By Olu Ojo | Wealth of Geeks
Business Insider reports themed cruises sell out faster than many traditional cruises and becoming a larger part of the $7 billion global cruise industry. Jeff Cuellar, Sixthman’s vice president of events, marketing, and community, tells the independent news organization that his company’s themed cruises are so popular that 60% to 80% of passengers rebook their themed cruises the following year, making the experiences an annual pilgrimage.
The popularity of themed cruises continues to rise as travelers choose to surround themselves with a community at sea who share a common interest. Whether the theme is Star Trek, The Love Boat, the 1980s, the 1990s, or Comic-Con, chances are that a themed cruise exists tailor-made for one’s specific interests.
“I think the themed cruise industry is going to grow even faster [than the general cruise industry],” Chris Hearing, executive director of Entertainment Cruise Productions, told Business Insider. “Experiential vacations are becoming more of a part of our society today.”
Disney Cruises’ Halloween on the High Seas
Disney Cruises offers Halloween on the High Seas experiences on most itineraries departing late September through Halloween. The “Spirited Cruise” involves eerie Halloween decor — including a magical Halloween tree — as well as not-too-scary activities for family members of all ages, such as a parade of Disney characters decked in Halloween costumes, meet-and-greets with characters dressed as the Hocus Pocus Sanderson sisters, Halloween crafts, and even onboard trick-or-treating.
Every Disney Cruise offers special adults-only sections, and Halloween on the High Seas is no exception. In addition to several adults-only restaurants, pools, fitness centers, and spas, there are dedicated bars and lounges where adults can celebrate Halloween and not worry about scaring or being scared by young children.
“Having sailed in both themed and non-themed cruises, I’d say the advantage of a themed cruise is to know in advance that the experience will be tailored to my preferences,” says Barcelona-based travel writer Josep Parera. “In the case of a Disney cruise, I knew I was going to meet characters I love, see shows I enjoy, and be surprised by the ‘Disney touch’ on the trip.”
Parera continues, “When I sailed on a generic cruise, the experience was fine, but it never had the same personality or any element of surprise. A non-themed cruise is dependent on enticing ports of call for a fully satisfying experience.”
A ‘Love Boat’ Cruise With Original Cast Members
Princess Cruises, known for its integral role as the ocean-going costar on the iconic The Love Boat series, recently unveiled a second themed cruise, reuniting cast members from the original show.
Princess Cruises Celebrations Ambassador Jill Whelan (aka Vicki Stubing) joins fellow Love Boat cast members Bernie Kopell (Doc), Fred Grandy (Gopher), and Ted Lange (Isaac) on the cruise from New York to Canada and New England. Ezra Freeman, the bartender from the recently aired The Real Love Boat on the CBS reality dating series, also joins the classic cast, along with other surprise guests.
Love Boat-themed activities include:
- Sail-away party introducing the cast
- Meet-and-greet photo and signing opportunities
- The Love Boat-inspired guest activities with prizes
- Cocktail demonstration hosted by Freeman and Lange
- Symbolic renewal of vows ceremony, officiated by the cast, with a commemorative certificate
- Cast Q&As sharing favorite memories of the show and stories of their careers
- The Love Boat episodes airing on Movies Under the Stars and in staterooms
- The Love Boat trivia with the cruise director
- The Love Boat-inspired menus and specialty cocktails
- Themed décor, photo backdrops, and merchandise
“We had such a blast connecting with fans on our theme cruise in 2022, so bringing it back in 2024 feels like it was meant to be, especially with the addition of some surprise guests,” says Jill Whelan, celebrations ambassador for Princess Cruises. “Sailing with our fans brings us so much joy and this cruise will undoubtedly be a special reunion, taking us back to where it all began — on a Princess Cruise.”
The Love Boat makes another run on August 31, 2024.
‘Star Trek: The Cruise’ VIII Is a Welcome Sequel
Trekkers will want to beam aboard Star Trek: The Cruise VIII when the immersive experience sets sail on February 23, 2025, in celebration of the 30th anniversary of Star Trek: Voyager. The seven-day voyage departs Miami with stops in Costa Maya, Cozumel, and Belize City.
Star Trek: The Cruise VIII features Star Trek -themed shows, events, activities, and parties hosted by actors from every corner of the Star Trek universe. Crew members for Star Trek: The Cruise VIII include Kate Mulgrew, Jonathan Frakes, Denise Crosby, Robert O’Reilly, Jeri Ryan, Wilson Cruz, Robin Curtis, Mary Wiseman, and many more.
More Upcoming Themed Cruises
As noted, themed cruises tend to sell out fast, so booking ahead of time is highly recommended. Other upcoming themed cruises include:
- High Seas Rally: The ultimate motorcycle vacation for bikers supports the High Seas Rally Dialysis Fund and Wounded Warrior Project. The cruise features live music from Lou Gramm, the Kentucky Headhunters, Vixen, Hair Ball, Steel Rod, and more.
- The ‘80s Cruise: With ports of call in Nassau, San Juan, and Labadee, this ultimate ‘80s cruise features nightly themed parties and more than 50 live performances by artists such as Squeeze, Adam Ant, Christopher Cross, Sheila E., Men at Work, and Andy Bell of Erasure.
- The ‘90s Cruise: Departing from Tampa with ports of call in Cozumel and Costa Maya, The ‘ 90s Cruise caters to nostalgic Gen Xers and millennials with nightly-themed parties and events. Musical performers include Blues Traveler, Collective Soul, Gin Blossoms, Everclear, Lit, Color Me Badd, Lisa Loeb, Fastball, C+C Music Factory, Jesus Jones, Digital Underground, and Sophie B. Hawkins.
- Comic-Con: The Cruise: Cosplayers and geeks will want to check out this Comic-Con-themed cruise from Tampa to Cozumel. Like Comic-Con itself, this cruise aims to bring together comic, genre, and superhero fans from around the world with experiences tailor-made for the Comic-Con crowd.
This article was produced by Media Decision and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.
