Emo’s not dead; look to When We Were Young’s lineup or Haley Williams’ continued existence for confirmation. Just to make sure though, the Emo’s Not Dead Cruise returns in 2024, putting a good chunk of what remains of “emo” out to sea. Genre giants Yellowcard headline the week, with a full lineup of men — now in their thirties and forties — in tight black pants with them. I’m assuming the band, fresh off of a six-year hiatus, finally realized the “place off Ocean Avenue” they’ve been looking for since 2003 is an island in the Bahamas.
Leaving from Miami, this cruise — the full name is Emo’s Not Dead Cruise 2024: Sailed On A Sea Of Tears — heads to Great Stirrup Cay at the end of February with a few thousand millennials NOT dressed for the weather. They spent way too much money on flannels in 2008 and they’re going in the suitcase, dammit. The festival does provide a disclaimer: “skinny jeans and studded belts not required.”
Performances fill much of the week spent at sea before reaching The Bahamas. Apart from Yellowcard, this year’s lineup consists of 2000s emo superstars, from rock band Sleeping With Sirens to emo playlist staples Mayday Parade. Besides live performances, there’s plenty of Emo to go around, from live band karaoke to an Emo Social (aptly titled Dance Now, Cry Later) and Crytanic, the ship’s string quartet. Though it will be hard to escape music once you’re onboard, other activities include a belly flop contest, a drinking triathlon and a dodgeball tournament. Not falling off the ship is as much a part of the game as avoiding balls.
The Specs
- A few thousand passengers attended the first cruise in 2022. Tickets for 2024 have already sold out.
- Prices depend on cabin size and start at $770 and range up to $6,071.
- All concerts and meals for the week are included in the price of the cruise.
- Read Fifty Grande’s guide to the best things to do in Miami here.
FAQs
Where does the ship depart from?
Emo’s Not Dead leaves and returns to port in Miami, Florida.
When does the fest begin?
The trip on the Norwegian Pearl leaves Miami on February 26 and heads to a private island in the Bahamas.
Where is the nearest airport?
Miami International Airport (MIA) is the closest to the port.
Is other transportation available?
No.
When is the pre-sale?
Public on-sale began on May 16, 2023. Pre-sales were May 9-14.
What happens if I need to attend a different music festival that week?
Refunds are not available, however, the cruise does offer travel insurance.
Who founded this music festival?
The founder is Matt Cutshall (aka Your Broken Hero). Sixthman produces the event.
Who’s playing the fest?
2024’s lineup includes Yellowcard, Sleeping With Sirens, Mayday Parade, Story Of The Year, August Burns Red, Senses Fail, The Devil Wears Prada, Blessthefall, Secondhand Serenade, Charlotte Sands, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Armor For Sleep, Madina Lake and Reclaim The Fallen.
In the past, the lineup has included Dashboard Confessional, Underoath, New Found Glory, Plain White T’s, Hawthorne Heights, Emery, Silverstein and others.
Wait, I thought My Chemical Romance was playing?
My Chemical Romance, Paramore, Avril Lavigne and The All-American Rejects were on the bill for When We Were Young, but not this cruise.
I thought the cruise began in Los Angeles?
It has in the past gone from L.A. to Ensenada, Mexico, though this year it goes from Miami to Great Stirrup Cay.
2024 Poster
Playlist
Videos
