Reiseroute FMC XIV - Part I

Full Metal Cruise XIV – Part I

Europe’s loudest cruise is setting sail for the rugged north! Our adventure begins in Hamburg, a legendary port city where the raw brick architecture of the Speicherstadt meets the brisk Elbe breeze at Landungsbrücken, home to the authentic spirit of the Kiez. Hamburg is the ideal gateway to the North Sea and the perfect place to break free and board our floating heavy metal mecca. Once the ship leaves the port, there’s no stopping us – the horns will be blaring!

Day two is all about the North Sea. We spend the day at sea enjoying the cool breeze at the open-air bars and taking part in metal-themed wellness activities. We also get warmed up in the mosh pit in front of the thumping stages before reaching the Norwegian mainland.

On day three, we head deep into southern Norway and anchor in the idyllic town of Mandal. Surrounded by rocky coastlines, spectacular fjords and picturesque streets lined with wooden houses, this is where the wild natural beauty of Scandinavia reveals itself. You can take a detour to the famous Sjøsanden sandy beach, enjoy the panoramic view of the rugged coastline from the Utsikten viewpoint or enjoy a cold beer in the harbour town. Mandal offers the perfect blend of Viking romance and a cool northern breeze before the music cranks up again on board.

On the fourth day, we’ll dock in Gothenburg, Sweden – the birthplace of melodic death metal! This is where extreme guitar riffs are at their most popular. You can explore the historic Haga district with its cobbled streets, climb the Skansen Kronan fortress for fantastic city views, or simply soak up the maritime atmosphere around the canals. After delving into Swedish rock culture, the pool deck will be buzzing once again as we set sail.

One final day at sea gives you the chance to burn off your remaining energy in front of the stages at full volume, give it your all at the metal karaoke and let the unforgettable experiences sink in before we moor in the Kiel Fjord on the sixth day. Those disembarking in Kiel will set off on their journey home with their ears still ringing – those staying on will get ready for the raid of Part II!

FMC XIV Itinerary – Part I

30.08.2027 - Hamburg

The Elbe metropolis welcomes the global Cruisader armada! Set against the backdrop of the cranes in the Port of Hamburg, the historic warehouses and the hustle and bustle of St Pauli, FMC XIV gets off to a flying start. Cruisaders who’ve travelled from afar and are raring to party can spend the evening before the cruise in Hamburg and put the local scene through its paces: In the Karolinenviertel, the Fischkopp is the ideal spot for vinyl hunters and fans of metal, hardcore and punk, whilst clubs such as the headCRASH or the Headbangers Ballroom are perfect venues for sweat-inducing nights out and concerts. You can soak up music history right on Beatles-Platz and Große Freiheit before heading off for a change of pace to the International Maritime Museum or the Elbphilharmonie’s Plaza for a stunning view over the harbour. Anyone who still has time for the city’s must-see sights between stops can tick off the classics in a flash: A quick stroll along the Landungsbrücken, a brief glance from St Michael’s Church or a wander through the Speicherstadt will fit into any schedule – though the legendary fish market, after a long night of warming up, is really only for the truly hardy. As we set sail on the Elbe, we finally bid farewell to the landlubbers and set course for the rough seas!

31.08.2027 - Seetag

From midday until late into the night, there is a full programme of performances on all the outdoor and indoor stages. It's time for cold drinks, mosh pits on the high seas, and pure metal bliss!

01.09.2027 - Mandal (Norwegen)

Norway’s southernmost gem welcomes us with its rugged coastal charm. The picturesque backdrop of white wooden houses, the expansive Sjøsanden town beach, and the adjacent Furulunden coastal and woodland area offer all explorers keen to breathe in some fresh air after their days at sea breathtaking natural scenery. Those who prefer to head for the heights can enjoy the full panorama of the Norwegian coast from the Uranienborg viewpoint, or join an organised excursion to the famous Lindesnes lighthouse – the southernmost point on the mainland. Insider's tip: this is where the heart of the Norwegian prog-metal scene beats! Local heroes Communic made Full Metal Cruise history here when they performed a legendary, spontaneous surprise concert during a previous stop in their hometown. Whether you enjoy a leisurely stroll through the historic alleyways, a cool drink by the water in one of the idyllic bars or the unspoilt coastal scenery – Mandal is the perfect place to relax before the next riff storm!

02.09.2027 - Göteborg (Schweden)

Embark on a journey into Sweden's undisputed metal stronghold! No other city epitomises a hard, highly melodic sound quite like Gothenburg. In the 1990s, pioneering bands such as In Flames, Dark Tranquillity and At the Gates invented the legendary 'Gothenburg sound' (melodic death metal) here, making music history in the process. For Crusader, the city is pure paradise: Gothenburg's alternative heart beats around Andra Långgatan and Järntorget. The Abyss is the absolute top spot here for live music and cool drinks, followed by cult rock bars such as Rockbaren. If you’re looking for rarities, check out the traditional record shop Bengans on Stigbergstorget, visit Discreet Music or rummage through the Vinylkjellarn for rare pressings. Even away from the music, Gothenburg shows itself at its best: Take a stroll through Haga, climb the Skansen Kronan fortress to enjoy the best views of the city, or immerse yourself in Swedish culture at the Gothenburg City Museum, the futuristic Volvo Museum or the recently opened Feskekörka fish market. Whether you're interested in historic streets, record shopping or enjoying a cold beer in the underground scene, Gothenburg has something for everyone!

03.09.2027 - Seetag

A whole day packed with relaxation, meet-and-greets, workshops and massive headliner shows on the pool deck. We’re drawing on our very last reserves of energy!

04.09.2027 - Kiel

The goal of Part 1 has been achieved: the Kiel Fjord now welcomes the steel vessel. For those returning home, a legendary journey is coming to an end, while for those passing through or extending their stay, the second chapter of their Scandinavian adventure is about to begin! Whether before signing on or after setting sail, Kiel has plenty to offer off the beaten track. Those wishing to explore the city beforehand can head to Bergstraße to experience its student-oriented nightlife, browse for fresh vinyl at Musikshop Kiel or delve deep into the region’s maritime history and hard-worn steel at the Howaldtsche Metallgießerei Industrial Museum and the Fischhalle Maritime Museum. A leisurely stroll along the historic Dänische Straße or the Kiellinie is the perfect way to round off the itinerary. Those with a little more time can also take a trip across the fjord to Laboe, where the Naval Memorial and the U 995 submarine stand right on the beach. Visible from afar, both are sure to captivate technology and history enthusiasts. And so, the next adventure awaits just beyond the lock!