It's that time again...
Whenever a big music event rolls around, it always helps to have a handy location to find all you need to know - and luckily for you, WoS has been delivering our signature Rolling Coverage for a few years now and what better way to kick off the new Hellbound Cruise - Australia's first ever heavy metal cruise on a cruise liner - than with everything you need to know in the lead up to the lineup announcement - and then the maiden voyage in October 2026.
Let's drop anchor....
Dates & Departing Port
Hellbound sets sail on the Carnival Splendour in 2026 via Sydney Harbour from Thursday October 22nd to Sunday October 25th
Lineup Announcement
Wednesday, April 30th
Official Socials
Cruise & Cabins Deets
The cruise with host 2,500+ guests - boasting 14 decks, including the Top Deck Mainstage where the bands will play. It's also home to 24 lounges and bars, 7 hot tubs, mini-golf, waterslides, pools (duh!), arcade, library, basketball court and stacks more.
It is still unclear if this is an 18+ cruise or if it'll be All Ages - stay tuned for more on that soon!
Step aboard Carnival Splendor, a floating paradise packed with non-stop excitement, world-class entertainment, and unforgettable adventures. This magnificent ship boasts a sprawling Serenity Adult-Only Retreat, a thrilling WaterWorks waterslide park, and diverse dining options, from sizzling steakhouse delights to international flavors. Dance the night away at vibrant nightclubs, enjoy non-stop entertainment, or relax in the Cloud 9 Spa.
With spacious staterooms, endless activities, and family-friendly fun, Carnival Splendor delivers the perfect mix of relaxation and high-energy thrills.
There are four types of Cabins - Interior // Ocean View // Balcony // Suite. All cabin fees include the room, food, and access to shows + other entertainment.
According to Carnival's website, there are exclusive (fancy) paid restaurants on board and from previous experiences, there will be drinks packages if you're looking to sink a couple responsibly throughout the 3 night cruise.
Costs
TBC - But there will be monthly and quarterly flexible payment plan options for eager sailors.
Note: According to Rock The Boat's upcoming 2025 Cruise with Suzi Quatro and Jon Stevens - the last remaining rooms range between $2,200 - $2,725 (per person) for various balcony rooms through to $3,425 - $6,170 for suites. Remember, this is a different cruise to Hellbound Cruise - so only use this as a ballpark guide.
Interior rooms have all sold out so we can't gauge their prices but one would assume they'd be around the $1,500+ mark or so.
We will update with the actual prices once they've been announced with the on-sale date.
Predications
Going off bands on Destroy All Lines' touring roster, their previous festival lineups and with an Australian focus...
Parkway Drive - Having already mastered several trips on board Shiprocked in the United States, it's about time the Byron Bay Buccaneers bring the fun down under.
Polaris - They co-headlined Knight and Day Festival alongside Parkway, so chances are they'd be lined up for this maiden voyage too.
In Hearts Wake - As loyal WoS reader - and IHW superfan Justine Baddeley pointed out on our posts - "Who's steering the ship?" - lyrics from the band's song 'Passage'. They're made for this.
The Amity Affliction - simply for the onslaught of "LET THE OCEAN TAKE MEEEEE" and "I HAVE SO MANY ANCHORSSSS" screams.
Northlane - Having the top five of Australia's metalcore echelon in one place would be a treasure chest in itself and rival the Monsters of Oz Tour the US copped in 2023.
Karnivool - On the... Carnival Cruise? They recently teased they were working in studio on that new album and they'll be looking for new and exciting ways to promote it afterwards... especially into next year.
Ocean Grove // Ocean Sleeper - You can't go into the ocean without having a metal band with the word ocean in their name, right?
D at Sea - Speaking of... Bringing this scene icon back to belt out some acoustic renditions of metal songs in a stripped back performance would be breath taking... at sea.
Amon Amarth - While it's unclear if we'll get international bands, it would be great to include the Vikings because it'll be the only time a fucking rowpit in the middle of a circlepit would make any sense. They last played here at Knotfest 2023, so surely 3 years is enough time to make it back.
Paledusk - Talking about internationals, Japan is a short flight to Australia and it'd be absolute chaos seeing these guys tear up the stage on board.
To The Grave - Another BIG heavy hitter that's smashing faces and growing in popularity every show they play.
Redhook - (red)hook, line and sinker... Dad jokes aside, they'd be sick to include.
Hellions - They've been on hiatus long enough and if they wanna come back to play a cruise, we all should encourage it.
Windwaker - Wind + wake = writes itself really...
Make Them Suffer - If you don't like this predication, you'll be the first to walk the plank...
The Getaway Plan - Performing Where The City Meets The Sea out at Sea would be a meme to remember.
Alestorm - Token pirate metal band for shits and gigs...
Psycroptic - A band to bring some brutality to the deck.
Reel Big Fish - It's been a hot minute since they were last down here and they fit with the ocean references.
The Beautiful Monument - They have a song called 'Hellbound' and it'd be a lost opportunity to not include them considering it's the same name as the freakin' cruise.
Pantera - Fine... because of the above statement, I guess I have to include them as well.
Reliqa - Kinda sounds like aquatica and, well, they're a DAL band and would BRING the prog metal madness regardless. They're workign on new music currently and chances are they'd be ready to start releasing it in 2026.
Future Static - They've fast made a name for themselves following the release of debut album Liminality and they'd be an exceptional addition to the lineup - especially if they have new music out by then!
Starve - They joined DAL's roster in June 2024 and have only done a ahndful of shows here and there - maybe DAL are saving their secret weapon signing for Hellbound Cruise?
That's it for now, check back in anytime you need to know anything about Hellbound Cruise.
For more details in the lead up, you can sign up here
Hellbound Cruise 2026
October 22-25 departing Sydney Harbour
