Will Byington/Sixthman
Will Byington/Sixthman
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What do Elvis Presley, soap operas and avid quilters all have in common? They are each the focal point of one of the dozens of theme cruises that set sail each year. Theme cruises provide a subculture within the cruising world, where travelers with common interests join together to celebrate their mutual hobby or passion.
Theme cruises may take a few different forms. Some occur as part of a regular cruise ship's sailing. In this scenario, the group takes over certain public spaces and hosts special events during a scheduled trip. There are other passengers aboard who may not be part of the theme cruise. Other theme cruises take place on private charters of large-scale cruise ships or smaller boats. Everyone aboard is part of the fun.
From musical adventures to sports getaways, here's a selection of some of the kookiest and coolest theme cruises around.
Pop Culture Icons
Super fans of pop culture icons like Elvis and Dr. Spock have a reputation for taking things to the next level of fandom. Theme cruise trips are no different. There are a number of cruises celebrating the King of Rock, but the Elvis Cruise organized by Sixthman aboard Carnival Cruise Lines is a favorite. There are Elvis impersonators aplenty but also special guests who performed with and were friends with the late great king.
Theme cruises are also a great opportunity for couch potatoes to step away from the tube and get face-to-face with their favorite stars. Sci-fi themed cruises come in all shapes and forms. Trekkies can boldly go where few fans have gone before aboard Cruise Trek. This Trek-themed seaborne adventure promises an out-of-this-world experience with movie showings, Star Trek games and visits with actors and industry experts involved with and other sci-fi films.
Daytime TV fans flock to Rock the Soap on Carnival Cruise Lines. There are the requisite actor meet-and-greets, cocktail parties and celebrity interviews with cast members from all of the top soaps including All My Children, General Hospital and Days of Our Lives. The most dramatic event is Soap Fantasy Camp where fans can act out scenes from their favorite daytime dramas.
Fans of "A Prairie Home Companion" may not arrive dressed in costume, but that doesn't diminish their allegiance to the radio variety show. Host Garrison Keller presides over the week at sea on the Prairie Home Companion cruise aboard a private chartered Holland America's ship. The week's itinerary includes plenty of singing, talent shows, storytelling and live Prairie Home shows.
Vampire-loving Twihards can declare their allegiance to Team Edward or Team Jacob aboard the Alaska Twilight Cruise. Robert Pattinson may not be onboard to dazzle his legions of fans, but the films' supporting actors will be available for autographs and photos. Fans may hope for a spell of gloomy weather to heighten the mysterious atmosphere while playing Twilight trivia, watching the films and preparing for the gala costume ball. There's even an optional pre-cruise package to Forks, WA, where the bestselling book is set.
Fitness Fanatics
Richard Simmons has been helping people lose weight -- nearly 3 million pounds and counting -- for more than 30 years. Fans of his books, DVDs and weight-loss philosophies climb aboard his Cruise to Lose on Carnival Cruise Lines. Workout sessions are based on Simmons' classics like "Sweating to the Oldies," "Dance Your Pants Off" and "Boogie Sweat." The cruise has a festive air and a Mardi Gras theme, but the daily seminars on fitness and nutrition are all business with this peppy exercise maven.
Crank it down a notch and breathe deeply aboard a yogacruise tour of Turkey. This luxurious Turkish yacht sets sail through the Turkish Mediterranean with daily stops in peaceful villages and quiet beaches and bays. Yoga classes take place twice daily on the sun deck with panoramic views of the wide blue sea.
