How our Bliss Filters work

Your custom results ({[{ results.meta.total }]}) Return to previous page

Travel Blog


Latest Theme cruises articles

Artist's rendering of the first Blue World Voyages ship.

New cruise line devoted to wellness

July 13, 2018

When Blue World Voyages debuts in 2019, it will certainly make waves in the cruise industry with its bold, distinctive Active Lifestyle Cruising theme. The company is following in the wake of other cruise lines that have added more spa, fitness and wellness options to activities, but it is taking it a cardio step farther.

Blue World Voyages will become the first cruise company completely dedicated to active, healthy lifestyles, from ship design to onboard programs, healthy dining options and even the itineraries and shore excursions.

The line’s initial ship will be an all-suite, 350-passenger five-star vessel with luxury standard suites, single staterooms and 26 one- and two-bedroom owners residences.


All Cruise Ships Visiting Monaco for Formula 1 Grand Prix 2016

October 31, 2017

From crew-center.com via Scoop.it:

The Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix is a most prestigious race where every pilot dreams of winning and every F1 fan dreams of watching this race.  It is the most difficult and slowest of all circuits in the F1 World Championship. 

Coming to the Grand Prix in Monaco for Formula 1 race is an unforgettable moment where world’s elite comes to show up their Yachts. Literary there are miles and miles of Super Yachts parked one next to other. Cruise ships are also welcomed to this race. This are some of the most expensive cruises during the Mediterranean season starting from $2,699.00 USD for 5 nights cruise per person, not including the F1 ticket.

Walter Christen's insight:

I have to admit it, I love to watch Formula 1 auto racing and the Monaco venue is one of the best circuits. Some of the luxury cruise lines will be making a stop in Monte Carlo for the race.

Ships that will be making this unique theme port of call include the Azamara Quest, Silversea Cruises Silver Spirit, Windstar Star Breeze, and Windstar Wind Surf,


Cruising the Ohio river

October 31, 2017

From www.travelpulse.com via Scoop.it:

The Ohio River often seems relegated to play second fiddle to the Mississippi, of which it is a tributary. And while nobody can minimize the awesome power and majesty of the mighty Mississippi, the Ohio River can certainly hold its own as an impressive and captivating waterway with much potential for an enjoyable voyage.

Winding through or alongside six states—and with a drainage basin that flows to more than a dozen states—the Ohio River’s path takes you on a journey through a rich and diverse segment of the country, offering travelers the chance to explore a variety of different landscapes and beautiful views. It serves as a major route through the eastern and central part of the United States, and functions as the boundary marker between several states.

For many centuries, this river served as a favored transportation and trading route used by Native Americans, who also established numerous camps and communities alongside its path. Thomas Jefferson is quoted as calling it “the most beautiful river on earth,” citing the smooth, clear and gentle flow of water the river boasted in a nearly unobstructed and undisturbed path in his day.

Walter Christen's insight:

An American Queen Steamboat Company river cruise looks like a cool way to see a historic part of the US.  Many types of music theme cruises plus cruises for autumn color and the history of the region are available. 


Jonathan Coulton performs at JoCo Cruise, the annual gathering of music and tech nerds at sea. The next JoCo Cruise sails March 4-11, 2017, on Holland America’s Westerdam from San Diego.

The unstoppable growth of theme cruises

December 5, 2016

From www.bbc.com via Scoop.it:

As more and more people go on a cruise aimed at individuals who share a specific interest, we take a look at the increasing phenomenon.

Show-stopping rock band Kiss were always going to go the extra - nautical - mile.

Not content with filling stadiums around the world, and selling more than 100 million records, the face-painted, fire-breathing US hard rockers also have their own navy.

Every autumn Kiss hire a huge cruise liner to sail around the Caribbean for a week with 2,300 of their diehard fans. This year will be their sixth voyage, or Kiss Kruise VI.

The band perform two shows on the ship, and fans get to meet and hang out with the four band members.

Walter Christen's insight:

If you can think of a theme, there is most likely a cruise dedicated to it.  Last year when we were disembarking a cruise there was a very large group getting ready to embark the same cruise ship we were just on who were Harley Davidson motorcycle fans. I have seen cruises advertised or Apple geeks, Walking Dead fans,  Star Trek, Nascar, and many different music themes.

I suggest that before booking a cruise you ask your Cruiseable Travel Advocate if there are any themes on the cruise you want to book. They can also help you find theme cruises. On my next cruise aboard the MSC Divina, I did inquire and found that there was a small country western music theme group that will be aboard.

 

The northern lights dance over a hillside village in Norway as seen from a cruise ship on the coast.

The best northern lights cruises

November 9, 2016

From www.telegraph.co.uk via Scoop.it:

Our fascination with nature’s grand illuminations never wavers. An Arctic Circle cruise not only brings the Northern Lights within reach, but also offers a holiday that’s enjoyable in so many other ways, not least through participation in some truly out-of-the-ordinary excursions and activities.

The phenomenon

The Northern Lights can be seen from anywhere in the far northern hemisphere. Only last week, displays were visible in Scotland and northern England. Although present year-round, they can only really be seen when the sky is dark at night – from mid-September to early April.

Much has been said about the intensity and regularity of the Lights – or the aurora borealis. The phenomenon is caused by particles on the solar wind interacting with those in the Earth’s atmosphere, but the extent of the display depends on activity on the surface of the Sun, measured over an 11-year cycle. Solar activity has been at its maximum over the past two winters, resulting in some spectacular displays.

 So is it still worth going? Although the Sun’s cycle may have peaked, its descent into a quieter phase is long and gradual and there’s no reason why dynamic displays should not be seen for at least a couple of years to come. Sightings are not unknown even at times of a solar minimum; conversely, when there is a lot of cloud cover, say, you may not see the aurora during a solar max.

Walter Christen's insight:

Seeing the northern lights is definitely on my bucket list. In fact both Norway and Iceland are also on my list so one of these cruises could let me tick off more than one bucket list place.

Cruise lines mentioned that have cruises dedicated to the northern lights are P&O Cruises, Cruise & Maritime Voyages, Saga, Hurtigruten, Quark Expeditions. 

 

'The Walking Dead' Cruise Will Feature Cast Members - Complex

September 28, 2016

From www.complex.com via Scoop.it:

If you've got the money, you can take a cruise to the Bahamas with the cast of "The Walking Dead."
Walter Christen's insight:

If you are a Walking Dead fan, here is a cruise for you. 

 

Make off-the-beaten-track discoveries in small European ports of call on Windstar Cruises.

Best honeymoon cruise lines

May 28, 2016

From www.brides.com via Scoop.it:

There's no better way to put your new marriage to the test than by hitting the high seas. And if you think a honeymoon cruise is only for the Hawaiian-shirt-and-crocs-clad crowd, you'd be surprised — there are a number of luxury lines with over-the-top staterooms, Michelin-star-worthy cuisine, world-class spas, and more. Not to mention a cruise itinerary can take you to the hottest cities in the Mediterranean, the sexiest deserted beaches in the Indian Ocean, or the farthest-reaching corners of Antarctica. Here, the top 10 Cruise Lines from our 2016 Honeymoon Awards.

Walter Christen's insight:

A honeymoon cruise can be the perfect way to celebrate your new marriage. My wife and I have met many newlyweds of the cruises we have been on.  Presented in this article are 10 cruise lines to consider.

SeaDream Yacht Club

Seabourn

Windstar Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Silversea Cruises

Crystal Cruises

Azamara Club Cruises

Celebrity Cruises

Royal Caribbean International

Star Clippers

 

Love craft beer? This new cruise ship has its own brewery!

May 18, 2016

From www.usatoday.com via Scoop.it:

Brewmaster Colin Presby, 31, has a job at sea that no one else has ever had.

He does his beer-making at the Red Frog Pub & Brewery on the new, 3,954-passenger Carnival Vista. It is Carnival Cruise Line's largest ship and the first North American ship to have a brewery.

The action takes place in full view in front of passengers at the Caribbean-themed pub's entrance, on the ship's much-trafficked Promenade Deck.

Mixing grain he just milled into boiling water in one of two large, German-made, copper-topped glass kettles, Presby said his goal is to achieve a "wow" from beer-loving cruisers.

Walter Christen's insight:

Living in the Tampa Bay area, it seems that there is a new craft beer brewery popping weekly.  Actually I am surprised that the cruise industry has not done this before.  Carnival Cruise Lines looks like they will have a winner with this brewery on the new Carnival Vista

 

The paddlewheeler American Heritage cruises the Mississippi River year round.

Breaking down American Queen Steamboat Company’s theme cruises

May 9, 2016

From www.travelpulse.com via Scoop.it:

Cruises aren’t just about docking at a beach or an island. American Queen Steamboat Company has a wide variety of themed river cruises to choose from that focus on music, history, politics, wine and liquors and so much more.

Wine connoisseurs will love the ‘Vineyards, Vintages and Varietals’ themed cruises that include meeting local wine makers for tastings along the Washington and Oregon regions. Guests will also enjoy meals made with local wines and activities that educate about America’s Pacific Northwest wine country. There are two November voyages to choose from and two in March, 2017.

Walter Christen's insight:

The American Queen Steamboat Company has quite an assortment of Americana themed cruises.  Whether you are into wine or bourbon, civil war history, Mark Twain (one of my favorite American writers), big band music, Elvis music, or seeing the fall foliage they have it covered. In addition, their holiday voyages sound like they would be fun and interesting.

 

Enjoy the view of Alaska's magnificent coastline aboard Norwegian Pearl.

First NASCAR-themed cruise scheduled for 2017

April 28, 2016

From www.travelpulse.com via Scoop.it:

NASCAR has teamed with Entertainment Cruise Productions to create the first NASCAR-themed cruise featuring Hall of Famers, legendary broadcasters and genuine race cars.

Dubbed “NASCAR: The Cruise,” the themed voyage will take place on the Norwegian Pearl ship and sail through the Caribbean from January 29 through February 3, 2017. The vessel will make stops in Key West, Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay.

The six-day, five-night sailing will feature legendary drivers like Richard Petty, Rusty Wallace and Bobby Allison, as well as more recent stars such as David Ragan, Mike Wallace and Ken Schrader. The voyage will also feature broadcasters Jeff Hammond, Doug Rice and Brad Gillie, and will be hosted by television analyst and former driver Kyle Petty.

Walter Christen's insight:

I have always been an auto racing enthusiast and have attended a few NASCAR and INDY races. I even did a Richard Petty Driving experience where I was able to drive an actual NASCAR racecar on a track.

When I saw this theme cruise aboard the Norwegian Pearl Early next year, I thought what a great idea. Here is a lot of the big names in NASCAR racing and the onboard activities sound like they will be a lot of fun. Add in music from the Beach Boys and .38 Special will make this one great cruise.

 

Grapevines in Bordeaux, France, the legendary wine-growing region.

The 6 best 'Booze Cruises' in the U.S. and Europe

April 10, 2016

From www.cntraveler.com via Scoop.it:

Get ready to cheers: These grown-up cruises are overflowing with tastings, onboard seminars, and excursions to vineyards, cellars, and breweries.

For cruise lovers, nothing says vacation like the wind blowing through your hair, the horizon hanging just ahead, and perhaps most importantly: your favorite adult beverage, gripped firmly in hand. Happily, many cruises have graduated from the days of "Bahama Mama" umbrella drinks served in tacky souvenir glasses to numerous high-end "booze cruises" that make for surprisingly sophisticated sailings. Here, we round up the most buzzworthy alcohol-themed sailings—whether it's wine, champagne, beer, or spirits that best wet your whistle—spanning a range of ships, large and small. Yes, we'll drink to that.

Walter Christen's insight:

Intersting take on adult beverage themed cruises. While my wife and I do enjoy attending wine tasting events on our cruises, It never occured to me to take a theme cruise related to wine, or any other alcohol beverage for that matter.

Whether your passion is wine, champagne, bourbon, or beer the cruise lines have it covered. Reading the descriptions, I could think of quite a few of my friends that would enjoy these themed cruises.

 

 Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America at sea, the choice of anyone who wishes to cruise to Hawaii in style.

Refurbished Pride of America 'essentially a new ship'

March 30, 2016

From www.travelweekly.com via Scoop.it:

The Pride of America, Norwegian Cruise Line's ship in the Hawaiian Islands, has returned from a drydock during which the ship received new venues, redesigned public spaces and refreshed décor.

The cruise line's president, Andy Stuart, calls the Pride "essentially a new ship."

“This is much more than just a fresh coat of paint and new drapes," Stuart said.

Every stateroom received new bedding, new furniture, new flat-screen televisions and updated flooring.

Walter Christen's insight:

Read this with great interest.  One of the cruises on my wifes bucket list is to cruise the Hawaiian Islands. We have been to Hawaii, although not on a cruise. The Norwegian Pride of America, is on the top of her list as you can fly to Hawaii and cruise the Islands without the long at sea days from Califorinia.

Nice to see that Norwegian has done a complete update of this cruise ship.