#soon Will be soon for the 70,000 tons of Metal Cruise Family from all over the World!

I have been attending 70,000 Tons of Metal since 2015. I have gone every year in a row minus the year it didn't happen due to Covid. Some of us, I suppose, got lucky that the cruise in 2020 ended in February as March was when things started to shut down around the World.

I can't even pinpoint many specific "favorite moments" except for a few as, in all, the entire fest is the most addictive and fun fest I have ever banged my head at each year. Most 70k boat family feel the same, as many of us are repeat customers, or as the cruise calls it, "survivors".

Some highlights for me was the Finnish Ballet performing an entire set with Finnish melodic death/goth metal band Swallow The Sun. As a dancer of 20 years, I have been envisioning and praying that a metal band would incorporate dancers at some point. I was in tears, literally, while watching/photographing this performance as it's been a dream for me to see for sooooo long in my life. (I wish I was still talented and in shape enough to have been a dancer in something like this, even though I have danced for some other bands, including Atlanta's goth/doomy band Dead Register).

Also, the never forgotten famous Pickachu pit during the Kalmah pool deck set. Those guys in those blow up costumes are all from Costa Rica and I met them on my 1st year attending the boat. So kuddos to those Costa Ricans.

People who think metalheads are all angry people would be shocked to hear about things that also happen like the Origin performance where there is a sea of metalheads having a pillow fight in the pit; all of which was pre-organized, or the death metal wall where everyone hugs.

One the best annual "photo hunting" egg hunts is everyone snapping photos of where everyone passes out. Everyone is so exhausted that we all fall asleep in various forms and places on the boat. It's a non-stop party so it's sometimes needed! We love sharing these photos with each other after the event.

One of the most random and ridiculous things that happen on the boat are the "elevator parties" where you can see people bringing chairs and playing cards or just hanging out like sardines being silly as they go up and down for hours. This I have never seen at any other event and joyfully join in on.

And who can forget the "costume day" as the last full day before we dock back in Miami. It's a joy to see everyone's creativity with their wares and extra enjoyable when some of the bands join in during their sets.

All in all, the best part of the 70K experience is the yearly metal family reunion. So many people come from all corners of the World and often come back each year. I have never stopped meeting new and interesting people from different countries, while also getting to hug and catch up with family that return each year.

Shout out to Doro who also puts on the the "Heavy Metal Beach Party" pre-parties in Miami for us all before the boat actually leaves the port. Some of us are already partied out from those pre-parties thanks to these events! Highlights are the annual group photo on South Beach when the beach is overcome with black t-shirts and battle vests of the 70k goers. Also, the karaoke at the hotel, The Clevelandar, is not to be missed along with the metal show Doro also puts together at the hotel on a separate night.

I have photographed every year I have been on the boat since 2015, and it is the most fun I have photographing at fests. I am inching up on that "black card" = 10 years or more of 70k, and proud to say it!

I asked some boat fam about who they are excited or want to see play this year. It is always an ongoing guessing and praying game! And those that know, all of it is a #soon struggle. (Names removed for privacy)

1. 
   

That ballet show was incredible. I assumed they were going to take it on tour after that, but it appears to be a truly unique 70K experience.

I'm psyched about seeing Haggard, Eluveitie, Sevenspires, Wind Rose, and Xandria - but really my favorite part is the lesser-known bands they book later in the process. There is always some gold there.

2. 
   

So far, Kamelot is still my number one pick. Yes, I've seen them on the boat 3 different years now (usually double sets, except one year where there was a fascinating bagpipe clinic at the same time), but they are always a great show and great music. Two bands on this year that I have not seen before and I am really looking forward to are Firewind and Beast In Black.

And there are a bunch of other bands I'm looking forward to as well, such as Seven Spires who were amazing on the boat in 2018. ~sigh~ and we are only halfway through the band list. Andy ALWAYS manages to find new-to-me bands that blow me away.

3. 
   

All very good bands, but I think Persefone takes the cake for me this year. It’s been too long since they have been on and they had so much trouble at their first set.

Groza has been an absolutely insane discovery so far and I’m looking forward to see them live.

4. 
   

S.P. agree on groza. Hadn't listened to them before and I'm almost ashamed they escaped my radar. One of the top shows I'm looking forward to

5. 
   

Beyond any shadow of a doubt, Hour of Penance is the band I am most looking forward to. They are probably my absolute favorite death metal band these days and I still haven’t seen them live. This is a fucking dream!!! Besides them, always down to see Dark tranquility and Vader again.

I would love if they would announce Mnemic. They’ve recently reunited and have been playing festivals and I would LOVE to see them tear up the pool stage!

6. 
   

Amorphis #1 for me.

how about some Bloodywood, Orbit culture, Ladrones, Lorna Shore

It's worth it to share a float with 60 metal bands from around the World and also to reconvene with metal family. I hope to run into some "survivors" at the Wyndjammer for our daily buffet on this upcoming 2026 boat!

#boatboatboat

The next cruise is Jan.29-Feb.2, 2026!

- - Emily Harris