70000 Tons of Metal Alters 2026 Voyage to Nassau Amid Haiti Instability – 12 July 2025

The 70000 Tons of Metal festival cruise has announced a significant itinerary change for its 2026 edition. Originally scheduled to sail from Miami to Labadee, Haiti, aboard Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas, the four-day voyage will now reroute to Nassau, Bahamas, departing January 29 and returning 2 February 2026. The decision reflects ongoing security concerns and instability in Haiti, with organisers prioritising attendee safety while preserving the festival's full performance schedule.

The vessel and core festival experience remain unchanged, with over 60 bands confirmed across four stages. Nassau, selected as the alternative destination, offers cultural significance as home to recording studios used by legendary metal acts including Iron Maiden.

Festival organisers cited escalating security concerns and instability in Haiti as the primary reason for cancelling the Labadee port call. Andy Piller, festival organiser, confirmed that guest safety and seamless festival logistics were key drivers in selecting Nassau as the alternative destination. The reroute maintains the four-day voyage structure and round-trip departure from Miami, Florida, bringing the festival back to Nassau for the first time in several years.

The 70000 Tons of Metal festival maintains its full programming despite the destination change. The event features over 60 bands performing across four stages, including the iconic open-air pool deck stage. Confirmed artists in the first wave of announcements include Amorphis, Eluveitie, Kamelot, Dark Tranquillity, and Insomnium. Programming includes the All-Star Jam, artist meet-and-greets, and collaborative events that define the metal cruise experience.

The reroute is confirmed and final. Freedom of the Seas remains the hosting vessel, and all festival elements proceed as planned under the new Nassau itinerary. The decision reinforces the event's adaptability and commitment to delivering a world-class metal experience while addressing real-world security challenges in the Caribbean region.