Ever wished you could combine your favourite hobby with a cruise? Themed cruises let you do exactly that – whether you’re into music, fitness, food, or something a little more unusual.
They’re not your average sailings either. Onboard, you’ll find yourself surrounded by like-minded people, joining exclusive events, and diving head-first into whatever makes you happiest – all while enjoying the usual cruise perks like amazing food, exotic ports, and plenty of chill time.
From outrageous adults-only parties to ultra-niche fan conventions, the world of themed cruises is bigger (and weirder!) than you might think. Here are some of the best themed cruises setting sail in 2025, 2026 and beyond.
Theme Cruises Explained
Before we begin, it’s important to recognise that not all themed cruises are equal in terms of how much of the cruise is actually themed. There are some cruises, like music cruises, where you can expect to see everyone on the ship in fancy dress, enjoying a round-the-clock schedule of events and activities.
In contrast, other cruises are more of a chance for hobbyists to meet up during what would otherwise be a ‘normal’ cruise.
Here are two important distinctions to make…
Full-ship theme cruises: The group will charter the whole ship, so everyone will be on board for the theme cruise.
Partial-ship theme cruises: The group will book a number of cabins and take over certain areas, such as a particular bar or a conference room.
Suggested read: The best cruises for singles to hook up
The Best Themed Cruises of 2025 and 2026
Without further ado, here’s a guide to the most exciting theme cruises that you should consider…
Electric Sunsets 90s vs 00s Cruise
Popular with British people, Marella’s Electric Sunsets cruise is like a music festival at sea. Onboard previous Electric Sunsets cruises, you’ve been able to enjoy 80s and 90s music from The Vengaboys, Pat Sharp, Go West and DJ Sash!
And for 2025 it’s taking on a new 90s vs 00s theme, with Irish pop group B*Witched headlining alongside performances from The Honeyz. DJ Sash! will also return. With drinks included, this cruise is sure to get you in the party mood.
- Date: 1st November 2025
- Destination: Spain & Canary Islands
- Cruise Line: TUI Cruises
- Ship: Marella Voyager
If you fancy this 3-day cruise, you’d better be quick, as of the time of writing, there are still spaces left on this all-inclusive 3-night cruise for £800pp.
Learn more about the Electric Sunsets cruise
Country Rhythms 1 & 2
Brand new for 2026 is another themed cruise with Marella, but this time with a focus on country music.
The cruise sails from Malaga to the Canary Islands and will feature The Dolly Show (the UK’s top Dolly Parton impersonator), The Shires (the UK’s biggest country music duo), Barn Dance Bash (led by the entertainment team) and Forever Country (a brand new show featuring hits by Johnny Cash, Shania Twain and more!).
And, of course, you can expect the same amazing all-inclusive value.
- Date: 5th February 2026
- Destination: Spain & Canary Islands
- Cruise Line: TUI Cruises
- Ship: Marella Explorer 2
Spaces are still available on this 5-night sailing, starting from £825pp.
Learn more about the Country Rhythms cruises
Puzzling Event Cruises
Whether you’re someone who already loves puzzles/jigsaws or you just want to try something new where you can meet others in a relaxed and fun environment, these puzzle cruises are definitely worth checking out!
Run by Puzzled About Everything, the cruises include activities for every puzzle enthusiast, including casual cruising and speed puzzle challenges. And with Rae and Monica bringing over 200 puzzles onboard, you’ll definitely find at least a few that are the right challenge for you!
- Date: March 15th – 30th 2026 and October 16th – 31st 2026
- Destination: New Jersey to Barcelona and Southampton UK to Galveston TX
- Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
- Ship: Odyssey of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas
Learn more about the Puzzle Cruises
Chris Jericho’s Rock N Wrestling Rager at Sea – A Wrestling Themed Cruise
Wrestling fans will take over a whole cruise ship for an epic journey with wrestling star Chris Jericho and his friends. The event will include wrestling matches in a ring set up on the pool deck, rock music performances, comedy shows, paranormal activities, a birthday beach party and live podcast recordings.
- Date: 7th-11th Novemeber 2026
- Destination: Miami to Bimini
- Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
- Ship: Norwegian Jewel
Learn more about the Chris Jericho Cruise
For the Love of Music Cruises
In August 2025, For the Love of Music Events Ltd hosted a Caribbean Gospel Choir Workshop Cruise in conjunction with GoCruise & Travel. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look as though there are any plans to repeat this for 2026; however, they are planning both a Reggae cruise and a Pop and R&B cruise. Details haven’t been released yet, but keep an eye on their website for more information.
Meow Meow Cruise – A Cruise for Cat Lovers
The first Meow-Meow cruise sailed to Alaska on Discovery Princess in August 2025, and due to its success, a second one is already being planned for 2026!
Cat-obsessed cruisers, unfortunately, cannot bring their cats on this cruise. But what they can do is meet like-minded people to chat about and share photos of their favourite furry feline friends. Activities on this cat-themed cruise include trivia, meet and greet and group dining.
- Date: 8th May 2026
- Departing from: Tampa
- Cruise Line: Carnival
- Ship: Carnival Paradise
Learn more about the Meow Meow Cruise
The High Seas Rally – A Biker Cruise
This motorbike-themed cruise is ‘The World’s Only Biker Rally on a Cruise Ship’. A full ship of bikers will be enjoying wild pool parties, tattoo contests, concerts, theme nights and raffles as they cruise to places that they can’t reach by riding a bike.
- Date: 2nd November 2025
- Destination: Mexico
- Cruise Line: Margaritaville at Sea
- Ship: Margaritaville at Sea Islander
Learn more about the High Seas Rally
Star Trek: The Cruise
Returning due to popular demand in 2026, the Star Trek Cruise is where you’ll find the most passionate Star Trek fans in the universe. This cruise will feature a lineup of actors and personalities with Star Trek-themed shows, events, activities and parties.
- Date: 20th – 27th February 2026
- Destination: Caribbean
- Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
- Ship: Adventure of the Seas
Learn more about the Star Trek Cruise
The Karma is a Cruise (Taylor Swift Cruise)
The first Taylor Swift-themed cruise, ‘In my Cruise Era’, set sail in 2024, and Swifties will be pleased to hear that it’s back by popular demand for 2026.
Organised by Straight Away Travel in conjunction with Girlhood Getaways, ‘Karma is a Cruise’ will set sail in February, and fans can expect a full line-up of Swiftie fun at sea. From making friendship bracelets and singing their hearts out at karaoke to testing their knowledge in Taylor-themed trivia. With era-inspired outfits and plenty of photo-worthy moments, it’s the ultimate cruise for anyone living their best “Cruise Era.”
- Date: 16th – 20th February 2026
- Destination: Bahamas
- Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
- Ship: Liberty of the Seas
Learn more about Karma is a Cruise
Scrapbook Cruises
Cruise and Crop is a cruise company offering scrapbooking cruises where guests can enjoy making scrapbooks together. But the fun doesn’t stop there! On certain cruises, you can also try your hand at card making, embroidery, knitting, jewellery making and other crafts.
Cruise and Crop have already planned over 300 cruises, and they don’t plan on stopping any time soon! Cruises are sailing every month in 2026, and many more are already planned for 2027.
- Date: Various – Various
- Destination: Various
- Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
- Ship: Various
Learn more about scrapbooking cruises
The KISS Kruise
Fans of iconic 70s rock band Kiss can join them for an adventure at sea onboard the Kiss music-themed cruise. Expect performances from Kiss and their friends, as well as meet and greet sessions and activities with each of the band members.
Dates for their next cruise haven’t been released yet, so be sure to join their mailing list if you’re interested and want to be the first to find out.
- Date: TBA
- Destination: TBA
- Cruise Line: TBA
- Ship: TBA
Learn more about the KISS Kruise
Knitting Cruises
Craft Cruises offers a range of cruises where craft lovers can get together to improve their knitting skills with classes and workshops. On-board knitting instructors will advise guests about any local yarn stores in the ports of call. As well as knitting, Craft Cruises also offers cruises themed around crocheting, needlepoint, hand spinning and beading.
- Date: Various
- Destination: Various
- Cruise Line: Holland America Line
- Ship: Various
Learn more about knitting cruises
The Gothic Cruise
The Annual Gothic Cruise and Masquerade Ball is a cruise created by goths for goths. There’ll be live music performances by German electronic music act Rotersand and American aggrotech band Combichrist, amongst others. There’s also a zombie pub crawl and a ‘Spookeasy’ formal night.
Details for their 2026 cruise are coming soon!
- Date: TBC
- Destination: TBC
- Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
- Ship: TBC
Learn more about the Gothic Cruise
The 70s Rock & Romance Cruise
Lovers of 70’s rock can relive their youth with 50 live performances from artists such as Don Felder (The Eagles), Lou Gramm (Foreigner), Bay City Rollers and many more, on what promises to be one of the best music cruises of 2026. This 70s-themed cruise also promises Q&A sessions with the artists, panel discussions, game shows, trivia, karaoke, wine tasting and pool parties.
- Date: 21st – 28th March 2026
- Destination: Caribbean
- Cruise Line: Celebrity Cruises
- Ship: Celebrity Silhouette
Unfortunately, this cruise is already sold out, but you can join their waitlist to be informed if a space becomes available!
Learn more about the Rock & Romance Cruise
The Flower Power Cruise
The Flower Power Cruise is a 70s-themed cruise where you can immerse yourself in the music from the ‘love generation’. With nightly performances and interactive celebrity events, this cruise has lots of Flower Power-themed parties and activities.
- Date: 28th March – 4th April 2026
- Destination: Caribbean
- Cruise Line: Celebrity Cruises
- Ship: Celebrity Silhouette
Unfortunately, this cruise is already sold out, but you can join their waitlist to be informed if a space becomes available!
Learn more about the Flower Power Cruise
The Country Music Cruise
Get your stetsons ready for The Country Music Cruise – a themed party at sea with nightly country music performances and the chance to meet the stars. Country music fans can enjoy Q&A sessions with the artists, trivia contests, line dancing and country karaoke.
- Date: 25th Januray – 1st February 2026
- Destination: Caribbean
- Cruise Line: Holland America Line
- Ship: Eurodam
Unfortunately, this cruise is already sold out, but you can join their waitlist to be informed if a space becomes available!
Learn more about the Country Music Cruise
The Soul Train Cruise
The Soul Train Cruise is a star-studded cruise experience featuring legendary stars from the classic R&B era. There are two upcoming sailings, one in 2025 and one in 2026- each with a fantastic lineup of guests!
- Date: 9th – 16th November 2025 and 1st – 8th February 2026
- Destination: Mexico and Caribbean
- Cruise Line: Holland America Line
- Ship: Eurodam
Unfortunately, both cruises are already sold out, but you can join their waitlists to be informed if a space becomes available!
Learn more about the Soul Train Cruise
The Ultimate Disco Cruise
With a special appearance from disco legends KC and The Sunshine Band, The Jacksons and The Commodores. The Ultimate Disco Cruise promises to be a star-studded affair with over 40 live performances and several costume parties.
- Date: 23rd – 28th February 2026
- Destination: Caribbean
- Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
- Ship: Norwegian Pearl
Unfortunately, this cruise is already sold out, but you can join their waitlist to be informed if a space becomes available!
Learn more about the Ultimate Disco Cruise
The 80s Cruise
The 80s Cruise is a non-stop all-inclusive concert with loads of artists, including Bret Michaels, Nile Rodgers & CHIC, OMD, Billy Ocean and many more. Guests can enjoy parties on the pool deck and themed costume parties, too.
- Date: 27th February – 6th March 2026
- Destination: Bahamas
- Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
- Ship: Adventure of the Seas
At the time of writing, there are still spaces left on this one, but be sure to book quickly as it’s already 97% full!
Learn more about the 80s Cruise
Abbey Road at Sea
Fans of iconic music history and studio legend Abbey Road Studios can embark on a transatlantic voyage filled with live performances, exclusive Q&A sessions with recording engineers and a photography exhibition celebrating decades of musical innovation.
- Date: 23rd – 30th October 2026
- Destination: New York
- Cruise Line: Cunard
- Ship: Queen Mary 2
The Magic Castle Conjurer’s Cruise
Magic meets luxury with this cruise where illusions take centre-stage. Expect world-class magicians, interactive magic lectures, themed cocktail soirées, and artefacts from the legendary Academy of Magical Arts as you sail in style through scenic destinations.
Date: 27th September – 4th October 2026
Destination: Pacific Wine Country
Cruise Line: Princess Cruises
Ship: Star Princess
Comic-Con Cruise
Fans of comics, sci-fi and pop culture can now take their fandom to sea on the first-ever official Comic-Con cruise. Expect celebrity panels, cosplay parties, meet-and-greets, and plenty of surprises as you sail alongside fellow fans on this one-of-a-kind adventure.
- Date: 30th January – 3rd February 2026
- Destination: Bahamas
- Cruise Line: Celebrity Cruises
- Ship: Celebrity Constellation
Learn more about Comic-Con: The Cruise
Desire Cruises
Couples-only and clothing-optional, Desire Cruises offer sexually-charged lifestyle cruises with seductive entertainment, exotic theme nights and an electric atmosphere that will make you want to explore your deepest fantasies.
- Date: Various
- Destination: Various
Learn more about Desire Cruises
Full List of All Themed Cruises
Above is just a sample of some of the themed cruises that are available to book at the moment. See below for a full list of all of the themed cruises, categorised by genre.
Music Cruises
Rock Music Cruises
- The Rock Boat
- Cruise to the Edge
- Monsters of Rock Cruise
- Rock Legends Cruise
- Kiss Kruise XI Kisstory at Sea
- The Melissa Etheridge Cruise
Punk Rock Cruises
Jazz Cruises
Soul Music Cruises
Country Music Cruises
Irish Music Cruises
Heavy Metal Cruises
Blues Cruises
Broadway Cruises
Reggae Cruises
Electronic Dance Music Cruises
50s Music Cruises
60s Music Cruises
70s Music Cruises
80s Music Cruises
Salsa Cruises
Music Festivals at Sea
Hobby Themed Cruises
Christmas Themed Cruises
Sports Themed Cruises
Golf Cruises
Cycling Cruises
Baseball Cruises
Wrestling cruises
American Football Cruises
TV and Movie Themed Cruises
Religious Cruises
Christian Cruises
- K-LOVE Cruise – Christian music cruise
- Christian singles cruises
- Singing at Sea – Southern Gospel music cruise
Jewish Cruises
Mormon Cruises
Fashion Cruises
Adult Cruises
- Desire cruises – Couples-only erotic cruises
- Temptation cruises – Sexy party cruises
- Killing Kittens – Luxury lifestyle cruise
- Bare Necessities – Nude cruises
LGBTQ+ Cruises
- Atlantis – Gay cruises
- Olivia – Lesbian cruises
- Vacaya – LGBTQ+ cruises
- Brand G – LGBTQ+ river cruises
- Big Gay Cruise – Gay cruise
The Best Themed Cruises of the Past
There have been some incredible theme cruises over the years. The cruises listed below aren’t scheduled for 2025 and beyond, but take a look at some of the unusual cruises that people have loved…
Harry Potter Cruise
The Harry Potter cruise was a seven-night all-inclusive cruise that called at filming locations from the Harry Potter movie series and included a behind-the-scenes tour of Warner Bros. Studios. The cruise happened in 2018, on an eight-passenger barge cruising along London’s River Thames.
Walking Dead Themed Cruise
There were four zombie-themed Walking Dead cruises between 2016 and 2019. Known as the Walker Stalker Cruise, these Caribbean cruises on Norwegian Pearl featured a team of make-up artists to help cruisers turn into zombies before taking part in outrageous activities. Stars of The Walking Dead TV series were on board for photo and autograph sessions.
Knotfest at Sea
Fans of the heavy metal band Slipknot were eagerly awaiting the first-ever Slipknot-themed cruise – Knotfest at Sea in August 2020. The cruise on Norwegian Jade from Barcelona to Naples was postponed until 2021 and then sadly cancelled. It’s not known whether this event may ever take place in the future.
NASCAR: The Cruise
American auto racing fans enjoyed a five-night NASCAR themed cruise on Norwegian Pearl in 2017. This stock car themed cruise gave guests the chance to meet some of the biggest names in the sport, including Richard Petty, Rusty Wallace and Bobby Allison.
How to Book a Themed Cruise
Just like concerts and festivals, themed cruises can sell out fast, so if you hear of a themed cruise that you’re interested in, you won’t want to hang around.
Depending on the cruise, there may be a specialist travel agent handling the bookings. Each theme cruise has its own website, so take a look at that to find the details of how to book your place.
More Themed Cruises?
Do you know of any more themed cruises to add to this list? Please comment below or email me at [email protected] and I will add them.
Related posts:
- The Best Music Cruises
- The Best Cruises For Singles To Hook Ip
- The Best Nude & Clothing-Optional Cruises
- What Do Pink Flamingos Mean?
I’m specifically looking for book themed cruises, but only found a literary festival cruise full of authors I’ve never heard of. Do you know of any others in 2024?
Can’t leave off the New Kids On The Block Cruise. Absolutely the best theme cruise ever. Sells out fast every year. They are on their 11th year. https://nkotbcruise.com/#!/
How did I miss this?! I added it, thank you!
One incorrect piece of information. The next Star Trek Cruise is not, repeat NOT a Caribbean cruise. All the previous one have been Caribbean cruises, but in 2023, they decided to change it up and it ship is sailing from the Port of Los Angeles, cruising to 3 port cities in Mexico.
I have been on the 2 most recent Star Trek Cruises, and they are an absolute blast!
Event run from about 9:00 AM until about 2:00 AM the next day. And you should see the costumes! Dozens of Star Trek actors will be aboard, from every series, as well as make up people, technical ‘behind the scenes’ people, and we are hoping some writers and producers will also show up this year.
Thanks so much for spotting that, Colin. I’ve updated it now. Appreciate your help! Jenni
Wow. Such a great list. All of these sound fun…except Knitting and genealogy…sorry. not my thing. BUT you definitely should look at:
The Ren Cruise http://www.therencruise.com
The Geek Boat
http://Www.thegeekboat.com
That Pineapple Cruise
http://Www.thatpineapplecruise.com
Thanks so much for adding these to the list!
Any trivia themed cruises? Each night could do a trivia contest which includes questions about the port/country just visited.
Good idea! I haven’t heard of one, but P&O Cruises usually have daily trivia around the pool and one or two quizzes in the pub each day as well. Jenni
Hi Jenni,
I saw a TransAtlantic cruise that was doing a Health and Wellness theme in Spring 2022 from Florida, but I can’t remember who….
Have you heard of it ??
If so, please send to me.
Thx
Brenda
Hi Brenda, I haven’t sorry, but if you find it I’d love to add it to this list. Jenni
Hey, you forgot to mention the Capital Jazz SuperCruise (https://www.capitaljazz.com/supercruise/official-site-of-the-supercruise/2022-talent-lineup/)
Thanks so much for drawing my attention to this one. I’ve just added it to the list. Jenni