Yep, there’s a cruise for everyone…
Because up to a few thousand passengers can be on board a cruise ship’s sailing at the same time, that type of vacation isn’t necessarily unique. But what does ring completely original are themed sailings. These are when the entire ship, or a percentage of its occupants, are engaged in the same activities, all tied under one theme.
For example, Trekkies, Hallmark holiday-movie fans, cat lovers, Bigfoot believers, knitters, or those who prefer to, um, leave the clothes at home are just some of the options. These gatherings at sea are far less common than, say, a rock-and-roll cruise (such as metal, country, or jazz) with live concerts, where devotees to a particular artist or musical genre are also treated to meet-and-greets with performing musicians.
Here are 10 examples of themed cruises now booking for 2026 and 2027—and because some of these are annual affairs, you can hop on board for years to come. It’s important to know that these are fixed dates and may require flexibility with your travel plans if you want to get in on the wacky fun.
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Big Nude Boat
The name says it all: Big Nude Boat (Feb. 15-26, 2027) is a clothing-optional cruise. Aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Jewel, the 11-day Eastern Caribbean sailing out of Miami docks in San Juan, Puerto Rico; Tortola in the British Virgin Islands; St. Kitts and Nevis; St. John’s, Antigua; and Samana, Dominican Republic. This itinerary has four sea days, which, just like on other itineraries, means there’s no port of call and therefore a floating hotel where people can—especially in this case—integrate with a community of fellow sailors. There’s also a stop at Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas for a “private nude-island experience,” as this is owned by the cruise line and, therefore, they call the shots and make the rules.
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The Alaska Bigfoot Cruise
If you truly believe Bigfoot is out there, then consider this your sign to leave all your skeptical, non-believing friends and family at home for a week with like-minded folks. That’s the idea with The Alaska Bigfoot Cruise, which debuted three years ago. Daytime lectures led by academic researchers are further amplified by speaker-led excursions while in some of the ports, which are in Alaska (Juneau, Sitka, and Skagway) as well as Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. There’s even a Bigfoot Town Hall in one of the Alaskan ports. (Bigfoot could show up!) The next one embarks Sept. 11, 2026, on Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas, and comprises just 200 cabins, so this is a “cruise within a cruise” type of experience.
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Hallmark Christmas Cruise
Maybe it’s not enough to sit on the couch at home for a Hallmark movie marathon every November and December as a run-up to the Christmas holiday. Wouldn’t you rather meet the hunks and hotties in person? Some of the stars in these sappy movies are onboard hosts for the annual Hallmark Christmas Cruise (in 2026, the dates are Oct. 23-27, and there’s already a waitlist). Departing out of Miami, the sailing visits just one port (Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas), but that’s alright since the cozy factor is mostly on the ship anyway, with two sea days devoted to activities like Hallmark Movie trivia, panels and photo ops with stars, and storytelling sessions with the writers who make these films come alive. Definitely pack all of your holiday sweaters, too—and perhaps some tanks and shorts that are equally all a-glow—so you can shine on themed nights.
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The ‘80s Cruise
Think the ‘80s are the best decade ever? Sailing out of New Orleans (Feb. 27-March 6, 2027) on Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas, The ‘80s Cruise visits Costa Maya, Mexico; Cozumel, Mexico; and Belize City, Belize. Not only is this the perfect opportunity to wear neon-hued clothing, but this is a cruise for music fans as the bands—who were all popular during the ‘80s—include Chaka Kahn, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Loverboy, and DMC; plus three MTV DJs, such as Downtown Julie Brown, so you can rock out like it’s, duh, the ‘80s. With 50 concerts, the fun never stops. The experience also includes theme nights, ‘80s trivia, and live-band karaoke.
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Legends of Pittsburgh Cruise
While the Pittsburgh Steelers aren’t the only NFL team in history to host a cruise, this fan cruise is worth mentioning as it’s happening next year (March 2-7, 2027). Designed for Steelers fans, who might need to upgrade from a Terrible Towel to a beach towel, there are photo ops and autograph signings, as well as other built-in hang time (such as a beach party, chef’s table dinner, mini golf, and yoga on the beach) alongside nine past players, including Maurkice Pouncey, a nine-time Pro Bowl center. Hosted on Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas, this Western Caribbean sailing departs from Miami and docks in George Town, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel, Mexico.
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Knitting Cruise
Because most crafters work on their passions solo, knitting circles and craft nights are a big deal for a reason—and some are even held on the high seas. Craft Cruises organizes knitting cruises in Alaska, Spain, Antarctica, Europe’s rivers, the South Pacific, Japan, Iceland, and in the British Isles, with a knitting expert as the special guest. Participants on some of the itineraries—such as the Iceland Faroe, and Shetland Knitting Cruise (July 3-17, 2027, on a Holland America ship)—can also buy yarn from local mills, farms and retailers to take home. In addition to visiting the Shetland Islands, known as the birthplace of Fair Isle knitting, this itinerary also folds in Amsterdam and Scotland’s Orkney Islands.
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Meow Meow Cruise
Calling all cat lovers! The annual Meow Meow Cruise isn’t just for cat owners. Nor is it for veterinarians. Anyone who likes to take photos of cats in their travels or finds these furry creatures to be adorable is welcome to join. Activities include cat-themed trivia, group dining, and a “kitty scavenger hunt.” In 2027, the cruise will depart from Tampa on March 13 for an eight-night sailing in the Western Caribbean, with stops in Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; Colon, Panama; and Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands. Carnival Legend, the chosen ship for this cruise, features a sushi bar, but, unfortunately, cats are not welcome because otherwise it would be an epic feline feast.
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Star Trek: The Cruise
Next year (Feb. 20-27, 2027) marks the 10th anniversary of bringing together Star Trek fans (to the tune of about 3,000 people) on a cruise ship. Star Trek: The Cruise—utilizing Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas as the venue site—will also honor another moment in Star Trek history: the 40th anniversary of when “Star Trek: The Next Generation” first aired, in 1987. Activities range from simply connecting with other fans to attending panels and Q&As led by guest lecturers, along with karaoke and trivia pegged to this hit show. Best of all, stars from the show are on board, too, so you can totally geek out. While the cruise is already sold out, there’s a waiting list and there is always 2028 and beyond. This sailing departs out of New Orleans and visits Montego Bay, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman; and Cozumel, Mexico.
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Speed Puzzling Cruise
While most cruises have jigsaw puzzles out for passengers to enjoy, as a way to pass the time on sea days, the Speed Puzzling Cruise takes it to another level. Two were just announced and offered during the next two summer seasons. On sea days, the speed puzzling (competitive jigsaw-puzzle completion) occurs. If Alaska is on your bucket list, choose the 2026 sailing. Hosted on Celebrity Edge, it’s July 3-10, 2026, round-trip from Seattle, visiting three Alaskan ports—Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway—plus Victoria in the Canadian province of British Columbia. Then, in 2027, Norwegian Breakaway sails round-trip June 20-27, 2027, from Boston to Halifax, Nova Scotia.
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Bachelor Nation Vacation at Sea
Whether you just started watching The Bachelor last year or have been a die-hard fan for all 30 seasons, it may be time to get off the couch and meet other fans. That’s completely possible onboard this fan cruise (Nov. 16-20, 2026, on Norwegian Joy) which has the added bonus of meeting past contestants, both male and female, including Jesse Palmer (cast in the fifth season and also went on to host The Bachelor and The Bachelorette) hosting a sailaway party, and rewatches alongside several couples who met on the show, like Charity and Dotun. Activities on board include panels with past contestants. Departing from Miami, this is a round-trip cruise that features stops in the Bahamas, at Great Stirrup Cay, and Nassau.