Why Cruisin' Country Is An Unforgettable Experience For Country Music Fans

Country and sea combine as Aussie country stars John Williamson, The Wolfe Brothers, Casey Barnes and more set sail this December onboard Cruisin’ Country – Australia’s leading country music-themed cruise.

Choose Your Cruise’s country music voyage will depart from Sydney from 1-8 December, along with a stellar line-up of country music artists with ports of call in Noumea (New Caledonia) and Lifou (Loyalty Islands). Cruisin’ Country is one of four themed voyages currently offered by Choose Your Cruise and promises an “unforgettable experience for country music fans of all ages”.

Over 40 artists will be performing throughout the seven-night music festival at sea, including South Australian country music icon Beccy Cole, multi-Golden Guitar award-winning artist Amber Lawrence, CMA Global Country Artist award winner Gord Bamford plus up-and-comer James Johnston, and duo acts Adam Eckersley & Brooke McClymont, and McAlister Kemp.

Hopping onboard for her 11th appearance at Cruisin’ Country, CMAA Golden Guitar Award’s 2023 Female Artist of the Year, Amber Lawrence, says she looks forward to the event in her calendar every year, “There is just so much that keeps me coming back, from the incredible shows we get to perform in luxury theatres with our super band, to the feeling of being out on the beautiful Pacific Ocean, taking in the sea air when you wake every morning.”

Lawrence is also eager to share the stage with fellow Australian artists Beccy Cole, The Wolfe Brothers, Casey Barnes and the “amazing international acts joining the cruise”, such as the Canadian country music group Petric. The ARIA Award nominee admitted she’s just as keen for the star-studded line-up as her fellow passengers, “I can’t wait to enjoy Ashleigh Dallas and her family band, and a singalong with John Williamson and his iconic songs!”

On the unique opportunity to mingle with her audience during the trip, Lawrence says she loves talking to other country music fans while enjoying the many onboard activities and amenities, “Doing all of these things helps me meet and connect with all the passengers. It’s so fun and social. I’ve made great mates onboard Cruisin’ Country.”

Cruisin’ Country first-timer and Golden Guitar Award winner James Johnston agrees the connection artists make with passengers onboard drew the rising country music star to the gig, “I’m so used to just quickly coming in, playing my show and heading off. But to get the chance to hang out with the guests and to get to actually have a chat with everyone is what I’m most looking forward to.”

Johnston will be joining the audience in between his own sets to take advantage of the exceptional line-up, “I’m really excited to see Brooke [McClymont] and Adam [Eckersley] play again! I got to sit down and see their whole show in Tamworth this year, and it was one of the most entertaining shows I’ve ever seen, so I can’t wait to see them play again.”

CEO of Choose Your Cruise, Marius Els, says country music fans will be delighted with everything Cruisin’ Country has to offer, “Music fans can come along for a wonderful week at sea enjoying all the great things about cruising and some great music concerts with some of our most loved artists.”

Along with the weeklong schedule of shows, passengers can also expect a range of activities and entertainment onboard, including themed parties, guitar and songwriting workshops, and immersive experiences with artists – alongside world-class amenities such as a cinema and theatre, arcade, library, rock climbing wall and sports deck, onboard shopping and more.

While sipping cocktails poolside, you’re certain to find Amber Lawrence taking it all in, “I love hitting the pool deck for a swim, the gym for a run on the treadmill (especially when the ship is moving, it’s a good challenge), indulging in some beauty treatments and massages and enjoy getting off the ship on the days when we visit our ports of call.”

The main attraction, of course, will be the country music soundtrack while you set sail on the Pacific Ocean. Els says passengers can particularly look forward to the artists making their debut on the cruise this December, “We have two amazing acts out of Canada – Gord Bamford and Petric will also debut on this year’s cruise.

“Australian artists include John Williamson, who has now exceeded over a billion streams – a milestone for any artist. It’s going to be a great week at sea in December, so we hope to see all our Countrytown friends on board!”

Cruisin’ Country 2023 sets sail from Sydney on 1-8 December. Book your cabin by visiting the website at www.cruisincountry.com.au or contacting your preferred travel agent.