Australia’s dedicated heavy metal cruise Hellbound will return in 2027 following overwhelming demand for its inaugural voyage, which sold out in under 10 minutes.
The four-night cruise is set to sail Jan. 17–21, 2027 aboard Carnival Splendor, marking the second edition of the metal-focused experience created by Australian promoter Destroy All Lines in partnership with festival cruise company Choose Your Cruise.
Organisers confirmed the sequel after the first Hellbound cruise, scheduled for October 2026, became the fastest sell-out in Choose Your Cruise’s 15-year history.
Positioned as more than a traditional festival, Hellbound has been pitched as a floating heavy metal community, bringing together live performances, themed events and onboard programming tailored specifically for metal fans.
The 2027 edition will again feature multiple stages, immersive activities and themed nights, alongside a port stop at Tangalooma on Moreton Island, offering a brief recovery window amid the onboard chaos.
The lineup for Hellbound II will be revealed Feb. 2, with tickets going on sale Feb. 5 following a presale on Feb. 4. Organisers have not yet announced pricing tiers or capacity details, though the original cruise is set to host more than 2,500 passengers.
The inaugural Hellbound cruise will depart Sydney on Oct. 22, 2026 and return on Oct. 25. That maiden voyage is headlined by Parkway Drive, alongside a lineup that includes Polaris, Northlane, The Butterfly Effect, Make Them Suffer, In Hearts Wake and Belle Haven. The ship will feature multiple live music spaces alongside recreational amenities, including lounges and bars, hot tubs, water slides and mini golf.
The rapid sell-out of the first cruise reflects the continued strength of Australia’s heavy music scene and the appetite for alternative festival formats that move beyond traditional land-based events. Festival cruises have gained traction internationally over the past decade, but Hellbound marks one of the most ambitious attempts to translate that model into an Australian heavy music context.
Hellbound’s return also comes amid a broader resurgence for heavy music touring in Australia, with metal and hardcore acts increasingly anchoring major festivals, headline tours and destination-style events. While organisers have yet to confirm whether Hellbound will become an annual fixture, the speed of its initial sell-out suggests the appetite exists for further expansions.
More details, including the full 2027 lineup and onboard programming schedule, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.