Princess Cruises Partners With ACM for Country Music Concert Series at Sea

by Laurie Baratti
Last updated: 3:45 PM ET, Mon January 13, 2025

Princess Cruises is setting sail with country music in an exciting new collaboration with the Academy of Country Music (ACM). In early 2025, the partnership is launching its ACM Live from the Red Barrel Lounge concert series, bringing intimate live performances by emerging country artists aboard the Regal Princess. Guests cruising the Western Caribbean on select voyages departing Galveston from February 9 to March 17, will enjoy unforgettable shows and personal meet-and-greets with breakout country music artists.

Performing on these special voyages are six talented rising stars of country music, including ACM Award nominees and chart-topping artists. Each will host two 45-minute concerts in the Princess Theater and interact with fans during exclusive meet-and-greet sessions.

Here’s a look at the lineup aboard Regal Princess:

February 9-17, 2025 (8-Day Western Caribbean with Mexico): Drew Baldridge
After performing locally as a teenager in Patoka, Illinois, Baldridge moved to Nashville at 18 to chase his dream of a career in country music. Following the release of two EPs between 2014 and 2015, he achieved his first chart success with the single "Dance with Ya", which preceded his debut album “Dirt on Us”, released in 2016. In 2023-2024, his track "She's Somebody's Daughter" became a viral sensation, earning him his first top-40 hit. In 2024, he joined BBR Music Group's Stoney Creek label and introduced "Tough People" as his first single under the new partnership.
February 17-23, 2025 (6-Day Western Caribbean with Mexico): Chapel Hart
Danica and Devynn Hart, alongside their cousin Trea Swindle, form the dynamic trio Chapel Hart, a group that has established itself as a rising powerhouse in country music. Blending their Mississippi heritage with Louisiana flair, they’ve captivated audiences worldwide. The trio has independently produced four studio albums and released eleven singles. In July 2022, they competed in the 17th season of “America's Got Talent”, earning an impressive fifth-place finish. Their track, "You Can Have Him Jolene"—a bold response to Dolly Parton's classic "Jolene"—has become their signature hit.
February 23-March 3, 2025 (8-Day Western Caribbean with Mexico): Hannah Ellis
Hailing from Campbellsville, Kentucky, Ellis’ voice evokes a home-spun warmth and welcome, like the friend everyone wishes they had. This musician, named Rolling Stone Country’s "Artist to Watch", and ACM Award nominee inspires with the reminder that big achievements often stem from small, unsung achievements. Her debut album, “That Girl”, features standout tracks like "Wine Country", "Too Much and Not Enough", "Country Can" and "Home and a Hometown".

Princess Cruises and the Academy of Country Music will host the 2025 Red Barrel Lounge concert series aboard Regal Princess. (Photo Credit: Princess Cruises)
March 3-9, 2025 (6-Day Western Caribbean with Mexico): Tigirlily Gold
Carving a path in country music early on, this sister duo signed with Monument Records and SMACK Songs Publishing. While still in high school, they toured across the Midwest, even selling out amphitheaters in their home state of North Dakota. In 2024, their single "I Tried A Ring On" soared up the Country Radio Charts, earning them a second top-40 hit ahead of the release of their debut studio album, “Blonde”. That same year, they made history by winning "New Duo or Group of the Year" at the 59th Academy of Country Music Awards, becoming only the second female duo to ever claim the honor.
March 9-17, 2025 (8-Day Western Caribbean with Mexico): Kelsey Hart
Native Kentuckian songwriter and recording artist Kelsey Hart has achieved his dream of capturing the spotlight, a journey that began with singing gospel tunes from the passenger seat of his father's truck. His radio single "Life with You" has amassed over 100 million global streams, garnered 429,800 views on TikTok and debuted in the Top 10 on Billboard's Country Digital Songs Chart.
March 17-23, 2025 (6-Day Western Caribbean with Mexico): Kameron Marlowe
Hailing from North Carolina, Marlowe’s grandfather inspired his love of music, prompting him to start singing in church at the age of 10. In 2018, he gained national recognition on
“The Voice”, initially joining Blake Shelton's team before being stolen by Adam Levine, though he was ultimately cut from the show in the live playoffs. Determined to pursue his passion, Marlowe then moved to Nashville to focus on songwriting. In 2019, he released his debut single "Giving You Up" and, by the following year, he had signed with Columbia Nashville and dropped "Burn 'Em All". In 2021, his breakout hit "Giving You Up" achieved Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

"We're thrilled to partner with the Academy of Country Music to showcase the incredible talent of these rising stars," Becky Thomson Foley, Head of Global Entertainment for Princess Cruises, said in a statement. "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."

The ACM Live from the Red Barrel Lounge concert series honors the rich history of country music, drawing inspiration from the Academy’s origins. The name pays homage to the Red Barrel Niteclub, the iconic Los Angeles venue that hosted the first ACM Awards Banquet in the 1960s.