Theme Cruises for 2023 & Beyond

Theme cruises are a unique experience that is unlike anything else. There is something uniquely exciting about cruising with others who share your same interests. No matter your hobby or passion, there’s bound to be a themed cruise that’s perfect for you. 

Our recommendation for those considering participating in a theme cruise is to make arrangements now. Theme cruises sell out quickly, sometimes years in advance. Many fans anxiously await the chance to go on their theme cruise of choice. Coupled with multiple years of cancellations and delays, the demand for theme cruises is stronger than ever. To help your planning, we’ve gathered all the details for top theme cruises in music, sports, and special interests for 2023 and beyond! 

Music Cruises 

Cruises catering to music lovers are the most common theme sailings. These events feature a specific music genre or bring well-known artists onboard for performances. Here’s what we know about upcoming popular music-themed cruises in the year ahead and beyond. 

Experiences at Sea (a Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings brand formed of Sixthman Festivals at Sea (a subsidiary of NCL) and the company’s Charters, Meetings and Incentives division) is one of the largest producers of music cruises. A sample of their upcoming lineup includes:

• Rock Boat - Sails January 23 - 28, 2023, on Norwegian Pearl from Miami. Confirmed artists include Sister Hazel, NEEDTOBREATHE, Neon Trees, Lit, Red Wanting Blue, and more. 

• On the Blue - Sails January 23 - February 2, 2023, on Norwegian Pearl. Featured acts include Justin Hayword of Moody Blues, The Zombies, and the Little River Band.

• Sail Across the Sun - Artist Train’s ‘Sail Across the Sun’ cruise returns February 17-21, 2023, on Norwegian Pearl. Sails from Miami to Puerto Playa. 
• Outlaw Country Cruise  - Takes place February 21 - 27, 2023, on Norwegian Pearl from Miami. Confirmed headlining acts include The Mavericks, Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle & The Dukes, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Old 97's, and more. 

• The Beach Boys Cruise - This cruise sails March 3 - 8, 2023, on Norwegian Pearl. Acts include two sets from The Beach Boys, The Isley Brothers, and The Temptations

• Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea - This blues-themed party sails March 13 -17, 2023, on the Norwegian Pearl from Miami. Featured acts include Joe Bonamassa, Little Feat, Joanne Shaw Taylor, and others. 
• Broadway Cruise - sailing from March 31 to April 1, 2023, on Norwegian Gem roundtrip from New York City to Bermuda. This event will bring out Broadway stars, such as Kristen Chenoweth and Alan Cumming, and fans together for four nights of performances, singalongs, and cabarets.
• Soulshine at Sea - Sails November 4-8, 2023, from Miami on Norwegian Pearl. Cruise headliner includes Michael Franti & Spearhead and other to-be-announced artists. 
• Salty Dog Cruise - Artist Flogging Molly's Salty Dog Cruise sails November 8-13, 2023, from Miami on Norwegian Pearl.  

Groove Cruise - The Groove Cruise will bring EDM fans and artists together for four nights of shows and experiences. Sails January 19 - 23, 2023, on Celebrity Summit from Miami. 

Soul Train Cruise - The next Soul Train Cruise is set for January 29, February 5, 2023, sailing on the Nieuw Amsterdam from Fort Lauderdale. Confirmed musicians are Babyface, The Commodores, George Benson, The Spinners, and others. 

Aventura Dance Cruise - The world's largest Latin dance event at sea sails February 3- 7, 2023, on Jewel of the Seas from Miami. Activities include dance classes and showcases, parties with top Latin DJs, and concerts by Victor Manuelle, Hector Acosta "El Torito", and La Maxima 79.

Jam Cruise - Jam on February 6-12, 2023, on the MSC Divina. Confirmed artists include Umphrey's McGee, The Fearless Flyers, Galactic, Lettuce, and more. 

Rock Legends Cruise - This rock-and-roll party at sea sails February 13-17, 2023, from Miami on Liberty of the Seas. The lineup features Roger Daltrey, Dee Purple, George Thorogood and the Destroyers, Randy Bachman, and other rock stars. 

Ultimate Disco Cruise - The Ultimate Disco Cruise will feature a groovy confirmed lineup of Kool and the Gang, Billy Ocean, Sister Sledge, and others. This party sets sail from Miami on Celebrity Summit from February 25 to March 2, 2023. 

The 80’s Cruise - 80’s music lovers are in for a totally tubular voyage on this themed sailing. Confirmed acts include Devo, Brett Michaels, The Church, Kim Wilde, and others. This excellent adventure sails March 3 - 10, 2023, on Navigator of the Seas from Los Angeles.

70’s Rock and Romance Cruise - set sail March 16-23, 2023, on Celebrity Summit from Miami. Don Felder, The Hollies, Jefferson Starship, Foghat, and many more are confirmed acts. 

Flower Power Cruise - This groovy event will take place March 23 - 30, 2023, onboard the Celebrity Summit from Miami. Bring your tie dye to wear for performances by Herman’s Hermits, The Yardbirds, Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals, and others. 

Beatles and Beyond - This special cruise celebrates all things Beatles and British culture, capped by a special performance by the ‘Bootleg Beatles,’ the world's leading Beatles tribute band. This group sails April 19 - 23, 2023, on Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth. 

Salsa Cruise - Salsa Cruise is celebrating its 25th Anniversary in 2023. The event will bring together some of the top names in Latin America music, with 10 plus bands, including Orquesta and many Grammy-winning acts. Sails October 27-November 3 2023, on Carnival Conquest. 

Country Music Cruise - The most country party at sea sails November 22-29, 2023, on Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam. Featured acts include Randy Owen, Clay Walker, The Oak Ridge Boys, Mark Chesnutt, Neal McCoy, Pam Tillis, and more. 

Jamrock Reggae Cruise - This reggae-themed sailing to take place December 4-9, 2023, on Independence of the Seas from Miami.

Sports Themed 

Sports cruises are both for sports fans as well as play-oriented cruise trips. Some sports cruises allow fans of a certain team to gather together for themed events/player meet-and-greets. Others feature a sport and focus on cruise travel centered around the game/hobby.

Major upcoming sports-themed cruises include:

Faithful Cruise - This 4-night cruise will bring San Francisco 49ers fans together for the ultimate tailgate at sea. Features appearances and photo ops with former players and special themed events. Sails March 6-10, 2023, from Fort Lauderdale on Liberty of the Seas. 

PerryGolf Cruises - PerryGolf, the leading operator of international golf cruises, has a longstanding partnership with Azamara for voyages that combine golfing and travel. The 2023/2024 portfolio will visit 70 golf courses worldwide.

Cycle and Cruise - Uniworld has partnered with active travel company Butterfield & Robinson for the best in cruise and cycle vacations. These unique adventures are the perfect way to cruise and see the best in Europe by cycle. 

Specialty Themed

As mentioned, no matter your interest, there’s likely a cruise for you! These are some of the specialty theme cruises sailing in 2023 and beyond:

Star Trek - The Cruise - Live long and prosper! Enjoy the ultimate immersive Star Trek experience shared by a star-studded crew and passionate fans. Activities include nightly shows, costume parties, and panels. Trekkies will sail from February 24 to March 3, 2023, on Navigator of the Seas from Los Angeles. 

Big Nude Boat 2023 - Sailing on Carnival Pride from Tampa from February 12-26, 2023. This mid-winter nude cruise includes several at-sea days and several Caribbean port stops.  

Moria's Party Boat - Calling all Schitt’s Creek fans, this cruise is for you! This cruise will feature themed events tied to the hit show like a ‘Bébe’s Chamber Wig Sail Away Party,’ ‘A Little Bit of Rosé Pool Party,’ and a Rose Family Gameshow. Sails March 30 - April 3, 2023, on the Celebrity Summit. 

Golden Girls Fans at Sea - Fans of Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, and Sophia will unite on this 5-day celebration featuring theme parties, trivia, celebrity panels, and a Golden Girls Themed bar crawl. This group sails April 8-13, 2023, from Miami on Celebrity Summit.  

All-Star Irish Charter Cruise - Onboard the Westerdam, the next All-Star Irish Charter cruise sails in Alaska from May 28 - June 4, 2023. This event celebrates Irish culture and entertainment with special performances by Daniel O’Donnell and Celtic Thunder. 

Genealogy Cruise - This genealogy-themed sailing hosted by Ancestry.com will take place July 3-15, 2023, on Regent Seven Seas’ Seven Seas Voyager. The voyage sails from Southampton to Dublin, with featured activities including presentations and private sessions from genealogy experts.

Atlantis Events - Atlantis Events is the leader in LGBT specialty cruise and resort vacations. 2023 cruise events include: 

• Prima Caribbean Cruise - Sail January 22 - 29, 2023, on the new Norwegian Prima from Port Canaveral. 
• Harmony Southern Caribbean Cruise - Sails February 4-12, 2023, on Harmony of the Seas. 

Knitting Cruises - These cruises combine the pastimes of knitting and travel for an exciting adventure. Multiple dates and itineraries of Knitting Cruises are offered each year. 

Inspiration Cruises - Inspiration Cruises offers several Christian cruise experiences each year in Alaska, the Caribbean, and Canada/New England. 

As you make plans, it’s important to note that theme cruises vary in size and how much of the overall percentage of the actual ship they encompass. Some are an entire full-ship charter, while others sail as a group among the larger cruise population. No matter your interest or hobby, a theme cruise is likely available. Bon voyage! 

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