ShipRocked celebrated its 15th voyage this past January aboard the Carnival Magic, delivering another unforgettable rock and metal music cruise. With an all-star lineup featuring Parkway Drive, Hollywood Undead, Nothing More, The Struts, and over two dozen more electrifying performers, the festival set sail for stops in St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas. Alongside the music, the ship was packed with daily activities, band-led events, and sixteen meet-and-greet sessions, making ShipRocked an unparalleled festival experience.
Day 1: Setting the Bar High
Despite the first official performance not kicking off until 4:45 PM, Hollywood Undead wasted no time igniting the party. Their setlist of hits, a rousing cover of Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline, and an onstage guitar performance from a young fan set the tone for an epic five days of music and camaraderie.
The opening day’s schedule was packed, making it impossible to catch every act. Atreyu rocked the deck stage early in the evening, drawing an enthusiastic crowd, while P.O.D. filled the theater with high-energy nostalgia, proving that time had only sharpened their skill. Over in the Aft Lounge, Hawk, the side project of Ice Nine Kills’ Rick Armellino, performed to an overflowing audience eager to witness their raw power live.
A personal highlight of the day was Nothing More’s deck performance. Despite having seen them multiple times, this set stood out. Their setlist included collaborations with Sonny from P.O.D., Heidi from Butcher Babies, and Brandon from Atreyu, culminating in a stunning rendition of House on Sand featuring Eric from I Prevail. The night closed with an electrifying after-midnight set by Silly Goose, ensuring the momentum carried into the next day.
Photo Credit: Marie-Christine Quirion
Day 2: Music, Games, and Unforgettable Moments
After six years of sailing, I finally got my hands on the coveted ShipRocked 666 robe—a dream for many festival veterans whom must sail 6 times in their life to obtain. Meanwhile, ten-year veterans were honored with a commemorative plaque, and the lifers—those who had attended every sailing since its inception—received a stunning retro bar light with the 2025 Skully logo.
One of the most entertaining non-music events was a Family Feud-style game featuring Parkway Drive and Hollywood Undead, showcasing the playful camaraderie among bands. ShipRocked isn’t just about music; it’s a full-scale interactive experience with band-hosted events like beer pong, dodgeball, trivia, bingo, and superstar karaoke.
Musically, Goodbye June brought a vintage rock flair to the deck stage, and The Glorious Sons represented Canada proudly with a set filled with fan favorites. However, my biggest gamble of the night was skipping performances to secure a spot for comedian Big Jay Oakerson’s show in the theater. His no-holds-barred comedy had the crowd in stitches, proving that ShipRocked’s entertainment isn’t confined to just music either.
Parkway Drive’s first set of the cruise was everything fans hoped for and more. Their thunderous presence and undeniable chemistry with the crowd solidified their status as one of the most beloved ShipRocked headliners. While I opted for some much-needed rest, others gathered at the intimate piano bar, where surprise performances, including Luke Spiller from The Struts delivering Bohemian Rhapsody, created legendary late-night moments.
Photo Credit: Marie-Christine Quirion
Day 3: Meet-and-Greets and Non-Stop Music
Wednesday started with back-to-back meet-and-greets, the only chance for many fans to snap photos with their favorite bands. One of the most impressive moments of the day was witnessing Jason Hook from Flat Black power through his commitments despite battling an illness, delivering both a warm fan interaction and an incredible live set that evening.
That night was pure chaos—in the best way possible. Devour the Day rocked the Aft Lounge, The Struts electrified the main stage, and Nothing More delivered another theater performance that had fans packed shoulder to shoulder. The night’s theme, ‘80s Prom Night, saw ShipRockers decked out in vintage attire for the legendary prom pageant contest, proving once again that this crowd knows how to party.
Photo Credit: Marie-Christine Quirion
Day 4: St. Thomas Stop & High-Energy Performances
After two full days at sea, stepping onto solid ground in St. Thomas was a welcome change. Docked between a retirement cruise and a Disney Cruise ship, ShipRockers proudly hoisted their banner and blasted rock music as we took over local breweries, distilleries, and beaches. While the island was stunning, the highlight of the day was returning to the ship just in time to watch the sunset, a breathtaking sight.
Back onboard, the traditional post-port Stowaways jam session featured 20+ musicians covering ‘80s rock anthems. Jesse Leach from Killswitch Engage’s rendition of Love is a Battlefield and Joey Belladonna from Anthrax belting Jump by Van Halen were standout performances. Later, Buckcherry took the theater stage, delivering a wild set filled with theatrics and classic hits, while Hollywood Undead continued to prove they were headliner material with another dynamic show on the main deck stage.
Photo Credit: Marie-Christine Quirion
Day 5: Half Moon Cay Beach Party & Final Night Madness
ShipRocked’s second island stop at Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas was a sun-soaked, high-energy experience. Bands played on the beach, and Silly Goose took full advantage of the setting, inciting a massive mosh pit in the sand and water—a surreal moment for a metal concert.
Back on board, the second Stowaways set delivered a night of ‘80s rock classics, featuring covers of Mötley Crüe, Scorpions, Aerosmith, Def Leppard, and Nine Inch Nails. Though Parkway Drive closed out the main stage with an explosive second set, the true finale was the all-night party spread across various bars and lounges, complete with DJ sets, pole dancers, and spontaneous artist interactions.
Photo Credit: Marie-Christine Quirion
Final Thoughts: A Family Unlike Any Other
As the week came to an end, saying goodbye to my ShipRocked family was bittersweet. This was my sixth sailing, and it reinforced why this experience is unlike any other festival. The bands, while incredible, are just one piece of the magic. The real heart of ShipRocked is the community—a family of rock fans from all over the world who come together to celebrate their passion.
While the cruise sells out every year, last-minute spots do open up, as plans change. If you’re thinking about joining this unforgettable journey in 2026, keep an eye on the lineup announcement this summer and visit the official ShipRocked website here for more details. One thing’s for sure—once you sail, you’re a part of the family forever.
Photo Credit: Marie-Christine Quirion
