Hobbies on the High Seas
by Laura Del Rosso
Love a particular music genre? Seeking a deep dive into Jewish art in Europe or the wildlife of Antarctica? Can’t wait to boost your culinary artistry or learn how to better play bridge? Then a themed cruise is for you. Often the destination is secondary; other times the destination contributes to the overall experience. But wherever you go, dozens of specialty cruises offer passengers immersion in their beloved hobbies and interests while sailing the seas. Consider these top choices for 2024 and 2025.
Royal Caribbean's Adventure of the Seas in The Bahamas
top inset: Rockin' the Caribbean concert
bottom inset: Rockin' the Caribbean performers
ROYAL CARIBBEAN
Music Aficionados
Like floating music festivals, cruises organized around a particular sound or genre help you find your groove and occasionally rub shoulders with favorite musicians. Royal Caribbean tops the charts with its Rockin’ the Caribbean voyage, setting sail Feb. 7, 2025. It’s no wonder this eight-night cruise sells out quickly—it’s essentially a floating party with dancing, private concerts, special autograph sessions, Q&As with favorite singers and other special events, plus your ship, Adventure of the Seas, calls in some amazing ports. Sail roundtrip from Port Canaveral, Florida, and stop in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Philipsburg, St. Maarten. While at sea, listen to favorite music legends, including Jon “Bowzer” Bauman of Sha Na Na and “Hand Jive” fame; La La Brooks, the original lead singer of The Crystals, which recorded “Do Do Ron Ron”; and Peggy Marsh, whose version of “I Will Follow Him” hit No. 1 on the Billboard charts in 1963. Pack accordingly for both a Prom Night Dance and a Sock Hop. This cruise sells out quickly, so book your cabin well in advance.
In Europe, AmaWaterways amplifies the music that has been made along the shores of the rivers the cruise line sails. A Celebration of Classical Music sailings along the Danube, for example, bring to life the stories and music of artists, poets and composers from the region.
Wine tasting on the Douro River, Portugal
AMAWATERWAYS
Foodies and Oenophiles
Cruises are renowned for food and wine. Take that reputation up on a notch on cruises themed for the epicurious. Throughout the year, AmaWaterways offers several wine-centric voyages, sailing on rivers in France, Germany, Bulgaria, Portugal and other European countries to appreciate the continent’s viniculture. Wine tastings are led by local wine experts, shore excursions highlight vineyards and winemaking, and dinners present curated food and wine pairings.
Silversea Cruises offers several culinary voyages, highlighting delicious regional specialties through chef demonstrations and market visits. Food and wine pairings, cooking classes and special menus round out the features while on board.
For those interested specifically in Australia’s food and wine heritage, Cunard offers the Great Australian Culinary Voyage with chef Matt Moran, showcasing the country’s great culinary and wine-making traditions.
Cunard's London Theatre at Sea voyage
CUNARD
Culture Mavens
Whether pop culture or literary culture, cruises cater to those passengers seeking enlightenment in a particular area.
By sailing with Cunard on its London Theatre at Sea voyage, theater lovers will gain fascinating insight into the British stage, thanks to talks with performers, dance classes, immersive acting and vocal workshops, and more.
Book lovers find their nook on Cunard’s annual Literature Festival at Sea, which draws authors, poets, journalists, critics and historians to a special sailing. Q&A sessions, book signings and lectures on writing and the arts round out the onboard activities. For appreciators of Australia’s literary scene, the cruise line has launched its first-ever Australian Literature Festival at Sea aboard the Queen Elizabeth.
River cruisers interested in art and history will enjoy Uniworld’s Remarkable Rhine and Historic Holland itinerary, departing May 31, 2024. The 11-day voyage sails from Basel, Switzerland, to Amsterdam and features guest lecturer John Paul Thornton. Through his engaging storytelling and vast knowledge of art and culture, he lends context to the history and folklore of the Rhine River. On this cruise, he will speak about “Castles and Legends of the Rhine” and “Jerusalem on the Rhine & the Art of the Jewish Enlightenment.”
The Games Deck on board Queen Elizabeth
Sports and Games Enthusiasts
Engaging with Australian sports legends, but also with wellness professionals from other parts of the globe, Cunard’s Sporting Greats and Wellness Voyage features deck games, fitness classes, wellness education and practice during this cruise of sports and self-care.
On Silversea and Oceania cruises, passengers unravel the complexities of the game of bridge. Silversea offers multiple sailings dedicated to the card game. During the voyages, a formal program features daily contract and duplicate bridge games in an exclusive card room with complimentary bridge materials and lectures for beginning and intermediate players. Certified American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) Life Masters oversee games, and passengers have the chance to earn ACBL Master Points. Oceania also provides ACBL Master Instructors, who lead classes.
Chinstrap penguins, South Shetland Islands, Antarctica
getty images
Adventurers
Think cruising is all soft adventure? Think again. Some cruises, such as Our President’s Holiday Expedition Crossing the Antarctic Circle, offer thrilling adventure and natural connections. As part of this 14-day Alexander + Roberts journey, departing December 13, 2024, only 16 passengers join the captain and expedition in letting the sea, ice and wildlife sightings guide this quest. Daily lectures and insights from onboard experts enhance the overall experience. Naturalists point out penguins, sea birds and marine mammals along the way, notably at penguin rookeries in the remote South Shetland Islands and while exploring in Zodiac boats. It’s a bucket-list expedition to access and experience this faraway land of snow, ice and wildlife.
To learn more about any of these themed cruises or to book them, ask your AAA Travel Agent.