Ever fancied a cruise full of Elvis impersonators, Academy Award winners and nominees or people from the same political or religious background as you?

Well you’re in luck as it seems no matter what your interests there is a themed cruise to suit you.

When I first decided to research the subject of themed cruises I was staggered to find the amazing variety on offer. I had no idea that there were cruises for almost everything. Whether it involves learning a new skill expanding on knowledge or enjoying a favourite hobby with others.

It seems that although this is a popular preference for many people it is especially prevalent for those who are first time passengers. Theme Cruise Finder gives more detailed information on just what is out there and has a staggering 500 options.

Many include guest speakers or performances, or perhaps give participants a chance to speak to a well-known expert.

According to the industry about 15% of sailings have a theme element and the great advantage is that most of the big companies do not charge extra for this added interest on board.

It was soon obvious that the term “Theme” embraces anything from seminars to hands-on-sessions, concerts or sports activities. In some the whole ship is part of the specialist voyage, others are open to all, and a few require passengers to actually sign-up in order to participate or else are run privately and need to be booked through specialised travel agents.

While most activities are actually held on the boats themselves a few can only work on land, such motor biking and golf, although the latter may have a Golf Simulator on board as well as mini golf and an outdoor Golf Cage too!

A friend of mine, Deborah Simon, has just returned from a Fred Olsen Cruise which included walks organised by The Ramblers Association. So I asked her how she felt about the experience, which included guided tours around the Norwegian Fjords.

“ It was great. None of the 30 participants in our group were particularly cruise people but we all went because of the inviting idea of organised excursions in the Land of the Midnight Sun. We were not disappointed. The scenery and the trips were truly spectacular. We had one walk in Sognefjord up an impressive valley where we were met by the local children waving flags and playing a brass band to welcome us”.

“My only complaint, if there was one, was that the shore stops were a little too short. None of our walks were longer than 4 hours, and there was a slight feeling of having to rush back too soon. Apart from that, it all worked out beautifully and we really relaxed every evening with the varied and enjoyable entertainment on board”.

Still on the walking theme, Holland and American run the world’s only staged maritime marathon! Which, according to the website, “Every day brings a new distance, new terrain and new racing experiences. By the end of the week you’ll have run the marathon distance (26.2 miles) and have seen some of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean. A running vacation the whole family can enjoy!”

MSC’s many options include chess; mastering the strategy and concentration of the game with daily tournaments and a final prize. Another cruise has a culinary theme including sampling of international dishes, and cookery lessons all accompanied by an insight into the world of wine, with lectures, tastings and advice on the confusing problem of what goes with what.

Of course no theme is complete without Elvis and would you believe it on one Carnival cruise there is one featuring Tribute Artist Ron Moore where it is possible to enjoy private concerts and functions while onboard and optional excursions while in port all dedicated to the King?

So whether it is Elvis, poker, genealogy family cruising, investment planning or nudism, out there is sure to be a cruise, that, however smooth the sea, will no doubt really rock your boat!

Lucy Daltroff

Posted in Cruising