2026 Rock the Boat Festival at Sea

The Cruise

The Ultimate Classic Rock Cruise returns with headliner Kings of Chaos, a supergroup of rockstar alumni, uniting on one stage for an earth-shaking performance of classic hits, deep cuts, and collaborations plus over 30 legendary acts setting sail for 7 unforgettable nights from 25 October to 1 November 2026 aboard Carnival Splendor. Australia’s most iconic floating rock festival is back and more powerful than ever. 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.

Headliner - Kings of Chaos

• 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,” powering Deep Purple’s Mk III and IV eras. His soulful, funk-infused bass helped reshape the band’s sound, especially on Come Taste the Band.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Matt Sorum (Guns N’ Roses / The Cult – USA): rock’s most in-demand drummer, Sorum helped define the thunderous sound of Guns N’ Roses, Velvet Revolver, and The Cult, delivering decades of hard-hitting rhythms.
• James LoMenzo (Megadeth – USA): Formerly of Megadeth, White Lion, and Black Label Society, LoMenzo brings a heavy groove and technical mastery on bass. 

+ Australian Rock Royalty

• 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: agenre-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.

The Ship

A floating paradise packed with non-stop excitement, world-class entertainment, and unforgettable adventures. This magnificent ship boasts a sprawling Serenity Pool and Hot Tubs, a thrilling WaterWorks waterslide park, and diverse dining options, from sizzling steakhouse delights to international flavors. Mosh the night away at vibrant live music venues, nightclubs, enjoy non-stop entertainment, or relax in the Cloud 9 Spa.

Carnival Splendor brings the flavour with a massive range of food and drink options to satisfy every craving while you cruise. From the endless variety at the Lido Marketplace buffet including salad bars, deli classics, gluten-free and vegan-friendly options to 24/7 pizza, poolside burgers, ice cream, and specialty dining, there’s something for every appetite. Sip cocktails in the many themed bars and lounges or grab a casual bite between sets. With specially trained chefs ready to accommodate different dietary needs, Carnival makes it easy for everyone to enjoy delicious meals throughout their cruise.