Most passengers don’t even know they exist, but themed cruises are as big a part of cruising as working on a tan or sipping an umbrella drink.
What is a theme cruise? Put simply, it’s a special sailing that caters to a specific group of like-minded people.
Often times these trips happen alongside a typical trip. Just like a hotel catering to a wedding, which provides a block of rooms to the wedding party, a cruise line will offer up a block of rooms to the themed cruise guests.
But if there are enough people interested (or the theme isn’t family friendly), then companies will charter the entire ship, then resell rooms to guests. That turns the entire ship into a floating theme party.
What’s most interesting is that there are themes for just about any niche you can think of. From music to lifestyle to poker, if there is an interest, then there is likely a cruise that caters to it.
We’ve rounded up some of the most unique themed cruises setting sail soon to give you an idea of what’s out there.
Aventura Dance Cruise | Sept. 15-18, 2017
Like Latin dancing? I mean, really like Latin dancing? This cruise departs from Los Angeles en route to Mexico, offering 72 hours straight of dancing, upbeat music, and fun. There are day and night dance parties, as well as dance performances for guests. Not sure of your moves? There will be workshops to help you learn a step or two.
Prices start at just $695 per person. Learn more at https://la.aventuradancecruise.com/
Miami Beach Gay Pride Cruise | April 10-14, 2017
Adult-themed cruises are a big draw. This cruise caters to like-minded gay guests, sailing from Miami to Nassau, CocoCay, and Key West before returning to port. The entire ship is chartered for this cruise, giving passengers a chance to mingle in a safe, judgement-free zone.
Prices start at $449. Learn more at https://happygaytravel.com/cruises/SourceEvents/Miami_Pride_Cruise_17.html
Summit Bliss Cruise (Swingers Cruise) | March 20-25, 2017
Are you and your significant other a little more playful and adventurous? This cruise caters to folks who are swingers, exhibitionists, nudist, or just like to have a little open fun in the bedroom. It sails from Miami to Progreso and Cozumel, Mexico aboard the Celebrity Bliss. Onboard your ship are theme nights (Fetish night, anyone?), as well fantasy play rooms for your and your partner to join in the fun. On shore you’ll find clothing optional excursions.
Prices start at $650 per person. Learn more at https://theswingercruise.com/
Forbes Cruise for Investors | March 7-20, 2017
Want to learn from some of the world’s greatest investors? The Forbes cruise offers on-ship talks from Steve Forbes, Mark Mobius, Ken Fisher, and more. There are even intimate cocktail receptions where you can meet and mingle with the experts and like-minded investors. The trip sails from Singapore, stopping in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and China before ending in Hong Kong.
Prices start at $4,150 per person. Learn more at https://www.forbescruise.com/
Rock Legends Cruise | February 15-19, 2018
Want to sail with legends like Sammy Hagar, Bad Company, Blue Oyster Cult, and others? This cruise aboard Independence of the Seas heads from Fort Lauderdale to Cozumel on a four-day trip. There are performances, meet and greets, and memorabilia auctions. If you’re a fan, this is likely to be the coolest way to rub elbows with the bands and artists you’ve been listening to for decades.
Prices start at $1,099 per person. Learn more at https://www.rocklegendscruise.com/
The ’80s Cruise | February 11-18, 2017
Big hair, spandex, and awesome music… there’s a lot to love about the 1980s. This cruise helps you re-live that time of life for an entire week. The ship sails from Fort Lauderdale, stopping in Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Ocho Rios, and CocoCay. While on the ship, there is ’80s karaoke, an ’80s cruise arcade, musical guests including Cheap Trick, Morris Day, and The Romantics. Only a few cabins are left.
Learn more at https://www.the80scruise.com
Poker Cruise | April 30 – May 7, 2017
Any cruise you go on will have some poker being played in the ship’s casino. But not like this. The poker cruise sponsored by Card Player Cruises sails aboard Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas from Galveston. While on board, this themed cruise has a ton of poker tournaments, including no-limit, survivor, and cash games. While it’s sometimes tough to get a good poker game going at sea, it’s no problem on this trip.
Prices start at $569 per person. Learn more at https://cardplayercruises.com/
Star Trek Cruise | Jan. 5-11, 2018
If you’re the ultimate Star Trek fan, then you need to be on this cruise. Hosted by George Takei, the cruise also includes Levar Burton, Michael Dorn, Gates McFadden, and more. According to the company putting on the cruise, it will include “unique experiences including dramatic performances, comedy shows and concerts by Star Trek actors; intimate speaking engagements with leading scientists, influencers and experts; themed parties, nightclubs, bars, casinos and private islands; interactive games, screenings, competitions and so much more!”
Prices start at $1,300 per person. Learn more at https://www.startrekthecruise.com/
New Kids on the Block Cruise | 2017 TBD
Ok, this cruise doesn’t have any 2017 dates announced yet, but this annual cruise is one of the most popular. It features performances and hanging out with one of the original boy bands — New Kids on the Block. Last year’s cruise sailed from New Orleans and headed out in late October. Look for a similar time of year in 2017. If you’re interested, be sure to check for date announcements.
Learn more at https://nkotbcruise.com/
