Rock & Roll Hall of Famers THE DOOBIE BROTHERS (USA) to Headline Six-Night Music Festival at Sea

12th to 18th October 2027 | Sydney – Noumea – Sydney | Aboard Carnival Splendor

Choose Your Cruise is proud to announce the return of Rock The Boat in 2027, bringing together an extraordinary lineup of international rock legends, iconic Australian performers and crowd favourites for six unforgettable nights of live music at sea.

Sailing from Sydney on 12 October 2027, the six-night, full-ship charter aboard Carnival Splendor will travel to Noumea, New Caledonia, before returning to Sydney on 18 October. The voyage will once again transform the ship into a floating rock festival, with live performances, themed entertainment and unforgettable experiences throughout the journey.

Headlining Rock The Boat 2027 are legendary American rock band THE DOOBIE BROTHERS (USA), bringing more than five decades of timeless hits, signature harmonies and unmistakable rock, soul and rhythm-and-blues influences to Australian waters.

Joining them is an outstanding collection of Australian music royalty, including Jon Stevens, The Screaming Jets, Diesel, Vanessa Amorosi, Mark Seymour, Boom Crash Opera, Chocolate Starfish and Bachelor Girl, Rob Mills performing the songs of Bon Jovi, The Great Creedence Revival Show, plus many more.

The 2027 lineup celebrates the enduring appeal of classic rock while bringing together artists whose music has provided the soundtrack to generations of Australian music fans.

2027 ARTIST LINEUP & CRUISE HISTORY

THE DOOBIE BROTHERS (USA)

One of the most celebrated and influential American rock bands of all time, The Doobie Brothers have spent more than five decades creating an extraordinary catalogue of timeless hits that continue to resonate with audiences around the world.

Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2020, the band is renowned for its distinctive blend of rock, soul, blues and rhythm and blues, with classics including Listen to the Music, Long Train Runnin', China Grove, Black Water, Takin' It to the Streets and the Grammy Award-winning What a Fool Believes.

Following their celebrated 50th anniversary reunion tour in 2021, longtime members Pat Simmons, Tom Johnston and John McFee continued their musical journey alongside Michael McDonald, whose unmistakable vocals and keyboard arrangements helped define one of the band's most successful eras.

The reunion also inspired the release of their album Walk This Road, bringing together the band's principal songwriters and distinctive musical styles on new material for the first time in decades.

With their legendary harmonies, exceptional musicianship and extensive collection of internationally recognised hits, The Doobie Brothers promise to deliver a truly memorable headline performance aboard Rock The Boat 2027.

Touring Lineup:

Pat Simmons – Guitar/Vocals, Tom Johnston – Guitar/Vocals, John McFee – Guitar/Pedal Steel/Dobro/Fiddle/Violin/Harmonica/Vocals, Michael McDonald – Piano/Keyboards/Mandolin/Vocals, Marc Russo – Saxaphone, Ed Toth – Drums, Marc Quiñones – Percussion/Vocals, John Cowan – Bass/Vocals.

JON STEVENS

One of Australia's most recognisable and powerful rock vocalists, Jon Stevens has enjoyed an extraordinary career spanning solo success, his time fronting Noiseworks and performances with INXS.

With classic Noiseworks hits including Take Me Back, Touch, No Lies and Hot Chilli Woman, Stevens has remained a commanding presence on the Australian live music scene for decades.

A familiar face to Choose Your Cruise audiences, having performed on previous Rock The Boat voyages, including Rock The Boat Vol. II in 2025 and the upcoming Great Southern Sounds 2027, Stevens returns with his unmistakable voice, electric stage presence and an extensive catalogue of Australian rock anthems.

THE SCREAMING JETS

Aussie Rock royalty for over 3 decades, The Screaming Jets remain at the top of their game. Fronted by the ever-charismatic Dave Gleeson, the band is renowned for their electrifying live performances, raw energy and iconic anthems including Better, Helping Hand, Shivers and Come On. The Screaming Jets are pure, no-holds-barred Aussie rock ’n’ roll!

DIESEL

One of Australia's most respected guitarists, singers and songwriters, Diesel has built an acclaimed career blending rock, blues, soul and roots music.

Breaking through with Johnny Diesel & The Injectors before establishing a successful solo career, his catalogue includes enduring favourites such as Cry in Shame, Tip of My Tongue, Come to Me and Never Miss Your Water.

Renowned for his exceptional musicianship, distinctive voice and dynamic live performances, Diesel brings a soulful and blues-driven dimension to the Rock The Boat 2027 lineup, making his on board debut in 2027.

VANESSA AMOROSI

One of Australia's most celebrated powerhouse vocalists, Vanessa Amorosi has enjoyed an extraordinary career spanning more than 25 years, selling over two million records worldwide. Bursting onto the music scene with international hits Absolutely Everybody and Shine, Amorosi became a household name following her unforgettable performances at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

Her impressive catalogue includes chart-topping favourites Perfect and This Is Who I Am, alongside eight studio albums and numerous ARIA and APRA nominations.

Renowned for her remarkable vocal range and commanding stage presence, Amorosi continues to captivate audiences worldwide, bringing her unmistakable voice and timeless hits to Rock The Boat 2027.

MARK SEYMOUR

One of Australia's most respected singer-songwriters, Mark Seymour rose to prominence as the frontman of iconic Australian rock band Hunters & Collectors, formed in 1980. Renowned for their powerful live performances and emotionally charged songwriting, the band produced landmark albums including Human Frailty, Ghost Nation and Cut, establishing themselves as one of Australia's most influential rock acts. Following the band's retirement in 1998, Seymour embarked on a successful solo career, continuing to explore themes of love, loss and the Australian experience.

With an extensive catalogue spanning Hunters & Collectors, his solo recordings and work with The Undertow, Seymour remains one of the country's most celebrated musical storytellers.

BOOM CRASH OPERA

One of Australia's most enduring pop-rock bands, Boom Crash Opera emerged in 1985 and quickly established themselves as a staple of Australian radio with their infectious melodies and distinctive sound. With an impressive catalogue of hits including Great Wall, Onion Skin, Hands Up in the Air, The Best Thing and Dancing in the Storm, the band achieved multiple Top 20 chart successes and ARIA recognition throughout their career.

Led by charismatic vocalist Dale Ryder, Boom Crash Opera continue to captivate audiences with their energetic live performances, timeless songs and cross-generational appeal, cementing their place as one of Australia's most recognisable rock acts.

CHOCOLATE STARFISH

Celebrating more than 30 years of electrifying live performances, Chocolate Starfish have earned a reputation as one of Australia's most entertaining rock bands. Fronted by the charismatic Adam Thompson, the band is renowned for its theatrical stage presence, audience interaction and an extensive catalogue spanning their original hits and acclaimed Classic Album Series, featuring interpretations of Meat Loaf's Bat Out of Hell, INXS's Kick and Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody.

A firm favourite among Rock The Boat passengers, Chocolate Starfish continue to deliver exhilarating performances that bring audiences together, making them a much-loved addition to the 2027 voyage.

BACHELOR GIRL

Australian pop-rock favourites Bachelor Girl, featuring Tania Doko and James Roche, rose to prominence with their double-platinum, ARIA Award-winning debut album Waiting for the Day. Featuring beloved hits including Buses and Trains, Lucky Me, Treat Me Good and Permission to Shine, the duo became a defining sound of Australian radio throughout the late 1990s and beyond.

Their melodic songwriting, familiar radio favourites and nostalgic appeal bring another dimension to the Rock The Boat 2027 lineup.

ROB MILLS – PERFORMS THE SONGS OF BON JOVI

Australian singer, actor and musical theatre star Rob Mills brings the legendary anthems of Bon Jovi to life in a spectacular celebration of more than 40 years of rock music. Rising to fame on the inaugural season of Australian Idol, Mills has since built an impressive career across stage and screen, starring in major productions including Wicked, Grease, Ghost and & Juliet.

Backed by an outstanding live band, Mills delivers a thrilling tribute featuring timeless hits such as Livin' on a Prayer, It's My Life, You Give Love a Bad Name and Wanted Dead or Alive. A crowd favourite among Rock The Boat audiences, this electrifying show promises an unforgettable singalong experience at sea.

THE GREAT CREEDENCE REVIVAL SHOW

Celebrating the timeless music of Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Great Creedence Revival Show delivers an authentic, high-energy tribute to one of rock music's most influential bands. Fronted by acclaimed performer Scott Cameron, renowned for his portrayal of Buddy Holly in The Buddy Holly Story, the show faithfully recreates the unmistakable sound of John Fogerty and CCR.

Alongside accomplished musicians Adriano Le Mura, Troy Doolan and Simon O'Connor, Cameron brings the band's legendary catalogue to life, capturing the driving rhythms, iconic guitar riffs and unmistakable spirit of classic swamp rock. A celebration of rock nostalgia, The Great Creedence Revival Show promises a memorable experience for Rock The Boat 2027 passengers.

Rounding out the lineup are exciting feature artists Sisters Doll, Disgraceland and 19-Twenty, each bringing their own unique energy, musicianship and showmanship to the Rock The Boat experience.

Adding even more depth to the six-night entertainment program, Rock The Boat 2027 will also feature an exciting selection of live acts, including AJ & The Wildhearts, AJ & Wayne Electric Duo, Duelling Pianos, Epic, JesseBeau Duo, Saltheads, The Buddy Holly Show, The Filthy Animals, The Hype Boys, The Rocking Byrds and Willie J's 6V6S. From intimate performances to crowd-pleasing rock anthems and interactive entertainment, these artists will help bring the ship to life with music and entertainment throughout the voyage.

ABOUT THE SHIP: CARNIVAL SPLENDOR

Carnival Splendor provides the perfect setting for Rock The Boat's unique floating music festival experience. Across six nights, the ship will come alive with performances across multiple entertainment venues, from intimate lounges and bars to large-scale concert spaces and the spectacular open-air Lido deck mainstage!

Unlike traditional festivals, passengers can enjoy their favourite artists in a relaxed holiday atmosphere while discovering new music and connecting with fellow rock fans. Between performances, guests can explore the ship's restaurants, bars, swimming pools, Cloud 9 Spa, Serenity Retreat and WaterWorks aqua park, with accommodation, dining and entertainment all included in one unforgettable experience at sea.

PORT OF CALL: NOUMEA, NEW CALEDONIA

Rock The Boat 2027 will depart Sydney on 12 October for a six-night voyage featuring a port of call in Noumea, New Caledonia. Known for its beautiful turquoise waters, French-influenced culture and tropical scenery, Noumea offers passengers the opportunity to explore one of the South Pacific's most distinctive destinations.

From the waterfront dining and beaches of Anse Vata and Baie des Citrons to local markets, cultural attractions and shore excursions, guests can enjoy a memorable day ashore before returning to the excitement of the music festival onboard.

ROCK THE BOAT – A CELEBRATION OF LIVE MUSIC AT SEA

Since its inception, Rock The Boat has established itself as one of Australia's most recognisable music cruising experiences, bringing together celebrated international performers, Australian music legends and passionate rock fans for unforgettable floating festivals at sea.

More than simply a concert series, Rock The Boat has developed a loyal community of returning passengers who share a love of live music, travel and the unique atmosphere that only a full-ship music charter can deliver.

The 2027 voyage continues this tradition, combining the international ‘bucket-list’ true VIP holiday experience with The Doobie Brothers, complimented by an outstanding collection of Australian rock icons, familiar favourites and exciting live performers.

Bookings for Rock The Boat 2027 are now open!

For artist lineup details, cabin categories, pricing and booking information, visit:

Official website: www.rocktheboat2027.com.au"> www.rocktheboat2027.com.au

Booking site (direct link): https://eas-cyc-connector.intellibook.co/book/rtb2027