Enter the theme-based cruise.
These cruises are special voyages now offered by cruise lines to help catch the interest of individuals by creating activities and events based around specific themes or hobbies. These cruises offer the opportunity to increase a traveler’s knowledge of a wide variety of topics (see list below). Programs may include performances by famous entertainers, lectures by leaders in the field of choice, and topic-oriented shore excursions.
Morris Murdock Travel (http://www.morrismurdock.com) has complied a brief introductory list of “themes” being offered around the world:
Humanitarian Cruises:
Cruise lines and travel providers are working together to provide their clients with opportunities to leave the luxury of the ship behind for a few hours and step into the lives of the less fortunate. From Mexico to Europe, Honduras to Asia, vacationers can now enjoy special service-oriented day excursions and participate in service projects such as volunteering at an orphanage, building homes for native families, assisting doctors at a medical center, and much more.
Cruising for a Cure:
Many cruise lines now offer customers the opportunity to donate an amount of their choice towards cancer research. Participants are also encouraged to take part in movement-related onboard activities such as a one-kilometer walk around the ships’ jogging tracks while wearing custom designed T-shirts and wristbands included with their donations.
Sports Cruises:
Sports are quickly becoming a major force in the world of cruising. From golf to baseball, cycling to even auto racing, sport-themed cruises are a perfect solution for fans and enthusiasts alike. Other options include horseback riding, tennis, fishing, and Olympic-themed cruises. Sport cruises sometimes offer instructional classes, seminars, and workshops, and may even include lectures by famous athletes and pros.
Culinary Themed Cruises:
How would you like to sit in a chair overlooking the Mediterranean while sipping red wine? Or step into a first-class kitchen with a world-renowned chef for a cooking lesson?
Culinary-based cruising is an educational, and tasty, way to travel the world. Not only will you get to experience some of the best ports in the cruising industry, you’ll also get to enjoy fine dining along the way. These cruises are often attended by famous chefs, food critics, editors, and/or wine tasters who give participants lessons on cooking, wine tasting, and ingredient preparation. If you love food, whether to cook it or just eat, a culinary-themed cruise is the answer you’ve been looking for.
Singles Cruises:
Whether you are a college student looking to get away or a solo traveler who just wants some relaxing time to yourself, singles cruises are the way to go.
Many cruise lines offer nearly endless day and night activities, including cocktail parties, nightly entertainment, theme parties, and dancing, but if you’re looking for a more single-oriented cruise you’ll need to ask your travel agent or the cruise lines. Most cruise companies offer special romantic cruises or voyages specifically for college-aged adults where you can be sure to enjoy a more singles-friendly atmosphere.
Although singles cruising is on the rise, some cruise lines are more welcoming towards solo travelers than others, so you’ll want to do your research. Some cruise companies, for example, offer roommate matching or even have cabins designed for single passengers. But if you plan to travel alone on a non-singles specific cruise, be prepared to pay a surcharge for having your own cabin, which was most likely designed for two residents.
Health and Wellness Cruises:
A vacation usually means rejuvenation and relaxation, and a health and wellness-themed cruise is the perfect way to find peace of body and mind. Imagine doing your morning stretches on the deck of a beautiful cruise ship surrounded by the incredible blue waters of the Caribbean or practicing yoga while sailing through the Hawaiian Islands.
On these cruises you will have the opportunity to learn about proper eating, exercise, meditation, massage therapy, aromatherapy, skin care, and more. Oftentimes these cruises offer lectures and classes throughout the day from famous authors or instructors, so you’ll want to bring proper attire and something to take notes on.
Hobby Cruises:
What could be better than combining your favorite hobby with the cruise vacation of your dreams? Hobby-based cruises are quickly taking the travel world by storm. From scrap booking to chess, motorcycles to photography, themed cruises offer enthusiasts the opportunity to share their passions with like-minded travelers.
These cruises often include lectures and seminars by industry experts and also allow participants to share their knowledge of the activity through on-board art shows or other activities.
Since these are a niche category of cruises, you’ll want to check with your travel agent or the cruise lines about what voyages they have planned. Or, perhaps you can offer to become an “instructional cruiser.” You never know, maybe the cruise line will let you travel for free!
Entertainment Cruises:
Perhaps one of the most “fun” options in the themed-based cruising section, entertainment-
These cruises are often based around live music, themed dances, Broadway-style productions, movies, and more. You may find yourself in the company of famous musicians, actors, composers, or authors. Activities can include music lessons, dance instruction, and private dinners with live entertainment.
From opera to jazz, big band to punk rock, an entertainment-
Historic/Educational Cruises:
Imagine sitting on a cruise ship just off Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and listening to the real-life experience of a veteran who survived the attack? What would it be like to explore ancient Mayan ruins on a day excursion with a professor of archeology?
Historic and educational based cruises offer travelers the perfect opportunity to experience both history and culture while enjoying the refreshing lifestyle found onboard a cruise ship. From personal finance to military history, literary masterpieces to studying cultural heritage, these cruises do more than just entertain about a certain subject. They allow participants to get up close and personal in order to do more than just listen to history being taught. They get to reach out and touch it with their own hands.
