Princess Cruises and ACM host rising country music stars at sea
An exciting new collaboration between Princess Cruises and the Academy of Country Music (ACM) is setting sail in early 2025. This partnership is launching with ACM Live from the Red Barrel Lounge concert series. Moreover, this will bring intimate live performances by emerging country artists on an enjoyable cruise.
Guests on select voyages onboard the Regal Princess to the Western Caribbean, departing Galveston from February 9 to March 17, will experience unforgettable shows and personal meet-and-greets with breakout country music artists.
Rising stars of country music on special voyages

According to the press release, six talented rising stars of country music will perform on these special voyages, including ACM Award nominees and chart-topping artists. Each country music star will offer two 45-minute concerts in the Princess Theater and will interact with fans in exclusive meet-and-greet sessions.
The following is the lineup that will appear aboard Regal Princess:
Drew Baldridge
Cruise: 8-day Western Caribbean with Mexico
Drew Baldridge performed locally as a teenager in Patoka, Illinois and moved to Nashville at the age of 18 to pursue his dream of a career in country music. After the release of two EPs between 2014 and 2015, Baldridge achieved his first chart success with the single “Dance With Ya,” which preceded his debut album, “Dirt On Us” which was released in 2016.
Meanwhile, in 2023-2024, his track “She’s Somebody’s Daughter” became a viral sensation, earning him his first top-40 hit. In 2024, Drew joined BBR Music Group’s Stoney Creek label and introduced “Tough People” as his first single under the new partnership.
Chapel Hart
Cruise: 6-Day Western Caribbean with Mexico
Chapel Hart is a dynamic trio of Danica and Devynn Hart, alongside their cousin, Trea Swindle. The group has established itself as a rising powerhouse in country music. The trio blends their Mississippi heritage with Louisiana flair to captivate audiences around the world. Chapel Hart has independently produced four studio albums and has released eleven singles.
In July 2022, the trio competed in the 17th season of “America’s Got Talent,” where they earned an impressive fifth-place finish. Meanwhile, their bold response to Dolly Parton’s classic “Jolene,” titled “You Can Have Him Jolene” has become their signature hit.
Hannah Ellis
Cruise: 8-Day Western Caribbean with Mexico
Hannah Ellis hails from Campbellsville, Kentucky, and her voice evokes a home-spun warmth and welcome like the friend everyone wishes they had. Named Rolling Stone Country’s “Artist to Watch,” and an ACM Award nominee, Ellis inspires with the reminder that big achievements often come from small, unsung achievements.
Meanwhile, Hannah’s debut album, “That Girl”, features standout tracks like “Country Can,” “Home and a Hometown”, “Too Much and Not Enough” and “Wine Country.”
Tigirlily Gold
Cruise: 6-Day Western Caribbean with Mexico
This sister duo started their path in country music early on, signing with Monument Records and SMACK Songs Publishing. While in high school, the sisters toured the Midwest and even sold out amphitheaters in their home state of North Dakota.
Meanwhile, 2024 saw Kendra and Krista Slaubaugh’s single, “I Tried a Ring On” soar up the Country Radio charts, giving them a second top-40 hit ahead of the release of their debut studio album, “Blond.” Moreover, the same year Tigirlily Gold made history by winning “New Duo or Group of the Year” at the 59th Academy of Country Music Awards, making them only the second female duo to claim the honor
Kelsey Hart
Cruise 8-Day Western Caribbean with Mexico
Kelsey Hart is a native Kentuckian songwriter and recording artist who has achieved his dream of capturing the spotlight. Meanwhile, his journey began with singing gospel tunes from the passenger seat of his father’s truck,
Hart’s radio single, “Life With You” amassed more than 100 million global streams, gained 429,800 views on TikTok and debuted in the Top 10 on Billboard’s Country Digital Songs Chart.
Kameron Marlowe
Cruise 6-Day Western Caribbean with Mexico
Kameron Marlowe hails from North Carolina, where his grandfather inspired his love of music, prompting him to start singing in church while only 10. He went on to gain national recognition in 2018 on The Voice, initially joining Blake Shelton’s team before being stolen by Adam Levine/ However, he was ultimately cut from the show during the live playoffs.
While determined to pursue his passion for music, Marlowe moved to Nashville to focus on songwriting. In 2019, Kameron released his debut single, “Burn ‘Em All,” while by the following year, he had signed with Columbia Nashville and dropped his breakout hit, “Giving You Up,” which achieved Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
‘Incredible talent’
Becky Thomson Foley, Head of Global Entertainment for Princess Cruises, said in a statement:
We’re thrilled to partner with the Academy of Country Music to showcase the incredible talent of these rising stars. Many of our guests are passionate about country music, and this unique experience featuring intimate performances and meet and greet opportunities, promises to make their cruise vacation unforgettable.
Meanwhile, the ACM Live from the Red Barrel Lounge concert series honors the rich history of country music, while drawing inspiration from the Academy’s origins. The name pays homage to the Red Barrel Niteclub, the iconic Los Angeles venue that first hosted the ACM Awards Banquet in the 1960s.