Cruiseable

The Buccaneer, on St. Croix, is a par 70, 18-hole golf course with spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea from 13 holes.

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.

Participants at the 2015 JoCo Cruise, the fifth annual cruise celebrating music, comedy and general nerdery.

Event cruises: There’s one for everybody

Mitch Courtenay

Fort Lauderdale, FL

November 12, 2019

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.

The Christmas market, or Weihnachtsmarkt, in Cologne, Germany. Jason Mrachina: "Almost every town has a Christmas market, and they are always well attended. You can go shopping, listen to music, and of course drink Gluhwein. The lights are beautiful, and everyone is always in a great mood."

See Europe’s Christmas markets on a river cruise

Gemma Z Price

San Francisco/Saigon

November 1, 2018

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.

Golfers can enjoy breathtaking views at Mahogany Run on St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

6 Father's Day cruise ideas

JD Lasica

San Francisco Bay Area

June 8, 2018

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.

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.

JoCo Cruise 2017: Nerdy fun in Baja California

Cruiseable team

On a cruise ship

September 4, 2016

Editor's note: We've updated this post with new information.

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.

70's Music Cruise to the Bermuda

Mary Schrader

SF Bay Area

March 19, 2016

What

4 night cruise to Bermuda

Itinerary

Cape Liberty (Bayonne, NJ) to Cape Liberty aboard Anthem of the Seas

When

April 30 - May 5, 2016

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.

Michael Hix & the Holla Cruise

Mary Schrader

SF Bay Area

March 19, 2016

What

7 night cruise through the Caribbean

Itinerary

Galveston, TX to Galveston, TX aboard Liberty of the Seas

When

October 2-9, 2016

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.