Will Hoge, Needtobreathe Among 2018 Rock Boat Acts

Will Hoge will join Needtobreathe, Bareknaked Ladies, Sister Hazel and more on the 2018 Rock Boat music cruise. The five-night cruise, which features over 20 bands on five stages, sets sail from New Orleans to Mexico Jan. 30 - Feb. 4, 2018.

Hoge — best known for his solo work and being the co-writer behind Eli Young Band's smash single "Even If It Breaks Your Heart" (which Hoge also released on his 2009 album The Wreckage) — has become a staple of the annual cruise, consistently representing singer-songwriters in country music. The rest of the lineup for the cruise, dubbed Rock Boat XVIII in celebration of its 18-year anniversary, is loaded with singer-songwriters of all genres, and bands ranging from alternative and soft rock to pop.

Needtobreathe is one of the band's settling in the other genres — new Southern rock to be exact— after initially being labeled a Christian-rock band because of their early success on Christian radio. The South Carolina four-piece, however, hopes to expand their brand further into the mainstream and has already done so by calling on pop stars such as Gavin DeGraw, to sing on the band's 2015 collaborative hit "Brother."

Fans and artists will be aboard the Norwegian Pearl — a 13-deck ship with 13 bars and lounges, 19 dining experiences, an outdoor pool, hot tubs, spa, basketball court, bowling alley, casino and more. Approximately 2,500 music lovers are expected to board the ship, which promises dozens of performances and spur of the moment collaborations from the 20-plus onboard artists. For the full lineup and ticket information, visit therockboat.com.

Country Tours on the Road in 2017