Whether it be a cruise for fans to meet up with stars from their favorite TV show, share in a chocolate obsession, or simply to learn about science, such as an adventure to see the Northern Lights with scientists, there’s a themed cruise choice for everyone. I’ve rounded up top five cruises that inspire, satiate, and offer up something unique on the sea.
1. The Cupcake Cruise
It was inevitable that the cupcake craze would soon make it into the themed cruise arena with a specialized cruise made for mini-cake lovers. The Cupcake Lovers Cruise, developed by Hartford Holidays Travel, sets sail from New York to Bermuda for a seven-night, all-things-cupcake extravaganza. This first of its kind cruise will play host to cook book authors, cake aficionados, and fans of the cupcake-loving “Cupcakes Take the Cake” blog. According to the official “cupcake concierge,” Sally Turrill, “We’re planning lots of hands-on events, including cupcake decorating at the cupcake bar and events for the family.” Looking to delve into the cupcake business? Check out the training, branding, marketing, and protecting your product courses. Of course, no cupcake seafaring vessel would be complete without world-renowned cupcake masters such as the famed Robicelli’s from Manhattan serving up the best in cake delights!
Destination: Bermuda
Ship: Celebrity Cruise Celebrity Summit
Sailing August 19-26, 2012
Starting at $999 per person
2. F1 Monaco Grand Prix 2012
Race fans, start your engines! Embarking from Nice on the French Riviera, France’s most decadent seashore, the 112-guest Sea Dream Yacht Club welcomes race enthusiasts to one of Europe’s most prestigious events: the 70th anniversary of the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco. Bon vivants can sip champagne while listening to the sounds of the race at the top of the yacht bar or garner VIP tickets for an up-close experience. The party doesn’t end there; each night unfolds with fetes and movie nights under the stars while cruising to luxury ports at St. Tropez, Portovenere, Viareggio, Elba, and Portofino, Italy.
Destination: Monaco
Ship: Sea Dream 1
Sailing May 26-June 2, 2012
Starting at $4,899 per person; tickets for the race at $899 per person
3. The Great Barrier Reef Solar Eclipse
Amateur astronomers meet the scientific community for an “eclipse-chasing” cruise from Sydney, Australia, to North Queensland, the locale that lies on the “center line” and is the perfect area for eclipse viewing. Combine the aspects of one of the most stunning astronomical phenomenons in space with Australia’s famous reef, and cruisers get the chance to uncover two off-the-hook experiences: Northern Australia’s World Heritage listing, the Great Barrier Reef, and the next total solar eclipse happening on the morning of November 14, 2012.
Destination: Australia
Ship: Holland America Oosterdam
Sailing November 7-21, 2012
Starting at $1,699 per person
4. ‘Saw’ at Sea Movie Reunion
“Saw” fans will get to cruise north from NYC along the eastern seacoast with their favorite stars from the cult hit “Saw” movie franchise. The “Saw” at Sea cruise stars Costas Mandylor, Anne Green, and the “drill chair man” — Bill Bellamy. These are just a few of the celebrities along for all the macabre fun, but surely, the biggest draw for “Saw”-cruisers will be Dan Yeager, known for his “Leatherface” character, slicing through life yet again in “Texas Chainsaw Massacre 3D.” Party it up with photo ops, autograph sessions, Q&A’s, a pool party, dance party, tattoo contest, and private screenings of “Saw” movies.
Destination: Canada
Ship: Carnival Glory
Sailing August 11-16, 2012
Starting at $779 per person
5. Arctic Northern Lights
Quark Expedition’s Northern Lights-themed cruises are so popular, 2012 dates sold out upon announcement. They’ve expanded their 2013 itinerary to include two sets of sailings. “The Northern Lights are the brightest on record since 1859 and are known to be most active around the spring and autumn equinoxes,” said Quark President Hans Lagerweij. Known also as the Aurora Borealis, researchers, as well as travelers with Northern Lights viewing on their bucket lists, have come from all over the world to study them. Departing from Reykjavik, Iceland, the expedition explores Iceland’s charming capital before crossing the Denmark Strait en route to the coast of East Greenland to Ittoggortoormiit. (Say that five times fast!)
Destination: Greenland
Ship: Sea Spirit
Sailing September 9-22 and September 21-October 4, 2013
Starting at $6,495 per person for a triple cabin
For Additional Information
The Cupcake Lovers’ Cruise: Hartford Holidays Travel
129 Hillside Ave., Williston Park, NY 11596
800-828-4813
F1 Monaco Grand Prix 2012 Cruise: Sea Dream Yacht Club
601 Brickell Key Drive, Suite 1050, Miami, FL 33131
800-707-4911
The Great Barrier Reef Solar Eclipse: Theme Cruise Finders
800-326-4971
“Saw” at Sea Movie Reunion: Boca Raton Travel & Cruises
225 E. Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton, FL 33432
800-326-1414
Arctic Northern Lights: Quark Expeditions
93 Pilgrim Park, Suite 1, Waterbury, VT 05676
888-892-0334
