Imagine you have boarded a cruise ship and find that every other passenger shares the same interests as you–IT’S A THEMED CRUISE!! Let’s be honest, you would have known before you boarded, that you were taking themed cruise, but still….the entire cruise is centered around one of your favorite things.
Themed cruises can be full-ship charters where the entire ship is dedicated to your passion or partial-ship group sailings where a specific organization reserves a block of cabins on a public cruise.
A full-ship charter themed cruise offers all the traditional amenities as every other cruise, including amazing ports, beautiful waters, and sandy beaches; however, instead of daily bingo, dance lessons, and trivia, guests will find activities that are designed to delight passengers based on their specific interests and passions.
During partial-ship sailings, the group will take part in private events, group dining, receive special incentives, cocktail parties, etc, while still enjoying the ship’s public spaces and venues. Partial-ship group sailings can range from family reunions to corporate retreats to La Lido Loca group cruises like the one next Halloween 2027 aboard Star Princess. If you are interested, you can book your place only with Where’s Walter Travel, LLC.
The most popular themed cruises seem to be music and pop culture-themed cruises. During these cruises, the Broadway shows and trivia are replaced with concerts, jam sessions, and artist meet-and-greets. You will find a music-themed cruise for every genre, from hip-hop to rock to country, and more. Pop culture-themed allows guests to meet actors and creators, enjoy a script reading, and participate in a costume contest. There are panels and exclusive merchandise, not to mention the camaraderie with like-minded people.
There are culinary and wellness-themed cruises. Guests can enjoy the culinary delights of the region, attend cooking demonstrations and wine tastings, maybe even go on a market tour in port with the ship’s chef. Wellness cruises highlight relaxation and rejuvenation with daily yoga and meditation sessions, as well as seminars focused on mind and body well-being.
From October through the end of 2026, Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Jewel will be offering full-ship chartered cruises. Themes include a Hallmark Christmas Cruise, Rock the Bells Hip-Hop Cruise, Chefs Making Waves Cruise, Chris Jericho’s Rock ‘N’ Wrestling Rager at Sea, and Bachelor Nation Vacation at Sea, to name just a few. The fun continues in 2027 with Solar Eclipse Cruises, Star Trek: The Cruise, The 80s Cruise, a Salsa Cruise, Outlaw Country Cruise, The Broadway Cruise, as well as a True Crime Voyage aboard Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady.
If you do decide to take a full-charter themed cruise, keep in mind the cruise fare will come at a premium, specialized events may not be covered, and you will pay for autographs, photo ops, and exclusive merchandise. Familiarize yourself with the schedule and pack accordingly for costume parties or nightly themes. Most importantly, have a great time. You will not find an experience like this anywhere else.
Tony has sailed on a couple of themed cruises and offers this advice on finding one you will enjoy.