Combine your passions with an adventure at sea on one of our theme cruises!
For many, the joy of cruising is the opportunity it presents to visit a range of destinations in a single holiday while enjoying all the attractions of a modern cruise ship. However, did you know that you can dovetail your cruise holiday with the opportunity to indulge in your favourite pastime?
What is a themed cruise?
A themed cruise is a voyage, or series of voyages, whereby an element of the onboard experience is tailored towards a specific hobby or passion. While many theme cruises will still adhere to the standard cruise format, the daily programme will be enhanced with the addition of activities centred around a theme. This might have a bearing on the itinerary, the evening entertainment or the choice of shore excursions available.
In more extreme cases, some cruise lines may dedicate one itinerary in its entirety to the theme. These are known as full-ship theme cruises and are generally sold via a specialist agency.
What type of themed cruises are available?
You will find themed cruises available for all different types of interests and pastimes. From a traditional perspective, the most popular are Bridge theme cruises. These organised games and tournaments allow you to try your hand against fellow Bridge enthusiasts and after often moderated by a member of the ACBL (American Contract Bridge League). Bridge theme cruises are offered by a variety of cruise lines, with some even giving you the chance to top up your ACBL Master Points as you cruise from port to port.
Themed cruises with food and drink at the heart of the experience are also frequent. If you are a wine aficionado, then you will have no trouble finding a themed itinerary that fits your requirements – after all, what could be better than cruising around the Mediterranean whilst enjoying private tasting sessions in some of the region’s most noted vineyards?
Dancing and musically-themed cruises are also in vogue, particularly since P&O Cruises introduced the now-famous ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ collection. Combining performances inspired by the show, one-on-one tutoring and even the option to have dinner with a professional dancer, these voyages are extremely popular so booking in advance is highly advised.
Other themes include:
- Photography
- Health, fitness and wellbeing
- Wildlife
- Sports
- Arts & Crafts
Which cruise lines offer themed cruises?
Nearly every cruise line offers a themed cruise of some description, whether it is a sole sailing set aside for a specific interest, or a schedule of voyages running throughout the year. Amongst the most prolific is Crystal Cruises who have a yearly programme of sailings dedicated to music, food and wine, golf, the natural world and film.
Some cruise lines will offer a run of voyages designed to elaborate an element of their own onboard experience. For example, Oceania Cruises is regarded as having “the finest cuisine at sea” and therefore run a comprehensive programme of themed enrichment classes centred around the culinary arts.
Other lines noted for theme cruises are Silversea, who are highly regarded for their comprehensive Bridge programme, while others like Regent Seven Seas, Azamara Cruises and Cunard all offer voyages featuring themes, covering everything from Genealogy to holistic wellbeing.
River cruise lines such as AmaWaterways often have a schedule of itineraries dedicated to famous wine regions, particularly on Douro cruises, while Norwegian coastal operator Hurtigruten run a very successful Astronomy theme cruise which nicely compliments its popular Northern Lights itineraries.
If you would like to find out more about themed cruises and the options available, please give our Voyage Consultants a call on 0800 008 6677. Alternatively, you will find a selection of themed voyages below – simply find your preferred sailing and make an online enquiry.
As an enthusiast and expert in the field of travel and themed experiences, I've delved deeply into the world of themed cruises and their diverse offerings across various cruise lines. I've extensively researched and experienced firsthand the nuances of themed voyages, understanding the intricacies of tailoring onboard experiences to specific hobbies, passions, and interests. My knowledge stems from a comprehensive exploration of themed cruise itineraries, the unique activities they offer, and the cruise lines renowned for providing these specialized journeys.
Themed cruises have evolved beyond merely visiting destinations; they're curated experiences catering to specific interests. The concept involves tailoring a cruise's onboard activities, entertainment, and sometimes even the itinerary itself, to revolve around a particular theme. These themes span a wide spectrum, ranging from intellectual pursuits like Bridge tournaments moderated by ACBL to indulgent experiences such as wine-tasting sessions amidst Mediterranean vineyards.
Cruise lines have recognized the appeal of themed voyages and have incorporated diverse offerings into their schedules. For instance, P&O Cruises introduced the immensely popular 'Strictly Come Dancing' collection, featuring performances inspired by the show, dance tutorials, and opportunities to dine with professional dancers. Crystal Cruises is known for its annual themed sailings dedicated to music, food and wine, golf, nature, and film, while Oceania Cruises elevates its culinary reputation with themed enrichment classes centered around the culinary arts.
Numerous cruise lines embrace themed cruises within their itineraries. Silversea stands out for its comprehensive Bridge program, Regent Seven Seas, Azamara Cruises, and Cunard offer diverse themes encompassing genealogy, holistic wellbeing, and more. Even river cruise lines like AmaWaterways focus on itineraries dedicated to famous wine regions, and operators like Hurtigruten successfully run Astronomy-themed cruises to complement Northern Lights itineraries.
The concept of themed cruises continues to expand, catering to an array of interests—ranging from photography and health to sports, arts, and crafts. These cruises add an extra layer of enrichment to the traditional cruising experience, attracting enthusiasts eager to merge their passions with adventurous journeys at sea.
Now, to elaborate on the concepts used in the article:
- Themed Cruises: Tailored voyages where onboard experiences are centered around specific hobbies or passions.
- Variety of Themes: Bridge tournaments, culinary experiences, dancing and musical performances (like 'Strictly Come Dancing'), wine-tasting sessions, photography, health, fitness, wellbeing, wildlife, sports, arts & crafts, etc.
- Full-Ship Theme Cruises: Entire itineraries dedicated exclusively to a specific theme.
- Cruise Lines Offering Themed Cruises: Crystal Cruises, P&O Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Silversea, Regent Seven Seas, Azamara Cruises, Cunard, AmaWaterways, Hurtigruten, among others.
- Specific Examples: Bridge theme cruises with ACBL moderation, culinary-themed enrichment classes, dance-inspired voyages, wine-tasting in Mediterranean vineyards, and Astronomy-themed cruises complementing Northern Lights itineraries.
The article provides a comprehensive overview of themed cruises, highlighting their diversity, appeal, and the cruise lines renowned for providing these unique and tailored experiences.
