specific bands are made available to sailors closer to the cruise.
I can’t f*cking wait. I was set to return last year, but this past January, I had a fetus brutally ripped from my abdomen (a beautiful, fully-developed baby healthily delivered via Caesarian section). That baby has since become the light of my life, but the boat still beckons. The cruise is still calling. The 10 AM to 6 AM metal mayhem awaits. The greatest festival on water is coming on January 28th, 2026. It may seem far away, but the second half of this wait is going to pass as quickly as the first. So book your cabin as soon as you can at https://70000tons.com, and be sure to join the Unofficial community on Facebook for details and discussion amongst Survivors and first-timers alike at https://www.facebook.com/groups/692202747497330
If you can’t make it this year, keep your eyes peeled for interviews and a full review of the 2026 edition… and book your cabin as early as possible for 2027!
