Themed cruises provide the perfect chance to engage in your passions and interests while surrounded by the thrilling atmosphere of a cruise ship. A themed cruise goes beyond a typical cruise experience. You will have the chance to connect with fellow travelers who share your enthusiasm for the theme, all while enjoying the fantastic amenities and events offered on a cruise ship.
There are too many strange and exciting theme cruises to name, so adults will be delighted to find a theme cruise that’s all about their most prized fascination among the list below.
This post outlines some of the most popular themed cruises in the coming year.
What Exactly is a Theme Cruise?
A theme cruise comes in many shapes and sizes, but it is essentially a regular cruise with the added excitement of extra onboard programs revolving around a particular theme. Theme cruises may include anything from dance contests and music concerts to workshops and seminars.
The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to themed cruises. For any interest and hobby you can think of, chances are there is a corresponding theme cruise where such interests are indulged. Whether it’s food, wine, music, dancing, religion, or lifestyle, themed cruises cater to a unique group of people who all share the same interests and passions.
While the theme of most themed cruises is confined to the cruise ship itself, some even extend to the port, so you are assured to be immersed in the cruise theme for the entire journey.
What Are the Types of Themed Cruises?
Before we dive into all the amazing theme cruises sailing the seas, let’s take a look at the distinction between different types of themed cruises in terms of the extent to which the theme is carried out on the ship.
On some themed cruises, such as music cruises, you can expect all passengers on the cruise ship to be dressed in their best and participate in the countless activities and events revolving around the theme. On the other hand, some cruise ships maintain a normal voyage atmosphere but offer certain sections and opportunities for hobbyists to get together.
If the whole cruise ship is drenched in elements and activities revolving around the theme, it is called a full-ship theme cruise, and every guest onboard will be taking that cruise primarily because of the theme.
Contrarily, if certain areas on the cruise ship, such as the conference room or the bar, are designated to embrace a particular theme, it is called a partial-ship theme cruise, and not all guests will take the cruise to indulge in the theme.
Best Themed Cruises of 2022 & 2023
Now that you understand what a themed cruise entails, let’s get into the top-rated themed cruises of the year past and the year to come.
#1 A Wrestling-themed Cruise: Chris Jericho’s Rock N Wrestling Rager at Sea
There is certainly no shortage of wrestling fans around the world, and this wrestling-themed cruise is the perfect place to meet the legendary Chris Jericho and watch him in action. This themed cruise will feature a wrestling ring with matches set up by the pool. There are also several comedy shows, music performances, podcast recordings, and exciting activities that will intrigue any wrestling enthusiast.
When:
2-6 Feb 2023
Where to:
The Bahamas
Cruise Line and Cruise Ship:
Norwegian Pearl of Norwegian Cruise Line
#2 A Cat-themed cruise: Meow Meow Cruise
Although avid cat lovers aren’t permitted to take their kitty with them on the cruise ship, they still get to enjoy a cruise ship fully equipped with cat-themed decor and activities. Meet some like-minded cruisers and share stories of your furry little friends, and take part in a cat-themes cruise trivia, cocktail, and scavenger hunt.
When:
9th to 14th of April 2023
Where to:
Mexico
Cruise Line and Ship:
Paradise of Carnival Cruises
#3 A Bike-Themed Cruise: The High Seas Rally
Known as the only biker rally to take place on a cruise ship, High Seas Rally is a motorbike-themed cruise that offers all the fun of a traditional land rally. From tattoo contests and pool parties to raffles and theme nights, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more authentic biker experience. Best of all, you can reach all the facilities on your motorbike!
When:
29th of October 2022
Where to:
The Bahamas
Cruise Line and Ship:
Mariner of the Seas of Royal Caribbean International
#4 A Star Trek-themed cruise: Star Trek the Cruise
The Star Trek Cruise is celebrating its 6th anniversary by inviting passionate Star Trek fans to come together and indulge in Star Trek-themed shows, activities, events, and parties. You’ll also come across various iconic Star Trek personalities on this theme cruise.
When:
24th of February 2023
Where to:
Mexico
Cruise Line and Ship:
Navigator of the Seas of Royal Caribbean International
#5 An Arts and Crafts-themed Cruise: Scrapbook Cruises
Scrapbooking Cruises brought to you by the cruise company Cruise & Crop continuously sail the seas and brings crafting enthusiasts together. This company offers embroidery, card making, jewelry making, and even knitting cruises, among many more.
When:
Several dates
Where to:
Various destinations
Cruise Line and Ship:
Various ships of Royal Caribbean International
#6 A Gothic-themed Cruise: The Gothic Cruise
The renowned Gothic Cruise takes place every year for avid goth enthusiasts. Beyond German electronic goth music and various gothic-themes music performances, the Spookeasy theme nights and zombie pub crawl are sure to pique the interest of dedicated goths everywhere.
When:
19th to 24th of April 2023
Where to:
Mexico
Cruise Line and Ship:
Navigator of the Seas of Royal Caribbean International
#7 Genealogy-themed Cruise: The Genealogy Cruise
If you’d like to investigate your family tree, this is the cruise for you! the Genealogy Cruise is the perfect opportunity to trace your family name’s journey through the ages with the guidance of experts. From workshops to lectures, this is an incredibly insightful theme cruise for the history buffs out there.
When:
12th of March 2023
Where to:
The Caribbean
Cruise Line and Ship:
Celebrity Reflection of Celebrity Cruises
#8 Decade-themed Cruise: The 70s Rock & Romance Cruise
Music lovers who wished they could have stayed in the 70s will have an absolute blast on this 70s-themed cruise featuring over 50 live music performances from renowned artists, including Don Felder and The Hollies. Guaranteed to be one of the best music cruises of the year, the 70s Rock & Romance Cruise offers everything from Q&A sessions with band members, game shows, and karaoke to trivia, wine tasting, panel discussions, and incredible pool parties.
When:
16th of March 2023
Where to:
The Caribbean
Cruise Line and Ship:
Celebrity Summit of Celebrity Cruises
#9 Disco-themed Cruise: The Ultimate Disco Cruise
Featuring special appearances of legends like Sister Sledge and Billy Ocean, The Ultimate Disco Cruise will be the party of a lifetime. Costume parties and live performances will take place in abundance, so you can boogie the night away under the disco ball.
When:
25th of March 2023
Where to:
The Caribbean
Cruise Line and Ship:
Celebrity Summit of Celebrity Cruises
#10 Decade-themed Cruise: 80s Cruise
The 80s Cruise brings the best of the era right to your cruise vacation. From performances by The Church, Bret Micheals, and Devo to pool and costume parties, there will never be a dull moment on board.
When:
3rd of March 2023
Where to:
The Caribbean
Cruise Line and Ship:
Mariner of the Seas of Royal Caribbean International
#11 Country-themed Cruise: The Country Music Cruise
Strap in and get ready for the country experience of a lifetime on The Country Music Cruise. Country music enthusiasts will have a ball line dancing to their favorite country classics, enjoying some country karaoke, and meeting their favorite artists at autograph sessions.
When:
22nd of January 2023
Where to:
The Caribbean
Cruise Line and Ship:
Nieuw Amsterdam of Holland America Line
#12 Soul-themed Cruise: The Soul Train Cruise
This star-riddled cruise features some of the immortal names of the era of classic R&B. The Soul Train Cruise is your chance to take some dance lessons presented by original Soul Train dancers and attend some unforgettable Soul events.
When:
29th of January 2023
Where to:
The Caribbean
Cruise Line and Ship:
Nieuw Amsterdam of Holland America Line
#13 Decade-themed Cruise: The Flower Power Cruise
Former and current hippies from all over the world will gather on this legendary 70s-themed cruise, The Flower Power Cruise, to celebrate the love generation and peace. The cruise ship will host a number of live music performances and interactive events. Themed parties and Flower Power activities will transcend you to the golden age of the 70s.
When:
23rd of March 2023
Where to:
The Caribbean
Cruise Line and Ship:
Celebrity Summit of Celebrity Cruises
#14 Broadway-themed Cruise: The Broadway Cruise
Experience the legends in Broadway in all their glory on this exciting and vibrant theme cruise featuring performances by your favorite Broadway stars. With panel discussions and interactive activities around every corner, this is one of the best music theme cruises in the industry.
When:
The 31st of March – the 5th of April 2023
Where to:
Bermuda
Cruise Line and Ship:
Norwegian Gem of Norwegian Cruise Line
#15 Country-themed Cruise: The Outlaw Country West Cruise
For a country experience like no other, The Outlaw Country West Cruise features exceptional collaborations by legends of the industry you won’t find anywhere else. Have some fun with big names like John Anderson, Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle, and many more, and even sit in on exclusive radio sessions to get a true taste of a country music festival at sea.
When:
The 21st – the 27th of January 2023
Where to:
Mexico
Cruise Line and Ship:
Norwegian Pearl of Norwegian Cruise Line
#16 Jazz-themed Cruise: The Jazz Cruise
With an exceptional line-up of the biggest names in Jazz music, The Jazz Cruise is the ideal place to let your hair down and sway with the waves and the sounds. Sailing from Fort Lauderdale and dedicated to straight-ahead jazz, this is the first full-ship chartered jazz cruise described as “Jazz Heaven” by passed cruisers. Of all the jazz-theme cruises out there, this one is a must-see!
When:
The 6th – the 23th of January 2023
Where to:
Mexico
Cruise Line and Ship:
Celebrity Millenium of Celebrity Cruises
#17 KISS-themed Cruise: The KISS Kruise
Die-hard Kiss fans cannot miss the chance to sail to exotic destinations like Cabo San Lucas with their favorite band of all time. Party everyday with all the band members and their friends and rock out at the countless live performances and onboard events on offer. The KISS Kruise is guaranteed to be one of the best music festivals at sea you’ll ever find.
When:
The 24th – the 29th of October 2022. 2023 Dates to be confirmed.
Where to:
Mexico
Cruise Line and Ship:
Norwegian Jewel of Norwegian Cruise Line
#18 Decade-themed Cruise: The Beach Boys Good Vibrations Cruise
Inspired by the groovy age of the 60s, The Beach Boys Good Vibrations Cruise is an unmissable event filled with all the chilled vibes and jams by The Beach Boys. Have some fun in the sun with big names in the music industry, including The Righteous Brothers, The Temptations, and The Isley Brothers. Theme parties and timeless hits will keep music fans of all ages entertained for hours.
When:
The 3rd – the 8th of March 2023
Where to:
Mexico
Cruise Line and Ship:
Norwegian Pearl of Norwegian Cruise Line
#19 Reggae-themes Cruise: The Jamrock Reggae Cruise
Take a journey to Jamaica with some of the top artists in reggae. Dance away at the multiple concerts and musical performances on a cruise vacation you’ll never forget. Laid-back music will blast the whole day and keep you jamming throughout the night.
When:
The 4th – the 9th of December 2023
Where to:
Jamaica
Cruise Line and Ship:
Norwegian Pearl of Norwegian Cruise Line
#20 Sports-themed Cruise: San Francisco 49ers Cruise
Of all the sports-themed cruises out there, Faithful Fans have reported this one to be one of the greatest. With fans and 49ers together at sea, the 49ers Cruises is guaranteed to be a fantastic time. Meet both past and present stars and take home some pictures with the best 49ers in history.
When:
The 6th – the 10th of March 2023
Where to:
The Bahamas
Cruise Line and Ship:
Liberty of the Seas of Royal Caribbean International
Although there are many more themed cruises to be on the lookout for, the theme cruises mentioned above are some of the most praised and cherished cruises in the industry. What are you waiting for? Grab you your best themed outfits and camera, and plan a cruise vacation you’ll remember with fondness for the rest of your life.
