MIAMI (CelebrityAccess) – ShipRocked, a premier rock and metal music cruise, has carved a unique niche in the entertainment industry. What began as a novel idea has blossomed into a thriving community, drawing thousands of dedicated fans year after year. Laura L Rode/CelebrityAccess had the opportunity on board ShipRocked 2025 to sit down with Alan Koenig, the driving force behind ShipRocked. Koenig offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of the cruise, its unique appeal, and the challenges and triumphs of creating such a large-scale, immersive experience.
Koenig is the founder, creator, and producer of ShipRocked, a premier rock music cruise vacation. He leads ASK4 Entertainment, the company responsible for producing ShipRocked.
From Artist Management to Cruise Mogul:
Koenig’s journey to creating ShipRocked began with a background in artist management. Organizing charity events honed his skills, but a client’s cruise sparked the inspiration. A previous, unenjoyable traditional cruise contrasted sharply with the vibrant community he witnessed on a music-themed cruise. This resonated with a personal experience at a Peter Gabriel event, where fan connection was powerful. “We got back to the hotel after, sitting around with all the other people that had been at this event and talking just about our lives and about music, and that experience was really fulfilling,” Koenig recalls. Recognizing the potential within the rock and metal community, he then founded ShipRocked, stating, “This is what I want to do, so, I quit my job…and borrowed a couple bucks…and now today, we’re on the 15th ShipRocked cruise.”
Building a Community at Sea:
ShipRocked’s success isn’t just about the music but also the community. Koenig emphasizes the “affinity” among attendees, a sense of belonging that transcends performances. It’s a “big family reunion” at sea. “I mean, it’s amazing,” Koenig states. “And this is a vacation, so everybody’s kind of together all the time. They get to eat together. They go to the bar together. They go to concerts together. In addition to the amazing off-ship excursions at ports of call”. This spirit is nurtured year-round through social media, email, and the “Making Waves” podcast.
The Evolution of ShipRocked:
ShipRocked has grown exponentially. From humble beginnings, it’s now a large-scale event. Koenig acknowledges the initial challenges of educating agents about music cruises. “Early on…there weren’t a ton of music groups jumping ‘on-board’, and so it took a little bit of teaching…of agents and managers what it was,” he explains. As ShipRocked’s reputation grew, attracting bands became easier, though education remains key. “You don’t really know what it’s like until you do it,” Koenig emphasizes.
The ShipRocked Experience:
ShipRocked delivers a high-quality, festival-like experience in an intimate setting. This involves significant production investment. “We want to deliver that first-class festival experience in an incredibly intimate way,” Koenig says. The goal is a “big rock show” atmosphere, even on the deck stage. “We like to dress up the ship as much as we possibly can with the annual themed artwork the banners, elevator vinyl’s, stages, poles and everywhere we can brand around the ship,” Koenig explains. Each year, there is a well-executed theme, with this year being the 80s, which included a full-dressed prom night, a wrestling night, and a neon/glow night, to name a few. The ShipRockers embrace these themes as they do their adventure each year.
Keeping it Fresh and Rewarding:
Maintaining a high return rate is crucial. Koenig attributes their 65% rate to the strong community and constant effort to refresh the experience. “I’m under no illusion that everybody’s going to do this every year,” Koenig admits, “But we have about a 65% return rate. So, it’s a pretty solid group of people that come.” Each year brings a new lineup, ports, and activities. There is now a loyalty program that rewards returning guests.
Challenges and Logistics:
Organizing this type of cruise also presents logistical challenges. From band schedules to guest flow, every detail requires planning. Weather is a huge factor, requiring contingency plans. “It’s always fun when the weather’s great. And we don’t have to change anything,” Koenig remarks. Loading equipment is substantial. “We come in more than a week ahead…and load all of the staging, lighting, and our merch,” Koenig explains. He emphasizes the importance of guest flow and concurrent activities.
The Future of ShipRocked:
ShipRocked’s future looks bright. A slightly larger ship next year will allow for increased capacity. In addition, Koenig is exploring new concepts and partnerships. While a second ShipRocked has been considered, the focus remains on intimacy. “I kind of like the specialness of the one,” Koenig says. “I don’t want to dilute it.” International expansion is another concept we are exploring. “If we do anything, we might add another sailing, but not in the U.S.,” Koenig hints.
The Passion Behind the Cruise:
Koenig’s passion is evident. He emphasizes the rewarding feeling of creating an event that brings joy. “I’ll do this as long as I can possibly do it,” Koenig states. “You can’t beat it as a career. It’s a lot of fun and a labor of love to share my passion with like-minded individuals.” This dedication continues to ensure ShipRocked’s success.
Save the date for ShipRocked 2026 – January 25-31, 2026, to set sail to Half Moon Cay, Celebration Key and Nassau in the Bahamas. Visit: https://www.shiprocked.com
