A theme cruise is one that focuses on a specific topic or event and where the itinerary, entertainment and on-board activities are centered around it. You may have heard of a wine cruise or golf cruises or music cruises such as the Groove Cruise or one devoted to  alt rocker Jonathan Coulton.

They are growing in popularity as cruise lines embrace them as a useful way of attracting new people to cruising. As a result, you are likely to find a theme cruise for almost any topic you are interested in: cruises dedicated to golf, gays, art, cycling, history, nature, photography, religion, Jewish heritage and many others. See the Theme Cruises section of Cruiseable Magazine. 

To help get you on your way, here are the three main kinds of theme cruises.

If you’ve never cruised before, going as part of a group — often called a theme cruise or affinity cruise — can be an incredible way to dive in. Or if you’re a veteran cruiser, you might find that group cruising makes it a brand new experience.

These days there’s a group for pretty much every interest. Music cruises are especially popular, with everyone from Kiss to New Kids on the Block sailing with their fans.

Interested in a Christmas market cruise? They're fun and memorable, chiefly because of the festive traditions they draw upon — many date from the Middle Ages, when they were the last chance for townspeople to stock up on supplies.

Today, folks in wool mittens from all over the world, lured by strings of lights looped over snow-capped wooden lodge stalls and the aroma of warm, spicy glühwein, come to Christkindlmarkt, Weihnachtsmarkt and Marché de Noël every holiday season to stock up on locally produced gourmet treats and gifts.

And as most markets were established along rivers for ease of merchant access, a river cruise is the perfect way to see the sights. Most run from the end of November until the first week of January.

Here are eight of the best-known Christmas markets. 

Father's Day is fast approaching. Why not surprise dear old Dad this year with a cruise vacation he'll be talking about for years?

Here's what we suggest: When you take Dad out for brunch or gather the family to open cards, include a special note that says, “Surprise! You're going on a cruise!” See, the present comes now, and he'll have 6, 9 or 12 months to look forward to it. You'll want to book far in advance to get the best stateroom, best prices and best available itinerary. The best river cruises and Alaska cruises, for example, often sell out a year or more in advance. 

Of course, Dad will need some company, whether it's you, your mom or another traveling companion. And if you haven't done a multigenerational cruise, that's a great way to bring the family together for a reunion. 

Here are 6 Father's Day Cruise Ideas — just keep in mind that these ideas would also work for your Dad's birthday, Christmas or an anniversary present.

March 2017 marks the seventh sailing of JoCo Cruise, an annual weeklong cruise that began as a fan cruise for alt rocker Jonathan Coulton back in 2011. (See founder Mitch "Storm" Courtenay's writeup about the 2015 cruise.)

The experience is equal parts nerdy convention and music festival – and it has developed a cult following. The cruise is known for its daily concerts, 24-hour game room, welcoming “Sea Monkey” community, more geeky onboard events than one could possible attend, and the wide variety of high-profile, awesome guests on board, including actors and writers whose shows you'll recognize. 

The next JoCo Cruise will take place March 4-11, 2017, on Holland America’s ms Westerdam from San Diego with ports of call in Baja California. For the first time ever, the entire ship is chartered for the event, meaning everyone on board will be participating in the geeky fun. 

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From the organizers:

Blast back to the 80's while aboard the futuristic & world's most revolutionary ship, the Anthem of the Seas!  Cruise to the pink sands and crystal waters of Bermuda and rock out with The EIGHTIES STRIKE BACK show starring RUBIX KUBE.  More than just a cover band, the KUBE is able to transform into the voice & character of any 80's icon. It's like Madonna, Michael Jackson, Cher, Prince, Devo, Bon Jovi, Guns N' Roses and more teleport to the same stage, in one concert!   So pack your neon threads and Ray-Bans as we embark on a journey of epic proportions through the most gnarly decade of music ever!!

Come on board this five night cruise as we sail to the beautiful island of Bermuda!  Your cruise will begin with an exclusive welcome aboard private cocktail reception with open bar where you can meet and greet the band. During your five night cruise to Bermuda, you will receive exclusive access to two private shows (WITH OPEN BAR).  Dance the night away with the sounds of Rubix Kube. Space is limited and will sell out so sign up today and then get ready to experience the ultimate 80's party on the high seas!

Interested in this cruise?

If you're interested in this cruise and want to know about pricing or availability, contact a Cruiseable travel advocate at 1-877-322-3773.

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New York's own, That 70's Band and 45rpm invites you to come sail with them to the crystal clear waters of Bermuda on Royal Caribbeans newest ship, the Anthem of the Seas. Pack your bell bottoms, your platform shoes and your polyester shirts as we go back in time and party to the sounds of the 70's with That 70's Band and 45rpm.

Come on board this five night cruise as we sail to the beautiful island of Bermuda!  Your cruise will begin with an exclusive welcome aboard private cocktail reception with open bar where you can meet and greet the band. During your five night cruise to Bermuda, you will receive exclusive access to three private shows (WITH OPEN BAR).  Dance the night away with the sounds of That 70's band and 45rpm. Space is limited and will sell out so sign up today and then get ready to experience the fun of New York's ultimate dance party on the high seas!

Interested in this cruise?

If you're interested in this cruise and want to know about pricing or availability, contact a Cruiseable travel advocate at 1-877-322-3773.

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Cruising is awesome but cruising with a band that will get you the inside experience is like no other. Join the Michael Hix & the Holla Band for music all the way from the 60's through the 90's. And don't just watch - be a part of the band because they are very interactive with the audience. They will play on the main stage for public performances but through our group you also get private performances and never before heard music.

Interested in this cruise?

If you're interested in this cruise and want to know about pricing or availability, contact a Cruiseable travel advocate at 1-877-322-3773.

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A three night break on Queen Elizabeth provides the ideal setting for her next Big Band Ball. Joined on board by the Tenors of Rock, five of the best male rock voices in the UK and British Comedy Award winner, Singer and Comedian Mike Doyle, this short break is the perfect excuse for a long weekend away in the latter part of the year.

Interested in this cruise?

If you're interested in this cruise and want to know about pricing or availability, contact a Cruiseable travel advocate at 1-877-322-3773.

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Queen Mary 2's Big Band Ball will take place on a Westbound Transatlantic Crossing. Special guests include Kenny Martyn, one of the finest jazz clarinet players from the UK, performances from Virtuosity, an energetic and enthralling all girl trio, encapsulating a variety of genres into stage shows that appeal to all musical tastes and comedian Tony Daro.

Interested in this cruise?

If you're interested in this cruise and want to know about pricing or availability, contact a Cruiseable travel advocate at 1-877-322-3773.

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Board Crystal Serenity for a seven night cruise to New England, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia to see beautiful fall color.  

Jazz greats include:

Harry Allen, SaxophoneBill Allred, TromboneEhud Asherie, PianoDanny Coots, DrumsAdrian Cunningham, SaxophoneYve Evans, PianoJacob Fischer, GuitarJoel Forbes, BassistPaul Keller, BassistJohn-Erik Kellso, TrumpetPieter Meijers, ReedsEddie Metz Jr., DrumsNicki Parrott, Bass/VocalsRuss Phillips, TromboneChuck Redd, Vibes/DrummerAntti Sarpila, Clarinet/SaxophoneWarren Vache, Trumpet

Interested in this cruise?

If you're interested in this cruise and want to know about pricing or availability, contact a Cruiseable travel advocate at 1-877-322-3773.

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Music fans know that you don't go to a concert to just hear a band play — you can actually feel their energy as they rock the house. And Carnival fans know that it isn't just a great way to travel — cruises feature massive amounts of fun all around you. To experience the best of both, a Carnival LIVE concert cruise is just the ticket!

Trace Adkins’ trademark baritone has powered countless hits to the top of the charts and turned albums into Platinum plaques, selling over 10 million albums, cumulatively. The Grammy-nominated member of the Grand Ole Opry is a television personality, actor, author, spokesman for the Wounded Warrior Program, the American Red Cross and has performed seven USO Tours.When your cruise stops in The Bahamas, you’ll have the unique opportunity to see Trace Adkins board the ship and absolutely rock the place in a theater venue. Seating is limited, but there isn’t a bad seat in the house. A cruise always sounds good… but it’s never sounded this good.Choose a Carnival LIVE cruise and you'll not only enjoy an unforgettable concert plus everything a Carnival cruise has to offer… but you'll enjoy it all with your fellow fans. There's plenty of opportunity to meet, greet and talk music, whether over dinner, a drink or just a sea view. So grab your favorite t-shirt and get ready to get cruising!

Interested in this cruise?

If you're interested in this cruise and want to know about pricing or availability, contact a Cruiseable travel advocate at 1-877-322-3773.

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Music fans know that you don't go to a concert to just hear a band play — you can actually feel their energy as they rock the house. And Carnival fans know that it isn't just a great way to travel — cruises feature massive amounts of fun all around you. To experience the best of both, a Carnival LIVE concert cruise is just the ticket!

Trace Adkins’ trademark baritone has powered countless hits to the top of the charts and turned albums into Platinum plaques, selling over 10 million albums, cumulatively. The Grammy-nominated member of the Grand Ole Opry is a television personality, actor, author, spokesman for the Wounded Warrior Program, the American Red Cross and has performed seven USO Tours.When your cruise stops in The Bahamas, you’ll have the unique opportunity to seeTrace Adkins board the ship and absolutely rock the place in a theater venue. Seating is limited, but there isn’t a bad seat in the house. A cruise always sounds good… but it’s never sounded this good.Choose a Carnival LIVE cruise and you'll not only enjoy an unforgettable concert plus everything a Carnival cruise has to offer… but you'll enjoy it all with your fellow fans. There's plenty of opportunity to meet, greet and talk music, whether over dinner, a drink or just a sea view. So grab your favorite t-shirt and get ready to get cruising!

Interested in this cruise?

If you're interested in this cruise and want to know about pricing or availability, contact a Cruiseable travel advocate at 1-877-322-3773.

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Join other music lovers on a cruise to Frederiksted, St. Croix, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic.

Booked for this cruise: 

• Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons
• Dionne Warwick
• Ronnie Spector
• The Lettermen
• The Miracles
• Girls Night Out featuring Shirley Alston Reeves, The Crystals & The Chiffons
• The Skyliners
• The Brooklyn Bridge 
• Freddy Cannon
• Jay Siegel’s Tokens
• Bill Haley Jr. & his Comets
• Cruise MC Extraordinaire Jerry Blavat
• Elvis Tribute Artists

Unlike a concert, you have the chance to mingle and interact with these amazing performers while onboard. Events include:

• Sock hop
• Prom night
• Cooking demonstration
• Hosted gameshows
• Panel discussions
• Meet and greets
• Vow renewal service

Interested in this cruise?

If you're interested in this cruise and want to know about pricing or availability, contact a Cruiseable travel advocate at 1-877-322-3773.

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Music fans know that you don't go to a concert to just hear a band play — you can actually feel their energy as they rock the house. And Carnival fans know that it isn't just a great way to travel — cruises feature massive amounts of fun all around you. To experience the best of both, a Carnival LIVE concert cruise is just the ticket!When your cruise stops in Nassau, The Bahamas,  you’ll have the unique opportunity to see a band you love board the ship and absolutely rock the place in a theater venue. Seating is limited, but there isn’t a bad seat in the house. A cruise always sounds good… but it’s never sounded this good.How many bands grow even more iconic with each passing year? It's a short list, and on it is Journey. Through all its phases and eras, twists and turns the band sees its music become more popular as the years go on. The roadie who suggested the band name "Journey" truly had a vision.In a career spanning five decades, Journey is blazing hotter than ever with the lineup of Neal Schon (guitars, backing vocals), Jonathan Cain (keyboards, backing vocals), Ross Valory (bass, backing vocals), Deen Castronovo (drums, percussion, backing vocals) and Arnel Pineda (lead vocals). 

Interested in this cruise?

If you're interested in this cruise and want to know about pricing or availability, contact a Cruiseable travel advocate at 1-877-322-3773.

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Many Elvis Tribute Artists claim to be the best but there are very few in Australia that have the proof to back it up. Damian Mullin is one of Australia’s top ELVIS PRESLEY Tribute Artists.

This tour includes 8 days cruising the Mekong on the RV La Marguerite and stays in Grand Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap, Shinta Mani Resort. Other stops includeCai Be, Phnom Penh, Koh Chen, Oudong, Kampong Tralach, and Angkor Wat.

Interested in this cruise?

If you're interested in this cruise and want to know about pricing or availability, contact a Cruiseable travel advocate at 1-877-322-3773.

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LRBC #27 Southeastern Caribbean returns to San Juan, Puerto Rico and sails Oct. 29-Nov. 5, 2016 to the exotic islands of Barbados, Dominica, Grenada and Guadeloupe on the Celebrity Summit.

Lineup includes:

• Buddy Guy
• Taj Mahal
• Keb' Mo'
• Los Lobos
• Otis Clay with Johnny Rawls
• John Hammond 
• And many more

Interested in this cruise?

If you're interested in this cruise and want to know about pricing or availability, contact a Cruiseable travel advocate at 1-877-322-3773.

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Music fans know that you don't go to a concert to just hear a band play — you can actually feel their energy as they rock the house. And Carnival fans know that it isn't just a great way to travel — cruises feature massive amounts of fun all around you. To experience the best of both, a Carnival LIVE concert cruise is just the ticket!

When your cruise stops in the Bahamas you’ll have the unique opportunity to see Journey board the ship and absolutely rock the place in a theater venue. Seating is limited, but there isn’t a bad seat in the house. A cruise always sounds good… but it’s never sounded this good.

Choose a Carnival LIVE cruise and you'll not only enjoy an unforgettable concert plus everything a Carnival cruise has to offer… but you'll enjoy it all with your fellow fans. There's plenty of opportunity to meet, greet and talk music, whether over dinner, a drink or just a sea view. So grab your favorite t-shirt and get ready to get cruising!

Interested in this cruise?

If you're interested in this cruise and want to know about pricing or availability, contact a Cruiseable travel advocate at 1-877-322-3773.

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The 2016 Monsters of Rock Cruise, Monsterwood, the greatest metal show on earth, departs from Los Angles, California on Saturday, October 1, 2016 for four days and nights, visiting Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico. Our ship is the spectacular Norwegian Pearl, showcasing some of the finest music venues on the high seas! This exclusive cruise charter is a fantasy camp for hard-rockin’ music enthusiasts, with non-stop entertainment, activities and fun…the experience is over the top! Tickets will go on sale on Tuesday, July 7, 2016 at www.MonstersofRockCruise.com so be sure to grab your spot aboard!

As a special bonus, this year’s cruise will also include a “bonus night” scheduled for Friday, September 30, 2016. All MOR fan’s booked aboard the voyage will receive complimentary admission to a special Pre-Cruise Party & Concert showcasing some of our musical guests. Time and location will be announced in a few weeks so make your plans to attend!

Check out the incredible line-up scheduled so far: Mr. Big, Kix, The Winery Dogs, Loudness, Slaughter, Pretty Maids, Quiet Riot, Faster Pussycat, Great White, Lynch Mob, Vixen, Quireboys, LA Guns, Firehouse, Vain, Adler, Black N' Blue, Steelheart, Femme Fatale, Keel, Rhino Bucket, John Corabi, Mike Tramp, Autograph, Babylon AD, Bang Tango, Britny Fox, Tuff, Ted Poley, Lies Deceit and Treachery, Luc Carl, DJ Will and Nikki Blakk. Hosted by Eddie Trunk

The Monsters of Rock Cruise is a playground for the serious fan where music and a luxury cruise hook up for the vacation of a lifetime.

Interested in this cruise?

If you're interested in this cruise and want to know about pricing or availability, contact a Cruiseable travel advocate at 1-877-322-3773.