A Festival That Redefines Connection
Asia’s largest festival at sea, IT’S THE SHIP, is back, and it’s more than just a music cruise. This year’s 9th sailing from Singapore on November 16–18 brings together a powerhouse lineup led by Alok, Nicky Romero, and Timmy Trumpet, but the real headline is how technology and creativity are coming together to elevate the shipmate experience.
Ahead of the voyage, IT’S THE SHIP introduced its most charismatic “crew member” yet—STEVE, the festival’s cheeky mascot brought to life through AI. STEVE now chats directly with fans on Instagram at @itstheship, answering cabin questions, hyping the lineup, and even serving attitude with every reply.
“Steve has always been an iconic part of IT’S THE SHIP’s identity, but now fans can actually talk to him,” said Dylan Tan, Founder of Replyr, the creative tech startup that helped bring STEVE to life. “Using state-of-the-art large language models, we’ve turned a mascot into an interactive personality that entertains shipmates long before they ever step on board.”
The initiative reflects the festival’s ongoing mission to connect with its community in a bold, witty, and distinctly human way, even when powered by AI. As Project Lead Samira Davidson shared,
“STEVE isn’t just about answering questions—he’s about creating conversations. The response so far has been incredible.”
60 Artists. One Unforgettable Voyage.
Beyond STEVE’s digital debut, IT’S THE SHIP 2025 is ready to set the decks on fire with a lineup of over 60 artists from around the world. Headliners Alok, Nicky Romero, and Timmy Trumpet will lead a roster that also features Code Black, Tita Lau, and a STMPD RCRDS showcase from Martin Garrix’s label featuring DubVision, Justin Mylo, and Telykast.
The festival’s lineup doesn’t stop there. Expect beats from Irwan, Bass Agents, Amber Na, Nahsyk, and rising talents like Aginta.Vi, winner of the Deck Selecta 2025 competition. Hip-hop fans can also catch Tobii from Def Jam Thailand performing his viral hit “Bad Girls Like You.”
For the full shipmate experience, themed parties like Retro Metro, Superheroes vs. Villains, and Drip: Foam Party are returning favorites. Add sunrise yoga, artist-led mini-golf, and spontaneous drag-hosted bingo nights, and you’ve got a festival that blurs the line between party and paradise.
“Every sailing is unique to its own,” said Davidson. “That’s why shipmates keep coming back for more.”
More Than a Festival—It’s a Movement
Since its first voyage in 2014, IT’S THE SHIP has built a global community spanning more than 87 countries. It’s not just a music festival, it’s a floating ecosystem of creativity, self-expression, and connection. Whether it’s a first-time cruiser or a returning shipmate, everyone boards as a fan and leaves as family.
Cabins are selling fast, with limited Balcony and Palace Suites still available. Shipmates can use promo code SHIPOUT or LINEUP at itstheship.com to secure discounts.
This year, it’s not just about the destination, it’s about the journey, the beats, and now, the banter. With STEVE leading the charge and a world-class lineup at sea, IT’S THE SHIP 2025 is proof that the future of festivals is personal, playful, and perfectly unpredictable.
Cover image credit: IT’S THE SHIP
