Cruise travel has surged significantly in the last few years, with an estimated 37.7 million passengers expected to have sailed in 2025, according to the State of the Cruise Industry Report issued by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).
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Themed cruises, in particular, have been seeing more interest as they blend hobbies and passions with travel and adventure.
But what if you’re done with your standard Christmas or blues-themed cruisesand are looking for something a little different?
We look at some of the most offbeat voyages to try on your next at-sea getaway.
Meow Meow Cruise: Kitty trivia, scavenger hunts and more
This cruise is the ultimate destination for cat lovers who also love sailing. Held onboard Carnival’s Discovery Princess ship, it features a range of cat-themed activities.
This includes a Meet & Greet on the first day, where travellers can pick up their cruise kit. There’s also Meow Meow trivia sessions, usually held on seadays and group dining events at the end of each day.
Other activities include a free cocktail party, the Meow Meow Mixer, and a kitty scavenger hunt.
Comedy shows, games, trivia, gambling and off-ship excursions are also available on the cruise, both with and without the Meow Meow Cruise group.
Passengers can enjoy other on-board experiences like Michelin-star dining, panoramic balcony views and a state-of-the-art theater on board too. For a take-home gift, guests can also buy a commemorative T-shirt with their cat’s picture on it.
Although one might think otherwise, cats themselves, however, are not allowed on board.
The Meow Meow Cruise will sail to Mexico in May 2026 and to Central America from Tampa in March 2027.
70000TONS OF METAL: All things metal mania
Aptly named 70000TONS OF METAL, this is the world’s biggest heavy metal musiccruise. It usually lasts five days, starting from Miami, with one shore day at a Caribbean destination.
The cruise features around 60 metal bands and more than 120 live shows, for an audience of about 3,000 fans or metalheads, blending an electric festival-like atmosphere to the high seas.
Its signature event, “Jamming in International Waters”, brings a variety of renowned musicians for hard rock and classic metal performances. This includes iconic hits by acts such as Saxon, Accept, Iron Maiden and Dio, as well as unique one-time-only musical combinations created for travellers on board.
With the lineups for these jams being unique to each cruise, they offer exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime experiences for passengers.
Travellers can enjoy direct interactions with artists and all-night karaokesessions as well, with artists participating in jam sessions and shore excursions for a “backstage for everyone” feel.
Other highlights include a belly flop contest and 24-hour bars, along with a five-storied concert hall, ice-skating rink and indoor and open-air stages. There is also the Star Lounge, with a local club atmosphere, hot tubs on the pool deck and a number of other bars, clubs and lounges, as well as a casino.
Fitness lovers can try the fitnessstudio, with specialised equipment or check out the surf simulator, rock-climbing wall, mini-golf course or full-sized basketball court. The day spa also offers more than 100 treatments.
The cruise is held on the Freedom of the Seas, a ship operated by Royal Caribbean International.
Game of Thrones cruise: From King’s Landing to Meereen
Hardcore Game of Thrones fans can now visit some of the most iconic series filming locations which inspired places like King’s Landing, Meereen and Qarth.
Sail Croatia’s seven-day cruise offers a round trip from Split and includes key stops like Dubrovnik, Makarska, Korčula, Lokrum Island, Mljet National Park and Hvar.
See Daenerys’ throne room in Split’s Diocletian’s Palace, before heading to the Klis Fortress, which inspired the City of Meereen.
Travellers can enjoy scenic swimming on the way to Korčula, before arriving at one of Croatia’s most famous cities, Dubrovnik. Here, you can take a guided walking tour of the Old Town, marvel at the Red Keep from the show and visit locations for Blackwater Bay and Walk of Shame.
Take a ferry to Lokrum Island to see the city of Qarth’s filming location and explore the Benedictine Monastery.
Bonus? You can also sit on the original Iron Throne on this island.
Visit the stunning salt lakes in Mljet, before heading to Hvar to climb to the Fortica fortress for panoramic views of the harbour.
Ghost hunters’ cruise: Everything that goes bump in the night
Fans of the supernatural can try Mysterious Adventures Tours’ vast array of ghost hunting and mystical cruises, tours and experiences.
Itineraries span across most of Europe, including Czech Republic, Germany, Romania, Ireland, Paris, Greece, Switzerland, Austria and Italy, with some going even further afield to the US.
These tours mainly focus on supposedly haunted histories and legends, ancient landscapes and unsolved mysteries for a generous dose of all things spooky.
On the upcoming 11-day Paris to Rhȏne supernatural cruise, travellers can sail along ancient towns, medieval villages and Roman ruins, guided by renowned paranormal investigators.
Learn more about French folklore, history and centuries of mystery, as you come closer to the intersection between reality and the paranormal. There will also be workshops and discussions for any questions that may arise, against a backdrop of some of the most spectacular Southern France views.
The tour operator also offers a number of specialised tours around key spooky holidays like Halloween, such as a Vampire Ball at Bran Castle experience and Frankenstein Halloween tours.
Supercraft cruises: Crafting and jewellery making on the high seas
Love craftingand scrapbooking? The Cruise and Crop Cruise might just be the perfect fit for you.
Ambassador Cruise Line offers Supercraft cruises, where travellers can immerse themselves in their favourite crafting activities with a number of workshops.
These include classics such as decoupage, needle felting, jewellery and card making, along with more niche crafts like tote bag printing, sock teddy-making, lino printing, mosaic and beginner’s bookbinding.
The cruises also visit stunning destinations like France, the Norwegian Fjords, British Isles, Scandinavia, Iceland, Portugal, Spain, Canary Islands, Caribbean and North Africa.
High Seas Rally: Motorcycle culture meets sailing
The High Seas Rally is the world’s only motorcyclerally on a cruise ship. Enjoy the ultimate biker’s paradise with live music, charity fundraising, non-stop biker culture and the chance to sail with legendary builders.
Travellers can attend “Grease & Gears” seminars, where famous builders interact with fans and share stories. Music performances include bands like Steel Rod and Black Smoke Sinners.
Themed events include a “Pirate Takeover” night, along with a “Hillbillies on the High Seas” night and a “Salute to Service” day in some cases.
There is also a giveaway, which every guest is automatically entered into, where travellers can win a custom motorcycle like the 2024 Harley-Davidson FLTRX Road Glide.
Proceeds from raffles and other events support the Wounded Warrior Project and the High Seas Rally Dialysis Fund.
The cruise uses Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas ship and generally sails in the Western Caribbean. This year, it is set to sail from 1-8 November.
