Special-Interest Cruising: Top 20 Themed Cruises to do

Would you go on a nude cruise? Or does a more conventional option such as a garden, golf or gourmet-themed cruise appeal? Themed, or special-interest cruises are attracting fans of everything from Star Trek to Oprah Winfrey, while boarding a ship to big-ticket events wraps up travel, accommodation and the event itself in one easy holiday package.

A themed cruise can be one that is a full-ship charter, such as the popular Bravo, Cruisin' Country and Rock the Boat cruises that sail out of Australia, or a special-interest group that joins a regular itinerary. Whatever the theme, enthusiasts can expect expert speakers or performers – with personal meet-and-greet sessions a big drawcard – hands-on classes or workshops, specialist tours and the company of like-minded travellers.

Silversea's managing director for Asia-Pacific, Amber Wilson, says the luxury line has seen a marked increase in passengers seeking voyages that give them the chance to enjoy interests they are passionate about, and that it is an evolving trend in the cruise industry. Silversea is one of several lines that offer cruises specialising in wellness, photography, ornithology, opera, ballet and gastronomy; Cunard delves into more esoteric topics such as cartooning, crosswords and genealogy.

P&O Cruises has cornered the local market in short-break and special-event cruising; its comedy, food and wine and sport-themed cruises are going from strength to strength. P&O president Sture Myrmell says, "Like our guests, we enjoy celebrating Australian holidays, big sporting games and contemporary festivals, which is why we created P&O Cruises Main Events. Next year's highlights include dedicated cruises to the Australian Open, Melbourne Cup, State of Origin games and Hobart's Dark Mofo Festival."

Check out our 20 top themed cruises – there's sure to be something that tickles your fancy.

SUPER-SPECIALIST

GET YOUR MOTOR RUNNING

THE CRUISE ETA Motorcycle Cruise
THE LOWDOWN Cruising the Caribbean on two wheels has become a regular fixture on select MSC Cruises and Celebrity ships over the past 17 years. Dedicated bikies bring their own motorcycle – trikes are now allowed on board as well – and take off on group rides around idyllic islands. Next June Celebrity Equinox will play host to riders on a seven-day motorcycle cruise from Miami that calls at San Juan, St Thomas and St Maarten. According to the ETA website, all brands of bikes are welcome except "crotch rockets".
ESSENTIALS June 9-16, 2018. From US$2146; cruise-eta.com

FASHIONISTAS

THE CRUISE Cunard Transatlantic Fashion Week 2018
THE LOWDOWN Queen Mary 2 provides the glamorous setting for Cunard's annual fashion fiesta, which is staged between Southampton and New York and arrives in time for New York Fashion Week. There will be an array of fashion shows and exhibitions plus presentations and hosted dinners with special guests such as Hal Rubenstein, a founding editor of In Style magazine, British fashion writer Colin McDowell and photographer to the stars Richard Young.
ESSENTIALS September 2-9, 2018. From $1949; cunardline.com.au

STITCH IN TIME

THE CRUISE Travelrite European Quilting Tour and Danube River Cruise.
THE LOWDOWN Aussie quilting queen Michelle Marvig designs, teaches and writes about quilt-making and has been hosting specialist hands-on tours for some years. Following the seven-night cruise from Passau to Innsbruck on the 176-passenger ship MV Belvedere, the group will travel to Switzerland and Alsace, where visiting the annual European Patchwork Meeting is a major highlight. It is held in venues such as churches and town halls across four picturesque villages in Sainte Marie aux Mines.
ESSENTIALS September 1-18, 2018. From $8490; travelrite.com.au

STARGAZERS

THE CRUISE Cunard World Space Week 2017.
THE LOWDOWN Queen Mary 2 has the only planetarium at sea so it's the perfect venue for celebrating World Space Week, a global event created by the United Nations. The trans-Atlantic crossing from New York to Southampton will showcase fascinating talks by Dr Jeffrey Hoffman, a former Space Shuttle pilot; Charles Barclay from the Royal Astronomical Society; NASA historian Ken Taggart; and Stephen Attenborough, commercial director of Virgin Galactic. Two new shows will be presented in the planetarium, Asteroid: Mission Extreme and To Space & Back.
ESSENTIALSOctober 6-13, 2017. From A$1749; cunardline.com.au

IMBIBING

WINE

THE CRUISE APT Magnificent Europe, Wine Series
THE LOWDOWN European wine experts will join guests on two 15-day cruises between Amsterdam and Budapest to add extra depth to tours and tastings in vineyards and cellars along the Danube. Learn about traditional wine-making at the grand Schloss Schonborn near Rudesheim, a family-owned estate that dates back to the 14th century; the Rheingau region is one of only five in the world to be classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
ESSENTIALS May 11-25, September 15-29, 2018. From $9095; aptouring.com.au

WINE

THE CRUISE Cunard Voyage du Vin
THE LOWDOWN Renowned British wine writer and broadcaster Will Lyons will be sharing his expertise on board Queen Victoria's wine-themed cruise to Spain, Portugal and Guernsey next June. Guests can enroll in the Cunard Wine Academy and learn how to identify types and styles of wine through sight, smell and taste, and how to describe wines accurately; there will also be masterclasses and tastings hosted by leading wine producers. Shore tours will take budding oenophiles to highly regarded vineyards and cellars.
ESSENTIALS June 1-8, 2018. From $1549; cunardline.com.au

CRAFT BEER

THE CRUISE UnCruise Olympic Wilderness and San Juan Islands
THE LOWDOWN This Seattle round-trip combines wilderness cruises in America's rugged Pacific Northwest with a thorough immersion in the region's famous craft beers. Author and Seattle-based brewer Robyn Schumacher, a "recovering high school teacher", will lead tastings and beer-themed activities, beer and food pairings and tours of two local breweries, in between orca-spotting, bird-watching and kayaking expeditions. Craft beers are also served on board the Wilderness Explorer, a 76-passenger ship that is fully equipped for adventure.
ESSENTIALS April 14-21, 2018. From $US2495; uncruise.com

EUROPEAN BEER

THE CRUISE Avalon Waterways Tulip Time
THE LOWDOWN Imbibe a historic perspective on the amber fluid in bars and breweries during Avalon's eight-day round-trip cruise from Amsterdam – garden enthusiasts will also appreciate glorious spring flower displays at Keukenhof. A local beer expert will present talks and beer-and-food pairings on board your river ship and medieval cities such as Antwerp, Middleburg, Ghent and Willemstad offer plenty of opportunities for exploring local hostelries. Don't miss the chance to take an interactive tour at Amsterdam's Heineken brewery, where beer was brewed for more than 100 years.
ESSENTIALS April 6-13, 2018. From $3523; avalonwaterways.com.au

CULTURAL PURSUITS

MUSIC

THE CRUISE The Strand Classical Music Cruise
THE LOWDOWN Musicians from the acclaimed Orchestre de Paris are returning to Myanmar for a four-day Irrawaddy cruise next February. They will present a series of intimate concerts on board the elegant river ship and at unusual locations such as a sandbank on shore. Classical pieces will take on a new meaning when played against a backdrop of thousands of pagodas and starlit night skies. Spending time with the musicians when they're off duty is another drawcard.
ESSENTIALS February 12-16, 2018. From $2639; thestrandcruise.com

ART

THE CRUISE Holland America Line's Rijksmuseum at Sea
THE LOWDOWN The newly refurbished Westerdam is the first ship in HAL's fleet to feature Rijksmuseum at Sea, a studio space showcasing reproductions of the Amsterdam museum's collection of Dutch masters. Guests can join workshops, where instructors will help them produce their own works of art; a new masterpiece is discussed each day and sketchpads, pencils and encouragement are provided. Enrichment programs and presentations by Rijksmuseum staff will be available on select cruises.
ESSENTIALS Westerdam cruises in the Mediterranean, Panama and Alaska. hollandamerica.com

WAR AND PEACE

THE CRUISE APT Western Front With Anzac Day Dawn Service
THE LOWDOWN APT is running a series of cruises taking in the Western Front Battlefields to mark 100 years since the end of World War I. The 15-day round-trip from Amsterdam takes in visits to such significant sites as the Battlefields of Fromelles and the Somme, with an emphasis on Australian connections. Guests can attend the Anzac Day Dawn Service at Villers-Bretonneux; April 25, 2018 also commemorates the centenary of the Anzac victory at the Second Battle of Villers-Bretonneux.
ESSENTIALS April 14-28, 2018. From $11,195; aptouring.com.au

DANCING ON WATER

THE CRUISE Silversea Ballet with Soloists from Opera de Paris
THE LOWDOWN Cruise from Montreal to New York during the beautiful fall foliage season while enjoying exclusive ballet shows with dancers from the world-renowned Opera de Paris. Jean-Sebastien Colau and his partner will perform two shows from his classical and contemporary repertoire as well as giving lectures and hosting group discussions. Guests can also mix and mingle with the dancers over cocktails during the 10-day voyage aboard boutique-sized Silver Whisper.
ESSENTIALS October 23-November 2, 2017. From $7400; silversea.com

LET'S GET PHYSICAL

HIKING

THE CRUISE Backroads Douro River Cruise Walking and Hiking Tour
THE LOWDOWN This eight-day journey begins in Salamanca with a walk through the Spanish highlands down to Portugal's Douro Valley, where you board the ship AmaVida. From there, hiking off the beaten track among terraced vineyards, picturesque stone villages and dramatic gorges is interspersed with the leisurely cruise towards Porto and wine-tasting en route. Hikes are graded for varying levels of fitness. A private guided walking tour of medieval Porto provides a fitting finale.
ESSENTIALS May 22–29, 2018. From $US6198; backroads.com

RUNNING

THE CRUISE The Great Alaskan Running Cruise
THE LOWDOWN Half-marathons, glacier runs (and walks) and the four-mile Amazing Race in Skagway are just some of the events included on this adventurous voyage between Anchorage and Vancouver. Professional coaches are on hand to give out tips and encouragement, and all trails are well marked. A day off running in Icy Straight Point offers the chance to do yet more extreme activities, such as ziplining and kayaking, or a spot of less demanding whale-watching. The mother ship is Royal Caribbean's well-appointed Radiance of the Seas.
ESSENTIALS July 20–27, 2018. From $US2146; runningcruise.com

VOYAGE TO WELLNESS

THE CRUISE Seabourn Spa and Wellness with Dr Andrew Weil
THE LOWDOWN Embark on a personal wellness journey at sea with Seabourn's mindful living program, which integrates physical, social, environmental and spiritual well-being. A wellness guide leads the seven-day program; daily yoga and meditation classes are complemented by seminars that have been designed by US holistic guru Andrew Weil. Topics include healthy ageing, "spontaneous happiness and healing", and anti-inflammatory foods. Treatments at the fabulous Spa at Seabourn are designed for the ultimate in mind and body relaxation.
ESSENTIALS Available on all Seabourn ships; seabourn.com

SPOKES AND SADDLES

THE CRUISE Travelrite Cycle and Cruise Australia and New Zealand
THE LOWDOWN Experience some of our region's most spectacular scenery and cities by bike as you sail from Sydney to Auckland on board Princess Cruises' popular Diamond Princess. Most of the rides are on rail trails and range from 30 to 60 kilometres; the tour manager is available to pick you up if your energy flags. Over the 16-night cruise there are eight rides, from Melbourne, Hobart, Dunedin, Akaroa, Wellington, Napier, Bay of Islands and Auckland. A non-cycling highlight is cruising New Zealand's Fiordland National Park.
ESSENTIALS February 6–22, 2018. From $4760; travelrite.com.au

THROUGH THE LENS

THE CRUISE Lindblad Expeditions Big Picture Alaska
THE LOWDOWN A team of top photographers will be on board National Geographic Sea Bird for this photo-expedition cruise, which focuses on Alaska's Inside Passage. Kayaking, hiking and cruising offer boundless opportunities to capture memorable images of wildlife and stunning icescapes, and then workshop them with the experts on board. Guests will benefit from the knowledge and enthusiasm of award-winning photographer and filmmaker Rich Reid, who has specialised in environmental and adventure photography for more than 20 years.
ESSENTIALS July 18-28, 2018. From $11,240; au.expeditions.com

THE CRUISE Aurora Expeditions In Shackleton's Footsteps
THE LOWDOWN In 1915, explorer Ernest Shackleton's ship Endurance was trapped and crushed in Antarctic ice and his heroic journey to save his crew is the stuff of legend. Next March, the 54-passenger Polar Pioneer will retrace the route Shackleton took from Elephant Island to South Georgia, with acclaimed photographer Scott Portelli on board to help amateur and professional snappers document their own icy adventures. Expect sightings of blue, sei and fin whales and, in South Georgia, enthralling encounters with king penguins.
ESSENTIALS March 7-24, 2018. From $US14,300; auroraexpeditions.com.au

THE CRUISE Cunard's Photographic Journey, Norway
THE LOWDOWN There will be light aplenty during Queen Elizabeth's cruise to The Land of the Midnight Sun next summer. The fragile beauty of the Arctic Circle and Norway's fiords, fishing villages and modern cities make wonderful subjects for photographers, whether they're wielding high-powered DSLR cameras or smartphones. Three high-profile professionals – Paul Ward, Sir Malcolm MacGregor and Ross Hoddinott – will accompany shore tours and present workshops on board to hone your photographic and editing skills. One-on-one lessons will also be on offer.
ESSENTIALS July 1-13, 2018. From $2999; cunardline.com.au

THE CRUISE UnCruise Adventures Pure Panama: Cultures, Coasts and Canal
THE LOWDOWN Globe-trotting photographer Steve Essig will be the resident expert on board the 62-passenger Safari Voyager for its action-packed round-trip voyage from Panama City. There will be photo opportunities galore in the indigenous province of Guna Yala, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Fort San Lorenzo, during an evening transit of the Panama Canal and within the untamed Darien Jungle. Meeting indigenous Embera villagers is among the many highlights. Steve will offer one-on-one editing lessons and deliver presentations as well as accompanying shore tours.
ESSENTIALS May 25-June 2, 2018. From $US4395; uncruise.com

Five Big-Ticket Event Cruises

BRITISH OPEN GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS

CARNOUSTIE, SCOTLAND
The major highlight of Azamara Journey's 13-night British Isles cruise next July is attending the final round of the 2018 British Open at Carnoustie. Golf has been played there since the 16th century and it is known as one of the world's toughest links courses. Six rounds at Britain's top venues are part of the package.
See azamaraclubcruises.com

RIO CARNAVAL

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL
Join the biggest, wildest street party in Carnaval capital Rio, on Celebrity Infinity's 14-night round-trip cruise from Buenos Aires. You'll have three days to soak up the electrifying atmosphere, see the famous Samba Parade from VIP seating and dance the nights away. Take a few samba lessons on the ship before you get to Rio; it leaves BA on February 4, 2018.
See celebritycruises.com

FESTA DEL REDENTORE

VENICE, ITALY
Every July the Festival of the Redeemer is celebrated in Venice with colourful boat regattas, religious events, parties and a massive firework display over St Mark's Basin. A temporary pontoon bridge joins the island of Giudecca to the rest of Venice, so visitors can pay their respects at the 16th-century Il Redentore church. Azamara Quest's nine-night cruise from Rome arrives in Venice on July 14, 2018, for the two-day festival.
See azamaraclubcruises.com

NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL

NEW ORLEANS, US
Big name acts such as Stevie Wonder and Harry Connick jnr headlined the 2017 festival and the 2018 line-up is set to be another hip and happening event, with regional and international stars of pop, rock, gospel, jazz, rap and R&B performing on 12 stages. Celebrity Equinox will spend the weekend of April 27-29 in New Orleans during its 11-night round-trip Caribbean cruise from Miami.
See celebritycruises.com

ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
This visual and musical spectacular has been staged at Edinburgh Castle every year since 1950. Each Tattoo is different but all feature military musicians, dancers and cultural performers from around the world, with the massed pipes and drums taking centre stage. Pacific Princess will stay overnight in Edinburgh on two eight-day cruises for visits to the event, which runs between August 3 and 25, 2018.
See princess.com