you won’t believe these cruises are real

You’ve probably heard of cruises with buffets, beach days, and bingo nights.

But what about cruises with full-blown murder investigations? Or ones where everyone’s dressed like Starfleet officers debating warp speed over daiquiris?

Yup—it’s a thing. A very fun thing.

Not all cruises are built the same. Some are tailored to fans, foodies, musicians, and mystery-lovers who want more than a lounge chair and a tropical drink (though those are still welcome, too). These themed sailings are packed with personality—and often booked by people who’ve been counting down for months with glittery costumes or signed guitars in hand.

Let’s look at some of the most unusual cruise themes you can actually book right now. And who knows… one of these might just make it onto your travel list.

🎸 1. Rock Hard at Sea: ShipRocked

If your idea of relaxation includes guitars, tattoos, and pyrotechnics, ShipRocked might be calling your name.

It’s a full-ship rock and metal cruise featuring bands like I Prevail and Killswitch Engage. Think of it as a floating music festival—with beach takeovers, fan meetups, and late-night shows that’ll shake your cabin walls (in the best way).

Expect wild costumes, onboard jam sessions, and probably someone in full face paint at breakfast.

Cruise Line & Ship: Carnival Cruise Line – Carnival Horizon
Perfect for: People who like their poolside drinks with a side of distortion.

🕵️ 2. Murder Mystery Cruises

Ever wanted to live out your detective dreams without the stress of real danger? You can.

Several cruise lines, including Princess and Norwegian, host themed murder mystery events where actors stage a dramatic “crime” and you, the passengers, piece together the clues.

Some have a retro twist—think 1920s speakeasy vibes—while others feel like a full-blown whodunit. You’ll interview suspects, share theories, and try to catch the killer before dessert.

Cruise Line & Ship: Norwegian Cruise Line – Norwegian Joy (hosting the Exhibit C True Crime Cruise in Jan 2026)
Perfect for: Sleuths, clue-gatherers, and anyone who watches true crime shows with a notepad.

🖖 3. Star Trek: The Cruise

This one has a cult following, and for good reason.

Star Trek: The Cruise transforms an entire ship into a floating tribute to the final frontier. You’ll sail with Star Trek actors, attend themed panels and costume balls, and hang out with fans who know the difference between a warp core breach and a photon torpedo.

Crew members often dress in full Klingon or Vulcan gear, and it’s not unusual to hear someone casually quote Spock while ordering breakfast.

Cruise Line & Ship: Royal Caribbean – Adventure of the Seas
Perfect for: Sci-fi superfans and anyone who thinks “Live long and prosper” should be part of everyday conversation.

🧘 4. Wellness and Yoga at Sea

Not every themed cruise is loud and full of lasers. Some are all about chilling out.

Lines like Celebrity and Oceania offer sailings focused on health and relaxation—with morning yoga, clean eating workshops, guided meditation, and spa-heavy itineraries.

There’s also Blue World Voyages, a wellness-only cruise line with a built-in sports deck, smoothie bars, and zero-pressure vibes.

Cruise Line: Blue World Voyages
Perfect for: Travelers who want to reset, not just relax.

👻 5. Ghost Hunter Cruises

Yes, there’s such a thing as a paranormal cruise.

These sailings are often hosted by real-life ghost hunters and include nighttime investigations, spooky history lectures, and excursions to famously haunted ports. The Hollywood Ghost Cruise sails to places like Key West and New Orleans, with onboard ghost-hunting equipment and all.

If the ship creaks in the middle of the night? Totally normal… or is it?

Cruise Line: Varies by event
Perfect for: Ghost story lovers, horror buffs, and people who carry EMF detectors for fun.

🧁 6. Hobby Cruises: From Scrapbooking to Cooking

If you’ve ever thought, “I wish I could bring my glue gun on vacation,” then a hobby cruise might be your dream trip.

Holland America has hosted America’s Test Kitchen classes in the past, featuring live demos and workshops. There are also themed cruises for baking, quilting, and scrapbooking, including the Scrapbooking Cruise.

Cruise Line & Ship: Royal Caribbean – Voyager of the Seas, Independence of the Seas (Scrapbooking Cruises)
Perfect for: Makers, bakers, and creative travelers who bring carry-ons full of washi tape.

🕺 7. Throwback Cruises: The 80s & 90s

Let’s be honest: most of us are just looking for an excuse to wear glittery leg warmers and belt out “Livin’ on a Prayer” without judgment.

The 80s Cruise and The 90s Cruise are floating parties packed with throwback concerts, trivia nights, dance contests, and more nostalgia than a vintage Trapper Keeper.

Cruise Line & Ship:

• 80s Cruise: Royal Caribbean – Adventure of the Seas

• 90s Cruise: Celebrity Cruises – Celebrity Constellation
  Perfect for: Anyone who still remembers the dial-up sound and owned a mix CD labeled “Road Trip.”

So… why would anyone book one of these?

For starters, it’s just more fun. Themed cruises attract people with shared interests, which makes it easier to connect—even if you’re flying solo.

And even if you don’t dress up or fully commit, being around a group of people who are really into something makes the whole trip feel more exciting and memorable.

If you’ve ever wanted to party with Klingons, solve a murder, or craft while at sea, there’s probably a cruise out there with your name on it.

Until next week,

Tara