Theme Cruises in 2024, 2025 and Beyond

Have you ever gone on a theme cruise? These sailings are a unique travel experience, unlike any other vacation. There is something very exciting about cruising with hundreds or even thousands of others who like and enjoy participating in the same things you do. 

On a theme cruise, you will find gatherings dedicated to those with the same passions and interests for music, entertainment, sports, or other unique hobbies. Theme cruises are a great way to meet new friends, show excitement for an activity/interest, or meet some of your heroes or favorite celebrities. 

The coming years for theme cruising are shaping up highly in-demand for themed sailings. No matter your hobby or passion, there’s bound to be a theme cruise that’s right up your alley. 

We’ve gathered all the details announced so far for top theme cruises in music, sports, and special interests for 2024, 2025, and beyond. 

Music Cruises 

Sailings catering to music lovers of specific artists and genres are among the most common theme cruises. Here’s what we know about upcoming music-themed cruises that have been announced in the coming years. 

Sixthman Festivals at Sea is one of the largest music cruise producers and a Norwegian Cruise Line subsidiary. Earlier this year, Sixthman and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ Ltd. Charters, Meetings, and Incentives division combined to form a new ‘Experiences at Sea’ brand, meaning more themed sailings coming to NCL ships. Sixthman’s announced lineup includes the following: 

• Rock the Bells - This Hip-Hop theme cruise returns November 13-17, 2024 on Norwegian Gem for nonstop parties, and live performances by legendary MCs, DJs, and Producers. 
• Rock Boat - Sails January 26-31, 2025, from Miami on Norwegian Gem Featured acts include Sister Hazel, Walk the Moon, American Authors, and more. 
• Sail Across the Sun - Artist Train’s ‘Sail Across the Sun’ cruise returns February 13-17, 2025, roundtrip from Miami.
• Emos Not Dead - This emo music-theme sailing returns February 4-8, 2025 from Miami on Norwegian Gem. Featured acts include Boys Like Girls, Hawthorne Heights, Saosin, and more.
• Boots on the Water - Sails February 18-23, 2025 on Norwegian Gem from Miami. Acts include Big and Ritch, Gretchen Wilson, Craig Morgan, Jo Dee Messina, and more.
• Outlaw Country Cruise - The 9th edition of the Outlaw Country Cruise to sail February 23-28, 2025 on Norwegian Gem from Miami. Confirmed acts include Old Crow Medicine Show, Steve Earle, John Hiatt, and Lucinda Williams. 
• Cayamo - The 17th edition of Cayamo to sail February 28-March 7, 2025 on Norwegian Gem from Miami. Acts include Emmylou Harris, Nickel Creek, Grace Potter, and more.  
• Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea - The biggest blues rock party returns March 21-26, 2025 on Norwegian Gem from Miami. Featured performers include Joe Bonamassa and Big Head Todd and the Monsters. Also in 2025, will be a special edition of Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea: Alaska, sailing Sept. 15-21, 2024 from Seattle on Norwegian Jade. 
• 311 Caribbean Cruise - 311 and other featured acts to sail on this rock voyage, March 26-31, 2025 from Miami on Norwegian Gem. 
• The Broadway Cruise 3 - This third edition of the Broadway-themed cruise returns March 31 - April 5, 2025, from Miami on Norwegian Gem. Featuring appearances by Wayne Brady, Shoshanna Bean, Corey Cott, and many others. 
• Summer of '99 Cruise - The Summer of '99 is back with performances by Creed and other special guests. Sails April 9-13, 2025 from Miami on Norwegian Gem.
• Seabisco Alaska - A six-night Alaska cruise on Norwegian Jade featuring the Disco Biscuits. Sails Sept. 9-15, 2025 from Seattle. 
• Headbangers Boat - A metal celebration at sea featuring Lamb of God. Sails October 31 - Nov. 4, 2025, from Miami on Norwegian Jewel.  
• Soulshine at Sea - The third edition of this theme sailing headlined by Michael Franti & Spearhead returns Nov. 4-8, 2025, from Miami on Norwegian Jewel. 

Outside of Sixthman, there are also a number of other music cruises on various lines, such as Holland America, Celebrity Cruises, and Royal Caribbean. Announced events include: 

Salsa Cruise - Salsa Cruise returns November 1-5, 2024 sailing Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Gem from Miami. 

Groove Cruise - The Groove Cruise will bring EDM fans and artists together for four nights of shows and experiences. January 23-27, 2025, on Allure of the Seas. Acts are yet to be announced. 

Sandy Beaches Cruise - Sails January 12-19, 2025, on Nieuw Amsterdam from Fort Lauderdale. Highlighted acts include Los Lobos, Jimmy Vaughn, The Mavericks, and more. 

The Jazz Cruise - Sails January 18-25, 2025, on Celebrity Summit from Miami. Join fellow jazz enthusiasts at sea for 225 hours of music from 100 world-class musicians.

Shipwrecked - This rockin’ ‘80s voyage sails January 19-25, 2025 on the Carnival Magic from Miami.   

The Smooth Jazz Cruise - Sails two voyages in 2024 (February 11-15, 2025, and February 18-25, 2025) on Celebrity Summit from Miami.

The Country Music Cruise - Country music lovers will gather January 19-26, 2025, to sail on Nieuw Amsterdam from Fort Lauderdale. Featured acts include John Michael Montgomery, Dena Carter, Diamond Rio, and more. 

Groove Cruise - The Groove Cruise will bring EDM fans and artists together for four nights of shows and experiences. Sails January 23-27, 2025, on Allure of the Seas. Acts are yet to be announced. 

Soul Train Cruise - The next Soul Train Cruise is set for January 26-February 3, 2025, sailing on Nieuw Amsterdam from Fort Lauderdale. Confirmed musicians are Dru Hill, Charlie Wilson, Jeffrey Osbourne, and more. 

Rock Legends Cruise - This rock-and-roll party at sea sails February 13-17, 2025, from Miami on Independence of the Seas. The lineup is yet to be announced for the 2025 edition of the Rock Legends Cruise.

The 80’s Cruise - Sail on a totally tubular voyage on this all-'80s-themed sailing. Takes place March 2-5, 2025, on Explorer of the Seas sailing from Miami. 

Sports Themed 

Cruises dedicated to specific sports teams are also very popular theme events. These cruises allow fans to gather for player meet-and-greets, special events, and more. There are also sports cruises that are focused on playing sports while traveling the world. Following are announced sports-themed cruises. 

PerryGolf Cruises - PerryGolf, the leading operator of international golf cruises, has a longstanding partnership with Azamara for voyages that combine golfing and travel. Packages include golfing and cruising in Ireland, England, Wales, France, and Scotland. Dates and ships vary. PerryGolf cruises for 2024 and 2025 are available for booking. 

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 we’ve mentioned many times, no matter your interest there’s likely a cruise for you! Following are some of the specialty theme cruises sailing in 2024 and beyond.  

Atlantis Events - Atlantis Events is the leader in LGBT specialty cruise and resort vacations. Announced 2024 cruise events include: 

• Thanksgiving Caribbean Escape - Sails Nov. 25 - 30, 2025, on Virgin Voyages' Resilient Lady from Miami
• 35th Anniversary Caribbean Cruise - Sails Feb. 3-10, 2025, on Allure of the Seas from Miami
• Exotic Southern Caribbean Cruise - Sails Feb. 22 - March 1, 2025, on Virgin Voyages' Resilient Lady from San Juan
• New Year's Tahiti Cruise - Sails Dec. 28, 2025 - January 6, 2026 on Oceania Riviera 

Golden Girls Fans at Sea - Calling all fans of Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, and Sophia! Golden Girls Fans at Ses returns for special Golden Girls-themed parties, trivia, celebrity panels, and more. This cruise sails March 9 - 15, 2025, on Celebrity Reflection from Fort Lauderdale. 

Hallmark Chanel Christmas Cruise - It’s the jolliest holiday on the high seas! Two special Hallmark Channel Christmas-themed sailings will cruise November 5-9, 2024, and November 17-21. 2024, on Norwegian Gem from Miami. Special events include the official preview of an all-new Hallmark Chanel Christmas movie, photo ops with Hallmark movie stars, special Christmas tree lighting, special panels, and themed karaoke, cocktail-making parties, cookie decorating, and more. 

Chris Jerico Rock ‘n Wrestler Rager - Sails January 31-February 2, 2025, on Norwegian Gem from Miami. Join Master of Ceremonies Chris Jerico with Wrestling by All Elite Wrestling. 

Cunard’s Australian Culinary Voyage - Sails February 6-11, 2025, on Queen Elizabeth from Melbourne. This special cruise will celebrate the Australian culinary scene, with dining experiences, cooking demos, and more. Celebrated chef Matt Moranis is set to headline the sailing. 

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 23 to March 2, 2025, on Explorer of the Seas from Miami. 

Big Nude Boat 2025 - Sails on Norwegian Pearl from Tampa from February 3-14, 2025. This mid-winter nude cruise includes several at-sea days and stops in Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. 

Chefs Making Waves - Chefs Makes Waves returns May 5-9, 2025 on Norwegian Gem sailing from Miami. Sip, taste, and savor, on this food and wine 4-night festival featuring Food Network chefs, TV personalities, cookbook authors, and restaurateurs. Featured talent includes Richard Blais, Maneet Chauhan, Tom Colicchio, Scott Contant, Robert Irvine, Geoffrey Zakarian, Claudette Zepeda, and many more. 

Love Boat Cruise -  Princess Cruises will once again bring together guests from the beloved show 'The Love Boat'. Fans can sail along with Doc, Gopher, Isaac and Vicki Stubing as they cruise the Western Caribbean on Regal Princess November 16 - 23, 2025. 

Jay and Silent Bob Cruise Askew - Set to sail again in 2026 - dates and ship TBD. Calling all Clerks, Mallrats, Funployees, and more. This unique themed event will be hosted by Kevin Smith and Jason Mews. 

Bridge at Sea - Enjoy social and competitive Bridge play on select Regent Seven Seas voyages. ACBL Certified Bridge Masters sail with guests to provide l instruction and host games for participants of all levels.

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. 

Cruise and Crop - Cruise and Crop sailings bring together craft and scrapbooking enthusiasts. Multiple cruises are scheduled through 2026, sailing on Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and AmaWaterways ships. 

Themed Riviera River Cruises - Riviera River Cruises to offer eight new themed European river cruise itineraries in 2025. Themed sailings to include: Gastronomy of Switzerland and the Rhine; Music, Arts & Craft of Switzerland and the Rhine; Music of the Blue Danube; Art and History on the Danube; History and Art of the Rhône; Gardens and Natural Beauty of the Rhône; Gastronomy of the Douro - from Portugal to Spain; History of the Douro - from Portugal to Spain

Book Your Theme Cruise NOW! 

If you are considering participating in a theme cruise, we recommend making 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. Plan early to avoid disappointment. Bon voyage!