70000 Tons of Metal announces destination change + initial lineup for 2026 sailing

Author Benedetta Baldin - 9.7.2025

70000TONS 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. 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.

Andy Piller, Skipper of 70000TONS OF METAL

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 70000TONS OF METAL experience remains: 4 days, 60 bands, 4 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 70000TONS OF METAL crew remains committed to delivering an extraordinary, unparalleled experience for every Sailor.
 

Coupled with the news of a new destination, the 70000TONS OF METAL Crew have 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


…And 33 more! 

Visit www.70000tons.com and follow the @70000tons social media channels for the upcoming Public Sales announcement for 70000TONS OF METAL 2026, featuring a lineup of top metal bands and exclusive performances and events.