A cruise where Bitcoin is the common language

Bitcoin’s community is a global juggernaut—millions of hodlers, newbies, and philanthropists linked by meetups, conferences, and buzzing online hubs on X and Discord. Far from lonely, it’s a thriving network, pulsing with real-world gatherings from Miami to El Salvador. Yet, even the tightest tribes crave deeper ties. 

Enter the Bitcoin Cruise, a 2026 venture promising to bridge that gap with two fully chartered ships, immersive experiences, and a chance to pay in BTC. It’s a bold swing at uniting a fragmented tribe—one Troy Dunn, a seasoned experience-maker, believes could change the game.

Dunn, CEO of The Charter King, isn’t your typical crypto guru. He’s spent 30 years reuniting families on TV across the US and UK, crafting life-altering moments for 40,000 families. Now, after falling for travel during those decades, he’s pivoting to themed cruises—think sports teams, faith groups, and now Bitcoiners. 

In an exclusive interview with The Crypto Radio, Dunn unveiled plans for not one, but two Bitcoin Cruises, sparked by enthusiasts who saw his knack for isolation-fueled connection. “We’re building two of them,” Dunn explained, one sailing from the US to a Bitcoin-friendly nation (El Salvador’s a guess but has not yet been confirmed), the other from outside the US to sidestep visa woes. 

“It takes a really special community that wants to all gather together and travel together and be isolated from the rest of the world,” Dunn said. “But it’s in that isolation that amazing things happen.”

A Bitcoin haven at sea

Dunn’s Bitcoin Cruise isn’t your average getaway—it’s a full-on Bitcoin bubble. “We take over the entire ship,” he explained. “You control all the shows, all the entertainment, all the venues, all the announcements, all the sponsorships and banners and ads.” 

A week at sea amps up the vibe—meals, shows, and bonding turn meetup chatter into lasting ties. “When you spend 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 days together… you leave there like you’ve known these people your whole lives,” Dunn added. It’s not just mingling; it’s “a record number of deals made and businesses launched and partnerships.” Bitcoin’s community—already buzzing from global events—could hit new depths here, if its passion fills the berths. Dunn’s betting on it.

Paying in Bitcoin is a key feature, and Dunn’s on board. “My understanding from the influential folks who are putting this together behind the scenes is that people will have a way that they can pay with Bitcoin,” he said, admitting, “I don’t understand it.”

The technical details are still being finalized, with planning underway for the 2026 launch. But once aboard, it’s all-inclusive—lobster, steak, and crab. Success will depend on seamless execution, with Dunn’s crypto partners responsible for delivering on the Bitcoin payment promise.

Then there’s the allure: star power. “We bring on people that would never, ever perform on a cruise ship,” Dunn said. Surveys pick the lineup—if 2,000 fans name one act, Dunn’s team hunts them down. 

Beyond the hype: Bonds, deals, and giving back

The cruise’s real win isn’t the party—it’s the payoff. A week with millionaires and newbies breeds experts: “People who come on… will leave there feeling like they’re experts.” 

It’s a perfect mix— “Those who are new… they’re hungry for knowledge,” he said. “Those who are doing really well… they’re excited to want to share that.”

Bitcoin’s heart shines too. Dunn learned of a hodler who, since 2012, funds a doctor for eye surgeries in third-world nations—anonymously. “I had no idea not just how big the community was, but how passionate and how much they want to know more, to have more, to be more, to give more,” he marveled.

The Bitcoin Cruise isn’t about charts, profits, or business deals—it’s about being surrounded by people who understand why Bitcoin matters. For beginners, it’s a rare chance to learn without judgment, surrounded by seasoned Bitcoiners eager to share their knowledge. For long-time hodlers, it’s a chance to break free from online echo chambers and form real-world connections with people who share their passion.

With two ships, BTC payments, and a community built on shared curiosity, the Bitcoin Cruise is more than a getaway—it’s a chance to experience Bitcoin as more than just an asset. For seven days, Bitcoin isn’t something you read about—it’s something you live, surrounded by thousands of people who get it.

Now, the only question is: Who will you meet on board?

Listen to the whole interview on The Crypto Radio's live player or in Guardians of Bitcoin podcast.