70000TONS OF METAL, the world’s premier heavy metal cruise, is set to chart a new course for its 2026 edition. Scheduled to sail from January 29 to February 2, 2026, the festival at sea will now cruise from Miami, Florida to Nassau, Bahamas aboard Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas. This change replaces the previously planned stop at Labadee, Haiti, with the decision driven by ongoing regional instability.
“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.”
Known for its four-day, non-stop celebration of all things metal, 70000TONS OF METAL promises fans a unique festival experience that blends live performances with the luxury and adventure of a cruise vacation. The 2026 sailing will once again feature 60 bands performing across four stages, including the renowned open-air Pool Deck Stage.
The first wave of bands announced for the 2026 lineup includes an eclectic mix of metal heavyweights and underground favorites:
- Amorphis
- Beast In Black
- Dark Tranquillity
- Dødheimsgard
- Eluveitie
- Ereb Altor
- Firewind
- Gama Bomb
- Groza
- Haggard
- Harakiri for the Sky
- Heathen
- Hiraes
- Hirax
- Hour of Penance
- Insomnium
- Kamelot
- Orden Ogan
- Persefone
- Rhapsody of Fire
- Saturnus
- Seven Spires
- Skeletal Remains
- Týr
- Vio-Lence
- Wind Rose
- Xandria
An additional 33 bands are yet to be announced, promising a fully packed and diverse lineup that spans the vast spectrum of metal subgenres. For lineup updates, cabin bookings, and more information, visit the official 70000TONS OF METAL website.
