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The Hindu
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
70000TONS of Metal to rock the high seas again
Bengaluru might be the only city in India to have a festival dedicated to international heavy metal (the Bangalore Open Air, for the uninitiated), but occasionally, there are reasons to look elsewhere, especially when it is an experiential and getaway music festival all rolled into one, like 70000TONS of Metal. The cruise festival held in the beginning of 2025, sailing from Miami to Ocho Rios in Jamaica and back, has now announced its 14th voyage. From January 29 to February 2, 2026, the festival will set sail from Miami to Nassau in the Bahamas. With the tickets now live, the initial lineup for the upcoming edition includes veteran metal bands such as Dark Tranquillity, Eluveitie, Kamelot, Skeletal Remains and Gama Bomb, plus acts like Harakiri for the Sky. At the 2025 edition, the draw for 70000TONS of Metal was obvious for anyone in that side of the world — Miami was a pleasant (and occasionally warm) 25 °C when most of Europe and even other parts of the United States were freezing at the end of January. Europeans and Americans are in the majority among a total of 81 nationalities aboard the Independence of the Seas, the ship that housed 3,006 guests. On the high seas On a luxury cruise, whose gross tonnage is actually over 155,000 tons, the festival name is a reference to the massive lineup of 61 bands. Everything is comfortable and within reach as long as you can afford it. While 70000TONS of Metal can boast about being the world's biggest heavy metal cruise due to the number of bands and attendees, there are several cruises that bring heavy metal to fans around the world. There is ShipRocked in the United States, Full Metal Cruise in Europe's Baltic sea, Headbangers Boat that goes from Miami to Mexico, Monsters of Rock also in North America and debuting in October 2026, Australia's very first metal cruise, Hellbound, that is already sold out. It is clear to see how the premium aspects of music festivals are only now making their way into heavy music experiences, perhaps because metalheads had this stereotype of being unfussy — ply them with good beer and food, a solid lineup of bands and they would be happy campers. Founder of 70000TONS of Metal, Andy Piller says the earliest challenge he faced was, in fact, finding a cruise line that was willing to host metalheads. 'For many people, there is a stigma attached to heavy metal ('crazy people with black leather jackets and tattoos'). When you meet metal fans, you realise they are some of the nicest people around.' Is he worried more metal cruises will set sail, emulating the success of his festival? 'I always say competition is good for business. We are still the biggest one by a good margin. We are still the leading light,' Andy says. Among the many things they are doing to evolve and stay unique for ticket buyers is to have a 'family atmosphere,' he says, adding, 'There are no backstage or VIP areas. I wanted to make this fan and artiste-friendly, with a musician-to-fan ratio of one to 10.' 70000TONS of Metal shows us exactly how exclusive a festival for fans of hard rock and heavy metal (and all the other subgenres) can become. With tickets ranging from $966 up to $6,000 at previous editions, there are only 3,000 passes on sale with access to all days of the festival across four stages, accommodation (shared or private) and of course, unlimited food at select restaurants and cafes. Other add-ons include beverage packages and WiFi, the latter being a serious consideration since there is little phone network at sea. Voyage 13 Four stages as part of 70000TONS of Metal 2025 kicked off at 10am and went on until 6am, apart from the opening day and the off-shore day, when proceedings began at around 5pm and ran late. Running up and down the deck levels (or taking the many elevators) can be exhausting like any other festival, but rewarding because each band crafts two different sets, some that run through a specific album, while another spans their entire discography. Top sets at the festival included Brazilian metal legends Sepultura on their Farewell At Sea. Pummelling through classics such as 'Roots Bloody Roots', 'Refuse/Resist' and 'Territory' as well as newer material like 'Means To an End', you could tell Sepultura were thoroughly enjoying themselves at the Royal Theatre indoor stage as well as at the final set on the outdoor Pool Deck stage, moshpits raging alongside strong winds. Polish death metal band Decapitated also upped the ante when it came to their sets at the Studio B Ice Rink and Pool Deck. Matching relentless riffs and crushing rhythms, these were masters of each stage they took on. American death metal favourites Suffocation, who took top billing and were late additions to the lineup, brought intensity to a sunny afternoon on the Pool Deck stage. The festival did seem to have a specific focus on power metal and folk metal to some degree; Symphony X were exceptional and fun loving (even breaking into a bit of reggae when stage banter turned to sailing to Jamaica). Stratovarius were the heavyweights who did not disappoint, neither did Emperor, Dirkschneider, Hammerfall and Kalmah. Among the festival's top draws were seasoned doom metal bands Candlemass and Trouble, German thrash metal party-starters Tankard and Norway's Trollfest as well as newer, rising heavy metal acts like Unleash The Archers. Trollfest recalled their experience of turning the ship's deck into a circus during their colourful, energetic set full of costumes and folk metal. They said, 'We woke up in a sauna — oh wait, that was just Jamaica. The day was all about beach life, questionable sunburns, and an unhealthy amount of Piña Coladas. We're not early birds, we're flamingoes! But hey, coffee, loud guitars, and pure adrenaline got us through.' Unleash the Archers, for their part, said they had an absolute blast, 'hanging with fans and seeing old friends and of course, playing two unforgettable shows on the Pool Deck and the Royal Theatre.' The band added, 'Playing the Pool Deck Stage was a bucket list item for sure. Hopefully we'll get to do it again someday!' Curation is key at all festivals, so another act to attract full houses were Finland's death/doom metal band Swallow The Sun, performing with members of the Ballet Finland dance troupe. The added dimension brought an innovative touch to the festival. Members of the troupe said, 'It wasn't easy dancing on a moving and swaying ship.' On the other, totally non-serious end of the spectrum were the likes of video game music-informed metal bands such as Powerglove and Super Monster Party, which saw '90s nostalgia as well as plenty of cosplayers moshing about. Powerglove said, 'What an unforgettable epic experience rocking out with all you Glovers on the high seas! Your energy was insane, and we couldn't have asked for a better crowd. It's nice to see so many familiar faces and make new friends along the way. So many nationalities of metalheads united on one boat, this is what 70k is all about!' 70000TONS of Metal 2026 will take place from January 29 to February 2, 2026. More details available on
New Indian Express
22-06-2025
- New Indian Express
India on the high seas
India is witnessing a sea change—literally. Cruise tourism, once considered a niche or luxury segment, is rapidly gaining popularity among Indian travellers. Desi tourists are seeking more than just destinations; they crave experiences. Cruises, that used to be a niche entertainment for people with fat wallets have been democratised. They are offering the middle-class Indian travellers from the Tier-2 cities a seamless blend of leisure, luxury, and entertainment. Aboard the luxurious, 15-deck 'Independence of the Seas', there is little the members cannot have: gourmet dining, Broadway-caliber shows, art auctions, and starlit movie nights by the pool. Says Bengaluru-based writer Namita Gupta, who embarked on a Europe luxury cruise 'We wanted to experience something magical, something larger than life.' She chose Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas—the world's largest cruise ship. 'It was like floating in a five-star resort. Michelin-level dining, open to sky pool deck, champagne at every hour,' she says. To get wet, you don't have to take a dip in the cerulean waters: on board is the 40-foot-long FlowRider surf simulator to ride the 30,000 gallons of water rushing towards you as friends and family cheer you on from a mini stadium seating. Many Indian travellers like Gupta, who once viewed cruises with mild curiosity, are now hooked. 'We used to think a Europe tour or a Maldives villa was the pinnacle of indulgence,' she says, adding 'Now, cruising in a floating mansion with a private infinity pool feels like the real dream come true.'
New York Post
15-05-2025
- New York Post
Cruise ship crime reaches 2-year high, casting ‘dark cloud' for travelers: expert
Crime rates aboard cruise ships leaving the US have reached a two-year high, and one expert says this creates a 'dark cloud' for travelers. According to data from the Department of Transportation, allegations of 48 crimes were reported onboard cruise ships from Jan. 1, 2025, to March 30, 2025. Advertisement Twenty-three incidents were reported rapes, 10 were sexual assaults and seven were assaults, which all reportedly happened on cruise ships. Robert McDonald, a former Secret Service special agent and criminal justice lecturer at the University of New Haven, told Fox News Digital crime negatively affects the cruise industry. McDonald has coordinated security for various dignitaries around the world. 'Sometimes, the cruise lines don't want to report this information on the front end, depending upon, again, what type of crime it is, which brings unfortunate attention to them, just as it would when we have airplane situations or the delays in airplanes that we're having now,' McDonald said. Advertisement 'All of that negative vibe and negative information puts a dark cloud over the industry, an industry that wants people to come to it and wants them to be comfortable spending their money.' 4 Carnival Cruise Line banned dozens of people after a massive brawl. Trelle Ray / Facebook McDonald said cruises are more prone to crime because of the number of people packed in a tight area. 'I think anytime we get large numbers of people together, whether it's at a Super Bowl game or at a World Series game or an NBA Finals or graduations or whatnot, whenever we get people together, whenever there's alcohol involved, whenever there are people being able to let loose a little bit from their normal personality, I think that exacerbates the ability for numbers to rise in that regard,' he said. Advertisement 'Anytime we get together, those numbers are going to go up, whether that's at a resort, whether it's on a cruise ship.' 4 Cruises are more prone to crime because of the number of people packed in a tight area, according to former Secret Service special agent Robert McDonald. Fox News On March 21, two illegal immigrants were arrested after allegedly molesting a minor while onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise that set sail from Miami. Jose Prudencio Diaz, 36, and Ricardo Daniel Mondragon Leal, 37, were charged with child molestation and exhibition after an incident on Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas ship. Advertisement The victim was identified as a 14-year-old boy who told police he was in the ship's sauna when Diaz and Leal allegedly began masturbating in front of him. 4 Jose Prudencio Diaz and Ricardo Daniel Mondragon Leal are accused of molesting a minor on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. According to records from the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office, Diaz and Leal forced the victim to touch them. Leal also allegedly forced the minor to perform a sex act. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a post on X: 'We WILL get these sickos out of our country.' One recent incident involved dozens of Carnival Cruise Line passengers who got into a brawl while disembarking from a ship April 26. 4 48 crimes were reported onboard cruise ships during the first quarter of 2025, according to the Department of Transportation. NAN – In a video posted to social media, several cruise passengers push through crowds in the Port of Galveston cruise terminal. During the fight, which happened in the cruise port, people can be seen punching and kicking others. Advertisement Carnival Cruise Line placed 24 passengers on a 'do not sail list,' prohibiting them from getting aboard any of the company's ships. A spokesperson for Carnival Cruise Line previously told Fox News Digital it doesn't tolerate violence. 'The matter was turned over to law enforcement,' the spokesperson said. 'We will not tolerate such behavior, and 24 people have been placed on our Do Not Sail list.' Fox News Digital reached out to Carnival and Royal Caribbean for comment.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Yahoo
Cruise ship crime reaches 2-year high, casting ‘dark cloud' for travelers: expert
Crime rates aboard cruise ships leaving the U.S. have reached a two-year high, and one expert says this creates a "dark cloud" for travelers. According to data from the Department of Transportation, allegations of 48 crimes were reported onboard cruise ships from Jan. 1, 2025, to March 30, 2025. Twenty-three incidents were reported rapes, 10 were sexual assaults and seven were assaults, which all reportedly happened on cruise ships. Robert McDonald, a former Secret Service special agent and criminal justice lecturer at the University of New Haven, told Fox News Digital crime negatively affects the cruise industry. McDonald has coordinated security for various dignitaries around the world. Popular Cruises Suspend Island Stop Over Escalating Gang Violence: What To Know "Sometimes, the cruise lines don't want to report this information on the front end, depending upon, again, what type of crime it is, which brings unfortunate attention to them, just as it would when we have airplane situations or the delays in airplanes that we're having now," McDonald said. "All of that negative vibe and negative information puts a dark cloud over the industry, an industry that wants people to come to it and wants them to be comfortable spending their money." Read On The Fox News App McDonald said cruises are more prone to crime because of the number of people packed in a tight area. "I think anytime we get large numbers of people together, whether it's at a Super Bowl game or at a World Series game or an NBA Finals or graduations or whatnot, whenever we get people together, whenever there's alcohol involved, whenever there are people being able to let loose a little bit from their normal personality, I think that exacerbates the ability for numbers to rise in that regard," he said. "Anytime we get together, those numbers are going to go up, whether that's at a resort, whether it's on a cruise ship." On March 21, two illegal immigrants were arrested after allegedly molesting a minor while onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise that set sail from Miami. Jose Prudencio Diaz, 36, and Ricardo Daniel Mondragon Leal, 37, were charged with child molestation and exhibition after an incident on Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas ship. Cruise Line Bans Dozens After Massive Brawl Caught On Camera Breaks Out At Texas Port: 'Do Not Sail List' The victim was identified as a 14-year-old boy who told police he was in the ship's sauna when Diaz and Leal allegedly began masturbating in front of him. According to records from the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office, Diaz and Leal forced the victim to touch them. Leal also allegedly forced the minor to perform a sex act. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a post on X: "We WILL get these sickos out of our country." One recent incident involved dozens of Carnival Cruise Line passengers who got into a brawl while disembarking from a ship April 26. In a video posted to social media, several cruise passengers push through crowds in the Port of Galveston cruise terminal. During the fight, which happened in the cruise port, people can be seen punching and kicking others. Carnival Cruise Line placed 24 passengers on a "do not sail list," prohibiting them from getting aboard any of the company's ships. A spokesperson for Carnival Cruise Line previously told Fox News Digital it doesn't tolerate violence. "The matter was turned over to law enforcement," the spokesperson said. "We will not tolerate such behavior, and 24 people have been placed on our Do Not Sail list." Fox News Digital reached out to Carnival and Royal Caribbean for comment. Fox News Digital's Greg Wehner contributed to this article source: Cruise ship crime reaches 2-year high, casting 'dark cloud' for travelers: expert
Fox News
15-05-2025
- Fox News
Cruise ship crime reaches 2-year high, casting ‘dark cloud' for travelers: expert
Crime rates aboard cruise ships leaving the U.S. have reached a two-year high, and one expert says this creates a "dark cloud" for travelers. According to data from the Department of Transportation, allegations of 48 crimes were reported onboard cruise ships from Jan. 1, 2025, to March 30, 2025. Twenty-three incidents were reported rapes, 10 were sexual assaults and seven were assaults, which all reportedly happened on cruise ships. Robert McDonald, a former Secret Service special agent and criminal justice lecturer at the University of New Haven, told Fox News Digital crime negatively affects the cruise industry. McDonald has coordinated security for various dignitaries around the world. "Sometimes, the cruise lines don't want to report this information on the front end, depending upon, again, what type of crime it is, which brings unfortunate attention to them, just as it would when we have airplane situations or the delays in airplanes that we're having now," McDonald said. "All of that negative vibe and negative information puts a dark cloud over the industry, an industry that wants people to come to it and wants them to be comfortable spending their money." McDonald said cruises are more prone to crime because of the number of people packed in a tight area. "I think anytime we get large numbers of people together, whether it's at a Super Bowl game or at a World Series game or an NBA Finals or graduations or whatnot, whenever we get people together, whenever there's alcohol involved, whenever there are people being able to let loose a little bit from their normal personality, I think that exacerbates the ability for numbers to rise in that regard," he said. "Anytime we get together, those numbers are going to go up, whether that's at a resort, whether it's on a cruise ship." On March 21, two illegal immigrants were arrested after allegedly molesting a minor while onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise that set sail from Miami. Jose Prudencio Diaz, 36, and Ricardo Daniel Mondragon Leal, 37, were charged with child molestation and exhibition after an incident on Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas ship. The victim was identified as a 14-year-old boy who told police he was in the ship's sauna when Diaz and Leal allegedly began masturbating in front of him. According to records from the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office, Diaz and Leal forced the victim to touch them. Leal also allegedly forced the minor to perform a sex act. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a post on X: "We WILL get these sickos out of our country." One recent incident involved dozens of Carnival Cruise Line passengers who got into a brawl while disembarking from a ship April 26. In a video posted to social media, several cruise passengers push through crowds in the Port of Galveston cruise terminal. During the fight, which happened in the cruise port, people can be seen punching and kicking others. Carnival Cruise Line placed 24 passengers on a "do not sail list," prohibiting them from getting aboard any of the company's ships. A spokesperson for Carnival Cruise Line previously told Fox News Digital it doesn't tolerate violence. "The matter was turned over to law enforcement," the spokesperson said. "We will not tolerate such behavior, and 24 people have been placed on our Do Not Sail list." Fox News Digital reached out to Carnival and Royal Caribbean for comment.
