These luxury cruises have something for everyone, whether you’re interested in golf, magic, history or literature
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The true draw of a themed cruise lies in its unique ability to offer an immersive experience that pairs perfectly with your destination of choice, resulting in an unforgettable adventure that would be nearly impossible to organize on your own.
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I had the chance to embark on one such voyage with Crystal Cruises, where the glitz and glamour of Broadway came alive aboard their luxury cruise ship.
Gloria Gaynor rocked the boat, belting out I Will Survive to an audience dancing at their seats, clapping hands and singing along as their ship, Crystal Serenity plied its way south on an eastern seaboard route from Quebec City to Fort Lauderdale. Next morning, the two-time Grammy Award winner—headliner on this Spotlight On Broadway entertainment cruise—appeared on stage to share intimate details of her inspiring life and career to a rapt audience. This showcases the trend among upscale cruise lines to enhance voyages with themes that suit the destinations.
In my experience, some of the best cruises offer itineraries that include expert guides, lecturers, historians, naturalists, archeologists, artists or chefs, all paired with the amenities of a top cruise line that suits the lifestyle of the guests.
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Here are my top nine recommended cruises with outstanding themes for 2025 and beyond.
Stargazing with Atlas Ocean Voyages
Atlas Ocean Voyages is offering several stargazing and astronomy-themed cruises on its hardy, 198-passenger expedition ships equipped with advanced telescopes. In June 2025, astronomer Charles Barclay will lead the 12-night World Voyager expedition from Edinburgh, Scotland to Trondheim, Norway on a stunning star-gazing itinerary around the Scottish Highlands, Denmark isles and through the Norwegian fjords.
The nine-night Solar Eclipse Expedition in August 2026 will sail round trip from Reykjavik, Iceland aboard the World Navigator. Aside from experiencing the celestial phenomenon with an expert astronomer, guests can also enjoy the nature and culture of Greenland.
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Formula 1 Grand Prix with Explora Journeys
Explora Journeys’ race-themed cruise from Barcelona, Spain to Monte Carlo, Monaco in May 2025 is based around the Formula 1 Grand Prix. Guests can spend seven nights in Monaco aboard the brand new Explora II for pre- and post-race activities. The itinerary includes stops in Mahon, Spain; Saint-Tropez and Ajaccio, France; as well as Porto Cervo, Livorno and Civitavecchia, Italy.
Culinary quotient with Oceania Cruises
Oceania Cruises’ culinary-themed, 14-day cruise from Barcelona to Dublin is destined to be an epicurean treat aboard the Sirena. The May 2025 voyage features cookbook author Claudine Pépin, daughter of esteemed chef and television host Jacques Pépin. Claudine, who has filmed several James Beard Award-winning television series alongside her father, will host onboard events, a cooking class and join guests on shore excursions. Ports along the way include Seville, Spain; Lisbon and Oporto, Portugal; and Bordeaux, France, among others.
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Magic Moments with Seabourn
Seabourn Cruise Line’s 19-day voyage aboard Seabourn Encore is centered on the art of magicians. The April 2025 journey from Long Beach, California to Miami, Florida will feature renowned female illusionist Josephine Lee, comedy magician Jack Rhodes, illusionist Blake Vogt and magician Mark Haslam, known for his “Houdini Mystery” and other impressive feats. En route, the ship will call at Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala and Cartagena, Colombia.
Golfing with Regent Seven Seas
Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ 14-night Golf Spotlight voyage—hosted by LPGA championship golfer Annika Sörenstam—will set sail from Southampton, England in June 2025 and loop around the British and Irish Isles. Besides a chance to meet one of greatest female golfers of all time over cocktails, during fireside chats and private coaching sessions; guests will have the opportunity to play on six prestigious courses. Some have even hosted major tournaments, including The Strand at Portstewart Golf Club in Belfast, Turnberry’s Ailsa course in Glasgow and the Royal Lytham course in Liverpool.
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Christmas festivities with Viking Cruises
Viking Cruises is offering festive 10-day river cruise tours from November to late December in 2024, 2025 and 2026. The Christmas Along the Elbe voyage celebrates the joyous season with musical, culinary and historic events, as well as guided museum visits in Berlin and Dresden. The itineraries include two days in Prague where guests can enjoy the Christmas market cheer or delve into the city’s history.
Black and African heritage with AmaWaterways
AmaWaterways’ 10-night Soulful Experience cruise along the Douro River sets sail in November 2025 with a focus on the rich history and heritage of the Black and African diaspora in Portugal. Guests start with a three-day hotel stay in Lisbon before boarding the 102-passenger AmaSintra for a round-trip cruise from Porto. Along the way, they will taste a medley of Brazilian, African and Portuguese cuisines, as well as the Douro Valley’s famed Port wine; visit local wine estates known as quintas and attend concerts featuring fado singers.
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Jewish European heritage with Uniworld
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises is offering several sailings with a focus on Jewish heritage throughout 2025 and beyond. Both the Delightful Danube & Prague cruise and the Remarkable Rhine & Historic Holland cruise will pay homage to over 2,000 years of Jewish history in Europe. Guests can expect guided visits to Holocaust museums, memorials, synagogues and World War II sites.
Literature Festival at Sea with Cunard
Cunard’s impressive roster of year-round themed cruises includes the outstanding Literature Festival at Sea, a seven-night transatlantic crossing from New York to Southampton, England aboard the Queen Mary 2. The December 2025 voyage features illustrious writers, broadcasters and poets with powerful pens. Special guests include BBC news presenter Sophie Raworth, bestselling author Richard Coles, screenwriter Dolly Alderton and many more. There will be Q&A sessions, author book signings and interactive workshops to help aspiring writers hone their craft.
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