Yeehaw! Country music fan Louise takes to the seas

I first heard about the inaugural Country Music Cruise in February 2025 and couldn’t stop thinking about it. The thought of a themed all-inclusive holiday with Marella Cruises, based around my favourite music genre, was irresistible. 

With the availability of cabins slipping away, even twelve months before departure, I made my move and snaffled a suite for the short break. 

Louise Newton Head of PR for Iglu Cruise and Iglu Ski

Louise Newton is Head of PR for Iglu Cruise and Iglu Ski and has been cruising since 2016. Her favourite country artists are John Denver, Dolly Parton and Kezia Gill.

Joining the Country Rhythms cruise

Now, a year later, I’ve just returned from ‘Country Rhythms’, and count my lucky spurs, sorry, stars that I was one of 2,000 cowgirls and cowboys who were on board. For sure, none of us had experienced anything like this, and we’re all pressing refresh on the cruise news pages for dates for the next one. 

As we got to our departure gate at Gatwick North, it was clear that this was to be no ordinary holiday. All we could see were lots and lots of cowboy hats. In many colours. Some with fur edges, some with proper chin straps, some made from fake cowhide. Best of all, a gang of a dozen or so, all in pink cowboy hats. A hen do. This was going to be a cruise with a difference. 

On board, the crew asked what it was all about and quickly understood the country theme. Not since I’d been on a ‘Santa’ flight to Lapland had there been so much excitement around a single theme. We were in for well-known names in the music world, a few impersonators, and the opportunity to line dance, win themed quizzes, hoedown and drink whiskey, of course.

Onboard Marella Explorer 2

We were on Marella Explorer 2, a ship built in 1995 and in this fleet since 2019.  Our junior suite was on deck 12, aft, starboard and had a huge balcony with two loungers, a table and chairs. The cabin had a bath with a shower attachment and many cupboards and shelves. No complaints whatsoever and worth every penny. As is common, the animal shapes our stewards made from our towels didn’t fail to surprise and delight us. 

We joined the ship at Malaga, and had a few hours there after dropping off our luggage to enjoy the Muelle Uno area for shopping and seaside drinks, before setting sail. Onward overnight to Gibraltar, for exploration of the marina and the town square. 

Then a day at sea beckoned, with time to fully appreciate all that Explorer 2 has to offer. I had prebooked a £99 full-body massage and went along to Oceans Spa for a relaxing yet reviving experience. Minty Elemis oils are used to ensure there is no usual sluggishness after a treatment.

I was pepped up and ready for more shenanigans on board. By this time, everyone was in a full country vibe, always dressed in tassels or suede waistcoats, cowboy boots and the ubiquitous hats. We were one big happy country family, being very well looked after, and with dozens of activities day and night. 

Music was by:

• The Shires: headline act The Shires, aka duo Crissie Rhodes and Ben Earle rose to the moment, and seemed delighted with a fully-dedicated country-music-loving crowd.
• Kezia Gill: on day three, we suddenly spotted a familiar name on the digital screens. Was it true? Was Kezia Gill really on board and ready to entertain us? Often mentioned by legend Bob Harris on Radio 2, Kezia’s music is much-loved in our house. A bundle of fun, smiles and songs, Kezia mixed her own songs with a few golden oldies, and we all fell for her spirit. So much so, we came back for more when her second set was announced.
• Simon Roberts: Simon Roberts in the Squid & Anchor provided gentle country tunes with a laid-back style.
• Thorne Hill: who quickly got us up dancing with his passion and engaging style.

The Dolly Show is the Main Attraction

Without doubt, we were all looking forward to seeing the Dolly Show, and were all mesmerised by the brilliance and humour of ‘our’ Dolly. In bright banana-yellow, our petite singer belted out all the hits, and whether or not we were invited to, we sang along in full voice. As the ship swayed, so did we, in the comfortable and classy Broadway Show Lounge. Plenty of seats for everyone, little softly-lit tables dotted along the rows, and drinks pushed into our hands as we entered. What could be better?

Our fellow music-lovers were mostly over 50, with a few large groups, many family groups (but no kids on this cruise), and one or two mother-and-son or mother-daughter combos. A few couples like us. The staff team were decked out in orchard-orange and was always on hand to help and entertain. The star of the show was our Cruise Director Alex, who kept us all in line (excuse the pun) for the hoedown showdown at the Barn Dance Bash on the pool deck, with teams named after Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton. Team Parton did not win, but it was fun all the same. 

Eating and drinking on board Marella Explorer 2

We quickly got into our ‘rhythm’. There was no fixed seating, no specific meal times, no strict rules, and for that, a great, relaxed time. 

• Breakfast was in the ‘main dining room’ or Latitude 53, with the kind service of a wide choice of options. 
• Lunch was often a snack from the Snack Shack at the pool, top marks for the fish and chips.
• Dinner was back at Latitude 53 for a table for two and plenty of free wine. No rush, and all we had to think about was where to end the evening.
• At the end of the evening, we visited Aperitif, Flutes or Indigo bars. Or just a moment outside to look at the ocean waves. 

Sunshine in the Canaries

Final stops were in blisteringly hot Arrecife, Lanzarote, for a stroll to the church and along the beach, and time in the modern art museum for its cool fort walls and bar view, and Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, for last-minute jewellery-made-from-lava shopping.   

The only conversation all the way home was whether Marella could repeat such a wonderful event, and when and how. For now, I will hang up my cowboy hat, retire my boots, and reflect on a weekend well spent. 

Yeehaw!

Frequently asked questions

Would I enjoy a Themed Cruise?

A themed cruise can be a very immersive experience, with a full itinerary and unmissable activities throughout the day and into the evening. So the idea is to get involved and have fun. If you prefer quiet, lazy days or are very focused on the port stops, this may not be for you.

However, if you have a hobby or music genre you enjoy, then a themed cruise is perfect. You are with like-minded people who share a love for a type of music, a sport, or a craft, and it’s easy to make friends and feel that escape from daily life we all desire. 

What if I have never cruised before?

Many people on such cruises have been attracted by the theme, and may very well not be used to cruising. So you will be in good company with the many questions that come up for first-time sailors. It’s a great way to start cruising, with the focus on the theme, and the bonus of everything a cruise brings, such as convenient travelling, plenty of food and drink and superb staff to help you along the way. 

What should I pack for a Themed Cruise?

It is worth spending some time preparing for a themed cruise. Not to say it’s too late to buy cowboy hats at the airport, as you certainly could have at Gatwick, but better to be well prepared with a few outfits and accessories. Before a cruise, you will receive quite a lot of information, guidance and instructions. Best not to leave studying those until it’s too late, to ensure you are well prepared with what you need, and you have booked all the extras you want.

You typically have a generous luggage allowance, so take more than you think you’ll need. That way, you have options depending on how into the theme you get. 

When should I book a Themed Cruise?

Themed cruises are on the rise, as more and more cruise lines see their popularity. Country Rhythms was fully booked about 12 months in advance, with one or two cancellations available at the last minute. Don’t hesitate if you are interested in a themed cruise, especially because your cabin choices will be reduced significantly as soon as a few groups book.  

How can I find out about a Themed Cruise?

Iglu Cruise offers a variety of cruises and presents the whole range of cruises on offer on its site, so you can browse the options and create a wishlist to share with family and friends. Follow cruise publications and websites, together with bloggers, for the latest launches. 

Book a Themed Cruise today 

Are you searching for your dream themed cruise? Discover our selection of themed cruises, from ports including Southampton, Miami and more! With so many to choose from, you'll find the perfect themed cruise for you with Iglu Cruise.