Brittany Chrusciel 
Sarah Bretz Even if you’ve never considered a cruise before, it might be hard to resist the idea of being on a ship for several days with your favorite band, comedian, athlete, or author. That is exactly the idea behind a themed cruise. Like-minded travelers take over a cruise ship (or a portion of a cruise ship) for an unforgettable gathering at sea.
What is a themed cruise?
From knitting and sports to EDM and gospel 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 “Star Trek” franchise.
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 also 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 visiting interesting ports along the way.
Perks range from special commemorative photos or items and the chance to attend a meet-and-greet to special parties and events that are part of the price of your cruise.
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 200 under its belt in the last 20+ years.
Cunard 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, literature, 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 and food to art and music.
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.
Are themed cruises more expensive?
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. Be sure to price out any themed cruises you’re interested in to see if they fit into your vacation budget.
Top Themed Cruises in 2025 and 2026
The following are 11 of the top themed cruises setting sail in 2025 and 2026 that are still available for booking. These sailings cover a wide scope of themed cruises available to book, from ships full wine lovers and Trekkies to celebrations of creativity ranging from music to fashion and beyond.
Voyage du Vin Wine Cruise
- Perfect For: Those who love wine
- Dates: October 13-24, 2025
- Itinerary: Europe from Barcelona to Southampton
- Ship: Queen Victoria (Cunard)
- Website: cunard.com/en-us/cruise-types/event-cruises/voyage-du-vin
Literature Festival at Sea
- Perfect For: Fans of classic and modern literature
- Dates: November 28-December 5, 2026
- Itinerary: Transatlantic from New York City to Southampton
- Ship: Queen Mary 2 (Cunard)
- Website: cunard.com/en-us/cruise-types/event-cruises/literature-festival-at-sea-2026
Mediterranean Solar Eclipse
- Perfect For: Those who love space/astronomy
- Dates: August 9-22, 2026
- Itinerary: Mediterranean from Lisbon to Piraeus
- Ship: Oosterdam (Holland America)
- Website: hollandamerica.com/en/us/find-a-cruise/e6m13a/o649
Formula 1 Prix du Monde of Monaco
- Perfect For: Race fans of all ages
- Dates: June 3-11, 2026
- Itinerary: Mediterranean from Civitavecchia to Barcelona
- Ship: Wind Surf (Windstar Cruises)
- Website: windstarcruises.com/cruise/shore-excursions/themed/rome-to-barcelona/rome-prix-du-monde-of-monaco/
Super Legends Cruise
- Perfect For: Fans of funk and old-school music
- Dates: September 1-6, 2026
- Itinerary: Long Beach roundtrip with two days in Cabo San Lucas
- Ship: Carnival Panorama (Carnival Cruise Line)
- Website: superlegendscruise.com
Star Trek: The Cruise IX
- Perfect For: Adult Trekkies of all ages
- Dates: February 20-27, 2026
- Itinerary: Port Canaveral to the Caribbean
- Ship: Adventure of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)
- Website: startrekthecruise.com
Whodunit Mystery Cruise
- Perfect For: Puzzle and murder mystery fans
- Dates: February 6-13, 2026
- Itinerary: Los Angeles to the Mexican Riviera
- Ship: Navigator of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)
- Website: whodunitcruises.com
EDSea
- Perfect For: Electronic dance music fans
- Dates: November 1-6, 2025
- Itinerary: Miami to the western Caribbean
- Ship: Norwegian Joy (Norwegian Cruise Line)
- Website: edsea.com
Cruise Askew by Jay & Silent Bob
- Perfect For: Jay and Silent Bob fans and comedy lovers
- Dates: February 18-22, 2026
- Itinerary: Tampa roundtrip to Costa Maya
- Ship: Norwegian Jewel (Norwegian Cruise Line)
- Website: jayandsilentbobcruiseaskew.com
Transatlantic Fashion Week
- Perfect For: Those who are into all things fashion
- Dates: October 31-November 7, 2025
- Itinerary: Transatlantic from New York City to Southampton
- Ship: Queen Mary 2 (Cunard)
- Website: cunard.com/en-us/cruise-types/event-cruises/transatlantic-fashion-week
Boots on the Water
- Perfect For: Country music fans
- Dates: February 13-18. 2026
- Itinerary: Tampa to the western Caribbean
- Ship: Norwegian Jewel (Norwegian Cruise Line)
- Website: bootsonthewatercruise.com
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.
