Setting sail on the open ocean might be one of the most thrilling ways to travel. Not only is there plenty to see from aboard the ship, but on-deck entertainment far surpasses anything travelers might find in a landlocked (or even beachfront) hotel.
Though cruises were once an almost unattainable luxury for the average person, packages are becoming more and more affordable — and niche.
Some of the best cruise lines now offer a range of package deals, complete with themed offerings, including trips intended for solo travelers seeking romance, Disney-obsessed families (and child-free grownups), and more.
Tons of themed cruises roll out each year, but these ten will have travelers ready to pack their bags, pull out their credit cards, and travel into another era, the universe, or just into a favorite hobby.
10 Royal Caribbean's High Seas Rally
Royal Caribbean has a handful of well-planned themed cruises, so there's really something for every type of traveler. Case in point? The High Seas Rally cruise offers travelers the "ride of your life" and raises money for charitable causes.
This motorcycle-rally-themed cruise spans seven days (setting off from Cape Canaveral) and features concerts, bike demos, auctions, and more. There's even a chance to win a custom HSR motorcycle, plus theme nights and parties (why not become a pirate while on the high seas?).
9 Celebrity Cruise's Ultimate Disco Cruise
Celebrity Cruise has multiple themed cruises, and a favorite theme is music, so the Ultimate Disco Cruise fully fits the bill. The trip spans five nights, travels from Miami, FL to Cozumel and Key West, FL, and will feature Billy Ocean, Kool & the Gang, Taylor Dayne, and more.
There will be 40 live performances, plus interactive celeb sessions, so cruisers can chat with their favorite performers in Q&A panels. That is after they're done disco-ing the night away at least a few times.
8 Star Trek: The Cruise With Royal Caribbean
Trekkies, mark those calendars — it's time to "navigate new frontiers" with Royal Caribbean. The Star Trek Cruise lasts seven days and travels through the Mexican Riviera.
Onboard events include Star Trek-themed shows, parties, and other yet-to-be-announced activities. But it probably doesn't matter what the specific activities are; passengers get to "become part of the Crew," and that's enough for most Star Trek fans to start getting their wallets out.
7 Kiss Kruise XI On Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line has a long list of unique, music-themed cruises, but the Kiss Kruise XI is a highlight. Kiss Kruise XI promises an unforgettable adventure that will take travelers from Los Angeles, CA, to Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada MX.
This epic five-night cruise promises to showcase KISS "masked & unmasked" in two shows, but there are also over 30 shows throughout the cruise (featuring multiple artists).
6 Royal Caribbean's The 80s Cruise
For any world wanderer who's itching to return to the '80s, there are multiple options for themed cruising in the future. Royal Caribbean is just one cruise line that offers an '80s-themed trip that takes passengers back in time, but also down the west coast of the US, from Los Angeles to Puerto Vallarta.
The weeklong cruise features 20 bands, 50 live performances, "tubular" themed parties, celebrities like Bret Michaels and Devo, among others, and at an all-inclusive price that includes drinks.
5 Princess' '80s Themed Cruise
Princess offers a similarly themed cruise to Royal Caribbean's '80s event, but the Princess '80s themed cruise dives a bit deeper in terms of its on-era entertainment.
Live music sets are just part of the show; '80s TV shows will be available in staterooms, Movies Under the Stars will feature decade-specific flicks, and costumes, trivia, and deck parties round out the excitement.
4 Outlaw Country West Cruise On Norwegian Cruise Lines
For vacationers whose vibes are more country than rock (or '80s), there's something for them with Norwegian, too. The Outlaw Country West cruise is a five-night country and "cowpunk legacy" trip that features onboard artists like Los Lobos, Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle, and more.
Each artist (there's a long list) will perform multiple shows, and the cruise's destinations include Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada, MX.
3 Love Boat Cruise With Princess
Now is every Love Boat fan's chance to relive the '70s and the epic TV show that marked the era. The Love Boat cruise includes a disco deck party, Q&A with the cast of the show, rewatchings of the show's episodes, a trivia night, and a chance to snap a photo with a cast member.
The trip spans seven days and travels through the Mexican Riviera.
2 Broadway Cruise On Norwegian Cruise Line
In perhaps the most unique spin on a themed cruise that Norwegian has ever offered, there's now a Broadway Cruise available for booking. Broadway on its own is enticing — and this ship departs from NYC and heads to Bermuda — so there's plenty to love.
But there's also the fact that THE Kristin Chenoweth will be appearing on the cruise, along with Alan Cumming, Laura Benanti, and social media personality Randy Rainbow. Multiple shows, at various scales from intimate to "grand," will take place during the five-day trip.
1 Very Merrytime Cruises On Disney Cruise Line
Every Disney-obsessed travel veteran already knows about Disney's fantastic cruise options, whether it's an adults-only trip or a complete vacation package for the family. But Disney's Merrytime Cruises are worth a mention here, as the all-inclusive experience is something no one aboard will forget.
The itinerary features, of course, holiday-themed events, including fireworks, Santa Claus visits, themed crafts for kids, and more.