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Introduction
Organisers of the renowned 70000 Tons of Metal cruise have announced a major itinerary change for their 2026 edition. Originally set to sail from Miami to Labadee, Haiti, aboard Freedom of the Seas, the four-day voyage will now reroute to Nassau, Bahamas, in response to ongoing unrest in Haiti. The announcement prioritizes attendee safety and preserves the festival’s full performance schedule.
Details of the Reroute
Reason for the Change:
- Instability and escalating security concerns in Haiti prompted the cancellation of the Labadee port call.
- Festival organiser Andy Piller stated that guest safety and seamless festival logistics were key drivers in selecting Nassau as the alternative.
New Routing Details:
- The 2026 voyage will now run from January 29 to February 2, sailing round-trip from Miami, Florida to Nassau, Bahamas.
- The ship, Freedom of the Seas, remains unchanged as the hosting vessel.
- This adjustment brings the festival back to Nassau for the first time in several years.
Festival Experience:
- Despite the change in destination, the core elements remain unchanged: over 60 bands across four stages, including the iconic open-air pool deck stage.
- Fan favorites such as Amorphis, Eluveitie, Kamelot, Dark Tranquillity, and Insomnium were confirmed in the first wave of artist announcements.
- Programming includes the All-Star Jam, artist meet-and-greets, and collaborative events that make the metal cruise unique.
Significance of the Change:
- Nassau’s deep musical heritage—home to studios used by icons like Iron Maiden—adds thematic depth to the voyage.
- The decision ensures smooth logistics and cultural engagement without compromising the energy or programming of the event.
- Rerouting reinforces the event’s adaptability and commitment to delivering a world-class metal experience while addressing real-world challenges.