A Celebration of Australian Music 21 to 27 January 2027 Sydney to Noumea aboard Carnival Splendor.
Choose Your Cruise proudly announces the launch of its newest music cruising experience, Great Southern Sounds. A brand-new festival at sea dedicated to celebrating the rich legacy, diversity, and cultural impact of Australian music. Sailing from 21 to 27 January 2027, the inaugural 6-night voyage will depart from Sydney and travel to Noumea, New Caledonia aboard Carnival Splendor.
Bringing together the best of the best, Great Southern Sounds unites legendary performers, acclaimed songwriters, and crowd favourites from across generations and genres. This new cruise concept blends the electrifying atmosphere of Rock the Boat, the heartfelt spirit of Cruisin’ Country, and the nostalgia of Cruise N Groove and Flashback, creating a single immersive event that pays tribute to Australian music in all its forms.
Marius Els, Co-Ceo adds “We are thrilled to announce our brand-new cruise, Great Southern Sounds – Celebrating Australian Music. As proud Australians, we want to acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable songwriters and iconic artists who have helped define our musical landscape. Their music has been the heartbeat of our nation, and it’s an honour to bring their stories and songs to life on board.”
2027 ARTIST LINE UP & CRUISE HISTORY
Jimmy Barnes – One of Australia’s most enduring rock frontmen, Jimmy Barnes recently headlined Rock the Boat 2025, which became one of Choose Your Cruise’s fastest selling events. Jimmy has headlined multiple Rock the Boat sailings since 2013, and his powerful vocals and decades of hits spanning Cold Chisel classics through to his acclaimed solo career make him a cornerstone of the Great Southern Sounds lineup.
Jon Stevens – Known for his energetic stage presence and rock credentials, Jon Stevens has performed on Rock the Boat multiple times, including Rock the Boat Vol.II in 2025. A crowd favourite with a rich history with Choose Your Cruise that adds depth and continuity to this new festival.
Kate Ceberano – A versatile vocalist celebrated across pop, rock, soul, and jazz, Kate Ceberano is a familiar name to festivalgoers. Her broad appeal and involvement on the upcoming Rock the Boat 2026 cruise adds flavour to the music-at-sea experience.
Daryl Braithwaite – A national treasure with timeless hits both as a solo artist and frontman for Sherbet, Daryl has also sailed with Choose Your Cruise on multiple Rock the Boat sailings since 2014, including 2025’s sell out event.
Lee Kernaghan – A titan of contemporary Australian country, Lee Kernaghan has headlined Cruisin’ Country in 2013, 2017 & 2019 along with Choose Your Cruise’s largest music festival at sea Super Cruise in 2022. Known for blending traditional country themes with rural rock, Lee brings authenticity, soul and a ute full of timeless Aussie anthems to the Great Southern Sounds line up.
Kasey Chambers – Multi-award-winning singer-songwriter Kasey Chambers previously performed on Cruisin’ Country, notably on the 2014 sailing, where she performed alongside other Australian country legends. Her raw storytelling and genre-defining impact on contemporary roots music make her an essential part of the lineup.
Troy Cassar-Daley – A storyteller at heart, Cassar-Daley’s work resonates with country lovers across Australia. Troy has performed on Cruisin’ Country five times, and his stature in the country scene makes him a natural fit for this celebration of music.
Marcia Hines – Legendary singer and performer, Marcia Hines has previously featured on Cruise N Groove & Flashback Cruises. She brings her decades of experience in soul, disco, and pop, and is beloved by cruise audiences for her hits and enduring stage presence.
Glenn Shorrock – Founding member of Little River Band and other seminal Australian groups, Glenn Shorrock has a long-standing relationship with Choose Your Cruise. He has performed on Rock the Boat cruises, including in 2013 & 2025 alongside Jimmy Barnes.
GANGgajang – Known for their coastal rock vibe and timeless songs like Sounds of Then, Ganggajang’s catalogue is well-loved by cruise audiences. Great Southern Sounds will be their first time onboard; giving guests an opportunity to see them perform for the first time at sea.
1927 – This pop-rock band, famous for late-’80s and early-’90s hits, appeals strongly to audiences who grew up on radio anthems. Great Southern Sounds will be their second cruise appearance, following their performance on Rock the Boat in 2024.
Furnace & The Fundamentals – A high-octane party band known for theatrical live shows, Furnace & The Fundamentals bring festival energy that gets crowds moving, a must-see show following their recent shows on board 2025’s Rock the Boat Vol.II cruise.
Also featuring: Ted Mulry Gang (TMG) ★ The Filthy Animals The Whispering Jack Show – A Tribute to the Music of John Farnham We Honestly Love You – Celebrating the Music of Olivia Newton-John Big Red Fire Truck ★ Bill Chambers ★ Bourbon Street ★ Buddy Goode ★ Danny Spencer Dirty Deeds ★ Jak Housden & Robyn Lou ★ JesseBeau Duo ★ Saltheads ★ Simon Ross ★ The Angels & The Oils – A Tribute ★ The Little Steely Brothers ★ The Rocking Byrds ★ X Mentals Additional artists to be announced – Over 35 acts on board!
ABOUT THE SHIP: CARNIVAL SPLENDOR
The Carnival Splendor offers an impressive collection of facilities and entertainment spaces, making it an ideal floating venue for a music festival at sea. Guests can look forward to multiple live performance areas, from intimate lounges suited for unplugged sets and late-night shows to the pool deck stage which transforms the ship into a vibrant festival ground, bringing music to life under the sun and stars.
Between performances, guests can enjoy a wide variety of dining options, ranging from specialty restaurants to casual international eateries. The ship’s Cloud 9 Spa provides a relaxing escape with its thermal suites and full menu of wellness treatments, while the Serenity Retreat offers adults a quiet place to unwind. Families and thrill seekers will enjoy the WaterWorks aqua park, complete with slides and splash zones. With its bars, lounges, casino, shops, and recreational activities, Carnival Splendor delivers a complete holiday experience both day and night.
PORT OF CALL: NOUMEA, NEW CALEDONIA
The cruise will make a stop in Noumea, a vibrant city known for its unique blend of French and Melanesian culture. Visitors can explore the beautiful coastline, including the popular Anse Vata Beach and Baie des Citrons, where calm turquoise waters make it ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and waterfront dining. Noumea’s streets are lined with French bakeries, markets, cafes, and boutiques, allowing guests to enjoy locally sourced produce, seafood, and pastries.
Cultural experiences await at locations such as the Tjibaou Cultural Centre, where visitors can learn about Kanak traditions through architecture, storytelling, and art. Whether guests choose to venture into the lagoon, enjoy the culinary scene, shop in the city, or embark on a guided shore excursion, Noumea offers a memorable and diverse port day for all travellers.
A NEW ERA FOR MUSIC CRUISING
Great Southern Sounds marks a significant evolution for Choose Your Cruise, building on more than a decade of music-themed voyages. This event honours the legacy of Australian artists while creating a new platform that unites fans of rock, pop, country, soul, and classic Aussie songwriting in a single unforgettable holiday.
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