70000TONS OF METAL, The Original, The World’s Biggest Heavy Metal Cruise, proudly announces that Public Sales for the 2026 sailing will begin on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at 12:00 PM EDT / 18:00 CET via 70000tons.com. The festival-at-sea continues its tradition of delivering an unforgettable experience with 60 metal bands from around the globe, playing across four stages – including the legendary Pool Deck Stage, The World’s Biggest Open Air Stage Structure to Ever Sail the Open Seas.
In addition to unveiling the Public Sales date, 70000TONS OF METAL is thrilled to confirm the addition of thrash metal icons ANTHRAX to the 2026 lineup. Known for their blistering live performances and genre-defining discography, ANTHRAX will bring their full-throttle energy aboard the legendary festival cruise, delivering two unique sets exclusively for goers.
70000TONS OF METAL 2026 will sail from Miami, FL to Nassau, the Bahamas and back from January 29 through February 2, 2026, aboard Royal Caribbean’s luxury cruise ship Freedom of the Seas. The ship offers round-the-clock entertainment, artist-hosted activities and events, exclusive meet-and-greets, and the unique opportunity for fans to mingle with their metal heroes in a completely immersive environment.
Only 3000 tickets are available to metalheads from around the globe, continuing the festival’s legacy of cultivating a tight-knit, global metal community. Fans are encouraged to book early to secure their place on this epic voyage on the High Seas.
The currently-announced lineup for the 2026 sailing, featuring 38 of the 60 total bands who will deliver amazing performances, is:
AMORPHIS ANTHRAX BEAST IN BLACK DARK TRANQUILLITY DØDHEIMSGARD DUST BOLT ELUVEITIE EREB ALTOR FIREWIND GAMA BOMB GROZA HAGGARD HARAKIRI FOR THE SKY HEATHEN HIRAES HIRAX HOUR OF PENANCE ILLDISPOSED IN MOURNING INSOMNIUM KAMELOT ORDEN OGAN PERSEFONE RHAPSODY OF FIRE SATAN SATURNUS SEVEN SPIRES SKELETAL REMAINS SKYCLAD SOEN SOILWORK SUIDAKRA TÝR VADER VIO-LENCE WIND ROSE WOLF XANDRIA
…And 22 more!
Visit http://www.70000tons.com and follow the @70000tons social media channels for upcoming news about 70000TONS OF METAL 2026, featuring a lineup of top metal bands and exclusive performances and events.
70000TONS OF METAL, The Original, The World’s Biggest Heavy Metal Cruise, has announced a change in the destination for its 2026 voyage. The upcoming edition of the festival at sea, taking place from January 29 to February 2, 2026, will now sail from Miami, Florida to Nassau, the Bahamas aboard Royal Caribbean’s /Freedom of the Seas.
Originally planned to return to Labadee, Haiti, the decision to reroute the journey was made out of an abundance of caution and with the well-being of all Sailors, artists, and crew as the top priority.
“While Labadee has been a great port of call on past sailings, we are closely monitoring the evolving situation in Haiti and its surrounding regions,” said Andy Piller, Skipper of 70000TONS OF METAL. “Ensuring the safety and comfort of our Survivors is non-negotiable. With that in mind, we’ve made the proactive decision to change course for 2026. Nassau provides a welcoming alternative that allows us to maintain the world-class experience our Sailors expect — both on board and ashore.”
Now headed to the vibrant port of Nassau, the Bahamas, Sailors can expect a fresh destination without compromise: a gateway to Bahamian culture, historic charm, and lush tropical beauty. While the port has changed, the signature 70000TONS OF METAL experience remains: 4 days, 60 bands, 4 stages (including the iconic Pool Deck Stage, The World’s Biggest Open Air Stage Structure to Ever Sail the Open Seas), artist-hosted activities, the incomparable All Star Jam, and unparalleled fan access to bands in an environment where music and community reign supreme. The 70000TONS OF METAL crew remains committed to delivering an extraordinary, unparalleled experience for every Sailor.
Coupled with the news of a new destination, the 70000TONS OF METAL Crew have announced the initial lineup for the 2026 sailing. The first 36 of 60 bands who will deliver amazing performances are:
AMORPHIS BEAST IN BLACK DARK TRANQUILLITY DØDHEIMSGARD DUST BOLT ELUVEITIE EREB ALTOR FIREWIND GAMA BOMB GROZA HAGGARD HARAKIRI FOR THE SKY HEATHEN HIRAES HIRAX HOUR OF PENANCE ILLDISPOSED IN MOURNING INSOMNIUM KAMELOT ORDEN OGAN PERSEFONE RHAPSODY OF FIRE SATAN SATURNUS SEVEN SPIRES SKELETAL REMAINS SKYCLAD SOEN SOILWORK SUIDAKRA TÝR VADER VIO-LENCE WIND ROSE XANDRIA
…And 24 more!
Visit http://www.70000tons.com and follow the @70000tons social media channels for the upcoming Public Sales announcement for 70000TONS OF METAL 2026, featuring a lineup of top metal bands and exclusive performances and events.
About 70000TONS OF METAL:
70000TONS OF METAL is The Original, The World’s Biggest Heavy Metal Cruise.
With ten consecutive sellouts since the inaugural voyage in 2011, this extraordinary and unique floating festival now sails on board some of the largest luxury passenger vessels in the world. Featuring 60 Heavy Metal bands from around the globe performing across four stages, 70000TONS OF METAL is home to The World’s Biggest Open Air Stage Structure to Ever Sail the Open Seas.
Guests can enjoy the Heavy Metal festival experience of a lifetime with all the benefits that a cruise has to offer: complimentary fine dining, bars that never close, 24-hour room service, as well as the ship’s many amenities.
All 60 bands on board play twice – and there are four concert locations on board: A concert hall, the Royal Theater, stands tall with five levels. The Star Lounge offers a more personal and local club-like ambiance. Discover the arena-like vibes at Studio B, the third indoor stage available. Lastly, yet undoubtedly the most remarkable, is the Pool Deck Stage: The World’s Biggest Open Air Stage Structure to Ever Sail the Open Seas. This immense stage is accompanied by bars, pools, and even hot tubs that are integrated into the stage itself, allowing guests to indulge in the unique experience of watching their favorite Metal bands while soaking in a hot tub.
This four-day Heavy Metal Music Festival and Caribbean vacation offers 3000 metalheads the amazing opportunity to mingle side-by-side with all of the bands on board. With no VIP areas it truly is like everyone has a backstage pass. Not only do guests have unrestricted festival access to 120+ live performances (all bands play twice), every ticket also includes meet & greets with each band, intimate masterclasses with select musicians, world live premieres and exclusive listening sessions of unreleased material. Guests also have full access to the “Jamming in International Waters All Star Jam” – a one-of-a-kind jam session featuring a host of musical virtuosos performing classic Metal songs together on stage.
Sailors also have the special opportunity to explore a Caribbean dream destination with their favorite band members on an “Artist Escorted Shore Excursion”, another 70000TONS OF METAL exclusive.
For more details about 70000TONS OF METAL 2025, including FAQs, vessel amenities and contact information, please visit https://70000tons.com
Guests and fans are also invited to join the 70000TONS OF METAL community on The 70000TONS OF METAL Official Forum, https://70000tons.com/forum/
There are your standard Heavy Metal festivals – and then there’s 70000TONS OF METAL.
Envision this: Lounging on a Caribbean island, soaking up the sun on a pristine white beach. Later on, you feel the warm wind blowing in your face, now sitting in a hot tub on a giant luxurious cruise ship, in front of The Pool Deck Stage, The World’s Biggest Open Air Structure to Ever Sail the Open Seas. Surrounded by Metal fans from all across the globe (known as the United Nations of Heavy Metal at Sea), you headbang to your favorite band. Sounds perfect? Well, it is. Get ready for 70000TONS OF METAL 2025!
The 13th edition of 70000TONS OF METAL will take place from January 30th to February 3rd, departing from Miami, Florida – Cruise Capital of the World – to Ocho Rios, Jamaica and back aboard the Independence of the Seas.
This unique festival will once more see 60 Heavy Metal bands from various subgenres taking the four stages on board, with 3000 metalheads from around the world in attendance. Every band will play twice during the trip, ramping the total amount of shows played up to 120! 70000TONS OF METAL has revealed 13 of the 60 bands for the 2025 lineup:
*BENIGHTED *(2 special sets playing the “Carnivore Sublime” album and a “Best Of” set) *CANDLEMASS *(celebrating “40 Years Of Doom”) *DELAIN *EMPEROR *(2 special sets: “In the Nightside Eclipse” and “Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk”) *FLOTSAM & JETSAM *(2 special sets: “Doomsday for the Deceiver” and “No Place for Disgrace”) *IN EXTREMO *(2 special “Best Of” Sets as part of their 30th Anniversary Celebration) *KALMAH *(2 special sets playing the “They Will Return” and “Swampsong” albums) *MAJESTICA *SAMAEL *(2 special sets playing the “Ceremony of Opposites” and “Passage” albums) *SEPTICFLESH *STRATOVARIUS *(2 special sets playing the “Visions” album and a “Best Of” set) *TANKARD *THE KOVENANT *(2 special sets playing the “Nexus Polaris” album and a “Best Of” set)
Ocho Rios, the festival’s destination, is located on the north coast of Jamaica, known for its picturesque white-sand beaches and stunning landscapes – including the famous and spectacular Dunn’s River Falls, just west of downtown. After two days of the full Heavy Metal experience on board, it’s time to enjoy the shore day with bamboo rafts, Land Rover® and 90-foot yacht tours, experience the adventure of river-tubing down the White River while basking in the warm sunshine, or embark on an adrenaline-pumping downhill bike ride through picturesque limestone valleys. And there’s more: As a 70000TONS OF METAL sailor, you’ll also have the option to visit Bob Marley’s tomb and enjoy a guided tour of his childhood home led by one of his family members – it’s all up to you! And to top it all off, there will also be Artist Escorted Shore Excursions, where you can share unique experiences with your favorite musicians before returning on board to enjoy complimentary fine dining, bars that never close, 24-hour room service, as well as the ship’s many amenities.
In their ongoing efforts to enhance the Heavy Metal Festival Experience for guests and the environment, the festival organizers are once again offering attendees the option to purchase a Carbon Offset when booking their Private Cabin or Single Ticket for 70000TONS OF METAL 2025. The funds contributed through the Carbon Offset Program go to the Greentrippers Improved Cookstoves in Ghana project: https://www.greentripper.org/en/aboutus/ourclimateprojects
Stay tuned for updates and announcements including sales dates by checking out https://70000tons.com for and the @70000tons social media channels.
About 70000TONS OF METAL
70000TONS OF METAL is The Original, The World’s Biggest Heavy Metal Cruise.
With ten consecutive sellouts since the inaugural voyage in 2011, this extraordinary and unique floating festival now sails on board some of the largest luxury passenger vessels in the world. Featuring 60 world-class Heavy Metal bands from around the globe performing across four stages, 70000TONS OF METAL is home to The World’s Biggest Open Air Stage Structure to sail the Open Seas.
Guests can enjoy the Heavy Metal festival experience of a lifetime with all the benefits that a cruise has to offer: complimentary fine dining, bars that never close, 24-hour room service, as well as the ship’s many amenities.
All 60 bands on board play twice – and there’s four concert locations on board: A concert hall, the Royal Theater, stands tall with five levels. The Star Lounge offers a more personal and local club-like ambiance. Discover the arena-like vibes at Studio B, the third indoor stage available. Lastly, yet undoubtedly the most remarkable, is the Pool Deck Stage: The World’s Biggest Open Air Stage Structure to Sail the Open Seas. This immense stage is accompanied by bars, pools, and even hot tubs that are integrated into the stage itself, allowing guests to indulge in the unique experience of watching their favorite metal bands while soaking in a hot tub.
This four-day Heavy Metal Music Festival and Caribbean vacation offers 3000 metalheads the amazing opportunity to mingle side-by-side with all of the bands on board. With no VIP areas it truly is like everyone has a backstage pass. Not only do guests have unrestricted festival access to 120+ live performances (all bands play twice), every ticket also includes meet & greets with every band, intimate masterclasses with select musicians and exclusive live & listening premieres. Guests also have full access to the “Jamming in International Waters All Star Jam” – a one-of-a-kind jam session featuring a host of musical virtuosos performing classic metal songs together on stage.
Sailors also have the special opportunity to explore a Caribbean dream destination with their favorite band members on an “Artist Escorted Shore Excursion”, another 70000TONS OF METAL exclusive.
For more details about 70000TONS OF METAL 2025, including FAQs, vessel amenities and contact information, please visit https://70000tons.com
The organizers of 70000TONS OF METAL have announced the public sales date for the twelfth edition of The Original, The World’s Biggest Heavy Metal Cruise.
Public Sales will start Tuesday, June 27th 2023 at 12PM EDT for the upcoming voyage that will sail on January 29th to February 2nd, 2024 from Miami, FL to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic and back.
Every attendee receives unrestricted festival access to 120+ shows and special onboard events: meet & greets with every band, unique and intimate masterclasses with select musicians, exclusive live album premieres, listening sessions and more. Guests will also have the chance to explore Puerto Plata with their favorite bands on a selection of “Artist Escorted Shore Excursions”, where fans have the opportunity to join band members on expeditions like snorkeling, kayaking, boat tours and more.
Sailing onboard Freedom of the Seas, 60 bands will perform across four stages, including the colossal Pool Deck Stage – The World’s Biggest Open Air Stage structure to sail the Open Seas. Guests can watch their favorite Heavy Metal bands perform from the comfort of a hot tub with a cocktail in their hand. The 156+ ton cruise ship features a host of other onboard amenities, bars and lounges, and complimentary dining options.
The lineup to date includes: ABORTED, ANGRA, BLIND GUARDIAN, BLOOD RED THRONE, CRYPTA, DRACONIAN, EPICA, EQUILIBRIUM, GRAVE DIGGER, INFECTED RAIN, LORD OF THE LOST, MYSTIC PROPHECY, NANOWAR OF STEEL, NERVOSA, NILE, OMNIUM GATHERUM, SAOR, SODOM, THE HALO EFFECT, THYRFING, UNLEASHED, WARKINGS. 38 and more will be announced.
60 bands, 4 days, 1 cruise ship, and only 3000 tickets.
A reminder for headbangers around the Globe that Public Sales for Round 11 of 70000TONS OF METAL, The Original, The World’s Biggest Heavy Metal Cruise are now live.
Always innovating the dynamics of floating festivals – most notably with their Pool Deck Stage: The World’s Biggest Open Air Stage structure to sail the Open Seas – the festival organizers have partnered with Greentripper for a new climate initiative. Guests attending the festival will have the opportunity to offset their Carbon footprint by purchasing an optional Carbon Offset when booking.
Greentripper is an initiative of CO2logic, a reliable organization with more than 12 years of experience in climate consulting and the development of climate projects. They work with climate projects that meet the most stringent international standards such as the Gold Standard and VCS.
The projects are examined annually to ensure that their impact on climate change is truly effective. Carbon credits are issued in this certified system per tonne of CO2 actually reduced. These credits are placed in a register and withdrawn once they are sold, to ensure that they are sold only once.
The eleventh voyage of 70000TONS OF METAL will take place January 30 – February 3, 2023 and sail from Miami, Florida to Bimini, Bahamas and back on board the Freedom of the Seas.
Ticket prices start at USD 966.00 plus taxes and fees per person.
Bands announced to date include ABYSMAL DAWN, AMORPHIS, CYNIC, DECREPIT BIRTH, DESTRUCTION, EVERGREY, FALLUJAH, FEUERSCHWANZ, FRACTAL UNIVERSE, INSOMNIUM, JUNGLE ROT, KAMELOT, KORPIKLAANI, KREATOR, MǺNEGARM, MELECHESH, NIGHTMARE, NIGHTWISH, NOVEMBRE, OBSCURA, OCEANS OF SLUMBER, ROTTING CHRIST, SIRENIA, ULI JON ROTH, VISIONS OF ATLANTIS, and WARBRINGER.
Public Sales for the eleventh voyage of 70000TONS OF METAL, The Original, The World’s Biggest Heavy Metal Cruise, will start Wednesday, November 30, 2022 at 12PM EST (9AM PST, 18:00 CET and respectively 17:00 GMT).
Round 11 will sail from Miami, Florida to Bimini, Bahamas and back from January 30 – February 3, 2023 on board the Freedom of the Seas.
Bands announced to date include ABYSMAL DAWN, AMORPHIS, CYNIC, DECREPIT BIRTH, DESTRUCTION, EVERGREY, FALLUJAH, FEUERSCHWANZ, FRACTAL UNIVERSE, INSOMNIUM, JUNGLE ROT, KAMELOT, KORPIKLAANI, KREATOR, MǺNEGARM, MELECHESH, NIGHTMARE, NIGHTWISH, NOVEMBRE, OBSCURA, OCEANS OF SLUMBER, ROTTING CHRIST, SIRENIA, ULI JON ROTH, VISIONS OF ATLANTIS, and WARBRINGER.
Every Artist will perform two sets on board. In addition to 120+ performances, all festival-goers have access to the Official 70000TONS OF METAL All Star Jam, meet & greets with every band, exclusive onboard premieres, Artist clinics & workshops, Artist Escorted Shore Excursions and more.
Ticket prices start at USD 966.00 plus taxes and fees per person.
The 70000TONS OF METAL festival organizers have also announced a new partnership with Greentripper. Guests who attend the festival next January will have the opportunity to offset their Carbon footprint by purchasing an optional Carbon Offset when booking.
Greentripper is an initiative of CO2logic, a reliable organization with more than 12 years of experience in climate consulting and the development of climate projects. They work with climate projects that meet the most stringent international standards such as the Gold Standard and VCS.
The projects are examined annually to ensure that their impact on climate change is truly effective. Carbon credits are issued in this certified system per tonne of CO2 actually reduced. These credits are placed in a register and withdrawn once they are sold, to ensure that they are sold only once.
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