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The Joy of Theme Cruises

Want to learn the secrets of last night's superb dessert from a Michelin Star chef? Or discuss politics with an international authority? If you're ready to immerse yourself in a special interest during your next vacation, a theme cruise might be the right choice for you. There are many available throughout the year for a stimulating and fascinating vacation experience.

Turn Your Cruise into a Special Event

There's no shortage of enriching experiences aboard cruise ships today. Programs like Princess Cruises' ScholarShip@Sea and Crystal Cruises' University at Sea cover a wide range of subjects. Enrichment lectures, culinary demonstrations, wellness lectures and activities in the gym - the list goes on and on.

If you want a more in-depth look at a particular topic then consider a theme cruise. With celebrity guests on board plus additional entertainment and events focusing on the topic, theme cruises turn your vacation into something special. There's a festive atmosphere and great camaraderie around the ship as you meet others who share your interest.

From Astronomy to Wine

With topics ranging from Astronomy to Wine, Golf to Art, Big Band to Wellness, every year there is a tantalizing selection of theme cruises to choose from.

Transatlantic crossings where there are few if any ports of call offer the perfect opportunity to immerse your self in a favourite subject.

  • Cunard Line offers scheduled transatlantic crossings aboard QM2 so this ship hosts many interesting theme sailings and programming like the Oxford University Press Science at Sea series and voyages hosted by the prestigious Royal Astronomical Society - QM2 is the only ship with an observatory so it is the perfect spot for shows, lectures, star parties and other events.
  • Crystal Cruises has two theme transatlantic crossings planned for the fall.
    • September 5, 2010 - Crystal Symphony, London to New York Wellness at Sea. Experts and instructors from the Mayo Clinic, Tai Chi Cultural Center and the world of yoga and professional baseball will be on board to lead classes and give talks.
    • December 1, 2010 - Crystal Serenity, Lisbon to Miami Dancing with the Crystal Stars. Features beginner and advanced classes in a variety of dance styles, performances by professional dancers, The Glenn Miller Orchestra will be on board and Ambassador hosts will be on hand to dance with single ladies.

Theme cruises are offered year round with lines having special names for each sailing:

  • Regent Seven Seas offers "Spotlight On" cruises focusing on Food and Wine, Art, Dance, Photography, Cabaret and Music in 2010.
  • Silversea calls them "For the Art Afficianado", the Nature Lover, the Active Adventurer, the Cultural Connoisseur and Gourmet. Along with the Silver Links Golf sailings they make this line a good choice for theme cruise options.

Theme Cruises in the Western Mediterranean

Here are some specific examples of theme cruises available from now through December in our featured destination: The Western Mediterranean.

  • Food and Wine
  • Fashion
  • Golf
  • President's Cruise
  • History
  • World Events

Food and Wine

These sailings are a foodie's dream. You may enjoy market visits, signature cuisine and lively demonstrations with celebrity chefs; learn how to pair wine and food and the art of the perfect cocktail with guest mixologists and sommeliers. Perfect for the Western Med!

Silversea

  • The Viking Cooking School aboard Silversea offers a variety of events including cooking competitions.
  • Also head ashore to cook alongside world-renowned chefs at prestigious Relais & Châteaux - Relais Gourmand boutique restaurants.
  • May 31, 2010, Nice to Southampton aboard Silver Whisper

Crystal Cruises

  • Michelin Star chefs Michael Mina or Tom Aikens lead the roster of experts on Food and Wine Festival sailings.
  • September 5, 2010, Istanbul to Barcelona & September 17, 2010 Barcelona to Venice.

Holland America Line

  • Celebrity chefs include Lars Kronmark, Executive Chef Instructor at The Culinary Institute of America, Napa Valley, CA, as well as a Culinary Olympic medallist, James Beard Award winner, cook book writer and celebrity Chocolatier.
  • Six culinary theme sailings will operate from May through September, 2010 in the Western Med.

Fashion

Crystal Cruises, 2010 Fashion & Style Experiences of Discovery voyages
June 6, 2010, "Culture & Couture", Barcelona to Athens;
September 29, 2010, "Fashion Capitals", Venice to Monte Carlo

  • One-on-one consultations, runway-style fashion shows, insights on the influence of European fashion, and fashion-focused films up the glamour quotient on these sailings. Veteran hair, makeup, and fashion professionals share their "tricks of the trade" and expand the personal complimentary services at Crystal's Style Desk.

Golf

Silversea, Silver Links golf cruise
May 31, 2010, Nice to Southampton

  • Perfect your swing onboard and play on challenging courses ashore. Events may include complimentary clinics, demonstrations and putting contests. The Golf professional also offers private lessons utilizing the state-of-the-art "V1" digital coaching system. No need to bring your clubs as Silversea has Nike© clubs for rent.

President's Cruise

Azamara Club Cruises
October 23, 2010, Barcelona to Rome

  • President's cruises give you a chance to socialize with the head of the cruise line. President and CEO Larry Pimentel and his wife Sandy will host Azamara Quest's seven-night French Riviera & Tuscany cruise. Enjoy hosted parties and casual get-togethers where you can discuss the line's new vision with the President, a complimentary hosted shore excursion and receive a commemorative gift.

History

Silversea, For the History Enthusiast
May 25, 2010, Barcelona to Nice
September 13, 2010, Istanbul to Nice

  • Special guest historians will bring the Mediterranean to life with presentations highlighting your ports of call and enriched by their personal experience and insight.

World Events

Silversea, For the World Observer
May 24, 2010, Rome to Nice
May 28, 2010, Barcelona to London (Tilbury)
May 31, 2010, Nice to Southampton

  • Noted international authorities lead discussion sessions and give lectures on current world events. You're able to stay in touch with the news while aboard ship with Satellite television broadcast on your in-room TV.

Sound exciting? Then you're a traveller who would really enjoy a theme cruise for your next vacation. Let us help pinpoint the right sailing for you for an enriching vacation you'll never forget.

By Susan Milne
Ensemble Travel Group - Sponsor Ensemble Travel Group
Ensemble Travel Group

IMPORTANT: When booking, ask us for the appropriate supplier brochure for complete details and terms and conditions for your vacations and as well inquire about any possible past guest savings. Offers are space available and may be withdrawn at anytime without prior notice and are not combinable with other offers (unless stated otherwise). All prices, details and offers are subject to change. We are not responsible for errors or omissions.

Articles by Susan Milne

 Ensemble Travel Group - Experience That Takes You Places