The moment has finally arrived! IT’S THE SHIP, Asia’s largest festival at sea, was recently held from 16th to 18th November, welcoming thousands of Shipmates from across Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and many more aboard the beautiful Genting Dream.
This year marked a milestone: 66% first-time attendees, or better known as shipmates, discovered what makes this festival legendary, while returning shipmates proved that once you sail, you’re hooked for life. Four floating stages transformed the Genting Dream into the world’s most immersive party venue. Here’s what went down:
ALOK, Nicky Romero, and Timmy Trumpet headlined alongside 65 international and regional artists, delivering non-stop energy from sunrise sessions to midnight madness. STMPD RCRDS brought their Golden Era of EDM showcase featuring DubVision, Justin Mylo, and Telykast. Code Black and Tita Lau pushed the tempo higher. But what truly sets IT’S THE SHIP apart? The moments between sets when DJs joined shipmates for poolside BBQ, mini golf tournaments, yoga, and neon dance aerobics. Here, the barrier between artist and fan doesn’t just blur, it dissolves completely.
In a festival first, IT’S THE SHIP partnered with Pickle in the Sky’s Pocket Pickle to launch PICKLE AT SEA, a sea-view pickleball court where shipmates rallied against ocean backdrops and challenged DJs to impromptu matches. Beyond the music and the ocean views, FICTION from Korea and ALTRXEGO from Guam elevated the entire journey as official experience partners.
These creative collectives curated an array of workshops, interactive activities, and surprise moments that elevated the overall energy and discovery for shipmates. From hands-on creative sessions to unexpected pop-up experiences, FICTION and ALTRXEGO didn’t just bring the vibe; they created pockets of surprises that turned moments into extraordinary memories. Their contribution proved that IT’S THE SHIP is more than a music festival, it’s a fully immersive lifestyle experience.
With music pulsing through the deck, love took centre stage, proving that IT’S THE SHIP is more than a music festival, it’s an experiential journey and a testament to a legacy built on unforgettable moments, emotions, and human connection. Each night, the ship underwent a complete change in theme party experience. Shipmates dove headfirst into Retro Metro’s throwback beats, embraced the dark, underground energy of Sleepless Society, and brought costumes that defied imagination for Superheroes vs Villains.
Energy ran high at the iconic Foam Party, with a powerhouse hip-hop set by Dutch DJ Irwan and followed by a live performance from Thailand’s rising star Tobii. Shipmates packed the decks at “Who Hurt You”, where heartbreak anthems and power ballads were belted out with zero inhibition and maximum emotion. It wasn’t just about dressing up; it was about becoming someone new, singing like nobody’s watching, and living fully in each unforgettable night.
The secret to IT’S THE SHIP isn’t just world-class music or luxury cruising—it’s the people. Strangers dancing together at 3am become breakfast buddies by morning. Friends become family. And sometimes, as we witnessed this year, family becomes forever.
