cruise themed crafts

From country music to crafting: The best themed cruises for 2024

You come to hear the music, to pursue a hobby or to follow a celebrity. You return for the community of people sharing a common passion. Themed cruises offer the unique opportunity to find your people and explore the world with them — all while enjoying an incredible schedule of onboard activities and entertainment.

A themed cruise is a special-interest sailing based around interests and hobbies such as food and wine, sports, dancing, crafting, popular films and TV shows, lifestyles and music.

Sometimes, the themed event takes over the entire ship. Other times, the theme cruise organizer has its group join a regular itinerary but offers special events exclusive to participants.

First-time theme cruisers are lured by the chance to meet or listen to their favorite celebrities or to improve their skills in a favorite pastime. However, they often discover that the best part of a themed cruise is immersion in a community of like-minded individuals.

Themed cruises foster a warm, friendly atmosphere onboard where the conversation is easy because you begin with an established connection. Days and nights of shared interests and experiences on board can lead to meaningful connections that can last a lifetime.

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What's better than being surrounded by your people, partying the night away and then retiring to your own private cabin that's just an elevator ride away? Not much — except perhaps encountering your celebrity crush at the ship's buffet, attending a no-holds-barred Q&A with your favorite actors or musicians, or taking a small-group class with a rising star.

From a country music cruise to a crafting masterclass, these are some of the best themed cruises coming up in the next year.

Note: As standard on all big-ship cruises, fares for themed cruises include several complimentary dining options. Alcohol and soda will cost extra, with package deals available depending on the cruise line and the charter company. Tours and excursions in port cost extra as well. Pricing is based on two people sharing a cabin.

Music-themed cruises

'70s rock and romance cruise 2024.

Cruise ship: Celebrity Summit. Date: March 14-21, 2024.

Billed as "the greatest feel-good party at sea," the '70s Rock and Romance Cruise returns in 2024 with a star-studded lineup of the grooviest acts at sea.

You'll find performances by famed music icons, including Foreigner, Randy Bachman of the Guess Who and Dave Mason. They'll also host events and attend special meet-and-greets. The top-tier music acts join a long lineup that will include War, Don McLean, Melissa Manchester and many more rock 'n' roll icons.

Pack your best leather jackets and disco sequins for the cruise's Saturday Night Fever and '70s costume parties.

Book soon because this cruise is selling out quickly. Find pricing and reservations on the Rock & Romance website .

Soul Train Cruise

Cruise ship: Holland America Line's Nieuw Amsterdam. Date: Jan. 27-Feb.3, 2024.

People all over the ship, join hands! The Soul Train Cruise returns for its 11th sailing this January with more than 50 live performances from soul music legends.

This is your chance to join more than 2,000 soul music fans for a week filled with all the joy of those timeless tunes. This year's artist roster features soul music legends and tribute acts, including Boyz II Men, The Temptations, En Vogue, WAR, Stephanie Mills and Tower of Power.

When you're not boogying down on the dance floor, sign up for celebrity-hosted wine tastings, game shows and other activities. The cruise cabins are already sold out, but you can join the waitlist for the chance to sail on this hopping cruise.

Find pricing and booking information on the Soul Train Cruise website .

The Outlaw Country Cruise 8

Cruise ship: Norwegian Pearl. Date: Feb. 4-10, 2024.

Boot scoot your way to the middle of the ocean for the eighth Outlaw Country Cruise, along with some of country music's greatest stars.

It's a honky-tonk week at sea as Blackberry Smoke, Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Nikki Lane, Shinyribs, Kaitlin Butts, Drivin' N Cryin' and more join the ranks of musicians set to perform.

Expect plenty of hootin' and hollerin' during themed costume nights, meet-and-greets, game shows, a belly-flop competition and bingo games. The cruise is sold out, so join the waitlist for your chance to sail, or you'll be left two-stepping shoreside.

Reserve your spot on the Outlaw Country Cruise website .

Cayamo: A Journey Through Song

Cruise ship: Norwegian Pearl. Date: March 1-8, 2024.

A listening experience at sea that offers remarkable proximity to some of the music industry's most-respected acts, Cayamo returns for its 16th edition of a week-long music festival sailing the Caribbean.

This cruise features more than two dozen musical acts that span decades of genres and musical styles. The musical lineup for 2024 is set to include Lyle Lovett, The Mavericks, Billy Bragg, Shawn Colvin, Lucius, The Lone Bellow, KT Tunstall and many more.

Cayamo's 2024 sailing is sold out. Join the waitlist for your chance to sail in 2024, along with your best chance at getting on the 2025 sailing. For pricing and waitlist information, visit the Cayamo website .

The Flower Power Cruise

Cruise ship: Celebrity Summit. Date: March 21-28, 2024.

Hippies have it good on the Flower Power Cruise as some of the greatest music legends of the late '60s and early '70s bring their groovy vibes to the sea.

Relive the glory days of peace, love and flowers in your hair on board this weeklong sailing.

The 2024 lineup includes The Rascals, Tommy James & The Shondells, John Kay of Steppenwolf, The Moody Blues' John Lodge, The Four Tops and others from that era.

Tribute bands will also play all the hits.

The cruise is currently sold out. However, there is a waitlist you can join.

Discover more themed cruises: Music cruises to set sail on the high seas

Film- and TV-themed cruises

Star trek: the cruise vii.

Cruise ship: Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas. Date: Feb. 22-29, 2024.

Sail long and prosper! Take the best of a sci-fi con, extend it for a week, add perfect tropical weather, and you have Star Trek: The Cruise VII.

Few franchises have fan bases as devoted as Star Trek's, and all their love for the series floats this cruise. The voyage is an immersive getaway with an impressive roster of cast members and creatives who have been a part of Star Trek since its inception.

This year's cruise welcomes fan favorites, including Levar Burton, Walter Koenig, Wil Wheaton, Denise Crosby, Anthony Rapp and Nana Visitor.

Join in the merry mayhem as these sci-fi legends offer dramatic performances, comedy shows, Q&As, screenings, interactive games and other events and activities that will make your days at sea fly by.

The upcoming cruise is selling out quickly, with limited availability. Beam on over to the Star Trek: The Cruise VII website for the latest pricing, availability and waitlists.

Golden Fans at Sea: The Golden Girls

Cruise ship: Celebrity Ascent. Date: Sept. 14-23, 2024.

Picture it: Sicily … 2024. That's right! You'll actually get to see Sophia Petrillo's birthplace. Golden Fans at Sea is changing things up from its recurring Gulf of Mexico cruise with a new itinerary in 2024 that has a port stop in Sicily.

What can be better? You'll cruise with hundreds of cheesecake-loving, caftan-draped Dorothys, Roses, Blanches and Sophias.

Not your grandmother's cruise as much as it's a cruise for those who love wise-cracking old broads, the Golden Fans at Sea is the ultimate getaway for the popular TV show's dedicated fan base.

Highlights of the cruise aren't released as of this writing. However, previous guests have included Stan Zimmerman, one of the creators and head writers of the series; Melinda McClanahan, Rue McClanahan's sister; and Marsha Posner Williams, a producer of The Golden Girls, who has many stories to share about her time working on the show.

Pricing information and a booking form for the special September 2024 Sicily cruise are on the Golden Fans at Sea website .

Themed cruises for hobbies and special interests

2024 gothic cruise.

Cruise ship: Norwegian Escape. Date: March 2-9, 2024.

A vacation for goths by goths, the Gothic Cruise is the first and original gothic cruise with a history that dates back to its inaugural group sailing in 1989.

Delightfully macabre, the 2024 Gothic Cruise is not a full-ship charter but a specialty group on board. Seek out group members at special theme nights set for 2024, including a masquerade ball and a "Saints vs. Sinners" costume party.

Find pricing and book your cabin on the Gothic Cruise website .

Bridge Holidays

Cruise ship: Regent's Seven Seas Voyager. Date: March 9-19, 2024.

If there ever were a place for bridge lovers to converge, why not on the decks of a cruise ship?

Find your people and then challenge them to a game of bridge as you glide from port to port. The bridge program on board is hosted by bridge experts Roberta Salob and Silvana Morici, with a mix of pair duplicate and Swiss team games.

This is not a full-ship charter, so you'll find your group at the many bridge events planned throughout the cruise.

Find pricing and reserve your cabin on the Bridge Holidays website .

JoCo Cruise

Cruise ship: Holland America Line's Nieuw Amsterdam. Date: March 9-16, 2024.

A gamer's paradise in paradise, JoCo Cruise began in 2011 when singer/songwriter Jonathan Coulton's songs about geek culture fostered a community of capital "N" Nerds.

Join more than 2,000 gamers on a vacation where nearly every tabletop game invented is available to play. You'll have 24-hour access to a ton of games. Your daily planner will fill up quickly with the cruise's many workshops, craft sessions, panel discussions and themed parties.

One of the most unique aspects of this themed sailing is the passenger-led "Shadow Cruise," which allows the community to create and promote passenger-led workshops, training and special interest meet-ups.

You don't need to roll dice or solve a puzzle to book your spot. Just head over to the JoCo Cruise website for pricing and availability.

Cruise & Crop crafting cruises

Cruise ship: Multiple ships and itineraries. Dates: Multiple dates available.

Dream Vacations hosts the Cruise & Crop crafting cruises, with more than two dozen craft-themed cruises set to sail across various cruise lines and ships in the next few years.

These experiences offer the chance for people from around the world to meet, swap ideas, share art and inspire creativity. Many of the sailings are themed around scrapbooking. However, you'll find many shared artistic interests, including card making, quilting, knitting, jewelry and photography.

Find the complete list of sailings, featured crafts, pricing and reservation details on the Cruise & Crop website .

Sports-themed cruises

Chris Jericho's Rock 'N' Wrestling Rager at Sea

Cruise ship: Norwegian Pearl. Date: Jan. 26-30, 2024.

Are you ready to rumble?! Rock 'n' roll and wrestling engulf Norwegian Pearl for four high-octane days of All Elite Wrestling matches, music concerts and many special events with your host, wrestler and musician Chris Jericho.

The ship's 2024 lineup hasn't been announced beyond special guest of honor, Paul Wight. However, expect many opportunities to engage with your favorite wrestlers, meet Chris Jericho and attend live podcast recordings.

The 2024 cruise is already sold out, with a waitlist available. Make sure to join the waitlist for the chance to join this sailing and to be among the first to know of future sailings. All the cruise details, including the waitlist signup, are on the Rock 'N' Wrestling Rager at Sea website .

Browns Fans Cruise, a Cleveland Browns cruise

Cruise ship: Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas. Date: March 11-16, 2024.

It takes a special sports fanbase to inspire a cruise getaway, but Cleveland Browns fans have found their own.

The crowd at FirstEnergy Stadium takes to the open ocean for the first-ever, five-night Browns Fans Cruise. At least a dozen Browns legends will be on board, including Josh Cribbs, Ben Davis, Hanford Dixon, John Hughes, Reggie Langhorne, Kevin Mack, Eric Metcalf, Greg Pruitt, Frank Stams, Phil Taylor, Felix Wright and Dave Zastudil.

Revisit highlights from the team's victories, prove your devotion to the team through trivia and games, and get autographs from your favorite players.

Find out how much it will cost to score a cabin on the Browns Fan Cruise website .

Related: Fumble! I accidentally booked an NFL cruise -- for a team I don't even like

Azamara's PerryGolf cruises

Cruise ship : Multiple ships and itineraries. Dates: Multiple dates.

A few select itineraries on Azamara were made with the adventure golfer in mind. The cruise line has partnered with PerryGolf for its specialty golf cruises that visit more than 80 courses worldwide each year.

It's all about the convenience when you cruise on a golf-specific itinerary. PerryGolf handles your golf equipment and sets it up in advance so you can show up and tee off. Your green fees, cart fees and gratuities are covered, along with an on-course lunch and a round of drinks at the clubhouse after.

Back on the ship, you can trade tips and find your next golfing group at social gatherings of the golf enthusiasts on the ship.

Find sail dates and pricing on Azamara's website .

Bottom line

The list of specialty cruises goes far beyond the ones mentioned above.

In addition to one-off sailings hosted by travel agencies and themed-cruise companies, you can also find lifestyle-themed cruises offered by charter companies multiple times a year. These include LGBTQ charter cruises ; religious cruises for Jewish , Christian and Mormon travelers; and sex , swingers and nude cruises for adults.

Ultimately, no matter what floats your boat, you can probably find a cruise for it. Even if you're not an avid cruiser, an itinerary themed around your interests is worthwhile for both a fun getaway and a chance to connect with your people.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• Best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

100+ Cruise Gift Ideas: Find the Perfect Gifts for Everyone!

Posted on Last updated: February 9, 2024

There’s something magical about the vast blue sea, the rhythm of waves, and the horizon stretching endlessly — it’s no wonder cruises captivate the wanderlust in many of us. But with the vast array of travel gadgets, accessories, and cruise-themed items available, how do you pick the right one?

Fear not, oceanic gift-hunters! We’ve plunged into the depths to bring you a treasure trove of cruise gift ideas that’ll have any traveler sailing in style and comfort.

Whether it’s gadgets to enhance cabin life, cruise essentials for tropical excursions, or just something to remind them of the vast ocean, our list promises waves of inspiration for every kind of cruiser.

The Art of Gifting

The gentle lapping of waves, the allure of foreign shores, and the soft hum of the cruise ship as it slices through vast expanses of ocean – these are the sounds and sights of a memorable cruise journey.

But what can truly elevate the cruise experience, creating cherished memories that transcend time, is the age-old tradition of gift-giving. Incorporating gifts before, during, and after a cruise can transform a delightful journey into an unforgettable experience.

Before the Cruise: Building Anticipation

The time leading up to a cruise can be filled with a mix of excitement and anticipation. Gifting something prior to the cruise can heighten these feelings, adding an extra layer of magic.

Consider, for instance, gifting a travel guidebook about the destinations on the itinerary. This not only allows for pre-trip planning but also sparks imagination and excitement about the upcoming adventure.

For children, consider cruise-themed toys or storybooks, which can help them visualize and look forward to the journey. These gifts serve as a prelude, setting the tone and creating an atmosphere of anticipation.

During the Cruise: Enhancing the Experience

While the cruise itself is packed with myriad activities, excursions, and moments of relaxation, introducing gifts during the journey can amplify the experience. A gift can act as a reminder that, amid the grandeur of the voyage, personal and thoughtful gestures still matter.

Imagine the delight of receiving a special spa package after a tiring day of shore excursions, or a customized picnic basket for a beach day.

For those celebrating special occasions onboard, like anniversaries or birthdays, a surprise gift can become the centerpiece of their celebration, turning a moment into a cherished memory.

Furthermore, for travelers who are new to cruising, a thoughtful onboard gift can ease any lingering anxieties, making them feel valued and at home.

After the Cruise: Reliving the Moments

The return from a cruise can often be bittersweet. The journey may have ended, but the memories linger, waiting to be revisited. This is where post-cruise gifts can play a pivotal role.

Gifting a beautiful photo album can provide an opportunity to relive the journey, allowing one to organize and cherish the moments captured. A souvenir, perhaps something unique from a visited port, can act as a tangible reminder of the places explored and the experiences gathered.

Even a simple handwritten letter, recounting shared moments or expressing gratitude for the shared journey, can be a heartwarming gesture, reminding recipients of the joy of the trip and the deeper bond forged during the voyage.

Gifts for Every Kind of Cruiser

Setting sail on a cruise is an adventure in itself, and selecting the perfect gift can heighten the excitement and wonder of the journey. Recognizing that every traveler is unique, we’ve anchored down on a list tailored for diverse types of cruisers. Whether you’re looking to surprise them before they embark or once they’re onboard, this guide will steer you towards making their cruise truly unforgettable.

The Adventure Seeker

Before the Cruise :

• Waterproof Backpack : Ideal for those shore excursions where they’ll be hiking, swimming, or exploring.
• Portable Water Filter Bottle : Perfect for the adventurer who wants to stay hydrated while ensuring their water is clean and safe.

On the Cruise :

• Shore Excursion Voucher : A ticket to an adrenaline-pumping activity like zip-lining, scuba diving, or parasailing at a cruise stop.
• Action Camera : Whether it’s GoPro or another brand, they can capture their thrilling moments in high definition.

The Sticks-to-Themselves Cruiser

• Noise-Canceling Headphones : So they can tune out the world and dive into relaxation with their favorite music or podcasts.
• Captivating Book : Grab your loved one a great book to read on one of the vast decks spanning the length of the ship.
• Spa Package : Gift them a day of unwinding with massages, saunas, and more.
• Premium Lounge Access : A quiet, comfy spot onboard where they can read, nap, or simply enjoy the serenity.

The Culinary Cruiser

• Global Spice Kit : A collection of spices from around the world, so they can recreate some cruise delicacies at home.
• Cruise Cookbook : Recipes inspired by popular cruise ship dishes.
• Specialty Dining Experience : A reservation at one of the ship’s gourmet restaurants.
• Wine or Cheese Tasting Session : An onboard experience where they can savor and learn simultaneously.

The Entertainment Buff

• Portable Theatre Glasses : Compact binoculars to get a closer look during stage performances.
• Music Playlist or Subscription : Curated tunes to get them into the vacation mood.
• Show Tickets : Ensure they have a seat at the most talked-about performances onboard.
• Behind-the-Scenes Tour : An exclusive look at the ship’s entertainment facilities, like the theatre or music studios.

The Family Cruisers (Traveling with Kids)

• Ocean-themed Board Games : Fun for the entire family, fostering bonding and excitement.
• Travel Journal for Kids : A space for young ones to document their adventures.
• Family Photo Session : Professional snaps to remember their journey by.
• Family Shore Excursion : An outing tailored for all ages, ensuring memories are made together.

Every cruiser has their own rhythm and style of enjoying the vastness of the sea.

By focusing on what resonates with their spirit, your gifts can enhance their journey, adding layers of joy, wonder, and memories that echo long after they’ve returned to shore. Set sail with your gestures of love, and watch them unfold in waves of gratitude!

Cruise Gift Ideas for Kids

Ahoy, mini-adventurers and budding pirates! The sparkling seas and breezy decks of a cruise ship hold countless wonders for young explorers, whether you are cruising with toddlers or pre-teens. But how can we make their maritime experience even more enchanting?

Whether it’s a birthday surprise, a celebratory present, or simply a ‘just because’ gift, our guide has been meticulously curated to steer you in the right direction.

Categorized by age and occasion, we’re about to make waves with these delightful ideas.

For the Tiniest Deckhands (0-3 years)

• Baby Sailor Outfit : Make their first cruise photo-worthy with a nautical-themed onesie or romper. It’s as adorable as it sounds!
• Soft Marine Animal Toys : Introduce them to the wonders of the sea with plush dolphins, whales, or turtles. Perfect for snuggles during naptime.
• Nautical Baby Blanket : Ensure they’re wrapped in cozy comfort with a sea-themed blanket, keeping them warm during cooler evenings on deck.
• Baby Swim Gear Set : Complete with a tiny sunhat, swimsuit, and swim diapers, this set ensures your littlest one is ready for some pool fun.

Junior Explorers (4-7 years)

• Pirate Adventure Kit : Ahoy matey! This kit, complete with a telescope, pirate hat, and map, ignites imaginative adventures on the high seas.
• Interactive Ocean Life Book : Dive deep into marine life with colorful illustrations and interactive flaps, broadening their horizon about sea creatures.
• Kids Waterproof Camera : Let them capture their favorite moments on deck or during shore excursions. It’s durable, easy to use, and, most importantly, waterproof!
• Sea-themed Craft Kit : Hours of entertainment as they create their own marine-inspired masterpieces, be it fishy stickers, sailboat origami, or seashell art.

Tween Navigators (8-12 years)

• Marine Biology Kit : A blend of fun and education, this kit lets tweens explore marine life specimens and offers a closer look into the magic underwater.
• Cruise Journal : Encourage them to jot down memories, stick souvenir tickets, or sketch their favorite views, creating a keepsake for years to come.
• Deck Card Games Set : Classic games like Uno or Go Fish, with a nautical twist, promise hours of fun with fellow young cruisers.
• Portable Waterproof Speaker : Let them groove to their favorite tunes, whether they’re lounging by the pool or enjoying some downtime in the cabin.

Gifts for Special Occasions

• Birthday at Sea : Consider a personalized nautical necklace or bracelet . It’s a beautiful keepsake reminding them of the special day they celebrated mid-ocean.
• First Cruise : A ship-in-a-bottle kit . Building their own model ship captures the essence of their maiden voyage.
• Holiday Cruises : A personalized Christmas ornament in the shape of a cruise ship makes a festive reminder of their holiday at sea.

From the minute they step aboard with twinkling eyes to the moment they disembark with hearts full of memories, these gifts promise to add layers of joy and wonder to their cruise journey. Whether they’re spotting dolphins, dancing under the stars, or simply absorbing the vastness of the ocean, these presents are sure to make their cruise an unforgettable adventure.

Romantic Cruise Gifts

Navigating the vast ocean of love is a journey as timeless and profound as any sea voyage. Whether you’re celebrating anniversaries on the open waters, your honeymoon on a cruise , or simply sharing a sunset on the deck, understanding your partner’s love language can elevate every moment.

Dive into our curated list of cruise gifts, tailored to speak each of the five love languages, and segmented by romantic occasions and preferences.

Words of Affirmation

Honeymoon :

• For Him : A leather journal to document your shared adventures.
• For Her : An elegant pendant engraved with a heartfelt message.

Anniversary :

• For Him : A personalized timepiece, engraved with the date of your wedding.
• For Her : A custom-made diary with prompts recalling your years together.

Valentine’s Day :

• For Him : A handwritten letter detailing the reasons you cherish him.
• For Her : A poem or a heartfelt note, enclosed in a cruise-themed locket.
• For Him : A vintage map of your shared journeys, annotated with your memories.
• For Her : A personalized book with letters to her for each year ahead.

Christmas :

• For Him : A custom leather passport holder, engraved with an affectionate message.
• For Her : A beautifully bound book of romantic quotes from around the world.

Acts of Service

• For Him : A surprise scuba diving or paragliding session at a tropical port.
• For Her : A pre-booked spa day, focusing on relaxation and rejuvenation.
• For Him : Organize a surprise movie night under the stars on the ship’s deck.
• For Her : A private evening at the ship’s most romantic spot, complete with a violinist.
• For Him : A personalized treasure hunt around the cruise, leading to a surprise gift.
• For Her : Breakfast in bed, complete with her favorite morning delights.
• For Him : Pre-order his favorite drink and snack to be delivered at sunset.
• For Her : A surprise room makeover with flowers, chocolates, and candles.
• For Him : A DIY coupon booklet offering acts of service, like massages or taking his shift at a planned activity.
• For Her : A planned day where she gets pampered from sunrise to sunset.

Receiving Gifts

• For Him : A vintage-inspired, marine compass, symbolizing the direction and adventure your love will take.
• For Her : A piece of jewelry, perhaps a charm bracelet, where each charm represents a destination on your cruise.
• For Him : A curated box of gourmet snacks and beverages from each port you’ve visited.
• For Her : A personalized jewelry box, with intricate designs reminiscent of your shared travels.
• For Him : A limited edition cruise ship model, paying homage to your voyage together.
• For Her : A custom perfume, inspired by the scents of your cruise destinations.
• For Him : A classic nautical watch, representing the timeless nature of your love.
• For Her : A beautifully crafted cruise-themed pendant.
• For Him : A collection of travel books covering your next potential cruise destinations.
• For Her : A luxury cruise-themed calendar filled with photos from your previous travels.

Quality Time

• For Him : A private deep-sea fishing session at a popular port-of-call.
• For Her : A reservation at the ship’s specialty dining venue for an intimate meal.
• For Him : A whiskey or wine tasting experience onboard.
• For Her : A private art class that focuses on a craft from one of your cruise destinations.
• For Him : An onboard casino night, with a set budget for a night of fun.
• For Her : An evening at the ship’s theater, followed by a moonlit stroll on deck.
• For Him : A reserved day at the cruise’s golf simulator or virtual reality gaming zone.
• For Her : A day-long retreat to the ship’s spa, including all treatments and amenities.
• For Him : A booked session to learn a new onboard hobby, like photography or mixology.
• For Her : A reserved table for a special Christmas dinner onboard, complete with live music.

Physical Touch

• For Him : A massage or grooming session at the onboard spa.
• For Her : A luxurious bubble bath setup in your cabin, complete with rose petals and essential oils.
• For Him : An onboard fitness class you can enjoy together, like partner yoga.
• For Her : A couple’s massage, focusing on relaxation and connection.
• For Him : A reservation for the ship’s jacuzzi, with chilled champagne waiting.
• For Her : A dance class, where you can sway to the rhythms of love together.
• For Him : A sauna or steam room session, ensuring relaxation and rejuvenation.
• For Her : A beauty treatment day, including a mani-pedi, facial, and hair styling.
• For Him : A surprise dip in the ship’s heated pool, under the stars.
• For Her : A cozy blanket and a reserved spot on the deck to watch the Christmas festivities.

In the vast tapestry of love and romance, it’s the thought and effort behind each gesture that truly makes waves. By tailoring gifts to resonate with your loved one’s unique language of love, you ensure a cruise journey rich in moments that will be treasured for a lifetime. So, set your sails and chart a course straight to their heart!

Top Cruise Souvenir Gifts

When you’re out at sea, exploring enchanting destinations, the joy of the journey is made even more memorable when you can bring a piece of it back for your loved ones. Choosing the right souvenir can be an art.

It’s all about finding something that not only captures the essence of the place but also resonates with the person receiving it. Let’s navigate through some popular cruise destinations and the best souvenirs to pick up for those awaiting your return.

Caribbean Cruises:

• Local Crafts : The Caribbean is renowned for its handcrafted items, from woven bags to wooden sculptures. These authentic pieces carry the spirit of the islands within them.
• Spices and Rums : Think of Grenada’s nutmeg or Barbadian rum – these aromatic and flavorful souvenirs are a treat for the senses and evoke the tropical essence of the Caribbean.

Mediterranean Cruises:

• Olive Oil and Wines : From the groves of Greece to the vineyards of Italy, gifting premium olive oil or a bottle of local wine is like sending a taste of the Mediterranean.
• Artisanal Soaps : Especially from places like Provence or Turkey, these soaps infused with lavender, rose, or olive offer a fragrant memory of the journey.

Alaskan Cruises:

• Native Handicrafts : Ulu knives, totem poles, or beadwork jewelry – Alaskan native crafts are unique and tell tales of its indigenous cultures.
• Salmon and Jerky : Smoked or canned salmon and reindeer jerky are not just delicious but are also a taste of Alaska’s wild bounty.

Asian Cruises:

• Tea and Pottery : Gifting a pouch of aromatic tea, especially from places like China or Japan, along with a traditional teacup, is like sharing a ritual.
• Silk and Hand Fans : Reflecting the elegance and artistry of Asian cultures, these make for both practical and beautiful gifts.

Scandinavian and Baltic Cruises:

• Viking Memorabilia : Be it a replica of a Viking ship or helmet, it’s a nod to the region’s rich history.
• Amber Jewelry : Particularly from the Baltic regions, amber jewelry is not only stunning but also carries tales of the ancient seas.

South Pacific Cruises:

• Pearls and Tapa Cloth : The lagoons of the South Pacific, especially places like Tahiti, are known for their pearls. Tapa cloth, on the other hand, is a traditional art form and a piece of Polynesian history.
• Wooden Masks and Carvings : These intricate items are not just decorative but are imbued with the region’s cultural narratives.

When selecting a souvenir, always remember that the value of the gift lies not in its price tag but in the story it carries. It’s a tale of distant lands, of cultures met, and of adventures had. And each time your loved one looks at or uses that souvenir, they’re not just reminded of you but also get a glimpse into the wondrous journey you undertook.

Unique & Obscure Cruise Gift Ideas

The thrill of receiving a gift often lies in its unexpectedness, a delightful surprise that one never saw coming. For those looking to embark on the less-traveled route of cruise gifting, this section is your treasure map.

Dive deep into the ocean of creativity and discover gift ideas that are as unique as they are thoughtful. Here’s a guide to some offbeat cruise gift ideas that are bound to make waves:

Customized Star Map

Why? : Gaze at the night sky during a cruise and you’ll be enamored by the stars. Gift a customized star map of the coordinates and date of their cruise. It’s a stellar way to commemorate a special voyage.

Ship-in-a-Bottle DIY Kit

Why? : A delightful blend of craft and nostalgia. This DIY kit allows the recipient to assemble their very own ship in a bottle, echoing the maritime charm as one of the top cruise gift ideas.

Ocean-scented Candle Set

Why? : When the cruise is over and they’re back home, this gift will waft in memories of the sea, salty breezes, and the feeling of being adrift in the vast ocean.

Bioluminescent Plankton Kit

Why? : A hands-on experience to cultivate and watch these magical sea creatures glow in the dark. It’s a tiny replica of the natural phenomena they might witness in certain oceanic regions.

Custom Nautical Knot Cufflinks or Jewelry

Why? : A subtle nod to the maritime world, these intricate designs can be worn during formal cruise nights, ensuring they stand out in style.

Antique Maritime Compass

Why? : A piece of functional history. Not only can it be used during shore excursions, but it also stands as a symbolic reminder that adventure is always on the horizon.

Personalized Sea Storybook for Children

Why? : Crafted with the child’s name and persona, this storybook can transport young travelers on a magical maritime adventure, ensuring bedtime onboard is filled with wonder.

Ocean Sound Wave Art

Why? : Translate the soothing sound of waves into visual art. Gift a framed print that captures the waveform of the sea’s audio, making it both an aesthetic and sentimental piece.

Virtual Reality Underwater Exploration Set

Why? : For those days when they can’t dive into the depths, this VR set offers immersive experiences of coral reefs, shipwrecks, and marine life, right from the comfort of their cabin.

Portable Sea Salt Maker

Why? : Let them harvest their own sea salt! A quirky gift that allows them to process and crystallize sea water into gourmet salt, adding a pinch of their journey to future meals.

Gifting is an art, and when you blend creativity with thoughtfulness, the result is pure magic. These unique cruise gifts are not just tangible items but experiences, memories, and a testament to the fact that when it comes to showing love, sometimes it’s the offbeat path that leads straight to the heart.

Christmas Cruise Gifts

All aboard the jolly express! The magic of Christmas combined with the allure of cruising creates a holiday experience like no other.

As sparkling lights adorn cruise decks and carols float in the salty sea breeze, there’s no better time to shower your loved ones with thoughtful gifts tailored to their cruising desires. Sail smoothly through your Christmas shopping with our comprehensive guide, segmented by the gift receiver and their unique interests.

The Nautical Enthusiast

• Ship Blueprint Art : Elegant blueprints of classic cruise ships or famed maritime vessels, perfect for decorating their cabin or home.
• Maritime Literature : Think classics like “Moby Dick” or “Master and Commander” that’ll transport them to the high seas even while docked.
• Ship Wheel Christmas Ornament : A festive touch for their tree, celebrating their love for the ocean.

The Wellness Wanderer

• Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser : Portable and compact, it’ll fill their cabin with soothing scents, enhancing relaxation.
• Travel Yoga Mat : Lightweight and foldable, allowing them to practice their stretches with oceanic views.
• Spa Voucher : Gift them a luxurious treatment aboard, from deep tissue massages to rejuvenating facials.

• Cruise Cookbook : A collection of recipes inspired by popular cruise ship dishes, allowing them to recreate the flavors at home.
• Mixology Set : Compact cocktail-making tools so they can shake or stir their favorite drinks right in their cabin.
• Specialty Dining Experience : Book them a seat at the ship’s most exclusive restaurant for a memorable Christmas dinner.

The Adventurous Explorer

• Shore Excursion Guidebook : A detailed guide to the best activities and sights at popular cruise destinations.
• Waterproof Exploration Gear : Think snorkeling sets or waterproof bags – essentials for their adventure-filled shore excursions.
• Digital Travel Journal : To record and reflect on each exciting day of exploration.

The Entertainment Enthusiast

• Cruise Show Tickets : Book them a front-row seat to the ship’s Broadway-style show or a special onboard concert.
• Portable Karaoke Microphone : Let them belt out their favorite carols or hits in the privacy of their cabin or during ship-hosted karaoke nights.
• Board Game Set : Classic games with a nautical twist for endless entertainment on sea days.

The Young Mariners (Kids & Teens)

• Ocean-themed Advent Calendar : A countdown filled with tiny maritime surprises, perfect for the build-up to Christmas Day at sea.
• Cruise Ship Building Kit : Engage them with a LEGO or similar model ship set they can assemble during downtime.
• Underwater Camera : For capturing vibrant marine life during snorkeling or diving excursions.

Amidst the festive hustle and bustle, it’s the thoughtfully curated gifts that strike a chord. By aligning presents with the unique passions and interests of each cruiser, you’re not just gifting objects, but memorable moments and experiences.

As the ship’s bell chimes on Christmas morning, and the azure waves shimmer in festive spirit, your gifts will be the cherry on top of an unforgettable holiday voyage.

FAQs on Cruise Gift Ideas

When considering cruise gift ideas, many individuals often have queries to ensure their gift is both appropriate and appreciated. Here are some of the most common questions related to cruise gift ideas:

• What is a practical gift for someone going on a cruise? People often seek gifts that the recipient can actually use during their trip. Items such as waterproof bags, portable chargers, or reusable water bottles are popular practical choices.
• Are there restrictions on what gifts I can bring onboard a cruise ship? It’s essential to know if certain items might be prohibited or restricted onboard, especially things like alcohol or oversized items. Make sure to review the common items that are prohibited on cruises prior to purchasing your gift!
• What gifts are best for cruise ship cabin decorations? With many cruisers celebrating special occasions onboard, decoration items that are easy to put up and take down. Magnetic decorations or door banners are some of the best options offering plenty of configuration and personalization for the special occasion!
• Can I purchase gifts or experiences on the cruise ship on behalf of someone else? Yes! There are plenty of ways you can purchase gifts during your cruise vacation. For example, you can surprise your loved ones with pre-booked excursions, spa treatments, or dining experiences.
• What are popular cruise-related keepsake gifts? Keepsake items, such as custom cruise itinerary maps, engraved jewelry, or photo books, are often in demand as gifts that capture the memories of the trip.
• Are there gift shops on cruise ships? Most of the main-stream cruise lines (Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, etc.) offer gift shops aboard many of their popular cruise ships. Expect to see cruise-related apparel, keep sakes, and souvenirs from some of the cruise ports.
• How do I ensure the gift I give is suitable for the cruise destination? Depending on the cruise’s itinerary – whether it’s tropical, Alaskan, Mediterranean, etc. – you will want to make sure your gift is appropriate for the location. If you are worried yours may not be a good fit, opt for a cruise experience gift, like an onboard package, shore excursion, or souvenir from in port.
• Are there digital or electronic gift options suitable for cruisers? Yes! There are plenty of digital/electronic cruise gift options including cruise planners, eBooks, digital subscriptions, and apps tailored for cruise travelers.
• What are unique or out-of-the-box cruise gift ideas? For those wanting to gift something less conventional, they often seek ideas that are off the beaten path. Some ideas include ocean sound wave art, ship-in-a-bottle DIY kit, and a portable sea salt maker. For more, check out our section up above which highlights the most unique cruise gift ideas.
• Can I purchase and send a gift to someone already onboard a cruise ship? Some cruise lines will allow you to send surprise gifts, like a bottle of wine or a special treat, to someone already sailing. Make sure to double check with the cruise line for further details.

Remember, while these are some common questions, the best cruise gift ideas often consider the personal preferences and needs of the recipient. Taking the time to understand what the cruiser might want or need will make the gift even more special.

Crafters At Sea

• [email protected]
• (267) 551-8300
• (888) 541-4600

Additional Details

Welcome to Crafters at Sea!

We are sailing on Liberty of the Seas on August 15, 2024. This  9-day cruise will sail to Bermuda and the Eastern Caribbean. We will have  four sea days where we will enjoy six project kits from The Button Farm Club (www.buttonfarmclub.com). Please visit their website to check out their project kits and products. The space we have on-board can also be used for open crop space. Space available 24/7. See Pricing for more information.  

Hello there friends! I’m Rita Faison and I’m a papercraft addict.

I’ve been crafting since 2000 and love to make cards and mini-albums and I also love to travel!

Over the last two decades, I have taken many cruises and all-inclusive resort vacations and in July 2022, I took a career leap and became a co-owner of Postcard Journeys Travel, a Cruise Planners Franchise. With this new path, I wanted to bring my love of crafts and travel together in a wonderful way and I’d like to share this with all of you! Come and bring your family and friends or make new ones! We will have fun projects and great destinations to visit!

For our inaugural cruise we have teamed up with Laura Doss of Button Farm Club and we’re excited for this partnership as BFC has unique projects and a talented design team. Trust me, you’ll love to create their projects as much as I do!

• Waterslide and surfing simulators
• A 40-foot rock-climbing wall
• Four pools and six whirlpools
• Poolside outdoor movie nights
• Mystery dinner theater
• Broadway at Sea production shows
• Full-service Vitality Spa
• Casino Royale
• Several specialty restaurants
• And much more!

Prices for the various cabin types as well as the crafters fee’s are listed here.

Here you will find information on passport requirements, travel protection, and cancellation policies.

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What is a themed cruise? Crafting Themed Cruises: DIY Projects Inspired by Destinations Visited

• Post author: WorldTraveller
• Post published: 3 January 2024
• Post category: Oceania / Travel Tips

Embark on a creative journey aboard a cruise and immerse yourself in a world of cultural crafting and themed cruises. From Asia to Europe to the Caribbean, each destination brings a unique opportunity to blend travel and creativity. Get inspired by the vibrant colors of a Mexican market, the intricate patterns of traditional African textiles, or the delicate artistry of Japanese origami. The possibilities are endless as you explore various DIY projects that capture the essence of the places you visit. So, pack your craft supplies and let your imagination soar as you create souvenirs that not only reflect the beauty of the destinations, but also embody the spirit of cultural exchange.

Table of Contents

Themed Cruises: Choosing the Right Craft Project

When it comes to choosing the right craft project for your cruise, there are a few things to consider. First and foremost, you’ll want to think about the destination you’ll be visiting. Different cultures have different artistic traditions, and it can be a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the local crafts of the places you visit.

Another important factor to consider is the materials available to you. While many cruise ships offer a wide range of craft supplies, there may be limitations on what you can work with. It’s always a good idea to check with the ship’s craft coordinator to see what materials will be provided and if you need to bring anything from home.

Finally, it’s important to think about any time or space constraints you may have. Crafting on a cruise can be a relaxing and enjoyable way to spend your time, but depending on your itinerary and the size of your cabin, you may need to choose a project that can be easily transported and completed in a limited space.

Crafts Inspired by Asian Destinations

Asia is a continent rich in artistic traditions, and there are many crafts inspired by its diverse cultures that you can try on your cruise. One popular craft is origami art. Origami is the art of folding paper into decorative shapes and figures, and it’s a great way to create unique and beautiful pieces using just a single sheet of paper.

Another craft inspired by Asian destinations is silk scarf dyeing. In many Asian countries, silk is a highly valued and sought-after fabric, and dyeing silk scarves is a traditional craft. You can experiment with different dyeing techniques and create your own unique designs to wear or give as gifts.

If you’re looking for a craft that uses natural materials, bamboo craft is a great choice. Bamboo is a versatile and sustainable resource, and it’s used in many different crafts across Asia. From weaving baskets and mats to carving intricate designs, bamboo craft is a wonderful way to connect with the natural beauty of Asian destinations.

Crafts Inspired by European Destinations

Europe is known for its rich artistic heritage, and there are many crafts inspired by European destinations that you can try on your cruise. One popular craft is ceramic painting. Many European countries have a long history of ceramic craftsmanship, and you can try your hand at painting your own ceramic pieces. From plates and bowls to vases and figurines, the possibilities are endless.

Glass blowing is another craft that has a strong tradition in Europe. In countries like Italy, the art of glass blowing has been passed down through generations, and you can learn the basics of this fascinating craft on your cruise. Under the guidance of experienced glass blowers, you can create your own unique glass pieces to take home as a souvenir.

If you’re looking for a craft that celebrates the arrival of spring, egg decorating is a great option. In many European countries, decorating eggs is a beloved tradition during Easter. From delicate hand-painted designs to vibrant dyed eggs, you can explore different techniques and create your own beautiful eggs to display or give as gifts.

Crafts Inspired by African Destinations

Africa is a continent with a rich and diverse artistic heritage, and there are many crafts inspired by African destinations that you can try on your cruise. One popular craft is beaded jewelry making. African cultures have a long history of beadwork, and you can learn to create your own unique jewelry pieces using a variety of colorful beads, from glass and ceramic to wood and gemstones.

Mask making is another craft inspired by African traditions. Masks are an important part of African culture, often used in ceremonies and celebrations. By exploring different mask-making techniques and materials, you can create your own mask that reflects the spirit and beauty of African art.

Batik fabric painting is another craft that has its roots in Africa. In countries like Nigeria and Mali, batik fabric is a popular choice for clothing and home decor. You can learn how to create beautiful designs on fabric using wax and dyes, and create your own unique batik pieces to take home.

Crafts Inspired by Caribbean Destinations

The Caribbean is a region known for its vibrant and colorful culture, and there are many crafts inspired by Caribbean destinations that you can try on your cruise. One popular craft is seashell jewelry making. The Caribbean is home to a wide variety of seashells, and you can learn to create your own unique jewelry pieces using shells, beads, and other natural materials.

Henna tattoos are another craft inspired by Caribbean traditions. Henna is a natural dye made from the leaves of the henna plant, and it’s used to create temporary tattoos that are both beautiful and meaningful. You can learn the art of henna tattooing and create your own intricate designs to wear during your cruise.

If you’re looking for a craft that combines creativity and recycling, rum bottle upcycling is a great choice. In the Caribbean, rum is a popular drink, and instead of throwing away the empty bottles, you can transform them into unique and stylish home decor items. From candle holders to vases, the possibilities are endless when it comes to upcycling rum bottles.

Crafts Inspired by South American Destinations

South America is a continent rich in cultural traditions, and there are many crafts inspired by its diverse destinations that you can try on your cruise. One popular craft is macrame plant hangers. Macrame is the art of knotting cords to create decorative patterns, and it’s a great way to create unique and stylish plant hangers to display your favorite greenery.

Pottery painting is another craft inspired by South American traditions. From the vibrant pottery of Peru to the intricate designs of Brazil, pottery is an important part of South American culture. You can learn the basics of pottery painting and create your own unique ceramic pieces to take home as souvenirs.

If you’re looking for a craft that celebrates the beauty of textile art, embroidery is a great choice. Many South American countries have a long history of embroidery, and you can learn different stitching techniques and create your own beautiful embroidered pieces, from clothing and accessories to home decor items.

Crafts Inspired by Middle Eastern Destinations

The Middle East is a region known for its rich artistic heritage, and there are many crafts inspired by its diverse destinations that you can try on your cruise. One popular craft is Arabesque tile painting. Arabesque is a form of Islamic art characterized by intricate geometric patterns, and you can learn to paint your own designs on tiles using traditional techniques.

Calligraphy is another craft inspired by Middle Eastern traditions. Calligraphy is the art of beautiful writing, and it has a long history in the Arab world. Under the guidance of experienced calligraphers, you can learn the basics of this ancient art form and create your own unique calligraphic pieces.

Lantern making is another craft that has a strong presence in Middle Eastern cultures. From the ornate lanterns of Morocco to the traditional oil lamps of Egypt, lanterns are an important part of Middle Eastern design. By learning different techniques and using a variety of materials, you can create your own beautiful lanterns to light up your home.

Crafts Inspired by Oceanic Destinations

Oceanic destinations are known for their breathtaking natural beauty, and there are many crafts inspired by these destinations that you can try on your cruise. One popular craft is shell and driftwood mobiles. With an abundance of seashells and driftwood, you can create your own unique mobiles to capture the essence of the ocean and bring a piece of the coast home with you.

Wood carving is another craft inspired by Oceanic traditions. From intricate Maori carvings in New Zealand to the detailed wooden masks of Papua New Guinea, wood carving is an important part of Oceanic art. Under the guidance of experienced carvers, you can learn the basics of this ancient craft and create your own unique wooden pieces.

Palm leaf weaving is another craft that has a strong presence in Oceanic cultures. From baskets and hats to mats and fans, palm leaf weaving is used to create a variety of practical and decorative items. You can learn different weaving techniques and create your own beautiful palm leaf creations to showcase your newfound skills.

Crafts Inspired by North American Destinations

North America is a continent with a rich artistic heritage, and there are many crafts inspired by its diverse destinations that you can try on your cruise. One popular craft is dreamcatcher making. Dreamcatchers are traditional Native American objects believed to catch bad dreams and promote good ones. By learning different weaving techniques and using a variety of materials, you can create your own unique dreamcatchers to hang in your home.

Native American inspired beading is another craft that celebrates the artistic traditions of North America’s indigenous peoples. From intricate beadwork on clothing to beautiful jewelry pieces, beading is a highly valued and respected art form. You can learn different beading techniques and create your own unique beaded creations, paying homage to the rich cultural heritage of Native American art.

Quilt making is another craft that has a strong presence in North American traditions. Quilts are not only practical items for warmth, but they also tell stories and hold sentimental value. By learning different quilting techniques and using a variety of fabrics, you can create your own unique quilts that reflect your personal style and creativity.

Crafting Workshops and Lessons

In addition to crafting on your own, many cruises offer a variety of crafting workshops and lessons to enhance your creative experience. These workshops, conducted by experienced artists and instructors, provide an opportunity to learn new techniques, explore different mediums, and create unique and personalized crafts. Here are a few examples of the types of workshops and lessons you may find onboard your cruise:

Onboard Craft Classes

Many cruise ships have dedicated craft rooms or studios where you can participate in craft classes and workshops. These classes cover a wide range of crafts and techniques, from painting and drawing to jewelry making and sewing. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced crafter wanting to refine your skills, onboard craft classes are a great way to explore your creativity and connect with fellow craft enthusiasts.

Guest Artist Workshops

Some cruises offer guest artist workshops, where renowned artists and crafters are invited onboard to share their expertise and teach specialized techniques. These workshops provide a unique opportunity to learn from experts in their respective fields and gain insight into their creative process. From watercolor painting and pottery throwing to glassblowing and papermaking, guest artist workshops offer a deeper immersion into the world of art and craft.

Craft Demonstrations

If you prefer to observe and learn from a distance, craft demonstrations are a great option. These demonstrations, usually held in public areas of the ship, allow you to watch skilled crafters at work and learn about different techniques and mediums. From wood carving and metalworking to fabric dyeing and ceramics, craft demonstrations offer a glimpse into the intricate and fascinating world of crafting.

In conclusion, crafting on a cruise is not only a relaxing and enjoyable way to spend your time, but it also provides a unique opportunity to explore different artistic traditions from around the world. Whether you choose a craft inspired by an Asian, European, African, Caribbean, South American, Middle Eastern, Oceanic, or North American destination, or participate in onboard workshops and lessons, your cruise experience will be enriched by the creativity and cultural exploration that crafting brings. So, pack your crafting supplies, unleash your creativity, and embark on a journey of cultural crafting on the high seas.

WorldTraveller

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Easy and Creative DIY Cruise Travel Projects to Try

Laurie Bennett

Last Updated:

Cruising is a great way to explore the world, but with so much to do, it can often be overwhelming to plan. By taking on DIY cruise travel projects, you can build upon and customize your vacation in ways that make it unique and special. Whether you are looking for creative decorating ideas or fun activities to share with friends, there are plenty of DIY cruise travel projects that you can tackle. So, when you feel creative or inspired in cruise ships , here is what you can do.

Table of Contents

DIY Personalized Luggage Tags

Making personalized luggage tags for cruise travel is a great way to add a distinctive touch to your upcoming vacation. Not only will they help you quickly and easily identify your bags in busy ports, but these DIY tags can also be made with plenty of creative flairs. Whether you prefer bright colors or an attention-grabbing design, there are plenty of ways to make one-of-a-kind luggage tags that no one else on the cruise ship has.

Plus, this project is simple and affordable – all you need are basic craft supplies! You can customize the tag with any details or messages you want to share before setting sail on your next adventure. So get creative, have fun, and make sure everyone knows to who their suitcases belong!

Customized Passport Covers

As the summer vacation season approaches, travelers are looking for ways to make their trips more memorable. A great way to do that is with a customized passport cover! DIY customized passport covers are an easy and affordable project that will help you add a personal touch to your cruise travel experience. Creating a personalized passport cover is simple and takes very little time. You only need a few craft materials, such as fabric, scissors, and glue.

With these supplies, you can create unique designs using applique or embroidery techniques. You can even use the same material from your luggage or another item of clothing to give it a special touch. Once completed, your custom passport cover will be unique and meaningful for your upcoming cruise adventure!

Cruise Photo Albums

A DIY photo album is excellent if you want to remember your cruise vacation for years to come. Sure, you have your smartphones and digital cameras, but creating an album is much more memorable. With a few simple materials and tools, you can create an attractive and unique DIY Cruise Photo Album that will capture the memories of your travels for you to cherish for years. To start off, you will need some supplies. You will want to get creative with this part and select meaningful and memorable items from your cruise trip .

Choose scrapbooking paper in styles and colors representing the places you visited, and maybe even add a few unique trinkets or souvenirs from shore excursions. You may also consider including tickets or other memorabilia like menus or postcards from ports of call. Finally, do not forget the photos!

Simple Cruise Decorations

As the popularity of cruise vacations continues to soar, DIY decorations for cruise travel can be a great way to add a personal touch to your holiday. Whether you plan to cruise with family or friends, these simple DIY decorations are easy to make and can enhance your onboard experience. From wall hangings and door signs to centerpieces and garlands, there are plenty of ways that you can add a creative flair to your stateroom. You do not need special skills or tools; all it takes is some basic craft supplies and imagination.

With just a few items, such as paper, cardstock, string lights, stickers, and washi tape, you can create imaginative decorations that will bring life and color into your space. Why not have a go at making customized door signs or even creating an intricate papercut design?

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Welcome to Slap Dash Mom!

The ultimate destination for hassle-free cooking! Browse our collection of quick and easy recipes that are perfect for busy lifestyles.

Here I share all my favorite Weight Watchers recipes as well as my sure fire tips and tricks for getting & staying on track. I am a married mother of two. I am also a lover of smoosh faced pets, entrepreneurial thinking, real estate investment and anything in the color blue – literally :) I hope you enjoy!!

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• CruiseMapper

Themed Cruises

Themed Cruises are all the special-theme voyages designed for special people on chartered cruise ships. Theme cruising vacations are your best ever chance to enjoy affordable cruise travel together with passengers with the same interests as yours.

For your convenience, the following links jump down directly to CruiseMapper's theme cruise schedule (listing lines, ships, departure dates and homeports), as well as the reviews and tips on cruises specifically designed for FAMILIES , ADULTS (Kids-Free) , SENIORS .

Our themed cruises selections include the following reviewed themes: Fitness , Dance and Music Themed , Food and Wine , Golf , Party , Singles , Christian (and to Holy Land ), Christmas and New Years Eve .

"Theme Cruises"

Read below about the cruise ship onboard programming, lines, vessels, and many FAQs (Oh yes, I know, it sounds somehow confusing when spelled out.

What is "Theme Cruise"?

Theme cruises take lots of forms, but they primarily are regular voyages with additional onboard programming. This special type of programming can range from seminars to learning and classroom-style sessions, from concerts to dance themes. Countless possibilities are waiting for you to explore- food and wine, religious, music and dancing, cruises for singles, an alternative lifestyle themed, etc. Usually, the programming occurs onboard the cruise ship, but sometimes theme events take place in the port as well. You can search the huge content of Wikipedia's THEME directory (wikipedia.org/wiki/Theme) for arts, music, narrative, etc).

A few words about our "Theme Cruises" photo of choice here. It's a colorful lady - all the way. Colorful just like the selection of unique choices you have from our long list of most special voyages. And what is a specially themed vacation without women, anyway? The God's most charmingly beautiful creatures make the money-world go round! And they drive the cruise travel industry as well. So what a better theme in life - and on your special cruise vacation, than the woman by your side?

Theme Cruise Lines

The purest form of a theme cruise is what the company/brand creates onboard one of its vessels - all the passengers are entitled to be participants then. This was fairly common when shipboard transportation involved long sea stretches for ocean crossings.

Nowadays, with 2000+ passengers onboard most liners, it is not practical for the entire vessel to be turned into a "themed voyage". Still, most large companies schedule annual festivities themed on sports (including car racing, golfing tournaments), music styles, lifestyles, hobbies, etc.

Most affordable and the least crowded are theme voyages on riverboats. Among the best brands in the USA (with large fleets and bigger boats) are ACL-American Cruise Lines and AQV-American Queen Voyages . In Europe, you can search the schedules of brands like Viking , Uniworld , AmaWaterways , Avalon , Scenic , Emerald .

Types of Themed Cruises

The theme cruise vacation travel today is a very popular way to connect people with common hobbies and interests to share the experiences of theme-related onboard activities that are impossible to live through onshore. Theme specials can range from political- to poker- or music-themed. The popularity of these vacations nowadays has spread across the entire demographic spectrum and everyone is able to find out his own line or itinerary.

Special Interests / Private Themed Voyages

These trips are the most common of all themed specials. In these, a special group of interest arranges and purchases a number of staterooms that are in different categories. This special group also sets up the itinerary and makes arrangements for special guests; markets the voyage to travelers who would be interested in the activity. These groups have little impact on other passengers on board, though some public spaces might be taken over by them.

Private theme cruise specials are developed usually by an organization. They are administered by a travel agency - if you want to participate in the events, you should book through this agency. General passengers on board will be prohibited from participating in the events. Some private theme voyages might comprise as many as twenty guests, while others- as many as one thousand. Keep in mind that a great number of private sailings include additional fees, such as fuel surcharges, gratuities, port fees, government taxes, as part of the overall fares. This is important to note while comparing theme sailings prices to the retail prices out in the marketplace.

Theme Charter Voyages

This signifies full ship charter deals: This type of cruise includes the entire ship's organization around interest-du-jour. Every one of the passengers is a participant to some extent. You can enjoy onboard events and additional activities on selected classic cruises that are going to be shaped around particular themes. If you want to learn about local history; or you are a music fan; or just want to improve your photography skills, themes add different dimensions to general offers. The best part is that they all are completely free of charge!

Actually, these are also a kind of "private cruises", but the difference is that everyone on the ship is in the action. Chartered cruises are usually implemented for religious themes, music, gaming tournaments (often poker-themed), alternative lifestyles. Keep in mind that passenger ships are of a wide range of sizes, and it is possible for a chartered ship to only accommodate two hundred guests, while another accommodates as many as 3,000.

Cruise Line Themed Voyages

Major cruise lines offer their own kind of theme voyages to attract passengers. One of the main advantages of these themed voyages is that there is no additional cost for participating. Book through any travel agency or through the line's website - it doesn't really matter (except for the rates, of course). A negative side is that everyone on the ship is welcome to participate which makes the voyage less intimate. Such themed voyages are more speaker-, seminar- or musically oriented.

Companies get more and more innovative - even a tattoo-themed "Ink or Swim" was on offer in April 2015 (roundtrip Fort Lauderdale to Cozumel, Mexico) on Liberty of the Seas . Passengers had the opportunity to get tattoos from renown artists, to attend tattoo contests and join a private beach party in Cozumel. Rates started at $970 pp, including all activities and events, with added $100 pp onboard credit towards tattoos for first and second passengers in each cabin.

Theme Cruises for Adults, Families with Kids, Seniors (FAQs, tips)

Each theme voyage has different dynamics. Groups vary between 10 and 2-3 thousand (on voyage charters). Partial charters book a substantial number of staterooms, full charters book the entire vessel. Nearly everything on board goes around the voyage's theme, and the experience is about connecting these like-minded passengers socially in big-group activities.

Cruises for FAMILIES with KIDS

Family cruises are actually "kids-themed" voyages on ships with plenty of modern and "cool" kids-friendly facilities, dedicated (professionally trained) staff for supervising children's activities, onboard nursery (for toddlers up to 3 yo), kids- and teen-only club lounges, sundecks (with pool or whirlpool), teens-only programs and excursions, teen spa treatments. family-type cabins, family pool deck, kids menus in dining rooms, etc.

Family cruises are the industry's fastest-growing branch of specially themed ship travel vacations. Annually, over 2 million children cruise worldwide. More and more families book shipping vacations due to their most affordable prices and excellent value as a vacation experience.

• Ticket price includes accommodations, transportation, dining, entertainment, most activities (including kids clubs and programming), water parks with slides, sports facilities, cinemas.
• Often, major companies offer "kids sail free" deals or give discount rates for a third/fourth passenger in the cabin.
• Specifically for families with children are available connecting cabins, bigger than average family-category staterooms (oceanview, balcony) and larger "family suites".
• Ships provide a safe and controlled kids-friendly environment. Some provide 2-way beepers or walkie-talkies. Families eat together in the main dining rooms. Alternatively, kids can eat at their lounges. Food is complimentary and all you can eat.
• Themed onboard activities are organized n adult-free facilities for Toddlers (ages 2-4), Juniors (ages 5-7), Intermediate (ages 8-10), Tweens (ages 10-12) and Teens (ages 13-17). Kids in different groups eat at different times and order from special menus.
• Few ships have trained staff and nursery to look after toddlers or to provide babysitting for families.
• Caribbean and Mediterranean itineraries are best for family-themed voyages. Mediterranean roundtrips from UK (Southampton) are among the most popular and generally offered by P&O UK.
• Best brands for family ship travel are Royal Caribbean (largest liners, innovative facilities), Carnival ("Fun Ship" activities, great food, cheapest fares), MSC ("kids sail for free" deals year-round) and Disney (themed entertainment, great facilities, most expensive). Aggressively competing on the family cruising market, some companies establish exclusive partnerships with brands like LEGO (MSC), Dr Seuss (Carnival), DreamWorks (Royal Caribbean), Marvel's superheroes (Disney), Nickelodeon (NCL).
• The answer to "what are the best ships for families" depends on the vacation budget. It's one of those money questions for choosing between all-inclusive luxury on exotic destinations and affordable packages on shorter itineraries.
• Bigger and new ships provide more space and activities in comparison even to land-based resorts. Among the most unique facilities are outdoor theaters, zip-lines, multi-deck waterslides, surf simulators, fly simulators, rock-climbing walls, ice-skating rinks, trampolines, circus schools, bumping cars, racing tracks, bowling alleys, mini-golf, arcades.
• What are the benefits of family cruising? Family ship vacations are convenient (no cooking, cleaning, rentals, changing hotels-restaurants, 24-hour room service, casino gaming and duty-free shopping, numerous close to home departures / saving airfare), all-inclusive (accommodation, meals, alternative menus, entertainment, activities, pools-Jacuzzis, theaters, libraries), care-free (supervised programs, age-based activities shipboard and ashore), adventurous and cheaper than most beach resorts.

KIDS-FREE cruises for ADULTS (tips)

Although most vessels have dedicated to children onboard facilities (clubs, playrooms, pools, supervised activities) kids usually run free, hang out in stairwells, ride the elevators and generally annoy elder passengers. Many companies offer entirely "kids-free" cruises or voyages with a smaller number of children - mainly by picking itineraries and ships less attractive for families.

• Luxury ships are smaller and geared to adults, but also expensive. Some premium brands provide kids programs and babysitting.
• Avoid peak-season travel.
• Book balcony suite to reduce time in public spaces.
• Brands like NCL Norwegian, Cunard and MSC have top-deck located luxury cabin complexes to maximize privacy. This "ship-within-ship" concept features suite and villa residents with exclusive access to a private sundeck with swimming pool, restaurant, nightclub, fitness and lounge facilities, butler service.
• Spa suites are another "fewer kids" option also offering as perks premium brand spa products, unlimited access to VIP spa facilities, healthy-food restaurants, even cabins and suites with whirlpool baths, complimentary treatments, fitness classes, thalassotherapy pool.
• Small-ship cruises fit into smaller, less-known ports and deliver crowd-free days ashore. Hurtigruten ships are shore-hugging and visit 34 ports on coastal routes over six or seven days. They give an opportunity to start exploring non-touristy call ports.
• Small-ship cruises on smaller boats, as well as river cruises, are also not so kids-friendly due to lack of "modern fun" facilities, less traditional and longer itineraries, smaller cabins, not cheap fares.
• World Cruises and Grand Voyages (longer than 2-weeks itineraries) attract repeat (older) travelers and fewer families. Repositioning voyages (RepositionCruises.com) are seasonal, always one-way and often change regions, which results in the cheapest fares and kids-free experience. Less traveled routes and exotic destinations (Indian Ocean, Africa, Far East, Arctic and Antarctica, South America) attract fewer families.

Adults-only cruise ships

There are passenger ships advertised in the companies' brochures as "adults-only" and not allowing any kids at all.

• Most river travel brands have minimum age requirement 12-13 yo and discourage 8- yo kids. Deals are inclusive of drinks (beer-wine-soda at dinners); tours, Wi-Fi, bicycles (ashore), some include also airport transfers, alcoholic beverages, gratuities, in-cabin minibar.
• Saga targets exclusively passengers over 50 yo, with deals inclusive of all meals (any restaurant dining), gratuities, Wi-Fi, drinks (wine with lunches and dinners), bus transfers.
• Viking Ocean has a minimum age requirement 18 yo. Deals are inclusive of 1 excursion in each call port, shipwide dining, Wi-Fi, self-serve laundry; drinks (wine-beers-soda during lunches and dinners, all-balcony cabins.

Senior Cruises

It's not too late for a first cruise after 55. Reaching a certain age doesn't mean you won't be able to enjoy a cruise vacation. More and more ships cater to senior travelers. The children-free peaceful atmosphere and calm travelers of similar interests and ages might be the right choice for you. There are few senior cruises each year. Many lines advertise these types of voyages but don't specialize in providing an all-senior model, and generally, seniors find themselves onboard among a younger crowd. Most senior passengers prefer senior river- and smal-ship cruises as compared to huge 2000+ passenger liners. The reason is that these offer a more intimate and quieter atmosphere.

Most senior cruises feature onboard lecturers to peak the interest. A loud party atmosphere is not common. Seniors prefer to relax and learn while traveling. Many lines advertise senior cruises on older ships which means fewer passengers and environment free of partying all night. Voyages for seniors are cost-effective because lines charge less. A growing trend with these types of cruises is senior adults taking along adult children - family reunion style for senior cruises. Children who are middle-aged are less likely to act like kids and prefer relaxing while they travel with senior adult parents.

Theme Cruises 2022 schedule

In the following table are listed all themed voyages (full-vessel charter) scheduled by major cruise line companies. Ship links redirect to CruiseMapper's ship wiki page.

Note: As full-boat (voyage) charters, these are charter party deals - between the shipowner and the charterer (tour company). This means you can't book independently, but only through the ship-chartering company.

Over the last years, the interest in theme cruises has grown considerably. And this is an area within the cruise industry that is going to develop more and more in the future. Be up-to-date with your theme cruise deals search and let the public know about your trip. Themed cruises offer enjoyable activities- they offer everything the shipping line brings to the table, but with added value- their programming. And don't forget to check out our top-page links for more themed cruise specials.

101 Amazing Cruise Activities for Every Cruiser

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If you’re thinking of going on a cruise, you might be wondering what there is to do on a cruise ship? Will there be enough interesting and fun cruise ship activities that you’ll enjoy?

I get it, because before my first cruise, my husband wondered the same thing. Even though we had friends who loved cruising, was it for us?

Of course, we loved it! However, more importantly, through our years of cruising, we’ve discovered that on a cruise there truly is something for everyone .

In this post, you’ll find more than 100 amazing things to do on a cruise. Whether you prefer to be active or to relax, this extensive list of cruise ship activities will help you to discover all there is to do on a cruise.

What Can You Do on a Cruise? The Ultimate Guide to Cruise Ship Activities

From the moment you get on your cruise ship on embarkation day , you’ll have access to a plethora of activities and amenities. But how can you know what there is to do?

Most cruise lines now have an app, where you’ll be able to see a list of daily activities available. This daily planner, is often available in a paper format as well. It will list the starting and ending time of a scheduled activity (like pool volleyball), as well as the opening and closing hours of some of the onboard attractions and venues (like the fitness centre, race cars or ice skating).

Something to note is that each cruise line and cruise ship is different, a bit like resorts. Choose wisely before you book so that you have the perfect cruise ship for the type of vacation you like best.

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Exciting Cruise Ship Activities

Cruise ships can feel like an exciting playground at sea, for both children and adults. While years ago, the most exciting activity might be shuffleboard and some pool volleyball – these days, there is a LOT to do on a cruise!

1. Waterslides & Aquaparks

Waterslides and aquaparks can be found on many family friendly cruise ships. If you’re cruising on a newer Royal Caribbean, Carnival, NCL, or even MSC cruise ship, you have to check out the incredible waterslides!

2. Roller Coaster at Sea

On Carnival’s newest cruise ships, Carnival Mardi Gras & Celebration, you’ll find a Sea Coaster, the world’s first roller coaster at sea . How cool is that?

3. Flowrider Surf Pools

Have you ever wanted to learn to surf? The surf simulator on several Royal Caribbean cruise ships is a great way to have fun and practice!

Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class cruise ships are some of the coolest cruise ships at sea! On these 220,000 ton mega ships, you’ll find some incredible activities and attractions, including a zip line that rises 14 decks over the cruise ship’s boardwalk neighborhood.

5. Indoor Skydiving

People who’ve experienced IFly by RipCord, and indoor skydiving activity of some Royal Caribbean ships, have great memories and cool photos to show how exciting cruising can actually be.

6. Ropes Course (& Walk the Plank)

Carnival and Norwegian Cruise line both have ropes courses available on some of their cruise ships. If you really want to take up the thrills, you can “walk the plank”, which literally shoots out several feet from the cruise ship. It’s not for me, but will make a great photo and memory!

7. Race Cars

Check out the Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Joy for a chance to drive an electric race car at sea!

8. Bumper Cars

Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class ships have an interior entertainment area, called the SeaPlex. One of the fun activities is bumper cars, but there are so many others as well.

9. Laser Tag

Check your cruise ship to see if it has a laser tag game. Some newer as well as refurbished cruise ships on family friendly cruise lines offer this.

10. Ice Skate

Some Royal Caribbean cruise ships have small indoor ice skating rinks where you can see an incredible show, as well as rent ice skates for “free skating”. If you don’t have a chance to ice skate where you live, why not give this fun activity a try?

Free Activities on a Cruise

Most cruise ships will have daily trivia available with the cruise ship entertainment staff. Check your cruise planner for times and show up early for this popular free cruise activity .

12. Fitness Center

Gyms on cruise ships are modern and beautiful, with an incredible sea view! You can use the equipment free of charge and some classes will be free as well. Others may have an additional fee , so do check as you sign up.

Avoid cruise ship weight gain by joining free activities like a Zumba class on the sports deck or cruise ship atrium .

14. Dance class

Learn ballroom dances including salsa and meringue and then impress yourselves dancing later in the cruise to the live band.

15. Mini Golf

This might be a traditional cruise ship activity, but it’s still fun and pretty popular.

16. Painting class

Try water color painting and take home a beautiful work of art you’ve made on a cruise.

17. Napkin Folding Class

If you’ve always wanted to learn how to fold napkins like in fancy restaurants, join a class and demonstration and pick up a new skill.

18. Ice Carving Demonstration

Did you know that ice carving is an art and a skill that takes substantial training? It’s amazing to see the cruise ship Ice Carvers complete a beautiful ice sculpture before your eyes. Check you cruise planner for this demonstration, often done on a sea day by the main pool

19. Cruise Ship Planetarium

Did you know that the QM2 has a real planetarium where you can view the stars from indoors?

Read next: More FREE Things to do on a Cruise

Things for Kids to Do on a Cruise

Cruising with Kids ? Here are just a few of the cruise ship activities planned specifically for young children and teens.

20. Kid’s Camp

Most cruise line’s have an a Kid’s Club with excellent supervision and fun activities. However, family friendly cruise lines like Disney, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, MSC and Princess Cruises have some of the best kid’s camps at sea .

21. Scavenger Hunts

Taking your tweens or teens on a cruise? Scavenger hunts around the ship are just one of the fun cruise activities they’ll enjoy with their new friends.

22. Arts & Crafts

If your son or daughter enjoys crafts like making bracelets, gimp, painting or coloring, they’ll have a blast in the kid’s club. There are so many materials and fun projects that they can create during their cruise vacation.

23. Lego & More

Young children will have so much fun with lego and other fun toys in an amazing Kid’s Club. Make sure to visit the kid’s camp and register as soon as possible after board your cruise .

24. Xbox competitions

Cruise kid’s and teen clubs have awesome video game consoles and opportunities to hang out playing the most popular video games. In some cases, there will be planned Xbox competitions on the big screen!

25. Pirate Parades

I’ve got great memories of my boys dressing up and joining a group pirate parade through the centre of the cruise ship. They are older now, but we did several fabulous family cruises and they have great memories of those times!

26. Movie Nights

Kid’s can hang out and chill while watching a movie.

27. Group Dinners

A couple times during your cruise, optional group dinners may be planned. While this is usually in the buffet, there may be a special “make your own pizza” dinner or other planned activity.

28. Pyjama Parties

Mom and Dad can stay out late while the kids hang out at fun pyjama parties.

29. Hot Tub Parties

Teens will often have a hot tub located near the teen club on a cruise. Expect a few hot tub parties on a cruise.

30. Disco and Dance Parties

Kids and teens will have events planned in the cruise ship night club. Often, young children will have dance parties or even play games of tag in the disco during the day, while teens may have a special evening in the evening.

If you and/or your kids like an old school arcade, with air hockey and some classic games, you’ll have a great time playing in this often under-utilized area.

Related posts:   20 Amazing Ways to Save Money on Your Family Cruise

10 Cruise Experts Share Their Best Tips for Cruising with Kids

Things to Do for Couples on a Cruise

Cruises make great romantic getaways for couples. Here are some of the best cruise activities for couples to enjoy .

32. Balcony breakfast

Order room service and enjoy a cup of coffee and some breakfast, while enjoying your own private balcony in the morning. While continental room service is often free on a cruise, you may want to splurge for an extra special romantic experience.

33. Movies Under the Stars

Most cruise ships have a big screen movie screen showing movies during the evening on a cruise. On Princess Cruises you’ll get a blush blanket and some popcorn and it’s like a cozy drive in under the stars!

34. Exciting Shore Excursions

On shore adventures can be romantic! Plan a shore excursion to the beach, snorkeling or zip-lining for a special and fun day with your love.

35. Vow Renewal

Why not participate in either a group vow renewal ceremony, or plan a private vow renewal and celebration on your cruise? You can invite friends and family, or keep it a very private.

36. Get Married at Sea

Did you know that you can get married by the Captain on many cruise ships? Check this out before your cruise, to make all the arrangements.

37. Dinner for 2

Have a romantic dinner for 2 in the main dining room or one of the wonderful specialty restaurants. Celebrity’s Tuscan Grill offers a very special dinner and experience.

38. Stargaze

The sky is so clear at night while out to sea. Sit out on your private balcony or head to the top deck to enjoy the most spectacular view of the stars.

39. Couples Massage

Cruise ship spas are some of the best in the world. Combine a massage with an ocean view and the one you love – perfect!

Related post:   10 Romantic Things to Do When Cruising Together

Rainy Day Activities

Unfortunately not every day on a cruise will be sunshine and blue skies. However there’s still so much to do on rainy days on a cruise .

40. Art Auction

You don’t need to wait for a rainy day to attend an art auction, but if you are looking for something to do, why not give it a try? Art auctions are about more than the purchase. If you enjoy art and learning about the history of some well known and up and coming artists, you might be pleasantly surprised.

41. Port Lecture

Port talks happen on sea days, rain or shine. If you are new to a cruise port of call and would like to know what to expect, port lectures can be informative.

42. Matinee Show or Movie

Rainy days are perfect days to attend an afternoon showing of a popular production show or even a movie in the ship’s theatre or one of the lounges.

43. Board Games

On rainy days, or even hot days on a cruise, there will often be people playing cards and a variety of board games around the cruise ship. While you can actually borrow some on a cruise, I’d consider bringing your own.

Here are more great ideas: 37 Things to Do on a Cruise When it Rains

Popular Cruise Ship Activities

The entertainment on cruise ships often rivals Las Vegas. From production shows to guest entertainers, you’ll find tons of things to do in the evening on your cruise.

44. Welcome Show

If this is your first cruise, make sure to attend the Welcome Show the first evening of your cruise vacation. This is a fun and informative glimpse into the activities and entertainment planned over the next few days.

45. Audience Participation Gameshows

One of the most fun and unpredictable events on a cruise are the live audience participation game shows. Games like “Love & Marriage” and “Battle of the Sexes” are often hilarious, because you just never know what the participants will actually say.

If you decide to join, there are often prizes and you’ll be “famous” during your cruise vacation!

46. Production Shows

Expect at least a couple amazing production shows performed by the cruise ship’s singers and dancers.

47. Comedy Shows

Each cruise you’ll get a chance to see some very talented and often hilarious comedians. Some cruise lines even often an “adult” show late into the night.

48. Illusionists & More

Guest entertainers are brought onto the cruise ship each sailing to entertain the passengers. You may get a chance to see illusionists, hypnotists, impersonators and more.

49. Piano Bar

One of the most popular venues on many cruise ships is the Piano Bar. Enjoy a martini or favorite drink and join in on the fun.

50. Live Bands

Whether you want to dance, or hang out and take in a show, the live bands on cruises are fabulous. Make sure to go to the lounge or club early to get some seats.

If you love to gamble and play at the Casino, you’ll enjoy this energetic environment on your cruise. The Casino is open on sea days and late into the night.

52. Champagne Art Auction

A pretty popular cruise ship activity is the champagne art auction. It’s exactly as it sounds – attend an art auction and get a free glass of sparkling wine at the same time.

53. Past Passenger Events

One of the very popular events on a cruise is a past passenger party. There will actually be more than one, depending on your loyalty level. The Captain and officers will often be there to greet you and you may be offered free drinks as well.

54. Afternoon Tea

If you’re a foodie and enjoy food experiences, make sure to go to the “afternoon tea” offered in the main dining room on many traditional cruise lines.

Read next:  How NOT to Gain Weight on a Cruise, Even When You’re a Foodie!

Sea Day Activities

There’s so much to do (or not do) on sea days, that these are often some of the best times on a cruise. While I could list off a lot, here are just a few sea day activities to look forward to.

More fun things to do on a sea day can be found in this post .

55. Pool time

If you’re on a Caribbean cruise, one of the favorite hangouts on the cruise ship will be the pools and hot tubs. Most large cruise ships, have 3-4 pools, or more.

Some pools areas will be quieter and more relaxing, while other pools are meant for activities and a more “party-like” atmosphere.

56. Get a Massage

Sea days can be the perfect time to indulge in some self-care at the spa. Book a massage or other rejuvenating treatment and enjoy!

Cruise tip: Spa treatments will often be on promotion if you book on embarkation day . Check more money saving cruise tips in this post:  27 Hacks to Save Money on a Cruise

57. The Sanctuary

Hang out in the exclusive Sanctuary, Princess Cruises ‘ adults only refuge at the front of the cruise ship. Enjoy a special menu of spa type foods, and healthy fare delivered right to your plush lounger.

58. The Vibe

Norwegian Cruise Line offers an adult only place to chill which is perfect on sea days. Check with your cruise line for similar venues.

Bingo is one of the most popular things to do on a cruise ship, for many ages. There are often great cash prizes as well as a grand prize of a free cruise!

60. Work Remotely

While this isn’t for everyone, cruise ship internet is improving and some cruise line’s are making it easy and affordable to work remotely. On recent cruises, we found Princess Cruises’ MedallionNet to be fast and efficient.

61. Frozen Drinks

Have a cruise beverage package ? Whether you have one or not, having a frozen cocktail on the Lido deck is a pretty awesome way to pass some time on your cruise!

Related posts:  Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Packages

Princess Cruises Drink Packages (with bar menus and drink photos)

Celebrity Cruises Always Included; Everything You Need to Know

62. Bar Crawl

Why not try out the drinks and atmosphere at many of the bars on your ship? From the martini bar to the sports bar, you can create your own pub crawl.

63. Specialty Restaurant

The food on cruise ships is great, but specialty restaurants take it up a notch. Sea days can be a great time to have lunch in a specialty restaurant for a reduced price as well.

Adult Only Activities on a Cruise

Often, even on family friendly cruise ships there will be activities adults or those 18+. Many of these may be during evenings on a cruise.

64. 18+ Comedy Shows

Adult topics and cursey words come out late at night at 18+ comedy shows.

65. The Quest

Some cruise lines have an adult only game show called The Quest. It’s a very fun scavenger hunt that can get a bit inappropriate for kids.

66. The Solarium

Most cruise ships have an adult only Solarium or pool area. If you’re looking for a quiet place away from kids or even louder pool games and activities. this is the place to be.

67. Night Club

Kids aren’t allowed in the night club or disco after a certain hour. Check the cruise planner for the hours of operation and activities.

68. Wine Tasting Event

While there’s an additional charge for a wine tasting, it’s a great chance to sample different wines and learn, all while on a cruise.

Related post: 37 Interesting Cruise Ship Facts that Will Surprise You

Traditional Fun Cruise Ship Activities

There’s just so much to do on a cruise, and some of it is simple fun.

69. Table Tennis

Play a game of ping pong with new or old friends.

70. Bean Bag Toss

Often, on a sea day there may be a bean bag toss and other games set up near the pool.

71. Shuffle board

Shuffle board can be found on the promenade deck and sometimes on the sports deck of the cruise ship.

72. Giant Checkers Game

Giant chess or checkers games can often be found near the kid’s club, pool or on the promenade deck.

73. Deck Parties

There’s something about being on a Caribbean cruise and dancing as the live band plays under the stars during a deck party!

74. Chocolate Buffet

While in the past midnight buffets were common, these days you can often find a decadent chocolate buffet being served.

75. Line Dancing

Do the Cha-Cha slide and other line dances on a cruise by the pool at Sailaway or at other times and venues during your cruise.

More Things to Do on a Cruise

There are so many great things to do on a cruise, from planned activities and events to simple and enjoyable ways to pass the time. Here a few more ideas to get you dreaming of your next cruise vacation !

76. Cooking Demonstration

Learn to make one of your favorite cruise ship dishes by attending a cooking demonstration.

77. Galley Tour

Often a free galley tour is offered where you can see the behind the scenes of where and how the cruise ship food is prepared for thousands of cruisers.

78. Catch a Sunset on the Magic Carpet

The Celebrity Edge, Apex and Beyond all have the incredible Magic Carpet. In the evening, make sure to check out the sunset for a most unique cruise experience.

79. Go on a Shore Excursion

Plan shore excursions for your port days. It’s a great way to visit and have a taste of a destination.

80. Musical Tributes

See Beatlemania or other musical tributes on a cruise.

81. Guest Speakers

When we think of cruise activities, many of us think of waterslides and belly flop contests. However, many cruise ships have more cerebral activities available.

On many cruise ships, you’ll find a broad range of interesting guest speakers. You may encounter authors, actors, astronauts, race car drivers and more.

82. Poolside Activities

On many cruise ships, you’ll be able to participate or watch pool games and antics. Water volleyball, sexy leg contests, belly flop contests and more may just on schedule at the main pool. Keep in mind that different cruise lines offer different activities and a different experience.

If you do need advice on the best cruise line for you, read this next:  Best Way to Book a Cruise: Travel Agent or Direct with the Cruise Line

83. Rock climbing

Rock climbing on a cruise ship? Why not?

84. Karaoke

If you love karaoke, make sure to sign up for awesome Karaoke contests. It’s fun to watch too if you’e looking for something different to do in the evening on your cruise.

85. Go to a Robot Bar

As crazy as it sounds, MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean both have ships with robot bartenders.

86. Walk on the Promenade Deck

The promenade deck wraps around the entire cruise ship and is the best place to get a 360 degree ocean view!

87. Shop on Board

You can enjoy a little retail therapy by shopping in the duty free shops . You’ll find perfume and make up, jewelry and watches, clothing and cruise wear, souvenir items and more.

88. Watch Shows in your Cabin

If you’re tired and don’t make it to the shows in the evening, many will be shown on your stateroom TV and you can view them at another time.

89. Order Room Service

Breakfast, snacks or a meal – you may enjoy ordering room service to your cabin.

Cruise tip: Check with your cruise line to see if and when there are additional charges. Room service may or may not be included in your cruise .

90. Learn a New Skill

Origami, napkin folding, water color painting, cake decorating… the list goes on and on. While you’re on a cruise, you can sign up to learn new and interesting skills.

91. Drink Making Classes

Are you interested in learning more about scotch, wine or even bartending and making certain drinks? On many cruise ships, you can participate in tastings as well as workshops, so you can learn how to make the perfect cocktail. Of course, a little sampling of the concoctions is part of the experience.

91. Get Acupuncture

Most cruise lines have an acupuncturist on board. You can often do a ship tour on the first day of your cruise, and get more information. Often, there will be specials and promotions, so keep an eye on this.

92. Go to the Chiropractor

While not all cruise lines have a Chiropractor on board, Cunard’s Canyon Ranch SpaClub on Queen Mary 2 enjoys a great reputation. As with other services and treatments, it’s a good idea to research what is offered before you go on your cruise.

93. Get Cosmetic and “Medi-Spa” Treatments

Cruise lines have specialists who can do a wide variety of cosmetic treatments, from teeth whitening to botox and dermal fillers. Check your cruise line’s spa services before you go, to see what treatments are offered.

94. Basketball

The sports courts on many newer ships are amazing. Check the daily planner for when you can join a scheduled game, or shoot some hoops on your own.

95. Captain’s Night

As much as cruise ships have incredible and innovative activities onboard, their are certain cruise traditions that are maintained on many cruise lines. Unless you’re cruising on NCL, you can expect an elegant Captain’s Night or Formal Night.

While not obligatory, if you participate in formal night, expect to dress up more than other evenings and enjoy lobster, surf and turf or another special meal in the main dining room.

96. White Party

Some cruise lines might have a White Hot Party or a Glow Party, so plan on bringing one white outfit just in case. If you’re cruising on Norwegian, this has been the case for years. You can see suggestions of what to wear on a Freestyle cruise here .

97. Take Photos

Take photos on your own or get a professional photo or package with the ship’s photographers. You’ll have amazing photos and great memories!

98. Sleep In

You might just find that you have the best sleep ever on a cruise. Whether it’s the luxury beds or the lull of the cruise ship, many cruisers say they just love sleeping on a cruise!

99. Cruise Food

Whether you want to eat healthy or indulge in some of the most decadent foods, eating is an activity unto itself on a cruise!

100. Bridge Tour

While this isn’t included with your cruise fare, if you’re interested in what happens on the cruise ship bridge you won’t be disappointed with this behind the scenes cruise ship tour.

101. Book Another Cruise

Don’t head home on debarkation day without having another cruise to look forward to. Booking your next cruise onboard, or simply placing a deposit on a future cruise with date unknown is a great way to save money . Plus, you’ll avoid some of the inevitable post-cruise blues .

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• Cruise Cabin Door Decorations: The Ultimate Guide for Cruisers
• What To Wear on a Cruise Vacation 
• 10 Things Not included in the Price of a Cruise
• 50 Must-have Cruise Essentials from Amazon

Final Thoughts: 101 Awesome Things to Do on a Cruise

If you’ve been wondering what to do on your cruise vacation, I hope this list of more than 100 cruise ship activities has given you some good ideas. Cruise vacations really do have something for everyone. Whether you’re cruising with kids and need a lot of fun activities, or planning a romantic cruise and are looking for a luxurious spa experience, you can have it on a cruise!

What type of cruise ship activities do you like best? Please let me know your favorite things to do on a cruise in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

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The 18 best themed cruises for 2024 and 2025.

From Christmas to Comic-Con, there's a themed cruise for you.

The Best Themed Cruises

Kent Phillips | Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Grab your costumes, musical instruments, books or anything else you could need for a fun themed cruise.

Imagine boarding a cruise ship to find hundreds – or even thousands – of your shipmates share the very same passions and interests that you do. You're thinking of a themed cruise.

Like a traditional cruise, a themed cruise delivers everything you'd expect of a shipboard vacation, like sundrenched ports, sparkling blue waters and superb dining amid lush surroundings, but instead of a daily program filled with trivia, bingo, dance lessons and pickleball tournaments, you'll find myriad activities geared specifically to the sailing's theme – and plenty of like-minded people to share them with.

Below, you'll find some of the top themed cruises for 2024 and 2025. Be sure to book soon, as these voyages can sell out quickly.

Book a cruise on  GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Best Music-Themed Cruises

Best holiday cruises, best star trek cruises, best literary cruises, best culinary cruises, best sports-themed cruises, cayamo, a journey through song: march 1-8, 2024.

In its 16th year, Cayamo celebrates music of all genres. The 2024 voyage brings Lyle Lovett, Billy Bragg and Shawn Colvin together with more than two dozen acts aboard Norwegian Pearl . This themed cruise sails from Miami to the Dominican Republic and Aruba while offering songwriting sessions, open jams, autograph opportunities and more. In addition to full concerts, cruisers can count on memorable collaborations and onboard performances crafted specifically for this weeklong musical celebration. Though this music-themed cruise is currently full, interested travelers can join the waitlist on Cayamo's website .

The Broadway Cruise 2: March 13-18, 2024

The Great White Way relocates from the Big Apple to Miami , with stops in Key West, Florida , and Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands , during this musical salute to Broadway. Join actors – including Norm Lewis, Christian Borle and Kerry Butler – as well as composers, choreographers, journalists and critics for five nights of performances, workshops and panel discussions aboard Norwegian Pearl.

Flower Power Cruise: March 21-28, 2024

Hop aboard Celebrity Summit for a celebration of the stars and music of the 1960s, hosted by Peter & Gordon's Peter Asher. The Rascals, Tommy James & the Shondells, Gary Lewis and the Playboys, John Lodge of the Moody Blues, John Kay of Steppenwolf, The Box Tops and The Grassroots are just part of the stellar lineup of classic rockers sailing from Miami to San Juan, Puerto Rico , and St. Croix on the seventh annual Flower Power Cruise. Visit the Flower Power Cruise website to join the waitlist.

On the Blue: April 5-10, 2024

Justin Hayward of the Moody Blues hosts this five-night celebration of classic rock aboard Norwegian Pearl, filled with full concerts, late-night jams, Q&A sessions with the artists, photo ops, meet-and-greets and themed nights. The Zombies, Alan Parsons, Al Stewart, Little River Band and more join Hayward as Norwegian Pearl sails from Miami to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic , and Nassau, Bahamas . VIP packages that include priority concert seating, a goody bag filled with themed merchandise and access to a special artist cocktail party are available.

The Michael McDonald and Patti LaBelle Cruise: April 10-13, 2024

In 1986, Michael McDonald and Patti LaBelle teamed up to record what would become a No. 1 smash hit: "On My Own," written and produced by Burt Bachrach and his then-wife Carole Bayer Sager. Now, McDonald and LaBelle reunite – this time, at sea – for a three-night event filled with musical performances. Hosted by Grammy Award winner Marcus Miller, this soulful voyage also features comedians George Wallace and Alonzo Bodden along with a cast of award-winning musicians and vocalists to keep the party going. This cruise sails from Miami to Nassau, Bahamas, aboard Norwegian Pearl.

Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Halloween on the High Seas: Mid-September to October 2024

It's a spooky time aboard four of Disney Cruise Line's ships – Disney Magic , Disney Dream , Disney Fantasy and Disney Wish – during its Halloween sailings. Dress up and join Disney characters for Halloween parties, themed food and beverages, eerie arts and crafts, creepy decor and other special events. Featured Halloween itineraries for 2024 sail to destinations in the eastern and western Caribbean, as well as the Bahamas.

Hallmark Christmas Cruise: November 5-9 and November 17-21, 2024

Hallmark Channel stars bring Christmas magic to life on this festive celebration at sea aboard the Norwegian Gem . Sailing from Miami to Nassau, Bahamas, the cruise includes Christmas cookie decorating, ugly sweater contests and Christmas "carol-oke" among its planned activities. Each voyage culminates in the world premiere of a new Hallmark Channel "Countdown to Christmas" movie. Head to the Hallmark Christmas Cruise website to join the waitlist.

Very Merrytime: November and December 2024

Get in the holiday spirit with Disney Cruise Line 's Very Merrytime sailings, available on Disney Magic, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy and Disney Wish. Join in for a jolly fusion of shipboard decor and holiday-themed entertainment, including Christmas tree lightings, meet-and-greets with Santa Claus, a holiday deck show and more. Very Merrytime's 2024 itineraries explore ports throughout the Bahamas and the western Caribbean.

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Star Trek: The Cruise: February 22-29, 2024

Board Royal Caribbean International for the best cruise experience in the galaxy on Mariner of the Seas . Sailing to Curacao and Aruba from Port Canaveral, you'll join Star Trek actors Walter Koenig, Levar Burton, Garrett Wang and nearly two dozen others as you're beamed into themed shows, events, parties and actor-hosted shore adventures. Each night of the cruise celebrates a different dimension of the Star Trek experience and, since the cruise's debut in 2017, guests have knocked it out of the park with show-stopping costumes.

Courtesy of Cunard Line

Literature Festival at Sea: November 13-20, 2024

Cross the Atlantic surrounded by authors, poets, journalists, critics, historians and book lovers aboard the legendary Queen Mary 2 as she sails from Southampton, England, to New York City . With discussions, master classes, book signings and special events, this ocean-going book festival, coordinated by The Times and The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival, features authors Mark Billingham, Denise Mina and Chris Brookmyre, with more guest speakers and participants still to be announced. This special program is open to all guests sailing this particular Cunard Line crossing and need not be booked through an outside themed cruise organizer.

Comic-Con: The Cruise: February 5-9, 2025

A thrilling new entry into the themed cruise universe, San Diego Comic-Con and Entertainment Cruise Productions team up for Comic-Con: The Cruise. Participants will interact with Comic-Con icons – including the comic book world's leading actors, creators, authors and more – as they sail on Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas from Tampa to Cozumel. While the specific talent lineup will not be revealed until early November, fans can expect nonstop activities on board, including hosted tastings, trivia sessions, parties, cosplay events, and autograph and photo sessions.

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

Silversea Cruises S.A.L.T. (All Sailings)

Sometimes, you'll find a theme built right into a standard cruise experience – like Silversea's S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste), an immersive multipronged culinary program created by Adam Sachs, former editor-in-chief of Saveur magazine. Aboard Silversea's newest ships, Silver Nova, Silver Moon and Silver Dawn , S.A.L.T. celebrates the region guests are sailing through on their particular voyage. Cruisers will find a dedicated restaurant featuring local specialties; a bar offering the area's wines, beers and cocktails; hands-on cooking classes that show guests how to create their favorite local dishes at home; and an intensive program of culinary programs on shore.

Chefs Making Waves: March 25-29, 2024

Award-winning chefs Andrew Zimmern, Aaron Sanchez, Anne Burrell, Marcus Samuelsson, Robert Irvine, Michael Symon and more indulge you in culinary excellence on this four-night voyage from Miami to Great Stirrup Cay and Nassau, Bahamas, aboard Norwegian Pearl. Guests can expect cooking demos, in-depth master classes, culinary panels and, best of all, four meticulously designed sit-down dinners curated by these master chefs who have reshaped the American food scene.

Sara Moulton Cruise: May 18-June 1, 2024

Oceania Cruises, creator of the decadent onboard Dom Perignon Dinner, celebrates dining with sailings featuring leading names in the culinary arts. In May 2024, chef, cookbook author and TV personality Sara Moulton leads food demonstrations and special shore excursions during a 14-day sailing from Barcelona to Rome aboard Marina .

Claudine Pepin Cruise: July 17-31, 2024

Known for its commitment to all things culinary, Oceania Cruises hosts another foodie voyage in July 2024. Claudine Pepin, TV host and daughter of world-renowned Master Chef Jacques Pepin, conducts culinary-themed demonstrations and chats aboard Sirena on a sailing from Reykjavik, Iceland , to Hamburg, Germany , over 14 days.

Courtesy of Windstar Cruises

Cleveland Browns Fan Cruise: March 11-16, 2024

Celebrate all things Browns during a five-day sailing from Miami to Nassau, Bahamas, and Falmouth, Jamaica, aboard Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas . Dozens of Browns alumni will share insider secrets with guests and join in experiences that include special dinners; a deep dive into the past, present and future of the team; autograph sessions; beach parties and more.

Rome & Prix du Monde of Monaco: May 20-27, 2025

Arrive for Formula One festivities aboard Windstar Cruises' Wind Surf, the world's largest sailing yacht. Cruisers will receive a themed gift package containing earplugs, binoculars, a seat cushion and more to enjoy the exhilaration of watching Monte Carlo's Grand Prix du Monde from a premier grandstand seat in Monaco . You'll enjoy two days of Formula One time trials and racing, as well as exclusive access to events like a Prix du Monde-themed cocktail reception. This experience is hosted by a Formula One expert who will provide behind-the-scenes insights, answer questions and participate in discussions throughout the sailing.

2025 British Isles Golf Cruise: July 15-July 28, 2025

In partnership with Perry Golf, Azamara hosts a number of golf cruises throughout the year. This is the big one: a sailing that includes attendance to the prestigious 153rd Open at Royal Portrush. You'll sail aboard Azamara Journey from Southampton, England, to Liverpool, England; Dublin ; Belfast, Ireland, and more, ending your cruise with three days in Edinburgh, Scotland . Travelers can count on playing six rounds of golf at well-known courses throughout the British Isles.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Judi Cuervo is a cruise enthusiast. Since her first cruise in 1976, she's been sailing aboard a wide array of cruises from mass market to expedition ships. Cuervo used her extensive cruise experience along with research skills to write this article.

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Discover your creative side on this adults-only themed cruise around Britain

Themed cruises are a joy to those with hobbies, and this art and craft cruise with Ambassador Cruise Line in 2023 around the British Isles ensures you can explore the beauty of our homeland while indulging in all things creative onboard.

In association with:

Themed cruises bring together travellers with similar passions and Ambassador is uniting jetsetters with a love of arts and crafts this autumn.

The adults-only cruise line is putting on a Supercraft themed cruise in 2023 around the British Isles onboard its flagship Ambience in early September.

Guests will be able to take in the surreal crags and peaks of the Isle of Skye, colourful houses on the Isle of Mull, and the cultured and cosmopolitan city of Belfast to name a few highlights.

But it’s not just on shore that you can be inspired thanks to the celebrated art and craft experts sailing with passengers on this Ambassador themed cruise.

Famous actress Julie Peasgood will be onboard alongside a team of creative pros to offer a plethora of exciting workshops to help you unearth your inner William Morris (and don’t let what that art teacher said at school keep you from doing so).

Craft sessions include: stained glass flowers & hearts, silver plated seaglass jewellery, Tobermory treasure boxes, tweedy wreaths, embossed leather pouches, lino printing, hand-stitched Liberty print notebook covers and more.

You’ll return home filled with stories of your British Isles adventures and a suitcase packed with your fabulous creations (along with plenty of arty tips and tricks!) from your crafting cruise. That’ll show your teenage self what you’re capable of!

Ambassador themed cruises 2023 - Craft cruise team

Julie peasgood.

Julie Peasgood is a British actress, TV presenter and author known for her performances in Brookside and Emmerdale, as well as her presence on Loose Women and The Travel Show.

However, Peasgood also has a passion for cruises (she’s taken over 90!) as well as arts and crafts, hence her successful company, Supercraft Cruises. The brand aims to improve the standard and choice of crafts available onboard ships – so you’re in safe hands on this Ambassador themed cruise.

Ali Reeve is known for her demonstrations on Create and Craft TV – a popular British television shopping channel dedicated to arts, crafts and DIY projects.

The channel provides a platform for enthusiastic crafters to explore and purchase a wide range of crafting supplies, tools and kits as well as offering live demonstrations, tutorials and product showcases, allowing viewers to learn new techniques and get inspired.

Reeve – a mixed media crafter who uses experimental techniques – has teaching experience and runs Stamps Away, a craft manufacturing company, with her husband Paul Reeve so you can be sure you’ll learn the good stuff from this pro on your Ambassador Cruise Line craft cruise 2023.

Christine Bell

No one embodies Create and Craft TV more than Christine Bell, however – she was the first ever guest on the channel!

Bell has received worldwide praise for her warm presenting style and her respected company Pinflair which features a range of craft and hobby products.

She has also designed an extensive range of her own craft kits and is well known for her cartonnage products and glues (remember, what that art teacher said about sniffing them does still stand).

Melissa Waudby

Melissa Waudby is also a TV presenter on Create and Craft TV and has a company called Simply Vintage Designs which is dedicated to vintage and handmade clothing.

Thanks to her sewing skills, Waudby’s product range specialises in unique mixed media creations with a vintage twist. With any luck you’ll pick up some advice for how to inject life back into some of those old clothes lingering at the back of your wardrobe!

Jennie Turner-Maskell

Jennie Turner-Maskell is a maker, crafter and treasure seeker as well as a skilled and popular tutor. She works in a variety of media and relishes upcycling and using found items (that charity shop down your road will have a whole new appeal when you return home, we reckon!).

Turner-Maskell also runs the award-winning Lechlade Music Festival and produces pop-up craft events and fairs.

Clodagh O’Halloran

Clodagh O’Halloran runs her own company, Acanthus Designs, fuelled by her own passion and training in the art of lino-printing.

O’Halloran now teaches the meditative craft and is a skilled sketcher. She is currently designing her own range of cards using freehand repeating doodles. That’s your Christmas card stash sorted too if you can master the art.

Marilia Carvalho

Marilia Carvalho is a stained glass artist who designs and makes unique stained glass panels. She also specialises in utilising the natural beauty of fossils, agates and other semi-precious stones.

Carvalho accepts bespoke commissions and wide-ranging restoration work, and runs one-day workshops in her studio. Onboard this Ambassador themed cruise she will be offering Ambience guests her popular copper foiling workshops (known as the Tiffany method).

Heck, maybe that’s Christmas presents sussed as well!

Check out more of Ambassador’s themed cruises here: from cricket to music themed sailings!

British Isles Discovery – Supercraft themed cruise with Ambassador Cruise Line

When: September 2, 2023

Duration: 10 nights

Where: London Tilbury, UK | Scrabster, for John O’Groats UK | Portree, Isle of Skye, UK | Tobermory, Isle of Mull | Belfast, Northern Ireland | Liverpool, UK | St. Peter Port, Guernsey, Channel Islands | Le Havre, France | London Tilbury, UK

Ship: Ambience

Price: From £999

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Themed cruises set sail on Ambassador Cruise Line: cricket and crafts

Author: Daniel Edward

Published on: 20 June 2023

A themed cruise is a great way to meet other cruisers with similar passions, as well as the opportunity to sail with expert speakers and special guests

Every now and then a ship sets sail on a special themed voyage – a cruise where hundreds of likeminded travellers get together to visit new destinations and connect over a shared interest, with a specially curated onboard entertainment programme to match the unique theme. Ambassador Cruise Line has announced a range of special interest themed cruises onboard their two-ship fleet, with cricket and crafts taking centre stage.

How does a themed cruise work? Generally speaking there are two types of themed cruises – one is created by the cruise line itself and features all the typical entertainment and service plus a host of themed extras, and the other is a chartered cruise, where another company stages a full-ship takeover and brings a completely one-off entertainment package for the unique cruise. Ambassador works with partners to bring an enhanced entertainment programme during themed cruises, supplementing the range of in-house entertainment that is available on regular sailings. So, enjoy all the favourite evening stage shows, live music, bridge instruction, daily activities, and then throw in some extra events, presentations, Q&As, and interactive workshops for an even more memorable holiday.

Cricketing legends take to the high seas This December, go on an international cricket tour unlike any other . Sailing aboard Ambience from London Tilbury, you’ll be hosted by renowned British sports broadcaster Garry Richardson alongside a host of top-tier cricketers and pundits. A total line-up of five special guests, including three international cricket stars – step forward Graham Gooch OBE, Geoff Miller OBE, famous broadcaster and former cricketer Jonathan Agnew MBE – promise to make this German Christmas cruise a thoroughly memorable experience. A five-night cruise, with fares starting at £519 per person (plus match-day tickets to Essex Cricket thrown in for good measure) is a perfect showcase of the premium value that Ambassador Cruise Line represents. Offering two full days at sea, punctuated with port stays in Hamburg and Amsterdam, this short winter break is an ideal way to inject some sporting fun into the heart of winter.

Get crafty on Ambience this autumn Take to the seas in September for a 10-night ‘ Supercraft Cruise’ around the British Isles . Launched by Julie Peasgood, who found fame on Emmerdale before expanding into the world of arts and crafts, this cruise features an impressive team of seven expert craft workshop leaders. Returning to Ambassador following previous successful crafting cruises, this year’s special cruise brings together passionate crafters from across the UK and is an ideal opportunity to learn new skills and connect with experts and fellow enthusiasts. The British Isles round-trip from London Tilbury calls in major cities like Liverpool and Belfast, as well as quirky remote ports, such as Scrabster at the northern tip of Scotland – for John O’Groats. You’ll also connect with the crafting communities of the Inner Hebrides, with stops in Portree (Isle of Skye) and Tobermory (Isle of Mull). If September doesn't suit, there are two further 'Supercraft' cruises to choose from. Ambassador's 42-night 'Highlights of Brazil and West Indies adventure' sets sail on January 18, 2023 and costs from £2,939 per person. Meanwhile the line's 11-night 'Iceland's Northern Lights cruise' sets sail on March 13, 2024 and costs from £1,009 per person.

Cruise for the good of the oceans Cruise lines play an important role in advocating for the protection of the world’s waters and marine wildlife – after all, the cruising industry relies on the seas for its future. So, Ambassador has teamed up with ORCA, one of the UK’s leading whale and dolphin conservation charities, to offer a dedicated sailing, with a team of scientists and activists onboard to run workshops and seminars, while collecting valuable data through research during the voyage. The monumental 34-night ‘Grand Canada & Greenland Experience’ is a rare opportunity to enjoy a roundtrip cruise to the largest country in the Commonwealth from London. In addition to ORCA representatives contributing to the onboard enrichment programme, you’ll also be sailing with Nick Hewer (of The Apprentice and Countdown fame), who will be engaging in a fascinating interview session with the cruise director. The grand voyage, aboard Ambience, departs London on September 12, 2023.

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Reservations 877·97·CRAFT   (877·972·7238)

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Craft Cruises® - Cruising with a Purpose

Cruising with a purpose is about collecting experiences and making new friends. If you have found yourself resisting cruising, then you may want to think again. Craft Cruises® is known for having the highest quality educational programs onboard award-winning cruise lines. Craft Cruises® carefully selects the cruise lines, ships, and itineraries to ensure each passenger's safety, comfort, and enjoyment.

Misconceptions about cruising have kept many from trying it, but it is one of the most comfortable and easy-to-budget vacations available. The most satisfied of all Craft Cruise® participants are the ones who resisted. The onboard classes, the pampering, the friendships, the overall feeling of togetherness, and the exclusive opportunities to meet other like-minded people in ports around the world have led to exceeded expectations and many happy repeaters.

Craft Cruises® is a full-service travel agency specializing in personalizing the cruise experience by including activities people love. At Craft Cruises®, our purpose is to create the highest quality cruise experience by catering to travelers interested in the shared travel experience, cultural exchange, and learning new skills.

“...Unlike some of my past experiences with knitting retreats your operation is way ahead of them all. Within 50 minutes of my e-mail giving you the go ahead on the Baltic Knitting Cruise you sent a confirmation with all the details I needed to finalize my plans. Keep up the good work....“

Featured Cruises at a Glance

When you are ready to start planning your next cruise, we'll be prepared to help guide you every step of the way.

At Craft Cruises®, we make travel easy, rewarding, and fun by taking care of all the details. The travel industry is well on its way to a full comeback - in a big way - with booking levels far beyond pre-pandemic levels. We see many more happy days at sea. With trips filling fast and new travel insurance options, there's little reason not to book your next trip now.

  Craft Cruises® has many exciting knitting trips available now and many more in the works. If you have a destination in mind, ask to be added to our wish list so you'll get advance notice when new dates become available.

  Upcoming trips include Australia, New Zealand, The Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Estonia, Denmark, Iceland, Greenland, Norway, Scotland, Alaska, Canada, New England, Indonesia, South America and Japan, among others.

  Instructors will include Beth Brown-Reinsel, Kristin Drysdale, Lily Chin, Alissa Barton, Lucy Neatby, Janette Budge and Galina Khmeleva, to name a few.

  We invite you to join us on our next adventure. So come along and have some fun. You deserve it!

“...I'm writing to tell you how much we enjoyed the Alaska Knitting cruise with you; the combining of the cruise and training really did seem to give the best of both worlds as far as we were concerned. We are describing it as the "event of a lifetime" to our friends and definitely plan to come on another Craft Cruise in a year or two!...“

Celebrate Cultural Differences

At Craft Cruises®, we believe what we have in common is more important than our differences and that by recognizing this, we are better able to celebrate those differences. Craft Cruises® has handcrafted experiences impossible to duplicate traveling alone.

In addition to being affordable, cruising offers something for everyone. With Craft Cruises®, our special interest groups make up only a small percentage of the passengers on board. So, while you are attending class, your family, friends, and loved ones can be enjoying a plethora of other onboard activities. On any given day, there are often hundreds of fun activities to keep them entertained. Most cruises offer excellent enrichment programs that range from culinary classes and wine tasting to computer lessons and yoga. Of course, there is also plenty of time for relaxation, sunbathing, and catching up on that book you have wanted to read.

“...Loved our fun times together at dinner and our various discussions too. The seminars were just the best! But how can you go wrong with the instructors; the elite of the knitting world....“

Cruising with a Purpose

Cruising with a purpose offers inspiration to everyone who joins us because we believe happiness is not a destination but a way of life. Take some time for yourself, join us on a Craft Cruise, and discover the joy and freedom travel brings.

“...Your selection of instructors was excellent. This was a very diverse group and I was amazed at the feeling of community that permeated the atmosphere. I will recommend this experience to anyone that has the opportunity to attend. The contacts and information are priceless....“

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Awesome Theme Cruises You Can Take in 2023

By: Author Carrie Ann Karstunen

Posted on Published: November 1, 2022  - Last updated: September 17, 2023

Have you ever wished you could cruise with people who love all the same things you do? Theme cruises make that happen!

What is a theme cruise?

Theme cruises bring together groups of like-minded strangers and create a floating community around a common interest.

You’ll find themed cruises for fans of certain bands or genres of music, sports, dancing, TV shows and movies, and hobbies and crafts. There are even clothing-optional theme cruises for naturists!

A promoter will charter either the entire cruise ship (or at least a huge block of rooms) for theme cruise guests. If your cruise’s theme has a huge following, it’s likely that the entire ship’s been chartered for the sailing. Smaller interest groups might only fill a portion of the ship’s staterooms.

If there’s something you’re passionate about, there’s a good chance that one of these specialty cruises will float your boat (pun very much intended!)

Tip: Although I always encourage my readers to use a specialized cruise travel agency (I love CruiseDirect ), for theme cruises you’ll almost always need to book directly with the promoter.

How to find the right theme cruise for you

If you’re looking for a comprehensive list of 2023 theme cruises, you’ve come to the right place! (For 2024 theme cruises, many haven’t yet been announced, but I’m working on that list—just bookmark this page and I’ll add the link here when it goes live.)

I’ve included a table of contents below where you can click right through to the category of theme cruise that you’re interested in.

You could also just search this page for the type of theme cruise you’re looking for! I’ve included lots of keywords in the “ Who is this theme cruise for ” section of each theme cruise listing. (If you’re on a desktop or laptop, just hit Control-F on a PC or Command-F on a Mac)

It’s the easiest way to find your style of theme cruise for 2023, whether you want to search for “classic rock”, “knitting” or “Star Trek”.

Or you could just browse through all of the listings for theme cruises in 2023 . You might find an amazing cruise (and a like-minded community) you didn’t realize you needed to join!

Music themed cruises

The most popular type of themed cruise is undoubtedly the music cruise . Whether the special sailing is based around a particular artist’s fan base or just a certain style of music, music-themed cruises have been in high demand for many years.

You might have the opportunity to get up-close-and-personal with some of your musical idols, enjoy exclusive performances, and meet other cruisers who are just as passionate about your favorite music and artists as you are.

There are so many 2023 music-themed cruises you can join that I’ve created a chart to make your perfect cruise easier to find! Just click on the highlighted name and it will take you to the full description:

The Country Music Cruise (January 22 – 29, 2023 )

Who is this theme cruise for? Fans of country music

Host / special guests: Performances by musical artists including

• Clay Walker
• The Oak Ridge Boys
• Mark Chesnutt
• Asleep At The Wheel

Cruise line / ship: Holland America Line / Nieuw Amsterdam

Sails from: Round trip from Ft. Lauderdale

Ports of call:

• Philipsburg, St. Maarten
• San Juan, PR

On the Blue Cruise (January 28 – February 2, 2023 )

Who is this theme cruise for? Moody Blues fans, classic rock fans

Host / special guests: Hosted by the Moody Blues’ Justin Hayward. Performances by musical artists including

• The Zombies
• Alan Parsons
• Little River Band
• Starship featuring Mickey Thomas
• The Lovin’ Spoonful

Cruise line / ship: Norwegian Cruise Line / Norwegian Pearl

Sails from: Roundtrip from Miami

• Harvest Caye, Belize
• Costa Maya, Mexico

Soul Train Cruise (January 29 – February 5, 2023 )

Who is this theme cruise for? Fans of R&B and soul music

• George Benson
• The Commodores
• The Spinners
• Peabo Bryson
• Evelyn “Champagne” King
• Midnight Star

Sails from: Roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale

• Half Moon Cay (cruise line’s private island )

Jam Cruise (February 6 – 12, 2023 )

Who is this theme cruise for? Fans of jam bands

• Umphree’s McGee
• The Fearless Flyers
• Oteil and Friends
• Galactic feat. Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph
• Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe

Cruise line / ship: MSC / MSC Divina

• Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

Cayamo (February 10 – 17, 2023 )

Who is this theme cruise for? Classic rock, alt-country, and indie folk fans

• Jeff Tweedy
• Andrew Bird
• Trampled by Turtles
• Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
• Patty Griffin
• Shovels & Rope
• St. Maarten
• Tortola, BVI

Ultimate Disco Cruise (February 25 – March 2, 2023 )

Who is this theme cruise for? Fans of disco music

• KC and The Sunshine Band
• Kool & The Gang
• Billy Ocean
• Taylor Dayne
• Sister Sledge
• Norma Jean Wright & Luci Martin (formerly of Chic)

Cruise line / ship: Celebrity Cruises / Celebrity Summit

• Cozumel, Mexico

The Beach Boys Good Vibrations Cruise (March 3 – 8, 2023 )

Who is this theme cruise for? Beach Boys fans, fans of classic rock, pop, and soul

Host / special guests: Hosted by Club Kokomo Spirits. Performances by musical artists including

• The Beach Boys
• The Isley Brothers
• The Temptations
• Mark McGrath
• RAIN – A Tribute to The Beatles
• Katrina (from Katrina and the Waves)

The 80s Cruise Year 7 (March 3 – 10, 2023 )

Who is this theme cruise for? Fans of 1980s pop, rock, and R&B music

• Bret Michaels
• Morris Day and The Time
• Howard Jones

Cruise line / ship: Royal Caribbean / Navigator of the Seas

Sails from: Roundtrip from Los Angeles

• Cabo San Lucas
• Puerto Vallarta

Related: Exploring the Marietas Islands From Puerto Vallarta

‘ 70s Rock & Romance Cruise (March 16 – 23, 2023 )

Who is this theme cruise for? Fans of 1970s rock and pop music

• The Hollies
• The Orchestra feat. former members of ELO
• Jefferson Starship
• Bay City Rollers

Cruise line / ship: Celebrity / Celebrity Summit

• St. Croix USVI

Flower Power Cruise (March 23 – 30, 2023 )

Who is this theme cruise for? Fans of 1960s rock and pop

• Herman’s Hermits
• Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals
• Micky Dolenz
• The Yardbirds
• The Buckinghams
• The Grass Roots

Sails from: Round trip from Miami

• Belize City, Belize

The Broadway Cruise (March 31 – April 5, 2023 )

Who is this theme cruise for? Fans of Broadway shows and music

Host / special guests: Performances by Broadway artists including

• Laura Benanti
• Kristin Chenoweth
• Alan Cumming
• Randy Rainbow
• Michael Cerveris
• Sierra Boggess

Cruise line / ship: Norwegian Cruise Line / Norwegian Gem

Sails from: Round trip from New York City

Port of call: Bermuda (overnight)

Related: 21 BEST Things to Do in Bermuda on a Cruise

Beatles and Beyond (April 19 – 28, 2023 )

Who is this theme cruise for? Beatles fans, fans of 1960s and 70s rock and pop music

Host / special guests: Performances by The Bootleg Beatles, the world’s leading Beatles tribute band.

Cruise line / ship: Cunard / Queen Elizabeth

Sails from: Round trip from Tokyo, Japan

• Kumamoto, Japan
• Fukuoka, Japan
• Busan, South Korea
• Kanazawa, Japan
• Akita, Japan

Related: In The Steps of the Beatles Liverpool Shore Excursion Review

Monsters of Rock Cruise (April 29 – May 4, 2023 )

Who is this theme cruise for? Hard rock and heavy metal fans

Host / special guests: Hosted by . Performances by musical artists including

• Burning Witches
• Dirty Looks

Cruise line / ship: Royal Caribbean / Mariner of the Seas

Sails from: Port Canaveral

• Labadee, Haiti

The Old School Cruise (May 5 – 8, 2023 )

Who is this theme cruise for? Fans of 1970s and 80s R&B

• The Ohio Players
• Brenton Wood
• Original Lakeside

Port of call: Ensenada, Mexico

All Star Irish Charter Cruise Alaska  (May 28 – June 4, 2023 )

Who is this theme cruise for? Fans of Irish music and culture

Host / special guests:  Performances by musical artists including

• Daniel O’Donnell
• Celtic Thunder
• Nathan Carter
• Michael English
• Jimmy Buckley
• Dominic Kirwan
• Brendan Shine

Cruise line / ship: Holland America Line / Westerdam

Sails from: Seattle to Victoria, BC

Days of Summer Cruise Fest (July 2 – 5, 2023 )

Who is this theme cruise for? Fans of rap, hip hop, house music, and EDM

Host / special guests: Hosted by DJ Khaled. Live performance by Lil Baby & Future. DJs onboard include

• DJ Big Skipp
• DJ Charlie B
• DJ GT Mayne
• DJ Lennox NYC
• DJ Nasty 305

Cruise line / ship: Norwegian Cruise Line / Norwegian Sky

• Great Stirrup Cay , Bahamas
• Nassau , Bahamas

Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea III (August 17 – 22, 2023 )

Who is this theme cruise for? Fans of blues and blues rock music

Host / special guests: Hosted by Joe Bonamassa. Performances by musical artists including

• Joe Bonamassa
• Kenny Wayne Shepherd
• Blackberry Smoke
• Christone Kingfish Ingram
• Ruthie Foster
• Jimmy Vivino

Cruise line / ship: Norwegian Cruise Line / Norwegian Jade

Sails from: Round trip from Athens, Greece

• Dubrovnik, Croatia
• Santorini, Greece

Stars on Board (August 22 – 2 7 , 2023 )

Who is this theme cruise for? Fans of popular Arabic music

• George Wassouf
• Ragheb Alama
• Nancy Ajram
• Saber Ribai
• Nassif Zeytoun
• Melhem Zein
• Saad Lamjarred
• Mykonos, Greece
• Bodrum, Turkey
• Marmaris, Turkey

Super Legends Cruise (September 15 – 18, 2023 )

Who is this theme cruise for? Fans of R&B, Latin soul, Tejano, and freestyle

• Tower of Power
• Los Lonely Boys
• The Manhattans

Sails from: Round trip from Los Angeles

• Ensenada, Mexico

Hollywood Insider: Music Connection (October 21 – October 28, 2023 )

Who is this theme cruise for? Fans of popular music

• Freda Payne
• Kimberley Locke

Speaker events and more from:

• Allan Dennis Rich (Oscar, Grammy, Golden Globe, and Emmy-nominated songwriter)
• Leo Rossi (Former Fleetwood Mac tour director and road crew member for Led Zeppelin, The Who, Al Jarreau, and Chaka Khan)

Cruise line / ship: Princess Cruises / Discovery Princess

• San Francisco

Related: Princess Cruises Announces Three California Coastal “Hollywood Insider” Theme Cruises

Malt Shop Memories Cruise (October 28 – November 4, 2023 )

Who is this theme cruise for? Fans of 1950s and 60s popular music

• Little Anthony
• Jay and The Americans
• The Lettermen
• Al Jardine & His Endless Summer Band
• Darlene Love
• The Bronx Wanderers

Related: What to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise

Soulshine at Sea (November 4 – 8, 2023 )

Who is this theme cruise for? Spearhead / Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy fans, fans of roots music, reggae, hip hop, and jam bands

Host / special guests: Hosted by Michael Franti. Performances by musical artists including

• Michael Franti and Spearhead
• John Butler
• Fortunate Youth
• The New Respects
• Shut Up & Dance

Port of call: Costa Maya, Mexico

EDSea (November 4 – 8 , 2023 )

Who is this theme cruise for? Fans of EDM (house, bass, trance, disco, techno, etc.), and anyone who loves the Electric Daisy Carnival music festival

Artist lineup includes:

• Benny Benassi
• Louis the Child

Cruise line / ship: Norwegian Cruise Line / Norwegian Joy

• Nassau, Bahamas
• Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas

Related: Ultimate Guide to Great Stirrup Cay

The Big Easy Cruise (November 4 – 11, 2023 )

Who is this theme cruise for? Fans of New Orleans jazz and blues, zydeco, jam bands, and country music

• Little Feat
• Samantha Fish
• Dirty Dozen Brass Band
• Leo Nocentelli from The Meters
• Anders Osborne
• New Orleans

Flogging Molly’s Salty Dog Cruise ( November 8 – 13, 2023 )

Who is this theme cruise for? Flogging Molly fans, fans of Celtic rock, punk rock, and ska punk

Host / special guests: Hosted by Flogging Molly. Performances by musical artists including

• Flogging Molly
• The Interrupters
• Stiff Little Fingers
• The Vandals
• Gorilla Biscuits

JAMRock Reggae Cruise (December 4 – 9, 2023 )

Who is this theme cruise for? Fans of reggae music

Special guests:

• Spragga Benz

Cruise line / ship: Royal Caribbean / Independence of the Seas

• Falmouth, Jamaica
• Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Related: Climbing Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios Jamaica

Dancing themed cruises

Dancing and cruising have always gone hand-in-hand, and taking a dance-themed cruise will let you flaunt (or practice!) your skills alongside other dance enthusiasts and professional dancers.

Here are the 2023 dance theme cruises you can join:

Aventura Dance Cruise (February 3 – 7, 2023 )

Who is this theme cruise for? Fans of Latin dancing

Host / special guests: Performances by dancers including

• Tito y Tamara
• Michelle & Brandon
• Delia y Raul
• Ernesto y Denisse

Cruise line / ship: Royal Caribbean / Jewel of the Seas

Sails from: Round trip from Port Canaveral (Orlando)

Port of call: Labadee, Haiti

Salsa Cruise (October 27 – November 3, 2023 )

Who is this theme cruise for? Fans of salsa dancing

Host / special guests: Performances by musical artists and dancers including

• Orquesta Guayacan
• PuertoRican Power
• El Gran Combo
• Anthony MKA
• Chino Nunez Y Su Orquesta
• Edwin “El Calvito” Reyes

Cruise line / ship: Carnival Cruise Line / Carnival Conquest

• Amber Cove, Dominican Republic
• St. Thomas, USVI

Sports themed cruises

If you love sports, taking a sports-themed cruise is the perfect way to enjoy watching and talking about your favorite sport with other fans.

Most sports cruises have lots of pros onboard for meet-and-greets and discussions, so you might be able to chat with your idols face-to-face!

Chris Jericho’s Rock ‘n’ Wrestling Rager at Sea: Four Leaf Clover (February 2 – 6, 2023 )

Who is this theme cruise for? Professional wrestling / WWE fans

Host / special guests: Hosted by Chris Jericho. Featured performers and wrestlers include

• Jericho Appreciation Society
• Daniel Garcia
• Sammy Guevara
• Daddy Magic Matt Menard
• Cool Hand Angelo Parker

Port of call: Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas

Related: 25 Norwegian Cruise Tips You Need to Know

Faithful Cruise (March 6 – 10, 2023 )

Who is this theme cruise for? San Francisco 49ers football fans

Host / special guests: Past and present 49ers players will be on board for autograph sessions, photo opportunities, sports deck competitions and more, including

• Jesse Sapolu
• Fred Warner
• Tim Collier
• Dennis Brown
• Ian Williams
• Arik Armstead
• Doug Dubose

Cruise line / ship: Royal Caribbean / Liberty of the Seas

Sails from: Round trip Fort Lauderdale

• Perfect Day at CocoCay (cruise line’s private island )

Related: 7 Best Beaches in Nassau Bahamas for Cruisers

Infinity Sports Rugby Charter ( September 8, 2023 – October 28, 2023 *)

Who is this theme cruise for? Rugby fans

What this theme cruise includes:

• Food and drink
• Entertainment
• Rugby World Cup match tickets
• Travel to and from the stadium

Cruise line / ship: Norwegian Cruise Line / Norwegian Epic

Sails from: Roundtrip from Marseilles, France

Ports of call: Ports depend on specific itinerary booked—all port stops are within a few days’ cruising from Marseilles, France

*You can choose from any of twelve Infinity Sports rugby itineraries during this time period

TV and movie themed cruises

Theme cruises for TV and movie fans are also popular every year. Join cast members and other fans for trivia contests, costume parties, and discussions about your favorite shows and films.

Star Trek the Cruise VI (February 24 – March 3, 2023 )

Who is this theme cruise for? Star Trek fans

Host / special guests: Appearances by Star Trek crew members including

• William Shatner
• Jonathan Frakes
• Brent Spiner
• Marina Sirtis
• Denise Crosby
• John De Lancie
• Robert O’Reilly

Moira’s Party Boat: Ew, Cruising! (March 30 – April 3, 2023 )

Who is this theme cruise for? Fans of the TV show Schitt’s Creek

What to expect: Fans will come together for costume contests, trivia, dance parties, and more. This is not an official Schitt’s Creek event, and none of the cast or crew members of the show will be in attendance.

Golden Fans at Sea (April 8 – 13, 2023 )

Who is this theme cruise for? Fans of the TV show The Golden Girls

What to expect: A character costume dress-up party, trivia, celebrity panels, parody shows, and more.

Hollywood Insider with 80s Primetime Stars ( October 3-7, 2023 )

Who is this theme cruise for? Fans of the 1980s primetime TV series  Dallas

• Charlene Tilton
• Sheree J. Wilson
• Christopher Atkins

Cruise line / ship: Princess Cruises / Majestic Princess

Sails from: Vancouver to Los Angeles

Port of call:

• Vancouver, BC

Hollywood Insider: Behind the Scenes EFX ( October 16-19 , 2023 )

Who is this theme cruise for? TV and movie fans who want a behind-the-scenes look at how special effects are created

• Michael Westmore
• Johnnie Spence
• Tym Buchaarern

Cruise line / ship: Princess Cruises / Crown Princess

Sails from: Seattle to Vancouver

Ports of call: N/A

TCM Classic Cruise (November 6 – 11, 2023 )

Who is this theme cruise for? Fans of the TCM network and classic films

Hosted by : TCM personalities Ben Mankiewicz, Jacqueline Stewart, Eddie Muller, Alicia Malone, and Dave Karger

• Elliott Gould
• George Chakiris
• Ernest Dickerson
• Wynn Thomas

Cruise line / ship: Disney Cruise Line / Disney Magic

Sails from: Round trip from San Diego

• Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Related: How Does Dining on Disney Cruise Line Work?

West Coast Getaway w/Adam Savage from MythBusters (November 25 – 29, 2023 )

Who is this theme cruise for? Fans of Mythbusters and Tested

Host / special guests: Adam Savage

Related: Theme Cruise Featuring Original MythBusters Host Adam Savage Will Set Sail on Discovery Princess

Industry-specific theme cruises

Theme cruises focused on your specific industry are great for networking and furthering your education. Maybe you’ll find your next position (or your next new hire!) on a job-specific theme cruise .

NurseCon at Sea (February 6 – 10, 2023)

Who is this theme cruise for? Nurses and nursing students that want to learn, share, interact, and party

Events include:

• CNE classes
• Nurse Blake Live! show
• Ultimate Skills Check-Off game show
• Nurses Got Talent competition
• Parties and theme nights

Port of call: Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

NurseCon at Sea (April 24 – 28, 2023)

Cruise line / ship: Royal Caribbean / Freedom of the Seas

Crafting theme cruises

With so many sea days on many cruises, taking a cruise can be an awesome opportunity to catch up on your craft projects. But what if you could join a cruise full of other crafters and makers to share ideas?

Craft-themed cruises usually don’t take over the entire ship (promoters will generally book hundreds of rooms, if not more), but you’re guaranteed to meet lots of other crafters through their onboard meetups, mixers, and lectures.

Knitting Cruise (Various dates in 2023 )

Who is this theme cruise for? People who love to knit

What to expect: Knitting classes and lectures, Knitting Cruise exclusive parties and mixers

Cruise line / ship: Holland America Line / various ships

Itineraries:

• Antarctica Knitting Cruise (Feb 2023)
• Japan Russia and Pacific Crossing (Apr 2023)
• Japan and Russia Knitting Cruise (Apr 2023)
• Great Alaskan Knitting Cruise (May 2023)
• Polar Ice Caps Knitting Cruise (June 2023)
• Midnight Sun Knitting Cruise (Jul 2023)
• British Isles Knitting Cruise (Aug 2023)
• Rhine Christmas Markets (Dec 2023)

Religious and spiritual themed cruises

If practicing your faith is important to you, you’ve probably noticed that religious services aren’t always easy to find on a cruise (if they exist at all).

But taking a faith-based cruise with a ship full of others who share the same beliefs guarantees that you’ll find plenty of worship services, workshops, and study groups to practice your faith at sea.

Inspiration Cruises (Various dates in 2023 )

Who is this theme cruise for? Evangelical Christians

Itineraries include:

• Canada & New England
• Mediterranean

Other specialty theme cruises

Big nude boat (february 12 – 26, 202 3).

Who is this theme cruise for? Naturists and nudists

Cruise line / ship: Carnival Cruise Line / Carnival Pride

Sails from: Round trip from Tampa

• Princess Cays
• Half Moon Cay

Related: David’s Steakhouse on Carnival Pride Review + Menus

Club Pilates at Sea: An Alaska Retreat (September 2 – 9, 2023)

Who is this theme cruise for?  Fitness enthusiasts

Host / special guests:  Xponential Fitness / Club Pilates

Cruise line / ship:  Princess Cruises /  Royal Princess

Sails from:  Round trip from Seattle

• Glacier Bay (scenic cruising)
• Victoria, BC

Read more:   Princess Cruises Will Offer First Club Pilates at Sea Theme Cruise

Magic Castle Conjurer’s Cruise (October 7 – 14, 2023)

Who is this theme cruise for?  Fans of magic shows, illusionists

Host / special guests:  The Magic Castle

Cruise line / ship:  Princess Cruises /  Discovery Princess

Sails from:  Round trip from Los Angeles

Read more:   Princess Cruises Announces First Magic Castle Conjurer’s Cruise

Randy Fenoli Bridal Fashion Cruise (December 3- 10, 2023)

Who is this theme cruise for?  Brides and their families

Host / special guests:  Randy Fenoli

Cruise line / ship:  Princess Cruises /  Regal Princess

Sails from:  Round trip from Galveston

• Roatán, Honduras

Read more:   Princess Cruises Now Offering Princess Perfect Weddings at Sea

Theme cruises FAQ

Theme cruises bring together groups of like-minded strangers and create a  floating community  around a common interest.

Are theme cruises adults-only?

Many theme cruises are either specifically adults-only (18+ or 21+). Other theme cruises are more family-focused. Check with your cruise promoter for age restrictions or recommendations.

What kind of theme cruises are available i n 2023 ?

Theme cruises are available for fans of music, dance, sports, TV shows and movies, crafts, religious groups, and more.

Have you ever sailed on a theme cruise? Which cruise was it, and what did you think of the experience? Do you know of any other 2023 theme cruises I haven’t included in the list? Let me know in the comments below!

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