Whether you love to go ballroom dancing, listening to jazz, classic rock or an orchestra, or you have an obsession over a sport, cruising can be a gateway for you to enjoy your favorite passion, or learn a new one!

Often cruises will have special guests onboard to perform, from famous Hollywood celebrities or rock stars, to high-profile motivational speakers and subject matter experts to help you take a deep dive in your hobby, passion, or celebration.

The list of cruise options are endless, and popular themes change-up year-in and year-out. You have your standard themes around New Year, Australia Day, Valentines, Mothers Day, Christmas and other celebrations. And those that focus around the ship’s theatre and broadway-style shows, while others could dominate the whole ship, with themed décor taking over every nook and cranny onboard.

One thing’s for sure though: there is a cruise that will match your every interest, so if you’re looking for a unique holiday experience, check out some of these upcoming cruises departing Australia’s shores, and also around the world.

Christmas, New Years and Holidays

Cabins sell out fast for all the holiday periods, especially Christmas and New Year’s. Make sure you get in early! The Caribbean and South Pacific is waiting for you and your family to celebrate in style with all the Christmas trimmings and you could probably call it one amazing Christmas Present! Get your festive hat on!

Valentine’s Day

Hearts, flowers, chocolate and champagne – celebrate this day of love with a getaway to the South Pacific, or even a long weekend cruising. You could knock this Valentine’s Day outta the park… only problem will be how to top it next year!

What about other options to feed your passion…

Dancing

Most cruises will have a disco where you can dress up to get down as you dance the night away! And if you would like to learn ballroom dancing, often there will be a class you can enjoy during a sea day. And there are some great parties on offer! P&O Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Carnival and more all have “dress up” party nights where you could be a Mexican, or hula girl, pirate and more. And don’t miss out on Azamara’s spectacular White Night parties – they are the stuff of legends. What about some glamorous ballroom dancing every night after dinner? Holland America Line, Cunard and other luxury lines have you covered. Single? No problem, Cunard has a number of dancers to sweep you off your feet – so everyone is included!

Music Cruises

This year saw a number of musically themed cruises sailing from Australia including “Greatest Australian Rock n Roll” favorites (including free rock n roll lessons so you could dance like the pro’s). Bravo! A cruise for the performing arts that brought together the world’s best opera singers to showcase stars like Jose Carreras, Maria Prior, David Hobson and a stellar cast of singers, orchestra, chamber and choral musicians, as they sailed through the South Pacific. Elvis, of course, made a showing, as did one huge electronic dance music festival featuring “the Hoff”, Peking Duk and Mashd Kutcher on a 3 night cruise – loud music and a whole lotta fun best shared at sea!

Themed Characters

It’s fairly obvious that Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and all his friends sail onboard Disney Cruiselines, along with a whole raft of Disney Princesses. Carnival Cruiselines have the Cat in the Hat and other Dr Seuss characters roaming their decks, while Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines parade of DreamWorks fantasy including Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and Madagascar animals. And don’t miss out on Sponge Bob and the Nickelodeon crew onboard Norwegian Cruise Line or the Lego fun and mascots of MSC Cruises.

While most of the characters are mainly for the kids onboard, there will often be adult friendly parades, meet and greets, aquatic shows, themed meals, games and more!

(Sneaky Spot: From time to time you may even spot unique feature charter cruises highlighting Star Wars, Star Trek (Live long and prosper – sorry I’m a bit of a trekkie fan!), TV Shows, The Walking Dead, Disco, WrestleMania, Sharks, Rotary Club, Conventions, Sports Clubs, Fitness… the list goes on – what interests you?)

Passions or Hobbies

Photography Masterclasses onboard G Adventures, Aurora Expeditions, Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic and more. Other cruises will see you on historical adventures, Art Appreciation courses and Religious themes – think 100yr Gallipoli, Anzac Day, D-Day, onboard Art Galleries, a visit to Fatima or Lourdes. Computer classes to learn Photoshop, Microsoft and other programmes. Fitness and Wellness Programs. Cycle and touring excursions on a river cruise, Wine and Gourmet Cuisine appreciation, Knitting, Public Speaking, Comedy, Film Festivals and there’s so much more on offer – all you need do is speak to your cruise specialist who can match you to your perfect cruise.

Holistic Holidays at Sea

Designed for relaxation in mind, these cruises allow you to just think of the nothing but your holiday, just let your mind drift away as you take a deckchair by the pool, and maybe join in all the fun tomorrow? There are luxury spas and bubbling hot tubs, yoga, massages and manicures. You can dine in the finest restaurants, some designed by Michelin starred chefs, all you need do is dress and go. No washing up, no fuss, and just a short walk home to your comfortable cabin. Oh, and don’t fret if you have dietary needs – just mention to your cruise specialist about diabetic or gluten-free options, low-fat, vegan, raw, or even macrobiotic. The highlight of any cruise (themed or not) is that you can do exactly what you want to on your cruise holiday!

Grand Prix & Cannes Voyage

Two of the best grand events in the world and all in one cruise? Sign us up! Azamara Club Cruises takes you to an overnight at the Cannes Film Festival and then takes you to the Monte Carlo Grand Prix. It’s simply perfect for those who want to see it all and be there at the same time. The beautiful places you would visit include Sorrento, Livorno, Monaco, and Barcelona. This is a themed cruise you wouldn’t want to miss.