10 Theme Cruises for Every Type of Traveler
As fans of The Walking Dead are busy guessing at what new storylines the seventh season will bring, a travel-loving sector of the show’s devotees can’t stop talking about their recent encounter with some (not quite) real-life zombies aboard the Walker Stalker Cruise, which just completed its second voyage from Miami to the Bahamas — via the Norwegian Pearl — with executive producer Greg Nicotero and stars Norman Reedus, Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Chandler Riggs in tow.
Not a fan of the undead? Whether you're the ultimate cat lover or want to rock out on the high seas, there's a theme cruise out there with your name on it. Here's a look at 10 of the most interesting ones happening this year.
1. Star Trek: The Cruise
Theme: Star Trek
Dates: January 5–11, 2018; January 11–17, 2018
If you want to get a definitive consensus on whether Star Trek fans prefer to be called “Trekkies” or “Trekkers,” Star Trek: The Cruise is the place to be. But you’d also better be one of them; otherwise, the fact that this is the only “official” Star Trek cruise out there — and that George Takei will serve as your host and be joined by Jonathan Frakes, Levar Burton, Brent Spiner and key members of the USS Enterprise crew — will have you begging Scotty to beam you up.
2. Avalon River Cruises for Beer Enthusiasts
Theme: Beer
Dates: July 16–July 28, 2017
Like a floating pub crawl, Avalon’s beer-themed river cruises offer an ideal scenario for thirsty travelers: the chance to explore some of Europe’s most renowned beer cities through the suds that make them famous. From Hefeweizens to Dunkeles, the exact beers you’ll get to try depend on which region you choose to explore, so choose wisely. In addition to drinking what’s on offer, you’ll also get to visit some of the area’s most famous and historic breweries, partake in regular tastings and learn some cool beer-brewing (and pairing) techniques. In July, Avalon will take a trip along the Danube River, from Budapest to Prague. Cheers to that!
3. The Great Alaskan Running Cruise
Theme: Running
Dates: July 21–28, 2017
If your idea of “working out” on a cruise means lifting an umbrella drink to your lips or flipping over to make sure you get enough sun on your back, run far, far away from The Great Alaskan Running Cruise. For health-conscious travelers, the trip is a great way to see the world while keeping to your mind-body ethos, and you don’t have to be able to compete with Usain Bolt in order to enjoy yourself. Whether you prefer to walk or run, this seven-day cruise invites adventure-seekers to explore the 49th state on foot, giving you a unique perspective on the place and its history. You’ll get the chance to explore gorgeous nature trails and compete against your fellow travelers with a few organized 5Ks. If you’re not into an Alaska trip, the same group also organizes The Marathon di Tuscany in May, and has additional cruises to Hawaii and the Caribbean already scheduled for 2018.
4. Celtic Adventure Knitting Cruise
Theme: Knitting
Dates: July 30–August 11, 2017
We’re all for knitting as a relaxation-inducing pastime. But unless you're a yarn enthusiast, the appeal of perfecting your cross-stitch aboard a cruise ship might be confusing — until you realize that this 12-day adventure, which sets sail from Copenhagen, is full of charming ports of call, including Belfast, Dublin, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. Yes, you’ll shop for yarn in each city, but will also have the chance to take in the sights — and up your knitting game with the help of expert Beth Brown-Reinsel, who’ll teach some regional styles of the craft, like Fair Isle Tam and Norwegian Mittens. Who needs to buy an Aran Sweater in Ireland when you can make your own?
5. The Desire Cruise
Theme: A sexy adventure on the high seas
Dates: September 26–October 3, 2017
If the name didn’t give it away, it only takes a quick click on The Desire Cruise’s website to realize that this is definitely for the NSFW crowd. Billing itself as "the first-ever couples-only, clothing-optional cruise," the “Venice Foreplay” will cruise along the Adriatic this fall, with several stops in Croatia and Slovenia. But the real action (pun intended) is onboard, where uninhibited cruisers will find adult-only playrooms, erotic theme nights and special clothing-optional areas. This isn’t your grandma’s cruise (or, who knows… maybe it is).
6. World Space Week
Theme: Astronomy
Dates: October 6–13, 2017
Proving that even the world’s most legendary ships aren’t immune to the charms of a theme cruise, Cunard hosts a wonderful eastbound transatlantic crossing aboard the Queen Mary 2 in honor of World Space Week. Experts in the field — including NASA historian Dr. Ken MacTaggart, former NASA astronaut Jeffrey Hoffman and Virgin Galactic director Stephen Attenborough — host a jam-packed schedule of events that teach guests everything they ever wanted to know about space and space tourism but were afraid to ask.
7. Meow Meow Cruise
Theme: Cats
Dates: October 23–27, 2017
Cats and water aren’t known to be the best of friends, so a cruise ship full of kitties probably isn’t the wisest idea. But if four days at sea with a group of fellow feline lovers is your idea of a vacation, you may want to consider the Meow Meow Cruise. This year’s trip will depart from Miami with stops in Key West and Cozumel, with plenty of time to talk about and share pictures of your furry friends along the way. Just make sure the claws don’t come out when it comes to competitive activities like Meow Meow Trivia and Scavenger Hunts. Cats ahoy!
8. The KISS Kruise
Theme: KISS
Dates: November 5–10, 2017
A deep appreciation for the hard-rocking, make-up wearing 1970s band that keeps on ticking — and the ability to Rock and Roll All Nite — are just about the only requirements needed to hop aboard the seventh annual KISS Kruise. More akin to a roving concert than a traditional cruise, the five-day journey takes more than 2,000 KISS fans from New Orleans to Costa Maya and Cozumel, where a total of six music venues and dozens of live performances will ensure that your ears are always ringing.
9. The 80s Cruise
Theme: The Decade of Excess
Dates: February 11–18, 2017 (and March 17–24, 2018)
Josie’s on a vacation far away… and you could be, too. (If you don’t get that reference, though, this is not the trip for you.) If you’ve been looking for a reason to rock your Jordache jeans and pull your Reebok Pumps out of the closet, The 80s Cruise is it. Though it’s often referred to as “the decade of excess,” it’s also one full of wonderful memories, bad fashion, big hair and questionable music included. Though the 2017 event has already set sail, there's also a totally tubular plan for helping you party like it’s 1989 in 2018, with Rick Springfield hosting the seven-night event along with Mike and the Mechanics, Loverboy, The Tubes and Tommy Tutone already on the schedule.
10. Ghost Hunter Cruise
Theme: Paranormal Activity
Dates: April 2–9, 2017
Haunted hotels are nothing new, but haunted cruise ships? Hey, it could happen. But that’s not what the Ghost Hunter Cruise is all about. At each port of call, passengers will get the chance to explore some of the world’s most haunted locales — past voyages have made stops at Alcatraz in San Francisco and the Merchant’s House Museum in New York City. In April, guests will bid bon voyage from New Orleans aboard the Norwegian Dawn for a seven-day exploration of the Western Caribbean — with stops in Honduras, Belize and Mexico — where guests will learn and be led by a roster of professional paranormal experts, including Ghost Hunters International star Barry Fitzgerald. What are you worried about? You ain’t afraid of no ghosts.
Have you ever been on a theme cruise before? Tell us about your experience, below.
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Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.