Get Involved
Line Dancing, Clogging and Square Dancing Lessons
With an array of classes, performances and demonstrations, no matter your level of experience, there are classes ranging from beginner right through to advanced.
Song Writing & Guitar Workshops
Join Gina Jeffreys as she holds song writing workshops over the cruise voyage. Rod McCormack plus special guests will be holding guitar workshops on board, providing a unique intimate experience.
Open Mic Sessions
Are you a talented Country Music singer looking to make a name for yourself and get noticed? Well here is your chance! We will be holding Open Mic sessions on board the ship with special judges to be announced with representatives from Australia’s Country Music Scene, Artist Network and also Cruisin Country. A winner will be chosen and will receive, amongst other prizes, the opportunity to perform in the Broadway Melodies Theatre to a capacity crowd.
FAQ
We receive many enquiries in regards to Cruisin Country. If you have any questions about the cruise please look below at the questions that we are asked most about, if you have looked at these and still would like some information or would like to know something in particular, feel free to send us an email enquiry we will get back to you right away.
Where does the ship go/What is the itinerary?
The ship leaves from Sydney on Saturday 12th October 2013 and sails to the Pacific Islands with stop overs in Noumea and the Isle of Pines, both beautiful tropical destinations. It then sails back to Sydney on Saturday 19th October.
Will I be able to get off at the ports of call? How much will day trips cost?
Yes, when we stop off in Noumea and The Isle of Pines you will get the chance to do day trips. Once you get on board the Rhapsody of the Seas you will get a list of the different types of day trips available – if there is a specific trip you would like to do, it is recommended you book it as soon as possible at the Purser's Desk. The tour prices vary, based on duration. Some trips will be shorter tours around the city etc. and only be around US$20 per person, whereas a full day trip with snorkelling facilities etc. can range up to US$150 per head.
How do I pay for drinks and merchandise on board?
You will receive your key card at check in which is the only form of payment on board, no cash is exchanged. This key card is the key to your room and identification on board so it is recommended you take it with you everywhere you go on the ship. If you would like to purchase some souvenirs, alcoholic beverages or perhaps dine at one of our speciality restaurants, then you will need to use your card.
At the end of the cruise, you can pay your account either by cash (all purchases made are in $USD) or simply charge to your credit card.
Are there any children's facilities onboard?
There are fantastic facilities for children onboard the Rhapsody of the Seas, all free of charge. To view more information on the child/teen programs available on board the Rhapsody of the seas. Click here
Is Entertainment on board free?
All performances, dance classes and entertainment is totally free onboard.
What else is included in the price of the cruise?
Your cabin fare entitles you to the following:
- 7 night cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's "Rhapsody of the Seas"
- All meals at our complimentary restaurants, activities, entertainment and gratuities (excluding drinks) on board
- Port charges and government taxes.
Will the food be suitable for Gluten intolerant people?
Royal Caribbean International pride themselves on their fantastic cuisine and understand the diversity of passengers' food requirements. If you have any specific food requirements, such as lactose/gluten intolerance, veganism etc, simply tell your travel agent when booking. There are vegetarian options on every menu.
How many dance floors are there on the ship?
There are many dance floors from the "The Schooner Bar", "The Viking Crown Lounge", "Shall We Dance", the two-tier pool deck for poolside dancing, "The Centrum" and the "Teen Disco".
What type of clothes shall we pack? Do we need casual/formal attire?
Shorts, t-shirts, slacks, trousers, casual skirts, blouses and sundresses are all perfect during the day, whether indoors or out.
Suggested guidelines for nights are:
- Casual: Sport shirts and slacks for men, sundresses or pants for women
- Smart Casual: Jackets and ties for men, dresses or pantsuits for women
- Formal: Suits and ties or tuxedos for men, cocktail dresses for women
Please note, thongs/singlets/exposed tattoos are not accepted in the main silver service dining room.
What types of shops are there on the ship?
There are many different types of shops on the Rhapsody of the Seas, boutique stores that sell the best of the best brand names along with clothing and souvenirs, all at Duty Free prices!
What can we do to reduce the effect of motion sickness?
The Rhapsody of the Seas is a modern ship fitted with stabilizers that will make the biggest wave seem like a tiny little movement. We are also travelling at the smoothest time of year, in an area of ocean that is known for smooth sailing. If by any chance you do feel unwell once you get on board, complimentary sea sickness ginger tablets can be obtained from the Purser's Desk, or you can visit the medical staff onboard.
Is there a deck plan of ship and cabins?
Ask your travel agent to show you, but you can view the Rhapsody of the Seas' deck plan here and take a virtual tour and view photos on any specific room.
Itinerary
The cruise departs from Sydney at 6:30pm 
on Saturday. It's time to put on your dancing shoes as we sail towards Noumea. When we arrive there are many tours of the Islands to be had. Once back on board we sail to the amazing Isle of Pines. If ever there was an unspoilt tropical paradise, this is it. Swim in the clear blue seas, eat the freshly cooked local cuisines. You'll find it hard to get back on board. Then it's Cruisin Country all of the way home. Of course the only cure for the blues of a Sydney arrival is to book a ticket for next year's Cruisin Country.
| 12th October 2013 | depart Sydney 6:30 pm |
| 13th October | at Sea |
| 14th October | at Sea |
| 15th October | Isle of Pines (8:00 to 17:30) |
| 16th October | Noumea (8:00 to 18:00) |
| 17th October | at Sea |
| 18th October | at Sea |
| 19th October | arrive Sydney 6:30 am |
Terms and Conditions
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE HOLIDAY PRICE
(per person – twin share)
- Cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s “Rhapsody of the Seas”
- All meals, entertainment and gratuities onboard (excluding drinks)
- Port charges and government taxes
Costs are per adult in $AUD and are based on a twin sharing basis. Single travellers must pay a single supplement (conditions apply). Costs are subject to change with or without notice.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED IN THE HOLIDAY PRICE
- Airfare, passport and fees, insurance of all kinds.
- Laundry, phone calls, beverages, items of a personal nature, optional excursions etc.
The price does not cover costs and expenses, including the return to your home, if you leave the cruise at your own volition, or due to
illness, or as a consequence of official action by the government.
RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENT
Once you have decided to book Cruisin Country 2013, simply ask your Cruiseco agent to book it with us. On confirmation of your booking, a written confirmation will be sent to your agent.
Upon confirmation it will be necessary for you to pay a deposit of 25% of the fare to secure your booking. A further payment of 25% must be paid before 1st Oct 2012. Bookings made after 1st Oct 2012 require a single 50% deposit. Monthly instalments can be arranged by your travel agent (conditions apply).
This deposit secures your cruise berth. Final payment is due 1st July 2013 or before. Any special meal requirements will be made on a “request” basis only. We cannot guarantee special meal requests nor will we assume any responsibility or liability if passengers’ special meal requests are not fulfilled.
These holidays are promoted by Discovery Travel Centre Pty Ltd trading as Cruiseco Licence Number: 2TA001284 ABN 1200 193 4461S
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Travel documents will be sent to you approximately 14-21 days prior to departure from Australia (providing full payment has been received). If you are leaving home earlier please ask your Cruiseco Travel Agent to request your travel documents in good time.
BOOKING CHANGES, CANCELLATIONS & REFUND
In the unfortunate event that you should have to cancel your holiday, we must be notified in writing. The day that we receive this notice in writing will be considered the date your cancellation has been made. Certain cancellation fees apply to your holiday if cancellation after a deposit or final payment has been made. These cancellation fees will be levied by the shipping company and will be greater the closer to your travel date that you cancel.
You should check very carefully with your Travel Agent what these fees are, before you make your booking.
Booking Charges: A fee of $25 per person will be charged for any revision or alteration made to a reservation after the booking is confirmed unless the change increases the value of the booking.
CANCELLATIONS AND CANCELLATION FEES:
Notice of cancellation must be made in writing to your Cruiseco Travel Agent. The following scale of changes will apply when notice of cancellation is received prior to holiday departure:
NO. OF DAYS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE AS % OF TOTAL PRICE (per person)
- Immediately to 20th Aug 2012 - $150 pp
- 21st Aug 2012 – 1st Jan 2013 - $250 pp
- 2nd Jan 2013 – 1st April 2013 - loss of deposit
- 2nd April 2013 – 30th Jun 2013 – 50% or deposit, whichever is higher
- 1st July 2013 – 31st July 2013 – 75% or deposit, whichever is higher
- 1st Aug 2013 – no show – 100%
These cancellation fees are in addition to any cancellation fees that may be levied by your Travel Agent.
PERFORMERS:
Artist line up correct at time of publication and may be subject to change.
Cruisin Country is a brand name of Cruising Country Pty Ltd (ABN: 3215 991 8323) and is operated for Cruising Country Pty Ltd by Discovery Travel Centre Pty Ltd, trading as Cruiseco. These holidays are promoted by Discovery Travel Centre Pty Ltd trading as Cruiseco Licence Number: 2TA001284 (ABN: 1200 193 4461).
