Themed Cruises

When was the last time you vacationed in your favorite part of the world and experienced a rock-and-roll or country singer in concert? Or attended a Sci-Fi or cosplay convention ? Met a legend of baseball, your dream of a lifetime? Or took the time to improve on your golf swing or dance moves? Perhaps met with fellow hobbyists like knitters or paper crafters ? Would it surprise you if I told you that you can do all this and much more on board a cruise ship?

Yes, it’s true. Pretty much any activity on land involving large or medium-sized groups of folks can be found on board a cruise ship in what is known as a theme cruise or an affinity cruise. It’s a great way to get a fun vacation and participate in your interest or hobby of choice.

Whether your passion is Elvis, or another legend of rock-and-roll, country, jazz or blues, there are multiple cruises departing every year featuring a music theme. Perhaps you’d prefer an opera river cruise? A cruise ship, either ocean or river,  is a fantastic venue for an up-close and personal experience with your favorite artist(s).

Conventions at Sea

Conventions at sea are popular too, whether these are business, wellness, motivational, sports or sci-fi based to mention a few. It’s a place where fans can meet celebrities in their particular field and also make the acquaintance of other people with the same interests – a place where one can trade stories, see the latest trends and products, collect autographs, and more.

With the large theatres and meeting rooms, and supporting facilities, cruise ships provide the perfect venue for speeches, debates and lectures. No hobby or pastime group is too small or too large. Ships often have more than one group aboard but for very large groups, the whole ship may be chartered.

Your travel professional can pair you up with your theme cruise, or help you organize your own convention. Contact him or her to take your hobby or interest to sea !

Traveling with Family

And the very best part for the attendee is, not only do you get to enjoy your passion, but you also have all the vast number of regular ship board activities at your disposal too. This also makes travelling with your family or friends who do not share your enthusiasm no longer a problem. They have a wonderful time on board : relaxing at the spa, enjoying the swimming pools or other physical activities, watching the live shows, singing karaoke, dancing at the disco or gambling in the casino/bingo. If it’s a port day they can go shopping or exploring through booked excursions. You don’t feel guilty enjoying your interest, they are happy pursing theirs. It’s a win-win!

How do you find these great cruises? Your travel professional of course. He/she has the expertise and the resources to find your perfect themed cruise or affinity group cruise. Or perhaps your request reflects a whole new idea for a cruise group. Again your travel agent can help to pull it all together for you and your group.

So what are you waiting for? Double your fun with your hobby/interest/pastime and a great cruise vacation!

Ever consider a wine cruise? Learn all about wine and wine pairing on a wine-themed river cruise (video). Or learn all about theme & affinity cruises from a real travel expert. (video).

Lead photo courtesy of Adobe Stock. All photos courtesy Adobe Stock. Article originally published in Jul 2014; updated Dec 2022.