Interview with Groove Cruise’s Managing Director John “Skeeter” Porrata

Four days into Groove Cruise, my voice was raspy and half way gone, but I didn’t want to miss the chance to sit down with Skeeter again. Having met Skeeter through GC founder Jason Beukema a couple years back, I have yet to see a moment where this guy isn’t filled with passion, powerful work ethic, and energy, despite the lack of sleep. I absolutely loved doing this sit down chat with Skeeter, getting behind the mind and heart of Groove Cruise and the family, culture, and community that they have created not only for the captains (attendees), but for every artist that headlines this festival as well.

From the unexpected pop-up bar-crawl-turned casino sets, to an extended destination CABO set with Gem & Tauri and surprise guest Blanke, there are no dull moments on and off the ship. And we can’t forget about the random last minute B2B set going back-and-forth between dubstep and techno with Acraze and Trivecta, something you will absolutely not find at any other festival.

Neon Owl x Groove Cruise Interview Skeeter neonowlco

It’s hard to explain unless you have come on board to experience this magical experience, but I would say that Gem & Tauri came close when they compared Groove Cruise to adult summer camp. Some may say that the equation of being surrounded by friends 24 hours a day, late night junk food at 5am in between sets, and power naps back in our cabins within a close distance is what makes this experience so special. I will also add that the culture Jason, Skeeter and the team have built is unmatched, ranging from the raving supportive #GCFAM that didn’t ask for refunds during the rough times of the pandemic, to the artists they book that all just seem to fit right at home. The cruise has always had a ton of trance and house on the ship, but I must say that personally I am super stoked to see more and more melodic bass and techno on the ship, with new additions like N3WPORT, NURKO, Sam WOLFE, Blanke, and Gem & Tauri to our now veterans Rico & Miella, Amidy, Trivecta and MitiS.

On top of all these amazing experiences onboard, we cannot forget about the initiatives that Whet Travel and Whet Foundation do to give back. The Destination Donation portion of the trip is always the main highlight, from volunteering at orphanages in Mexico to empowering youth programs in Florida. These do good and feel good experiences usually takes off early in the mornings, straight from a late night set or an hour long power nap. This last cruise, we went over the top for the kids over at Casa Hogar Cabo. From a US vs. Mexico soccer match that K3SS participated in, face painting, self care for moms, and bracelet making with Nino Buni, there were no dull moments. My favorite activity station was seeing Sam WOLFE, Lavelle, and John Beaver teach kids how to DJ. It was heartwarming to see them go from timid at the beginning to screaming over the mic, filled with confidence and swag. If you have not been to one, you just get to trust that it’s worth every waking moment.

Watch the full interview to get all the juicy behind the scene details and masterminding of this wonderful place so many of us call home. Having been on Groove Cruise for over 7 years now, I always wonder how it is humanly possible for them to top the last. Each and every time, I continue to be amazed at how the team continues to exceed expectations cruise after cruise. As we get ready to embark on another journey from Miami to Labadee this month, the GCFAM is already anticipating the 20th year anniversary cruise in January 2024. If you haven’t grabbed your seat for this epic excursion yet, don’t be that person that misses the boat. You can use code NEONOWL to get a discount on your reservation today.

If you are on the cruise this time around, make sure you stop by Open Door Sessions, a music industry event that Neon Owl has curated with Groove Cruise on Friday, January 20th at the SKY OBSERVATION LOUNGE. We’ll be hosting a few industry talks, network speed dating, and a demo listening party from 12:00pm-5:30pm. The event will include artists like: Bijou, Ship Wrek, Autograf, Gene Farris, Genix, Nifra, Paraleven, N3WPORT, Casmalia, Declan James and more. There will also be a ton of behind the scene industry guests from Groove Cruise, Coldharbour Recordings, TotalVision Talent, Relentless Beats and more. If you’re coming on the cruise, definitely come check out the event for industry connections, network speed dating, panel talks and a demo listening party where you’ll get to submit your music for live feedback.