Your Complete Guide to Surviving (and Thriving) on Groove Cruise
GoOoOoOoOoD MOORRRNNIINNGG GRRROOOVVVEE CCRRRUUIISEEEERRRSS
Raving on a cruise ship sounds like a dream, right? Because it totally is the most fantastical magical experience ever and I would recommend it 12/10. I was lucky enough to go on Groove Cruise Cabo this year with the Freedom Rave Wear Fam. Although we were supposed to go to Cabo, we were rerouted to Ensenada instead due to weather issues. Shout out to Norwegian Cruise Line and Whet Travel for accommodating this switch to ensure our safety.
If you're planning your first Groove Cruise adventure, this guide will help you pack smart, stay comfortable, and make the most of every single moment at sea. Trust me - these tips come from real experience, including a few lessons learned the hard way.
First Day Boarding: Don't Make Our Mistake
Something to keep in mind for boarding the first day is that people dress up to the nines. Makenna, Rylan and I were not aware of this and we wore regular clothes to board. When we got there we had wished we put a little more thought into what we were wearing. Think of boarding day as your first opportunity to express yourself - break out those festival tops or a statement piece that shows you came to party.
Also, many people tend to have really glittery and decorated captains hats. That is definitely something I want for my next Groove Cruise. The captain's hat has become an unofficial Groove Cruise tradition, and decorating yours is a fun way to stand out and start conversations before you even set sail.
The Luggage Waiting Game
Here's a pro tip that will save your first night: your checked luggage might not get to your room until very late at night. It is a good idea to bring your makeup and night one outfit in your carry-on so that you don't have to wait for your bags to get to your room. Pack a complete look - including shoes, accessories, and all your beauty essentials - in a bag you can access immediately. Nothing kills the pre-cruise excitement like sitting in your cabin waiting for luggage when everyone else is already dancing on the pool deck.
Packing Essentials: What You Actually Need
Overpack Your Outfits (Trust Me On This)
Something I did that I am very happy about was overpack. I brought miscellaneous extra rave outfits and I was able to help dress my friends throughout the weekend. Between multiple themed parties, spontaneous deck sessions, and the inevitable "I have nothing to wear" moments, you'll be grateful for those extra rave bodysuits and rave shorts. Plus, becoming the fairy godmother of festival fashion for your crew creates some of the best bonding moments.
The Random Stuff That Saves the Day
Another thing I would recommend bringing if you are a spaz like I am is bandaids. The first night, I ended up cutting myself very badly and it was a mission to find a bandaid on board. Bring just a few in case you do something silly so that you aren't bleeding everywhere. LOL.
Beyond bandaids, consider packing: blister patches (all that dancing adds up), safety pins (festival fashion emergencies happen), a small sewing kit, hair ties, bobby pins, and portable phone chargers. These small items take up minimal space but can be absolute lifesavers when you need them.
Layer Up for Temperature Changes
For those of you that get chilly, the temperature drops, especially at sea. I would recommend bringing a cute jacket or two that match with your outfits. Because we all know you wanna look poppin' and don't want to cover that cute 'fit with a hoodie. The ocean breeze at night can be surprisingly cold, especially if you're dancing on the upper decks. Look for lightweight jackets or festival pashminas that complement your vibe without hiding your carefully curated looks.
Making the Most of Your Cruise Experience
Connect With Your Cruise Fam
Don't be afraid to meet new people. Put yourself out there because Groove Cruise attracts a very eclectic group of people. You can make connections that last a lifetime. The beauty of a cruise festival is that you're sailing with the same community for days - you'll see familiar faces at every stage, every meal, every sunrise set. These aren't just festival friends you'll lose in the crowd; these are people you'll actually get to know.
Explore Every Stage and Space
Another thing to keep in mind is to check out all the stages. Don't be stagnant. Walk around and experience all that you can. Step out of your box and manifest your own destiny. Groove Cruise typically features multiple stages with different vibes - from intimate acoustic sessions to massive pool deck parties. Challenge yourself to catch at least one set at every venue. You might discover your new favorite artist in the smallest room on the ship.
Participate in the Activities
While on board, there are many activities hosted by DJs at your disposal. This is something that I wish we had taken part in. For my next Groove Cruise, I want to make a point to get more involved. From yoga sessions with producers to pool parties with your favorite DJs, these daytime activities offer unique ways to connect with artists beyond their sets. Check the daily schedule as soon as it's posted and mark the activities you don't want to miss.
Create Those Special Moments
One of the best parts, in my opinion, was bonding with the FRW and Fancy Unicorn Fam over a nice sit-down dinner. The regular cafeteria food isn't bad at all, but being together while sharing a 3-course meal with my friends was something I am very happy we did. I would say the best night to do this is the last night. Your group can sit down together, talk about all that you have experienced and give thanks for this beautiful trip of a lifetime. It's a good time to really take it all in and get excited for the final night of cruising and grooving.
These quiet moments of connection balance out the high-energy party atmosphere. They're the memories you'll cherish just as much as the main stage moments - maybe even more.
Final Thoughts: You're Ready to Set Sail
Overall Groove Cruise was the most amazing, bonding festival experience I have ever had the pleasure of embarking on. Everyone on it made the experience so special and I will for sure be going on another one in the future. If you're looking for the perfect rave wear for your next cruise or festival, check out our collection of festival bodysuits and rave tops that will keep you looking incredible all weekend long.
Whether you're a first-time cruiser or a Groove Cruise veteran, remember: the best festival experiences happen when you're prepared, open to connection, and ready to dance like nobody's watching (even though everyone definitely is, and you look amazing).
Want to see some of the awesomeness that went down?! The link below is us being silly on the last day, courtesy of Rave Train.
Recap Video:
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