70000 Tons Of Metal, the original, the world’s biggest heavy metal cruise, has announced a change in the destination for its 2026 voyage. The upcoming edition of the festival at sea, taking place from January 29 to February 2, 2026, will now sail from Miami, Florida, to Nassau, the Bahamas aboard Royal Caribbean’s Freedom Of The Seas.
Originally planned to return to Labadee, Haiti, the decision to reroute the journey was made out of an abundance of caution and with the well-being of all sailors, artists, and crew as the top priority.
“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 and organizer of 70000 Tons 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.”
Now headed to the vibrant port of Nassau, the Bahamas, sailors can expect a fresh destination without compromise: a gateway to Bahamian culture, historic charm, and lush tropical beauty. While the port has changed, the signature 70000 Tons Of Metal experience remains: four days, 60 bands, four stages (including the iconic pool deck stage, the world’s biggest open air stage structure to ever sail the open seas),artist-hosted activities, the incomparable all-star jam, and unparalleled fan access to bands in an environment where music and community reign supreme. The 70000 Tons Of Metal crew remains committed to delivering an extraordinary, unparalleled experience for every sailor.
Coupled with the news of a new destination, the 70000 Tons Of Metal crew has announced the initial lineup for the 2026 sailing. The first 27 of 60 bands who will deliver amazing performances are:
- 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
Visit 70000tons.com and follow the @70000tons social media channels for the upcoming public sales announcement for 70000 Tons Of Metal 2026, featuring a lineup of top metal bands and exclusive performances and events.
70000 Tons Of Metal is the original, the world’s biggest heavy metal cruise. With ten consecutive sellouts since the inaugural voyage in 2011, this extraordinary and unique floating festival now sails on board some of the largest luxury passenger vessels in the world. Featuring 60 heavy metal bands from around the globe performing across four stages, 70000 Tons Of Metal is home to the world’s biggest open-air stage structure to ever sail the open seas.
