Festival runs Apr 29-May 4
The annual Monsters of Rock Cruise (MORC), the world’s premier hard rock and heavy metal experience at sea, is returning for its eleventh year in 2023. On The Blue Cruises has announced the five-day/five-night full-ship music charter will set sail April 29th – May 4th aboard Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas and depart out of Port Canaveral, Florida. Dubbed They Came From Outer Space, the voyage will include two days at sea full of music, including performances from over 35 artists and events, as well as visit two ports: Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic and the Private Isle of Labadee.
The lineup for MORC ’23 includes Tesla, Michael Schenker, Winger, Queensrÿche, Saxon, Extreme, Vandenberg, Autograph, Burning Witches, Chez Kane, D-A-D, Dirty Looks, Doro, Faster Pussycat, Great White, Hardcore Superstar, Joel Hoekstra, Junkyard, Kix, Lee Aaron, Liliac, Loudness, Mac Sabbath, Nestor, Reckless Love, Rhino Bucket, Rose Tattoo, Shiraz Lane, Stryper, Ted Poley, Tora Tora, Treat, Tyketto, Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown, Vain, Wig Wam, Dueling Pianos, and The Mayor of MORC, John Corabi. Plus, official cruise host Eddie Trunk will be moderating Q&A’s and activities specifically designed to bring the party up a notch alongside his former That Metal Show co-hosts Jim Florentine and Don Jamieson, pioneer rock radio DJ Nikki Blakk, SiriusXM’s Keith Roth and Metal DJ Will.
In addition to performances, MORC ‘23 will host interactive events between artists and cruisers, including Artist/Cruiser Q&A sessions, Gong Show Karaoke, “So You Think You Can Shred,” Cooking with Rock Stars, a new cast of Painting With Rock Stars, Rock Stars vs Average Joe’s Basketball, Comedy Punchlines and Backlines, with more to be announced. Furthermore, the cruise will host themed nights, opportunities to dine with selected bands, and artist photo experiences.
The public on-sale kicks off today (Thurs, June 30th), with cabins starting at $1,699 per person (double occupancy, not including mandatory taxes and fee supplement) via MonstersOfRockCruise.com.
The first port stop on MORC ’23 is the breath-taking beauty that is Puerto Plata. Dominican Republic’s oldest city in the north and a tourism pioneer, Puerto Plata is nestled by the ocean with a mountainous backdrop. The city offers a lively pier (known as the Malecon), colorful shops, and opulent homes from the 1800s. Whether you prefer to spend the day traveling 2,600 feet above sea level in a cable car or hike majestic trails – both options are available if you choose to visit Monte Isabel de Torres. If the ocean is calling your name, visit Sousa Beach where you can sunbathe, swim, snorkel, or grab a bite to eat at a nearby restaurant. For those of you who want to experience the culture of the Dominican Republic, consider staying in town to explore the unique architecture, enjoy delicious Dominican cuisine, or shop for keepsakes to remind you of the amazing experiences you had in Puerto Plata.
Next up is the Private Isle of Labadee, the ultimate private destination for cruisers, offering adventure, exploration and relaxation amongst its many bars and pristine waters. Vacationers can amp up the adrenaline on the Dragon’s Tail Coaster, a thrilling 30-mile-per-hour ride with incredible views of the island. For more action, adventurous passengers may choose to strap on a helmet and harness and soar 500-feet down on the Dragon’s Breath Flight Line, the world’s longest zip line over water. In addition, there are plenty of exciting options to choose from, including wave jet rides, parasailing, snorkel safaris, kayak tours, and much more.
With a myriad of events, activities, and music to keep fans entertained day and night, MORC ’23 promises to be a fantasy camp, personal paradise, and the vacation of a lifetime for hard-rockin’ music enthusiasts.
