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The ultimate hoedown at sea 

Marella Explorer will play host to a line-up of country music stars over four or five nights for the ultimate hoedown at sea, complete with soon-to-be-announced guest acts and themed activities.

Check out some of the previous acts…

The Shires

The Shires – aka Ben Earle and Crissie Rhodes – are the UK’s biggest country music success story, and they brought their soaring harmonies and chart-topping hits to the Country Rhythms stage. With a history-making run that’s seen them land four Top 10 albums, win over Nashville itself, and sell out venues from the Royal Albert Hall to the C2C Festival, they’re living proof that British country is alive and thriving.

The Dolly Show

The Dolly Show was voted the UK’s best Dolly Parton impersonator four times running and has appeared on the likes of ITV’s This Morning, Lorraine, The Last Leg and BBC Breakfast. Australian-born Kelly is endorsed by the Parton family, and is the only Dolly impersonator to be invited to sing with Dolly Parton’s own band in Nashville.

What to expect on a Country Rhythms cruise

Live music

Dig out your cowboy boots and get ready for four or five nights of live music performed by country stars and our talented onboard teams.

Barn Dance Bash

The party of the cruise is not to be missed. A deck party with a difference, the Barn Dance Bash brings everyone together, with the whole entertainment team taking part. Expect fitting decor, line dancing, live music, themed whisky cocktails, barbecue food and games as you two-step the night away.

A rootin’-tootin’ show

Get ready for a boot-stomping good time as our production show is back for 2027. Forever Country brings to life the legendary hits of Johnny Cash, Shania Twain, Dolly Parton and more. There’ll be big ballads you can wave your arms in the air to, and toe-tapping tunes that’ll have you grabbing your partner for a do-si-do. It’s the ultimate celebration of country music’s greatest icons.

What to expect on the ship

Food and drink 

You’ll have access to 21 bars and restaurants, many of which are included in your All Inclusive package. Some highlights include The Mediterranean – where you can get a taste of Spain in the form of tapas dishes and sharing boards – and Squid & Anchor – our onboard pub serving a big selection of drinks including premium* gins and whiskies. There’s also Indigo – a swanky bar, club and casino with sweeping sea views. Keep an eye out for our special country-themed cocktails when you’re browsing our bar menus, too.

Onboard activities 

There’s plenty to do onboard during the day, from rounds of minigolf to pampering sessions at the spa*. Or, lounge around by the pool or take a dip in the whirlpool baths. And if you just can’t get enough of the country vibes, you can go to a line dancing class, play country-based trivia, or join a country-themed arts and crafts session.

 Adults only 

This cruise is exclusively for adults aged 17 and above.

What’s the itinerary? 

Here’s a look at some of the ports we’ll be calling in at, so you can get a taste of where to explore ashore.

Malaga, Spain . A long, sandy shoreline, cathedrals, castles and a crop of gourmet eateries are waiting for you in this cultural spot on the Costa del Sol.Find out more about Malaga.

Malaga, Spain 

A long, sandy shoreline, cathedrals, castles and a crop of gourmet eateries are waiting for you in this cultural spot on the Costa del Sol.

Find out more about Malaga.

Gibraltar . Say hello to the resident monkeys, check out wartime tunnels, and mosey around familiar British shops in Gibraltar.Find out more about Gibraltar.

Gibraltar 

Say hello to the resident monkeys, check out wartime tunnels, and mosey around familiar British shops in Gibraltar.

Find out more about Gibraltar.

Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura. An old harbour, street art and a whitewashed church star in Fuerteventura’s capital, and you’re within easy reach of its best-in-class beaches.Find out more about Puerto del Rosario.

Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura

An old harbour, street art and a whitewashed church star in Fuerteventura’s capital, and you’re within easy reach of its best-in-class beaches.

Find out more about Puerto del Rosario.

Las Palmas, Gran Canaria . You’ll find a little bit of everything in Gran Canaria’s capital – from chic boutiques and historical buildings to big swathes of golden sand.Find out more about Las Palmas.

Las Palmas, Gran Canaria 

You’ll find a little bit of everything in Gran Canaria’s capital – from chic boutiques and historical buildings to big swathes of golden sand.

Find out more about Las Palmas.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife. Tenerife’s capital mixes the old with the new – it’s got cobbled streets and vintage markets, plus modern architecture and buzzy bars.Find out more about Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife

Tenerife’s capital mixes the old with the new – it’s got cobbled streets and vintage markets, plus modern architecture and buzzy bars.

Find out more about Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

FAQs 

What itinerary options are there on the Country Rhythms cruise?

You can choose between a four-night or a five-night sailing. Both include one sea day, which will be filled with themed onboard activities to keep you busy.

What’s included in the Country Rhythms cruise?

Like all our cruises, the Country Rhythms cruise is All Inclusive, which means your meals, drinks and snacks are taken care of. You can pay a bit extra for things like shore excursions, spa treatments and Premium All Inclusive, if you want to.

Is the Country Rhythms cruise adults only?

Yes, this cruise is reserved exclusively for adults aged 17 and above.

What happens during the sea day on the Country Rhythms cruise?

We’ll be putting on additional, themed entertainment to keep you busy on the sea day. Plus, you’ll have all the ship’s facilities to check out – they include a pool, a spa* and a minigolf course.

What optional extras* are available?

You can book shore excursions in Gibraltar, Fuerteventura, Tenerife and Gran Canaria, or visit the onboard spa and salon. On the food and drink front, you can treat yourself to a meal in one of our speciality restaurants, or upgrade to Premium All Inclusive. Wi-Fi packages are also available.

Can I upgrade my cabin? 

Yes, you can upgrade your cabin for a supplement when you book. 

How do I pay for things onboard?

We operate a cashless system onboard, so you’ll need to register a credit or debit card when you check in. 

Need to know

Under-occupancy charges may apply. Please see our booking conditions for more information.

*There’s an extra charge for these facilities.

** Please see www.tui.co.uk or the relevant brochure for booking terms and conditions.