Concept:
The centroid of a semicircular arc lies on its axis of symmetry at a distance
\[
\boxed{\bar{y}=\frac{2R}{\pi}}
\]
from its diameter (horizontal base), where \(R\) is the radius of the semicircular arc.
Step 1: Determine the radius of the semicircular arc.
Given that the diameter is
\[
18\pi\ \text{cm},
\]
therefore,
\[
R=\frac{18\pi}{2}=9\pi\ \text{cm}.
\]
Step 2: Use the centroid formula.
The distance of the centroid from the horizontal base is
\[
\bar{y}=\frac{2R}{\pi}.
\]
Substituting \(R=9\pi\),
\[
\bar{y}
=
\frac{2(9\pi)}{\pi}
=
18\ \text{cm}.
\]
Hence,
\[
\boxed{\bar{y}=18\ \text{cm}.}
\]
Therefore, the correct option is
\[
\boxed{(C)\;18\ \text{cm}.}
\]