2018 Cruisin' Country Music Festival at Sea

Acclaimed as one of Australian country music's most highly anticipated events, the music festival on the high seas Cruisin' Country returns in 2018, celebrating a massive eight consecutive years. Departing from Sydney in October, Cruisin' Country 8 brings together more than 40 of Australia's most respected country musicians for a seven-night cruise aboard the luxury liner Radiance Of The Seas to idyllic holiday ports Noumea and the Isle of Pines in New Caledonia. Embracing the theme of Looking Forward, Looking Back, Cruisin' Country 8 presents a journey through song of Australian country music's past, present and future.

The 2018 line-up includes John Williamson, Troy Cassar-Daley, Graeme Connors, Gina Jeffreys, Sara Storer, Tania Kernaghan, Anne Kirkpatrick, James Blundell and Amber Lawrence to name a few. Other familiar faces include The Wheel, Buddy Goode, Bill Chambers and Simply Bushed, plus many more. The cruise not only features a plethora of live music experiences, but also immersive onboard passenger activities such as dancing lessons, workshops, bush poetry and open mic sessions, and a host of other fun opportunities for cruise-goers to get involved with. There are eight new dining options, from casual eats to premium dining, a host of live music venues with performances occurring day and night, along with other relaxing holiday opportunities such as the VIP guest lounge, poolside cinema screen and a Royal Babies & Tots Nursey.

Part of the revered Choose Your Cruise brand, renowned for bringing a host of music festivals at sea to the Australian public, the inclusive vacation-music experiences have seen more than 38,000 passengers embark on the holiday of a lifetime since its inception in 2009. Choose Your Cruise's Caitlin Manov says Cruisin' Country sees many return guests year after year, and believes it is all due to the fun and family culture onboard.

The Looking Forward, Looking Back theme for 2018 embodies that all inclusive ethos. Titled after Slim Dusty's historic 100^th album, it is about celebrating all country music artists, from those who have been on the cruise over the years since its inception, to the new emerging artists heading onboard for the first time in 2018. "Australian country music has come such a long way and is continuing to evolve," says Caitlin. "We want to celebrate both sides of a genre of music that is so important to Australians. It is important for us to celebrate the artists who paved the way for contemporaries in today's industry, as there is such a rich history that is so highly respected by fellow artists and fans alike."

For headliner John Williamson, Cruisin' Country 8 marks his fourth time on the cruise. Troy Cassar-Daley and Gina Jeffreys are also returning faces, all who have fond memories of their last time on the cruise. For Caitlin and the team behind Choose Your Cruise, putting together a complementary line-up that will appeal to all country music fans is paramount. Each year they bring together an eclectic group of cruise veterans, and artists who make their maiden voyage on Cruisin' Country.

Tickets for the 2018 Cruisin' Country music festival at sea [9^th-16^th October 2018] are on sale now, departing from Sydney. Prices start from $2599 per person twin share (interior stateroom).

For more information, please visit www.chooseyourcruise.com.au or call 1300 247 371.