Princess Cruises is making waves in the music industry through a new partnership that brings emerging country music talent to the high seas. The cruise line, which became the exclusive cruise partner of the Academy of Country Music (ACM) in 2024, is launching a special concert series featuring rising country stars aboard its Regal Princess vessel.
The new initiative, called ACM Live from the Red Barrel Lounge, will showcase performances during six- and eight-day Caribbean voyages departing from Galveston, Texas. Between February 9 and March 17, 2025, passengers will have the opportunity to experience intimate concerts from notable up-and-coming artists in the country music scene.
Among the featured performers is ACM Award nominee Kameron Marlowe, along with Tigirlily Gold, who currently holds the ACM New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year title. The lineup also includes Chapel Hart, who gained prominence through their appearance on America’s Got Talent.
According to Princess Cruises’ Head of Global Entertainment, Becky Thomson Foley, this partnership reflects the cruise line’s commitment to enhancing guest experiences, particularly for country music enthusiasts. The series will offer not only performances but also meet-and-greet sessions with the artists.
The concert schedule begins with Drew Baldridge on February 9, followed by Chapel Hart on February 17, Hannah Ellis on February 23, Tigirlily Gold on March 3, Kelsey Hart on March 9, and concludes with Kameron Marlowe on March 17. Each artist will deliver two 45-minute performances in the Princess Theater during their respective sailings.
In a separate but related musical initiative, Princess Cruises is also celebrating its 60th anniversary with a special performance by the legendary Motown group The Temptations. The soul music icons, known for their hit “My Girl,” will perform during a commemorative 14-day Mexican Riviera voyage aboard the Royal Princess, departing from Los Angeles on December 6.
This anniversary cruise holds particular significance as it includes ports from the cruise line’s inaugural voyage, which took place on December 3, 1965, aboard the Princess Patricia. The itinerary features extended stays in Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta, with additional stops in Loreto, Manzanilla, and Mazatlán.
The introduction of live performances by recognized recording artists represents a departure from typical cruise entertainment, which usually features house musicians performing cover songs. This new concert series provides an platform for emerging country artists to connect with new audiences while offering cruise passengers access to original performances by rising stars.
Each featured artist will present their original music in concerts designed to create an intimate atmosphere, allowing passengers to experience these performances in a unique setting at sea. The initiative demonstrates Princess Cruises’ commitment to elevating its entertainment offerings while supporting emerging talent in the country music industry.
The combination of Caribbean cruising and live country music performances creates a distinctive vacation experience that sets Princess Cruises apart in the cruise industry. By partnering with the ACM and featuring both emerging artists and legendary performers like The Temptations, Princess Cruises is positioning itself as a destination for music lovers while providing valuable exposure for up-and-coming performers in the country music scene.