[Bob]

Are there any non-USA departure ports for cruises that could accommodate 70K?

I have some European friends who are hesitant to visit the U.S. due to the current political climate. They believe it would also be easier for bands to secure travel visas if the cruise port were located outside of the U.S. One option they've mentioned is Nassau, Bahamas. While I've heard that it may not be the best port to visit, I've heard that Royal Caribbean and others do operate cruises from there.

Has anyone discussed this idea before?

[Swiss Jack]

that would be great for DRACONIAN and LEGION OF THE DAMNED

besides, they sell smooth Guinness in the Bahamas

[mooyagi]

It would be a great solution to the current situation but also a logistical nightmare. We'd have to find a different ship as Royal wouldn't change the itinerary for Freedom of the Seas since they turn and burn it into another trip the same day we depart/arrive. Not sure what Indy and Liberty are up to at that time. It may violate Andy's contract with Royal if he has a clause about the trip originating from Florida or the United States in general. I don't know the work requirements for Bahamas but all the 70K crew that work while we're in port would need to have that approval, all the equipment needs to make it to Bahamas, etc. That's just a few things off the top of my head. And yes, the Nassau port was awful when we visited it on Barge to Hell. That was a long time ago.

I am worried that we're going to see 60 US bands on the next boat....

[metalforever]

From what I have been noticing there are several different genres of music cruises for 2026 departing from USA and artists and all details are being released with zero difficulty and zero delays of any kind being reported. Things going off without any hitches . 70000 Tons is a little different though in a few aspects I imagine compared to some of these other music cruises .

[Pellaz]

There are very few non-U.S. ports in current use by the major lines. San Juan CAN be used, but it is technically U.S. territory, so for political reasons would be a no-go.
Barbados has also been used in the past (and maybe now), but it would be a logistical nightmare, even more so than San Juan would be, even leaving aside the issue of acquiring a different boat, getting the festival crew down there, etc.

[cowboy71]

Royal Caribbean sail out of Australia :)

But not the same class as 70k. Quantum and Voyager class ships at the moment I believe.

How cool would it be to have 70K sail from Australia? Would not actually be THAT much of a financial hit for people from the USA as the US exchange rate is super-strong against the Australia dollar at the moment.

[MuzakMaker]

Royal Caribbean sail out of Australia :)

But not the same class as 70k. Quantum and Voyager class ships at the moment I believe.

How cool would it be to have 70K sail from Australia? Would not actually be THAT much of a financial hit for people from the USA as the US exchange rate is super-strong against the Australia dollar at the moment.

Aside from how much it would cost to get all the way over there first

[Metalhead_80s]

I remember an interview where Andy mentioned potentially having a sister cruise out of Canada. Vancouver, if I'm not mistaken.

[cowboy71]

I remember an interview where Andy mentioned potentially having a sister cruise out of Canada. Vancouver, if I'm not mistaken.

Problem with a cruise FROM Canada, is where would it sail TO?

I'm guessing most Canadian cruises would cruise to American cities, thus kinda not being ideal for obvious reasons.

[Downvod]

Are Europeans hesitant to come here because of the handful of people that were detained? There are like 100,000+ people that enter the US from another country daily, so it is a ridiculously low percentage of people who have had any issue.

[toby]

Are Europeans hesitant to come here because of the handful of people that were detained? There are like 100,000+ people that enter the US from another country daily, so it is a ridiculously low percentage of people who have had any issue.

It's not just Europeans. Even Canadians are fed up with all the tariff nonsense and 'globalist' rhetoric. When you talk about how crappy the world is treating your country and start threatening all sorts of things because of it, people don't want to come visit you as much if they don't already have something committed.

[cowboy71]

Are Europeans hesitant to come here because of the handful of people that were detained? There are like 100,000+ people that enter the US from another country daily, so it is a ridiculously low percentage of people who have had any issue.

It's not just Europeans. Even Canadians are fed up with all the tariff nonsense and 'globalist' rhetoric. When you talk about how crappy the world is treating your country and start threatening all sorts of things because of it, people don't want to come visit you as much if they don't already have something committed.

That. one million per cent. THAT.

[Godflesh]

A French scientist going to a conference in Texas last week was randomly searched, not only denied entry but arrested, accused of "terrorism", detained overnight, and they confiscated his phone and laptop due to "messages criticizing Trump's policies on his phone":
https://www.lbc.co.uk/world-news/diplom ... rorism-us/

[metalforever]

A French scientist going to a conference in Texas last week was randomly searched, not only denied entry but arrested, accused of "terrorism", detained overnight, and they confiscated his phone and laptop due to "messages criticizing Trump's policies on his phone":
https://www.lbc.co.uk/world-news/diplom ... rorism-us/

Imagine if the same French scientist did the same thing attending a conference in North Korea or many other parts of the world , the scientist would have been probably treated much less kindly than the reception by the USA .

[toby]

A French scientist going to a conference in Texas last week was randomly searched, not only denied entry but arrested, accused of "terrorism", detained overnight, and they confiscated his phone and laptop due to "messages criticizing Trump's policies on his phone":
https://www.lbc.co.uk/world-news/diplom ... rorism-us/

Imagine if the same French scientist did the same thing attending a conference in North Korea or many other parts of the world , the scientist would have been probably treated much less kindly than the reception by the USA.

Imagine an alternate reality where you have to compare the US to North Korea to find a positive comparison.

[metalforever]

A French scientist going to a conference in Texas last week was randomly searched, not only denied entry but arrested, accused of "terrorism", detained overnight, and they confiscated his phone and laptop due to "messages criticizing Trump's policies on his phone":
https://www.lbc.co.uk/world-news/diplom ... rorism-us/

Imagine if the same French scientist did the same thing attending a conference in North Korea or many other parts of the world , the scientist would have been probably treated much less kindly than the reception by the USA.

Imagine an alternate reality where you have to compare the US to North Korea to find a positive comparison.

I still find USA to be the best country in the world, with or without the North Korea comparison . I have been on 70000 Tons during President Trump first administration and everything was just fine on the cruises at those times .

[toby]

Imagine if the same French scientist did the same thing attending a conference in North Korea or many other parts of the world , the scientist would have been probably treated much less kindly than the reception by the USA.

Imagine an alternate reality where you have to compare the US to North Korea to find a positive comparison.

I still find USA to be the best country in the world, with or without the North Korea comparison . I have been on 70000 Tons during President Trump first administration and everything was just fine on the cruises at those times .

One of the things that always made the US great was the freedom to be able to criticize whoever is in power and point out what they could be doing better. The point is that we are apparently no longer that country. Just because you haven't experienced it YET does not mean that you won't experience it. Those times are not today.

[metalforever]

It is great this forum exists and people can interact respectfully with one another, even those we have different perspectives from , without ridicule or condemnation and share different thoughts , feelings and ideas in a positive manner. And at times simply agree to disagree with.

[cegr80]

It is great this forum exists and people can interact respectfully with one another, even those we have different perspectives from , without ridicule or condemnation and share different thoughts , feelings and ideas in a positive manner. And at times simply agree to disagree with.

Exactly. Let's keep this forum civilized, people. I'd rather stay out of politics here, but that is just my preference

[metalforever]

It is great this forum exists and people can interact respectfully with one another, even those we have different perspectives from , without ridicule or condemnation and share different thoughts , feelings and ideas in a positive manner. And at times simply agree to disagree with.

Exactly. Let's keep this forum civilized, people. I'd rather stay out of politics here, but that is just my preference

I agree it is preferable to me to stay away from politics and religion on here , to the extent possible , regardless of the point of view someone is coming from .

[toby]

It is great this forum exists and people can interact respectfully with one another, even those we have different perspectives from , without ridicule or condemnation and share different thoughts , feelings and ideas in a positive manner. And at times simply agree to disagree with.

Exactly. Let's keep this forum civilized, people. I'd rather stay out of politics here, but that is just my preference

I've said the most I'm comfortable saying that's brushed up against politics. lol I don't get into personalities anyway. Policy matters are more my thing.

[metalforever]

It is great this forum exists and people can interact respectfully with one another, even those we have different perspectives from , without ridicule or condemnation and share different thoughts , feelings and ideas in a positive manner. And at times simply agree to disagree with.

Exactly. Let's keep this forum civilized, people. I'd rather stay out of politics here, but that is just my preference

I've said the most I'm comfortable saying that's brushed up against politics. lol I don't get into personalities anyway. Policy matters are more my thing.

Any policy put in place is generated from people creating them . So indirectly the “ personalities “ are being referenced if you agree or disagree with a position, there is always a human being behind it . No A-I created laws or regulations yet only people and their personalities.

[toby]

Exactly. Let's keep this forum civilized, people. I'd rather stay out of politics here, but that is just my preference

I've said the most I'm comfortable saying that's brushed up against politics. lol I don't get into personalities anyway. Policy matters are more my thing.

Any policy put in place is generated from people creating them . So indirectly the “ personalities “ are being referenced if you agree or disagree with a position, there is always a human being behind it . No A-I created laws or regulations yet only people and their personalities.

My point is that it's ultimately not the person that I choose to criticize. If people can't separate their personalities from their positions, that's more their issue. If I appreciate a song or an album by a band, that doesn't mean that I support everything they do. And by that same token, if I don't appreciate a song or an album by a band, that doesn't mean I oppose everything they do. Just because I love the first few Metallica albums, I don't have to like St. Anger or LuLu. I would hope none of us is that one-dimensional.

[metalforever]

I've said the most I'm comfortable saying that's brushed up against politics. lol I don't get into personalities anyway. Policy matters are more my thing.

Any policy put in place is generated from people creating them . So indirectly the “ personalities “ are being referenced if you agree or disagree with a position, there is always a human being behind it . No A-I created laws or regulations yet only people and their personalities.

My point is that it's ultimately not the person that I choose to criticize. If people can't separate their personalities from their positions, that's more their issue. If I appreciate a song or an album by a band, that doesn't mean that I support everything they do. And by that same token, if I don't appreciate a song or an album by a band, that doesn't mean I oppose everything they do. Just because I love the first few Metallica albums, I don't have to like St. Anger or LuLu. I would hope none of us is that one-dimensional.

You do make some interesting points. I get what you mean especially with framing it with the Metallica references . As always good communicating with you.

[toby]

Any policy put in place is generated from people creating them . So indirectly the “ personalities “ are being referenced if you agree or disagree with a position, there is always a human being behind it . No A-I created laws or regulations yet only people and their personalities.

My point is that it's ultimately not the person that I choose to criticize. If people can't separate their personalities from their positions, that's more their issue. If I appreciate a song or an album by a band, that doesn't mean that I support everything they do. And by that same token, if I don't appreciate a song or an album by a band, that doesn't mean I oppose everything they do. Just because I love the first few Metallica albums, I don't have to like St. Anger or LuLu. I would hope none of us is that one-dimensional.

You do make some interesting points. I get what you mean especially with framing it with the Metallica references . As always good communicating with you.

Yeah, now go enjoy Hell's Heroes. lol

[Tuco]

It's not a matter of politics or politicians, or which country's the best ,or if my dad can beat your dad! It's a matter af things we have to take into consideration before booking a very expensive trip to/on the other side of The Atalantic. While things may or may not have changed in the US they certainly have here in Europe. This year has been the most dramatic since the berlin Wall fell, and it would be naive of us to not take that uncertainty into the equation.

I've been on 8 cruises and enjoyed every bit of it. This time we've gathered a crew of 8 representing (almost) the entire political spectrum. We've agreed to see how things are working out and hoping that things will calm down before bands and tickets are announced. That's also why I think our dear skipper will delay the first announcements (it will be difficult for him to delay the last announcements....).

[metalforever]

It's not a matter of politics or politicians, or which country's the best ,or if my dad can beat your dad! It's a matter af things we have to take into consideration before booking a very expensive trip to/on the other side of The Atalantic. While things may or may not have changed in the US they certainly have here in Europe. This year has been the most dramatic since the berlin Wall fell, and it would be naive of us to not take that uncertainty into the equation.

I've been on 8 cruises and enjoyed every bit of it. This time we've gathered a crew of 8 representing (almost) the entire political spectrum. We've agreed to see how things are working out and hoping that things will calm down before bands and tickets are announced. That's also why I think our dear skipper will delay the first announcements (it will be difficult for him to delay the last announcements....).

I am curious and interested as to what you feel are your top 3 concerns from a European perspective with attending the cruise in 2026 compared to the past 8 times that you say you have attended ? Also what country in Europe are you from ?

[MuzakMaker]

Awww, you guys got political without me

Even as an American there's a lot of things that come in to play whether or not I can go to a US based cruise.
I got flagged coming back from the last boat by CBP by one of the new policies but was lucky that I got an agent who is overworked and underpaid who just looked at the screen, looked at my paperwork, looked at me, and said "I don't give a fuck, it's not like they could do much that they couldn't have done before they left"

International travel no matter the country and their politics is always a series of questions and concerns to be addressed. Right now, US is going through a MASSIVE policy shift, even more so than the last Trump presidency. And the "checks and balances" are regularly ignored which means a lot of those aforementioned questions and concerns are more in the forefront of everyone's minds

Back in 2022 I realized I had a free weekend and flew over to Montreal. Didn't really worry about much. Now, there's a whole calculus that takes place and that's JUST US to CA for a weekend. A lot more involved now, I can't blame anyone no matter the country of origin who is reconsidering everything. Especially with 70K not exactly being a cheap vacation.

[metalforever]

Awww, you guys got political without me

Even as an American there's a lot of things that come in to play whether or not I can go to a US based cruise.
I got flagged coming back from the last boat by CBP by one of the new policies but was lucky that I got an agent who is overworked and underpaid who just looked at the screen, looked at my paperwork, looked at me, and said "I don't give a fuck, it's not like they could do much that they couldn't have done before they left"

International travel no matter the country and their politics is always a series of questions and concerns to be addressed. Right now, US is going through a MASSIVE policy shift, even more so than the last Trump presidency. And the "checks and balances" are regularly ignored which means a lot of those aforementioned questions and concerns are more in the forefront of everyone's minds

Back in 2022 I realized I had a free weekend and flew over to Montreal. Didn't really worry about much. Now, there's a whole calculus that takes place and that's JUST US to CA for a weekend. A lot more involved now, I can't blame anyone no matter the country of origin who is reconsidering everything. Especially with 70K not exactly being a cheap vacation.

Welcome back , it seems you have been gone for a while.

[MuzakMaker]

Welcome back , it seems you have been gone for a while.

Thanks and yeah, life and work are busy right now and there's not much happening in the 70K camp until line up starts dropping (and I was definitely overly optimist with my guess) so I'm not opening the forum nearly as much and have been commenting even less

[Tuco]

[/quote]
I am curious and interested as to what you feel are your top 3 concerns from a European perspective with attending the cruise in 2026 compared to the past 8 times that you say you have attended ? Also what country in Europe are you from ?
[/quote]

At this point not a lot of big changes. As mentioned earlier in the thread a few incidents. Also I think that Germany and the UK has updated their travel instructions to the US this week. Nothing dramatically though. As far as I know my own country, Denmark, hasn't done anything like that yet. Given all the changes the last months the big concern is however what might happen?? And if you'll let us in? Hopefully we are just being too nervous and everything will work out fine. Then I can get back to complaining about the lack of annoncements and whine about not enough Barge to Hell type bands....

[metalforever]

I am curious and interested as to what you feel are your top 3 concerns from a European perspective with attending the cruise in 2026 compared to the past 8 times that you say you have attended ? Also what country in Europe are you from ?
[/quote]

At this point not a lot of big changes. As mentioned earlier in the thread a few incidents. Also I think that Germany and the UK has updated their travel instructions to the US this week. Nothing dramatically though. As far as I know my own country, Denmark, hasn't done anything like that yet. Given all the changes the last months the big concern is however what might happen?? And if you'll let us in? Hopefully we are just being too nervous and everything will work out fine. Then I can get back to complaining about the lack of annoncements and whine about not enough Barge to Hell type bands....
[/quote]
Thanks for sharing and responding. I really value and look forward to all the different people from all over the world that attend 70000 Tons each year . I hope it continues we are all stronger together as one HUGE metal family worldwide! Hang in there.

[Pellaz]

Even as an American there's a lot of things that come in to play whether or not I can go to a US based cruise.
I got flagged coming back from the last boat by CBP by one of the new policies but was lucky that I got an agent who is overworked and underpaid who just looked at the screen, looked at my paperwork, looked at me, and said "I don't give a fuck, it's not like they could do much that they couldn't have done before they left"

Fascinating. And, you're an American. Is that something you can elucidate on?

[Amalu]

Are Europeans hesitant to come here because of the handful of people that were detained? There are like 100,000+ people that enter the US from another country daily, so it is a ridiculously low percentage of people who have had any issue.

Not really, no. There will be no issue to get into the country and the experience being there will be mostly uninfluenced by the politics.

Honestly ATM the US Dollar is plummeting again, so I expect a nice cheap cruise again... well relatively speaking.

[toby]

Just another datapoint. This is a YouTube channel I follow. Marie is a frequent visitor to the US from France. She spent a few weeks in Louisiana last year traveling all the way from New Orleans to Acadiana. I'm sure spending money all along the way. This was her experience on her most recent visit to the States. She's very intentionally trying to not make it political, but this is her perspective.

https://youtu.be/y9IugZPTeCs?si=l2nR6MF0524KG-r-

[AverageMetalDrummer]

I just read an article discussing the possibility of gangs completely seizing power over the Haitian government. Some think this is becoming a real possibility, with reports stating criminal organizations are working to take control of the transitional government. My heart goes out to the people there; I truly hope the mission to take down the gangs is eventually successful.

While this idea has circulated before, I wonder what UMC’s response will be if the worst happens. I doubt that Labadee would be “safe” with Haiti under gang control. The agreement RC has with Haiti may become null and void. If Labadee becomes an unviable destination, what happens? Do we change destinations? Do we just float around for four days without a port day (I wouldn’t mind this at all)? Is the cruise canceled? I hope it’s not the latter. Thoughts?

[toby]

I just read an article discussing the possibility of gangs completely seizing power over the Haitian government. Some think this is becoming a real possibility, with reports stating criminal organizations are working to take control of the transitional government. My heart goes out to the people there; I truly hope the mission to take down the gangs is eventually successful.

While this idea has circulated before, I wonder what UMC’s response will be if the worst happens. I doubt that Labadee would be “safe” with Haiti under gang control. The agreement RC has with Haiti may become null and void. If Labadee becomes an unviable destination, what happens? Do we change destinations? Do we just float around for four days without a port day (I wouldn’t mind this at all)? Is the cruise canceled? I hope it’s not the latter. Thoughts?

Typically the charter agreement (and US law) requires that there be at least 1 non-US port required for docking. So, the only option would be to redirect to a different port should it come to that. There are plenty of options to fulfill that requirement. Absolute worst case would probably be something like Nassau. So, I really don't see that as cancelling the cruise even if Labadee wasn't available for whatever reason.

[AverageMetalDrummer]

I just read an article discussing the possibility of gangs completely seizing power over the Haitian government. Some think this is becoming a real possibility, with reports stating criminal organizations are working to take control of the transitional government. My heart goes out to the people there; I truly hope the mission to take down the gangs is eventually successful.

While this idea has circulated before, I wonder what UMC’s response will be if the worst happens. I doubt that Labadee would be “safe” with Haiti under gang control. The agreement RC has with Haiti may become null and void. If Labadee becomes an unviable destination, what happens? Do we change destinations? Do we just float around for four days without a port day (I wouldn’t mind this at all)? Is the cruise canceled? I hope it’s not the latter. Thoughts?

Typically the charter agreement (and US law) requires that there be at least 1 non-US port required for docking. So, the only option would be to redirect to a different port should it come to that. There are plenty of options to fulfill that requirement. Absolute worst case would probably be something like Nassau. So, I really don't see that as cancelling the cruise even if Labadee wasn't available for whatever reason.

Great insight, I honestly had no clue what would happen. I’m at the point now where port locations don’t matter much to me. If it’s a truly shitty destination, I’ll just stay on the boat and rest like I did this year.

[mooyagi]

We're due for an itinerary change at some point. It happens to normal cruises all the time!

[toby]

I just read an article discussing the possibility of gangs completely seizing power over the Haitian government. Some think this is becoming a real possibility, with reports stating criminal organizations are working to take control of the transitional government. My heart goes out to the people there; I truly hope the mission to take down the gangs is eventually successful.

While this idea has circulated before, I wonder what UMC’s response will be if the worst happens. I doubt that Labadee would be “safe” with Haiti under gang control. The agreement RC has with Haiti may become null and void. If Labadee becomes an unviable destination, what happens? Do we change destinations? Do we just float around for four days without a port day (I wouldn’t mind this at all)? Is the cruise canceled? I hope it’s not the latter. Thoughts?

Typically the charter agreement (and US law) requires that there be at least 1 non-US port required for docking. So, the only option would be to redirect to a different port should it come to that. There are plenty of options to fulfill that requirement. Absolute worst case would probably be something like Nassau. So, I really don't see that as cancelling the cruise even if Labadee wasn't available for whatever reason.

Great insight, I honestly had no clue what would happen. I’m at the point now where port locations don’t matter much to me. If it’s a truly shitty destination, I’ll just stay on the boat and rest like I did this year.

I think at this point, the only port I'd bother leaving the ship for is Turks just to see what all the hype was about. Hopefully that's not where 2026 redirects to, since the chances of me being onbroad are extremely slim right now.