2027 Great Southern Sounds Festival at Sea
The Cruise
This brand-new festival at sea is dedicated to celebrating the rich legacy, diversity, and cultural impact of Australian music. Depart from Sydney on 21 January 2027 and travel to Noumea, New Caledonia for 6 nights 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. This is your chance to escape to a floating Aussie music paradise packed with epic live performances, themed dress-up nights, ice-cold cocktails, immersive activities, trivia and much more. But what truly sets this apart? It’s an intimate, up-close atmosphere where the line between artist and fan blurs. You’re not just watching the bands — you’re on holiday with them! From catching them side-stage to sharing a laugh at the bar or spotting them in the buffet line, anything can happen at sea on a Choose Your Cruise music cruise!
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.
Please note – The central pool on deck 9 will be unavailable during Great Southern Sounds 2026, as it will be covered to transform the main stage dance floor area. You can access the Serentiy Pool, however, throughout the voyage on deck 9 back of the ship.
The Artists Line-Up
- Jimmy Barnes
- Jon Stevens
- Kate Ceberano
- Daryl Braithwaite
- Lee Kernaghan
- Kasey Chambers
- Troy Cassar-Daley
- Marcia Hines .
- Glenn Shorrock
- GANGgajang
- 1927
- Furnace & The Fundamentals
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!
- Live headline performances 🎶
- Colourful themed decorations & carnival vibes 🎪
- Interactive workshops & fun activities 🎨
- Food stalls & local treats 🍴
- Evening party with DJs & surprise acts 💃
- Festival keepsake & wristband 🎟️
Your fare excludes:
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Optional excursions & activities
- Alcoholic beverages (unless specified)
- Visa fees (if applicable)
- Day 1 (21 Jan 2027): Depart Sydney, Australia
- Day 2 (22 Jan 2027): At Sea
- Day 3 (23 Jan 2027): At Sea
- Day 4 (24 Jan 2027): Noumea, New Caledonia
- Day 5 (25 Jan 2027): At Sea
- Day 6 (26 Jan 2027): At Sea (Australia Day)
- Day 7 (27 Jan 2027): Arrive Sydney, Australia
Noumea, New Caledonia
Known as the ‘Paris of the Pacific’, Noumea enjoys more sunshine than any other Pacific Island capital and has a wonderfully easy-going, sun-soaked vibe. With beautiful white beaches, clear blue waters and a lively mix of cultures, cruising to New Caledonia’s capital makes for a perfect tropical getaway. Spend your time soaking up the atmosphere along the waterfront, browsing local markets, or joining one of our shore excursions to see more of the island. You’ll also have the chance to connect with Kanak culture through traditional music, dance and crafts – a colourful and welcoming window into New Caledonia’s rich heritage.
Please note itinerary may change without prior notice.
Departs Sydney on 21 January 2027 for 6 nights aboard Carnival Splendor
- Interior Cabin from $3,200 pp twin share / $4,650 pp sole use*
- Ocean View Cabin from $3,565 pp twin share / $5,348 pp sole use*
- Balcony Cabin from $4,340 pp twin share / $6,510 pp sole use*
- Suite - Sold Out
Please call our team on 1300 414 198 today to make your booking!
*Prices and cabin availability are subject to change without notice. All fares are per person, and include government taxes, port charges, and gratuities.
ABOUT THE SHIP: CARNIVAL SPLENDOR
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.
- Gross Tonnage: 113,573
- Guest Capacity: 3,000+
- Length in Feet: 952
- Onboard Crew: 1,150
Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply.
ARTIST LINE-UP
Great Southern Sounds has entered into an agreement with each performing artist on Great Southern Sounds to be present on board the Cruise and to perform in accordance with terms specified therein. However, neither Choose Your Cruise nor Carnival Cruise Line shall be liable or responsible for the failure of any artist/musician to appear on board or to perform under its agreement. Please be fully aware that whilst many headline artists will perform more than once, some headline artists will only perform a singular show – no refunds, credits or otherwise will be offered in lieu of any artist performing once.
In the event of any failure of contracted artists to perform during the cruise, Great Southern Sounds/Choose Your Cruise in its sole discretion, may engage a replacement artist or artists or may change, postpone or terminate any part of the Cruise or the entertainment program or change itinerary. In such case, Great Southern Sounds/Choose Your Cruise, shall have no liability to any guest for any loss, damage, cost or expense whatsoever by reason of such change.
Artist line-up is correct at the time of printing and is subject to change. In the unlikely event that any band/performer cancels or cannot fulfill their performance obligations for any reason, there will be no refunds. The ticket is for the overall cruise experience, not the individual acts.