Rock The Boat 2026
Australia’s most iconic floating rock festival is back and more powerful than ever. Choose Your Cruise proudly presents Rock the Boat 2026, setting sail for 7 unforgettable nights from 25 October – 1 November 2026 aboard the luxurious Carnival Splendor.
Now in its 12th instalment, Rock the Boat will host over 30 rock acts performing across multiple stages, alongside exclusive experiences, theme nights, and the opportunity to cruise the open sea with local and international rock stars.
This year’s Rock the Boat headliner is Kings of Chaos, a supergroup of rockstar alumni, uniting on one stage for an earth-shaking performance of classic hits, deep cuts, and collaborations having that boat rocking!
Kings of Chaos will feature:
« Billy F Gibbons (ZZ Top - USA): The bearded blues-rock icon and guitarist behind classics like La Grange, Sharp Dressed Man and Tush. Gibbons’ signature Texas swagger and slide guitar make him one of rock’s most distinctive figures.
« Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple - UK): Known as the "Voice of Rock," Glenn Hughes powered Deep Purple’s Mk III and IV eras, sharing lead vocals on Burn (1974), Stormbringer (1974), and Come Taste the Band (1975). His soulful, funk-infused bass helped reshape the band’s sound, especially on Come Taste the Band.
« Robin Zander (Cheap Trick - USA): The powerful voice behind I Want You to Want Me and Surrender, Zander brings decades of power pop perfection and arena rock energy.
« Nuno Bettencourt (Extreme - Portugal): A virtuosic guitarist and songwriter, best known for More Than Words and Get the Funk Out, Nuno is renowned for blending shred-level technique with funk-infused flair.
« Matt Sorum (Guns N’ Roses / The Cult - USA): Rock’s most in-demand drummer and founder of Kings of Chaos, Sorum helped define the thunderous sound of Guns N' Roses, Velvet Revolver, and The Cult, delivering decades of hard-hitting rhythms.
« Phil X (Bon Jovi - USA): Bon Jovi’s current guitarist and a studio legend in his own right, Phil X has played with Alice Cooper, Rob Zombie, and Triumph, fusing intensity with charisma on stage.
« James LoMenzo (Megadeth - USA): Known as the bass monster for Megadeth, White Lion, and Black Label Society, LoMenzo brings a heavy groove and technical mastery on bass.
AUSTRALIAN ROCK ROYALTY ON BOARD
« James Reyne: A true icon of Australian rock, Reyne rose to fame as frontman of Australian Crawl before launching a successful solo career with hits like Fall of Rome and Hammerhead.
« The Angels: With a career spanning over four decades, The Angels are legends of pub rock, delivering anthems like Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again and Take a Long Line.
« Kate Ceberano: A genre-spanning icon, Kate’s unique blend of pop, rock, and soul has made her one of Australia’s most enduring talents, with a career that includes Brave, Bedroom Eyes and Pash.
« Baby Animals: Led by powerhouse vocalist Suze DeMarchi, Baby Animals broke records with their ARIA-winning debut and remain a staple of Aussie rock with hits like Rush You and One Word.
« Rose Tattoo: Aussie hard rock legends known for their uncompromising sound and frontman Angry Anderson’s unmistakable voice. Expect Bad Boy for Love and We Can’t Be Beaten to shake the ship.
« Killing Heidi: The band that brought teen angst and alt-rock to the charts in the early 2000s, with breakout hits like Mascara and Weir, led by sibling duo Ella and Jesse Hooper.
« The Superjesus: Fronted by Sarah McLeod, this Adelaide-born alt-rock band rose to fame in the 1990s with their edgy, melodic hits Gravity and Down Again.
« The Radiators: Veterans of the Australian pub rock scene, The Radiators deliver raucous classics like Coming Home and No Tragedy.
Joining this legendary line-up are a host of rising stars and crowd favourites including Sisters Doll, Large Mirage, The Poor, Starcrazy, Hot Machine, and Haxan (UK) with over 35 acts on board – see the full lineup at: www.rocktheboatcruise.com.au
Guests aboard Rock the Boat 2026 will travel in comfort and style on the magnificent Carnival Splendor, one of the largest and most luxurious cruise ships in the Southern Hemisphere. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and exceptional onboard amenities, Carnival Splendor offers an unforgettable cruise experience, blending the indulgence of a resort-style holiday with the excitement of a floating music festival.
The ship is perfectly equipped to host a week-long rock celebration, featuring purpose-built entertainment venues with world-class production, lighting, and sound. Throughout the cruise, guests will enjoy live performances on multiple stages, from intimate lounges to full-scale performances on our transformed Pool Deck stage.
Beyond the music, Carnival Splendor provides a diverse range of activities and dining experiences to suit every taste. From poolside relaxation and rejuvenating spa treatments to late-night comedy shows, a fully equipped casino, and an array of bars and lounges, there's always something to discover onboard. Guests can also take advantage of a wide selection of restaurants offering everything from gourmet dining to casual eats, including specialty steakhouse fare, global cuisine, and fan favourites like Guy’s Burger Joint.
With ocean-view staterooms, balcony cabins, and premium suites available, Carnival Splendor ensures a comfortable and stylish home base for rock fans to relax & recharge between shows.
Rock the Boat 2026 will depart from Sydney, Australia, on 25 October 2026, embarking on a 7-night round-trip journey through the idyllic South Pacific. The itinerary offers a unique blend of high-octane live music while at sea, and serene tropical exploration in port, creating a truly one-of-a-kind holiday experience.
The first destination is Nouméa, the capital of New Caledonia. This vibrant coastal city is known for its blend of French and Melanesian culture, pristine beaches, and colourful markets. Guests can spend their time soaking up the sun on Anse Vata Beach, snorkelling in the coral reefs, or sampling French-inspired cuisine along the waterfront. With its laid-back charm and picturesque scenery, Nouméa offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
Next, the cruise visits Lifou, the largest of the Loyalty Islands, located in the archipelago of New Caledonia. Lifou offers a remote and untouched island experience, known for its dramatic cliffs, lush jungle, and secluded coves. Guests can swim in the crystalline waters of Luengoni Beach, explore hidden caves, or visit traditional villages for a glimpse into Kanak culture. The natural beauty of Lifou is matched by its peaceful atmosphere—making it an ideal destination to recharge amid the high-energy entertainment onboard.
After a week of island adventures and unforgettable live shows, Rock the Boat will return to Sydney on 1 November 2026, leaving guests with lifelong memories and the kind of stories only a music cruise can offer.
Cabins for Rock the Boat 2026 are on sale now, with cabins in high demand due to the star-studded lineup and strong fan response from previous sell out cruises. Packages include all live performances, onboard entertainment, and port fees/gratuities.
Visit www.rocktheboatcruise.com.au for full lineup details, deck plans, and pricing.