Even if you’ve never considered a cruise before, it might be hard to resist the idea of being in a confined space with your favorite celebrity, band or author. That is exactly the idea behind a themed cruise. Like-minded folks take over a cruise ship for an unforgettable gathering at sea.

What is a themed cruise?

From knitting to New Age music, there is a themed cruise for just about every hobby or interest. A themed cruise is a designated sailing (typically just one departure per year) that offers special programming onboard centered around a theme like jazz or the show “Impractical Jokers.”

Some themed cruises are one-off events chartered by an individual or private organization. Others are meticulously curated festivals at sea that are held annually by companies that specialize in hosting themed voyages.

The idea is to not only enjoy the amenities of a cruise vacation but spend a few days learning from experts in their field or attend performances and Q&As with your idols. Themed cruises give passengers the unique chance to immerse themselves onboard with fellow fans while also sailing into ports.

Perks range from special commemorative photos or items; the chance to attend a meet-and-greet; and other special parties and events that are part of the price of your cruise.

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Which cruise lines host themed cruises?

Any ship or cruise line could host a themed cruise. But there are certain lines that seem to offer more than others. Norwegian Cruise Line has a long-running partnership with Sixthman. This company has made a name for itself hosting festivals at sea, with more than 180 under its belt in the last 20-plus years.

Cunard Line is another cruise line that hosts themed cruises (known as “event voyages”) all year long. But these have an emphasis on arts and culture. Board these British ocean liners for a week of big band music, London theater, the symphony orchestra, or discussions with war veterans on their insightful Greatest Generation sailings, typically held around Veterans Day and Memorial Day.

River cruise lines have long hosted themed cruises, with seasonal Christmas markets departures. But more recently, river cruise lines are making the most of their destination access and intimate setting to host other theme cruises. These can range from wine to Black history.

Explore the website of your favorite cruise line for any special events in the coming year. Or you might see a themed cruise independently advertised by a band or artist you follow on social media.

How do you book a themed cruise?

Themed cruises are bookable through a travel agent, the cruise line’s website, or the third-party host, whether that is Sixthman or a smaller organizer. Many in-demand themed cruises (typically annual festivals and big-name acts) sell out far in advance. So, it’s beneficial to be on a mailing list to book as soon as the sailing is available. Repeat passengers on the same themed cruise typically have first dibs with the ability to join a pre-sale.

Keep in mind that because of all the special perks and behind-the-scenes access offered on these sailings, themed cruises typically cost more than your average cruise vacation.

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Top Themed Cruises 2024

The following are 10 of the top themed cruises setting sail in 2024. These sailings cover the wide scope of themed cruises available to book, from ships full of cat lovers and culinary experts to celebrations of global sporting events and seasonal rom coms.

While many of these 2024 cruises are sold out, it’s never too early to start thinking about one in 2025.

The Soul Train Cruise (January 27-February 3)

Now in its eleventh year, the Soul Train Cruise brings together R&B and Soul artists from across generations to perform. The 2024 Soul Train Cruise will take place onboard Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam. The cruise sails round trip from Fort Lauderdale with ports of call in Tortola and St. Maarten.

Featuring more than 50 performances, this year’s artists include musical legends like Boyz II Men, the Family Stone, the Temptations, En Vogue, and War, along with more than a dozen others. Special guests include cruise host Tony Cornelius, son of “Soul Train” creator Don Cornelius, along with BET’s Angela Stribling as co-host, and a team of original Soul Train dancers. Events include Q&As with the artists, plenty of dancing as well as dance lessons, and even a vow renewal ceremony.

The 2024 Soul Train Cruise is currently sold out.

The Meow Meow Cruise (February 21-25)

Organized by feline afficionados, the Meow Meow Cruise is independently owned and operated, first setting sail in 2015. In 2024, cat-crazed cruisers (unfortunately without their kitties) will set sail round trip from Miami. Bound for Key West and Bimini, this cruise takes place aboard Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady. The four-night Meow Meow Cruise is a partial charter. This means that not every passenger will be participating in the furry fun.

Activities for interested parties include a meet-and-greet with your other cat-loving cruisers; a cruise kit and goody bag; themed trivia; group dining; a scavenger hunt; hosted “Meow Meow Mixer” cocktail party; and more.

Star Trek: The Cruise VII (February 22-29)

Trekkies will board Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas in Port Canaveral for their “Un-Conventional Voyage”. This popular cruise is like a “Star Trek” convention at sea. Now in its seventh season, it features exciting access to cast members past and present as well as guest speakers, lecturers, and even an onboard makeup artist to help cruisers get into character.

More than 25 cast members and show crew will be roaming aboard, with headlining names like Wil Wheaton and Levar Burton. From trivia sessions to stunt classes, this adventure across the high seas to Aruba and Curacao is an immersive one. Get ready to pack a suitcase or two with nightly theme parties that span “Mutiny on the Holodeck,” inspired by Ferengi pirates to a Star Trek masquerade formal. 

Cayamo: A Journey Through Song (March 1-8)

One of the most beloved at-sea music fests around, Cayamo is in its sixteenth year in 2024. Guests will board Norwegian Pearl this March for a week of superior performances as well as the opportunity to jam with fellow cruisers or attend an open mic. Hosted by Sixthman, this themed cruise celebrates singer-songwriters across genres. It departs from Miami with calls in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic and Oranjestad, Aruba.

With a focus on the “listening experience,” this cruise puts performance at the heart of its activities. Artists sailing aboard Cayamo in 2024 include Lucius, KT Tunstall, Lyle Lovett, War & Treaty and a whopping 35 other acts.

The 2024 Cayamo Cruise is currently sold out.

Chefs Making Waves (March 25-29)

Taste dishes from your favorite celebrity chefs and learn their secrets in the kitchen on this four-night themed sailing called “Chefs Making Waves: A Food, Wine and Spirits Festival at Sea.” Join chefs Anne Burrell, Andrew Zimmerman, Marcus Samuelsson and many more onboard Norwegian’s “theme ship” Norwegian Pearl.

Foodies will sail round trip from Miami to Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. All the while, they can attend culinary panels, mixology masterclasses, wine tastings and more. Who wouldn’t want to bake with the “Cake Boss” himself, Buddy Valastro?

The 2024 Chefs Making Waves Cruise is currently sold out.

Storyteller Series: Diana Gabaldon (April 16-24)

Taking place onboard the Danube River, Avalon Waterways’ Storyteller series invites cruisers to get up close and personal with their favorite authors. In 2024, fans of the “Outlander” series will flock to Vilshofen, Germany for a week dubbed “Go Tell the Bees” with New York Times bestselling author Diana Gabaldon.

During guests’ time onboard, they will enjoy ample time to interact with Gabaldon, over dinners, cocktail hours and daily excursions. Concluding in Budapest, this sailing of Avalon Impression will dock in six scenic ports across Germany, Austria and Hungary. The sailing concludes with a Q&A and book signing.

The 2024 Storyteller Cruise with Diana Gabaldon is currently sold out.

Formula 1 Prix du Monde Cruise (May 21-28)

F1 racing has skyrocketed in popularity within the U.S., due in part to the Netflix series “Formula One: Drive to Survive.” In 2024, fans can attend arguably the sport’s most prestigious races, the Prix du Monde of Monaco, onboard a weeklong Windstar Cruise.

Onboard Wind Surf, one of the largest sailing yachts, this themed cruise will sail the Mediterranean in style. Sailing from Barcelona to Rome, it features an overnight in Monte Carlo. Onboard, fans can enjoy themed cocktail receptions and dinners with their host, a Formula One expert who is on hand to provide insights about the sport.

Cruise fare includes tickets to the event for both Saturday’s time trials and Sunday’s final race, with a program, poncho and cap. A themed gift package from the cruise line also includes amenities like a seat cushion, binoculars and ear plugs.

The 2024 Formula 1 Prix du Monde Cruise is currently sold out but is already on sale for 2025.

Hallmark Christmas Cruise (November 5-9 and November 17-21)

Girl meets boy; girl books a romantic theme cruise. The silver screen phenomenon of the Hallmark Channel’s Christmas movies is made real across two November departures in 2024. Get into the holiday spirit with Hallmark stars and Christmastime traditions onboard these Norwegian Gem sailings, all while sailing from Miami to Nassau, Bahamas.

Passengers on the Hallmark Christmas cruises will be able to participate in photo ops, panels, and even an exclusive world premiere of a brand-new Hallmark Christmas movie. And of course, no storybook holiday cruise would be complete without cookie decorating, craft workshops, carol singalongs and ugly sweaters.

Both sailings of the 2024 Hallmark Christmas Cruise are currently sold out.

Literature Festival at Sea (November 13-20)

Cultured cruisers might want to board Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 for one of the line’s annual Literature Festivals at Sea. On this weeklong transatlantic crossing from Southampton to New York, passengers will be able to participate in lectures and literary programs alongside renowned authors, historians, poets and critics.

Hosted by journalists from The Times and the programming team of the Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival, this event guarantees plenty of food for thought for bookworms and scholars. With seven full days onboard, cruisers have a leisurely amount of time to converse with special guests like novelist and journalist Mike Gayle and historian and author Tracy Borman.

Can’t get enough literature at sea? The floating Australian Literature Festival takes place onboard Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth from December 11-16, round trip from Sydney.

Jewish Heritage Cruises (Various Dates)

Cruises are an ideal vacation for guests to enjoy some carefree days jamming out or digging into guest speakers. But travel can also be transformative, and this is the idea behind sailings that explore culture, religion and personal ancestry. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises hosts a variety of European sailings that are centered around the exploration of Jewish heritage.

In 2024, Uniworld offers select dates of sailings like the 11-day “Remarkable Rhine and Historic Holland” or “Delightful Danube” that include the Jewish Heritage Program. These sailings focus on Jewish roots and communities across Central Europe. They highlight locals making a positive impact on Jewish culture in modern times alongside visits to WWII sites, Holocaust memorials, and museums.

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Comments

Have you ever taken one of these themed cruises? Which festivals at sea would you consider sailing? Drop us an anchor below to share your experiences with these themed events on the high seas.