Another great year for Shiprocked in 2017. Each year has its own personality, but in the end, it's about 3000 rockers just having a good time on a 4-day cruise letting their hair down!
The 2017 Band lineup was strong, but took a hit when two bands could not make it (Shaman's Harvest and From Ashes to New). Both notified fans well in advance, and additional bands were added but several folks lamented the loss. These things happen in show business, nothing can be done. To me, Papa Roach was the show stealer (although Breaking Benjamin was the headliner and also very entertaining). Other bands of note: Avatar (man their fans come out), Alter Bridge (GREAT GUITAR), Dead Deads (two years in a row of rocking), and the Stowaways. The Stowaways are pieces of bands that get together for a couple of 2 hour sets and do not disappoint. Members of Unloco, Aranda, POD, Buckcherry, and many many more were there. My favorite Stowaway was Geoff Tate formerly of Queensryche (and yes, he did several of their songs including Jet City Woman and Another Rainy Night, the latter in an intimate acoustic set in the Atrium).
The 2017 Deck stage on the Victory was far superior to the previous two years on the Pearl. It was more vertical/up (instead of long ways out). Everyone had a great view. I did NOT like the theater as much; the acoustics didn't seem as good in the upper level (where we had to sit as we were not VIPs). Service on the victory was outstanding, as was the bar staff. Embarkation was way easier on the Victory vs. the Pearl, however the muster drill took a VERY long time (over 30 minutes) I'm told due to passengers not following directions.
The Meet and Greets are a very unique aspect of this cruise/festival. No additional charge, you get a professional photo with all the bands in the session (posted online after the cruise ends). The lines are long (1.5 hours usually), but that's just part of it. Be patient and you won't be disappointed. The bands are great in shaking fans hand and enjoying the experience. In that regard, you see the bands all over the ship, most of the time they love just hanging out and having a drink and chatting. Just don't interrupt their meals or gambling, that's their vacation time.
Finally, the Shiprocked promoters do an amazing job of organizing. Everything was near flawless. The first concert was an hour or two late due to embarkation logistics, literally nothing they could do (it takes a while to get all the people, equipment, etc. on the ship AND set up for a concert within hours.
No doubt this is an annual must attend and we have already prebooked for next year. I hear it will well out in days! read more