THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO CRUISING
Theme cruises go with the flow
Camaraderie and fun can come naturally when everyone's on board with a similar pursuit, whether it's music, sports or even the supernatural.
Theme cruises allow passengers to immerse themselves in their passions and interests. Jazz, antiques, baseball -- you name it -- there is a cruise vacation that seemingly deals with the topic. The cruises allow passengers to pursue their common passions with performances, lectures and hands-on activities.
On her favorite smooth jazz cruise, hosted by bassist
"All I have to do is walk down from the dining room," she says. "It's the only vacation my husband and I can agree on."
This January marked
McDonald's group of family and friends enjoyed nightly shows, jam sessions, autograph receptions and an easy camaraderie between performers and passengers. "Wherever you sit, it's easy to get into a conversation. . . . You're comfortable around people you have things in common with."
If finding the right fit seems overwhelming, try Theme Cruise Finder, a specialized website ( www.themecruisefinder.com) that offers a searchable database of 50 categories. Cruise Critic, at www.cruisecritic.com, features updated listings and a member review board.
Perhaps one of the following will strike your fancy. All prices are per person.
Winter/spring
Asian Fashionista Adventure: Fashion shows, lectures, themed dinners, onshore shopping excursions and visits to textile and costume factories on a Crystal Symphony 15-day journey from Beijing to Hong Kong, sailing April 5 to 20. Fares from $5,995; (888) 722-0021, www.crystalcruises.com.
Fantastic Voyage, L.A. to the Mexican Riviera: Radio DJ Tom Joyner hosts fashion shows, comedy and concerts on Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas, May 17 to
Summer/fall
15th annual Forbes Investors Cruise: In these challenging economic times, here's a chance to pair a Mediterranean voyage with seminars on building wealth. A luxury sailing June 2 to 14 from Lisbon to Venice, Italy, on the Crystal Serenity runs $10,890 to $23,390; (800) 530-0770, www.investmentcruises.com.
A Great Lakes Antiques Roadshow: PBS takes to the inland waters with antiques appraisers evaluating collectibles on the all-suite yacht Clelia II. Sailing from Duluth, Minn., to Ontario, Canada, Aug. 29 to Sept. 5, with fares from $5,595 to $10,695; (800) 257-5767, www.traveldynamicsinternational.com.
A Mediterranean Ghost Cruise: TV psychic James Van Praagh hosts supernatural travels and "psychic development workshops" in Rome, Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Spain, and Naples, Italy, with a visit from
Nudists' Cruise: A “
Yearlong series
Barge and Bike Europe: In 13 tours from April to August, a river barge is the restaurant and hotel that meets passengers as they bike between ports in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and France. $2,895 to $3,095; (800) 437-4771, www.bikebarge.com.
Caribbean Cruising With Baseball Greats: Players and managers such as
Silversea International Wine Voyages: Wine tastings, lectures and shore excursions to wineries in California, Alaska, Canada, the Caribbean, Europe and South America. Choose 11 options from February to May on seven- to 16-day luxury sailings. All-inclusive rates from $4,896 to $34,335; (800) 722-9955, www.silversea.com.
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