Themed Cruises for Every Interest: Music, Pop Culture, and Beyond

Choosing the best themed cruises is a little tricky because when it comes to themed cruises, "best" is largely going to be a matter of taste and self-definition.

With that said, here are some remarkable themed cruises that have sailed before and are likely to sail again. See one you like? Hop on board!

Also see: Why Travel Insurance is Crucial for Cruise Trips

Music

Some of the most popular and enduring themed cruises are built around a music theme, whether it's a band or a genre of music.

Want to take things step by step? Get on board with a New Kids On The Block themed cruise, which typically sails from Miami. The highlight of this cruise is a NKOTB Pajama Jammy Jam Party, which promises to be a huge event.

Still stuck in the '70s with your white suit, clingy rayon shirt, and platforms? Break out the old wardrobe for StarVista's Ultimate Disco Cruise. Launching from Miami (naturally), the cruise has boasted a who's who of disco stars, including The Jacksons, Heatwave, Sister Sledge, the Commodores, and KC and the Sunshine Band – get ready to catch dance fever!

Moving up a decade, The ‘80s Cruise lets you relive a decade many would rather forget. Well, at least the music cooks, with Bret Michaels, Berlin, Asia, the B-52s, and many more stars – plus "Let's Get Physical" workout sessions. Legwarmers and exercise mats optional.

If your taste in music leans more toward the cosmic, Cruise to the Edge features artists from many of progressive rock's top bands, including Yes, Marillion, and Kings X, along with solo legends like Steve Hackett. The cruise sails from Miami with stops in Honduras and Belize – and presumably, the outer rim of a distant galaxy.

Also read: 10 Cruise Tips and Hacks for a Great Time on the High Seas

Sci-Fi

Some of the most immersive themed cruises are built around one of the most immersive cultures – science fiction.

The granddaddy of them all is the Sci-Fi Cruise, and a popular theme is Doctor Who. Guests on these cruises have included show stars like Michael Troughton, Sylvester McCoy, Ian McNeice, and Frazer Hines.

Star Trek cruises are also popular, with stars like William Shatner, Kate Mulgrew, Garrett Wang, Brett Spiner, Max Grodenchik, Jonathan Frakes, and many others making appearances. These cruises often include shows at the Stardust Theater and an onboard Star Trek Museum.

If your tastes run more to the general guideposts of pop culture, then the GaCuCon (Games Animation Comics) Cruise is for you. These Caribbean cruises include cosplay workshops, signings by comics creators, and gaming galore in all its varieties – online, virtual reality, and board.

Cruise Cancellation Risks: What Travelers Need to Know

TV and Movies

Fans of individual shows or classic movies can likely find a cruise created just for them.

For instance, there's a Golden Girls-themed cruise, with Golden Girls tribute groups, a drag parody, a "musical celebration with the Golden Gays," and a "One Night in St. Olaf Dance Party," which includes a game of Ugel and Flugel.

If your tastes run more toward contemporary shows, Game of Thrones-themed river cruises have visited many of the Croatian locations used in the show, including Trsteno Arboretum and Pile Gate, the site for King's Landing.

Finally, there's the TCM Classic Cruise, the quintessential cruise for old-film buffs. With special screenings, special guests, and activities galore, all hosted by TCM's Ben Mankiewicz, this cruise is as good as it gets for lovers of the classics.

Find more: Disney Cruises for Adults - 5 Reasons Why They're Not Just for Kids

Other Themed Cruises

Love the beauty of tulips but would prefer to stay stateside? Try an American Cruise Lines Puget Sound Tulip Cruise. These Spring cruises are held during the height of the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival and include tours of the fields and talks with master gardeners.

If beer is more your thing, Avalon Waterways has a wide array of European beer cruises that can take you in a variety of directions toward a variety of brewing styles – German, Dutch, or Danube-style. Cruises include brewery tours, tastings, and more.

After all that beer, you might need a cleanse. The Holistic Holiday at Sea is just your ticket. This Caribbean cruise features vegan, macrobiotic, and raw cuisine prepared by master chefs, cooking classes, and all the yoga, Qigong, Pilates, and mindful meditation you can handle.

From there, the literal next step is the Great Alaskan Running Cruise. These cruises turn runners loose on the trails of Anchorage, Juneau and Ketchikan, sending them along glaciers and through the Tongass National Forest. It culminates with a Scavenger Hunt Amazing Race in Skagway. Get our packing tips for an Alaskan cruise.

And if that's not your style, Chris Jericho's Rock 'N' Wrestling Rager, a Caribbean cruise, might be. It features guests like Ric Flair and Kevin Nash, along with autograph signings and podcasts – and an opportunity for you to get in on the body-slammin', pile-drivin' fun.

Finally, there's nothing to compare to the class and style of Windstar's Monaco Grand Prix cruise, which times its itinerary with the iconic Formula One race and includes pit visits, seats for the races, special themed meals and events, and onboard experts.

It's true – there is a themed cruise for practically everyone. Help protect those special trips with travel protection from Generali Global Assistance.