Traveling at sea with thousands of strangers can be intimidating. Rubbing shoulders with random people in narrow, rickety corridors — that’s not ideal. But consider easing that anxiety with a themed cruise where you’ll know everyone has at least one interest in common: the theme.
Whether you get hyped over professional wrestling and its stars, aspire to work in the fashion industry as a model or on the other side, geek out to Star Trek or want to test your mettle against fellow poker aficionados, there's a cruise out there for you.
Read on for our selection of the best themed cruises for 2019 and 2020.
The scoop: The 22nd-annual Sci-Fi Sea Cruise is all about Doctor Who. Guests from the show's long run include Ian McNeice and Frazer Hines. Join fellow Whovians for a trip to the Caribbean.
Dates: Dec. 13 to Dec. 22, 2019
Ship: Explorer of the Seas
Port of departure: Miami, FL
Itinerary: Labadee (private island); San Juan, Puerto Rico; Oranjestad, Aruba; Willemstad, Curacao
Website: scificruise.com
The scoop: Join fellow Turner Classic Movies fans on a five-night cruise aboard the Disney Magic. Watch movies in Disney's state-of-the-art theaters, and listen to behind-the-scenes stories at interactive panels with special guests, like Alex Trebek, Cicely Tyson, Mitzi Gaynor and Diane Ladd.
Dates: Oct. 22 to Oct. 27, 2019
Ship: Disney Magic
Port of departure: New York, NY
Itinerary: King's Wharf, Bermuda
Website: tcmcruise.com
The scoop: Do you find lounging by the pool with a drink a little too relaxing? If you think a cruise would be more exciting with body slams and pile drivers, the Rock 'N' Wrestling Rager is for you. Host Chris Jericho joins wrestling legends like "Nature Boy" Ric Flair and Booker T for four nights of live podcasts, meet-and-greets, autograph signings and even a wrestling tournament.
Dates: Jan. 20 to Jan. 24, 2020
Ship: Norwegian Pearl
Port of departure: Miami, FL
Itinerary: Nassau, Bahamas
Website: chrisjerichocruise.com
The scoop: Sail away to tropical islands for your next holiday vacation on Disney's three-night cruise to the Bahamas and a Disney private island. In the Bahamas, swim with dolphins, or see coral reefs and exotic fish from a semi-submarine. At Disney's Castaway Cay, enjoy swimming, snorkeling, biking, kayaking and other outdoor activities.
Dates: Dec. 6 to Dec. 9, 2019
Ship: Disney Dream
Port of departure: Port Canaveral, FL
Itinerary: Nassau, Bahamas; Disney Castaway Cay
Website: disneycruise.disney.go.com
The scoop: On this Star Trek-themed voyage, Trekkies can join fellow fans for a variety of events that include some of the series' biggest names. William Shatner, Kate Mulgrew, Garrett Wang and Jonathan Frakes will be in attendance, among a host of other former cast members. Fans will have an opportunity for autographs and photos. There are also one-of-a-kind shows performed at the Stardust Theater and a museum with Star Trek memorabilia provided by CBS.
Dates: March 1 to March 8, 2020
Ship: Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas
Port of departure: Miami, FL
Itinerary: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Grand Bahama Island
Website: startrekthecruise.com
The scoop: The highs (and lows) of playing slots on a cruise are always fun, but, if you're a little more serious about gambling, this is the themed cruise for you. With multiple tournaments, you can easily find a level of play that you're comfortable with. Not ready to take on the pros? Free poker classes can help you get ready for the big leagues.
Dates: Oct. 26 to Nov. 3, 2019
Ship: Royal Caribbean's Adventure of the Seas
Port of departure: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Itinerary: Labadee, Haiti; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Website: http://www.anteupmagazine.com/
The scoop: Vegans, rejoice: With expertly trained chefs and waiters aboard, you won't have to worry about what's for dinner on this cruise. This 11-day voyage specializes in vegan meals, as well as accommodating special diets, such as macrobiotic, gluten-free and raw. Want to continue your healthy habits at home? Cooking classes taught by internationally known chefs are offered throughout the cruise.
Dates: Feb. 21 to Feb. 28, 2020
Ship: MSC Divina
Port of departure: Miami, FL
Itinerary: San Juan, Puerto Rico, Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda
Website: holisticholidayatsea.com
The scoop: Embark on this 10-night dance cruise throughout the southern Caribbean, as Crown Princess takes you from the Bahamas to the U.S. Virgin Islands and more. Dance activities are included in the cost, including private, social dance parties and workshops. You can also sign up for private lessons for an additional cost.
Dates: Dec. 7 to Dec. 17, 2019
Ship: Crown Princess
Port of departure: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Itinerary: Princess Cays, Bahamas; St. Thomas, USVI; Dominica; Grenada; Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands; Curacao
Website: sundancercruises.net
The scoop: Combine your love for Asian culture with a potential love interest on this two-week singles cruise across China, South Korea and Japan. Take in the history of three of the world's oldest cultures, as you cruise aboard the Celebrity Millennium and partake in activities planned by your singles hostess. You can either share a cabin with a friend or a matched roommate, or you can purchase your own cabin.
Dates: March 28 to April 10, 2020
Ship: Celebrity Millennium
Port of departure: Shanghai (Baoshan), China
Itinerary: Seoul (Incheon), South Korea; Beijing (Tianjin), China; Jeju Island, Korea; Kyoto (Osaka), Japan; Kobe, Japan; Mt. Fuji (Shimizu), Japan; Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan
Website: bestsingletravel.com
