David Rowlinson

My Kind of Cruise

What are themed cruises?

Cruises have always been about adventure, relaxation, and exploration, but in recent years, a new kind of voyage has taken centre stage: themed cruises.

These unique getaways are designed around specific interests, hobbies, lifestyles or celebrations, offering immersive experiences both on board and ashore. Whether you’re a film fanatic, music lover, foodie, or fitness enthusiast, there’s likely a cruise tailored just for you.

At My Kind of Cruise, we help you book unforgettable holidays across a range of major cruise lines - and many of them now offer exciting themed cruise options. Below, we explain what themed cruises are all about and showcase some of the most popular types you can explore.

So, what is a themed cruise?

A themed cruise is a voyage centred around a particular interest or event. These cruises typically feature special programming that aligns with the theme, such as guest speakers, workshops, performances, classes, or partie, often hosted by well-known personalities or organisations within that space.

While standard cruise itineraries focus on destinations, themed cruises are about the experience just as much as the journey. The atmosphere on board is designed to connect like-minded guests and create a vibrant community around a shared passion.

There is no limit to what a themed cruise can offer. Here are some popular categories:

Music cruises:

These are some of the most popular. They feature performances by major artists, themed parties, and meet-and-greets. You might find rock ‘n’ roll, country, jazz, classical, or even full-on music festivals at sea.

- Royal Caribbean has hosted jazz cruises and retro music events.

- Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) offers ‘Rock the Bells Cruise’ and hip-hop events with iconic DJs and artists.

- MSC Cruises includes musical entertainment themes as part of seasonal offerings.

Food and wine cruises:

These are perfect for gourmands and wine connoisseurs, these cruises offer cooking classes, wine tastings, chef dinners, and culinary shore excursions.

- Princess Cruises runs “Culinary Cruises” featuring celebrity chefs and regional food highlights.

- P&O Cruises features food heroes like Marco Pierre White and wine expert Olly Smith on select sailings.

Wellness and fitness cruises:

These cruises combine holiday relaxation with health-conscious programming such as yoga classes, wellness seminars, fitness boot camps, and spa packages.

- Virgin Voyages puts a wellness spin on their voyages with group workouts and mindfulness sessions.

- MSC Cruises also runs fitness-focused sailings with partnerships like Technogym.

Seasonal and holiday cruises:

Cruise lines often offer themed experiences around Christmas, Halloween, New Year’s Eve, and even Valentine’s Day, featuring festive décor, themed menus, entertainment, and family activities.

- Disney Cruise Line excels here, with Halloween on the High Seas and Very Merrytime Cruises.

- P&O Cruises and Princess Cruises also offer seasonal celebrations on board.

Film, TV & pop culture cruises:

Die-hard fans of franchises like Star Wars, Marvel, or even classic TV shows can enjoy events, panels, trivia nights, and cosplay at sea.

- Disney Cruise Line leads the way with Marvel Day at Sea and Star Wars Day at Sea.

Lifestyle & community cruises:

These include LGBTQ+ cruises, singles cruises, family cruises, and more, offering a space where travellers can connect over shared identities or life stages.

- Virgin Voyages frequently embraces diversity with inclusive onboard experiences.

- NCL and Royal Caribbean often feature LGBTQ+ group cruises with themed events.

Which cruise lines offer themed cruises?

Many cruise lines now offer regular or one-off themed sailings, including:

• MSC Cruises: Offers music, wellness, and cultural theme cruises throughout the year.

• Princess Cruises: Their special events include food & wine festivals, fashion, and wellness themes.

• Norwegian Cruise Line: They are known for their extensive selection of music, comedy, and lifestyle cruises.

• Royal Caribbean: Offers a mix of seasonal and music-themed cruises.

• P&O Cruises: They are known for food & drink themed cruises and special guest appearances.

• Disney Cruise Line: They are perfect for families with magical seasonal experiences.

• Virgin Voyages: Focuses on boutique-style, lifestyle-themed experiences for adults.

Why should you book a themed cruise?

- You'll get an all-in-one experience: an opportunity to enjoy entertainment, workshops, and activities centred on your interests: all included in your cruise fare.

- You'll meet like-minded people: Themed cruises attract guests with similar passions, creating a fun and social onboard environment.

- You'll make unique memories: From dressing up in costume to dancing at sea with your favourite artists, these cruises deliver unforgettable moments.

Whether you want to dance to your favourite decade, sharpen your cooking skills, or celebrate Halloween at sea, themed cruises are a great way to turn your holiday into something truly special.

At My Kind of Cruise, we help you compare, plan, and book themed cruises with all major lines, tailored to your interests and travel style.

Browse our themed cruise deals now or get in touch with our team to find the perfect sailing for your next unforgettable experience!