Theme cruises continue to be a popular vacation option, according to …
Theme cruises continue to be a popular vacation option, according to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the marketing organization for the North American cruise industry.
Theme cruises appeal to today`s diverse traveler, focusing on a variety of subjects and bringing people with shared interests together, says Bob Sharak, executive director of CLIA.
Special interest cruises offer travelers the opportunity to grow and expand their knowledge on a broad range of subjects – from history, cuisine and culture to sports, computers and music – through special programs and activities geared to that topic. Programs include on-board guest speakers, performances by noted entertainers, and the chance to interact with leading figures in their field.
Where else can you ask a race car champion questions, dance to a famous Big Band orchestra, watch as a world-renowned chef prepares a meal or sample wines selected by famous vintners? asks Sharak. These are itineraries that provide passengers with unique insights into subjects in which they have special interest while they relax and enjoy the overall cruise experience.
Here is a sampling of theme cruises offered by CLIA member lines in 2002:
Carnival Cruise Lines has partnered with NASCAR champion Rusty Wallace to host another popular racing-themed voyage aboard the 102,000-ton Carnival Victory. Departing Dec. 7 from Miami, the week-long sailing includes question and answer and autograph sessions, a cocktail reception and photo opportunities, as well as racing-themed contests and giveaways.
Crystal Cruises` Crystal Symphony presents an 11-day jazz cruise departing Sept. 15 from Montreal to New York and a yoga, health and fitness voyage from Montreal to Fort Lauderdale departing Oct. 7. Crystal Harmony features a 17-day film festival sailing Sept. 18 from San Francisco to Fort Lauderdale.
Cunard`s world famous QE2 features theme crossings between New York and Southampton, England, until December. As 2003 is its farewell season on this route (Queen Mary 2 takes over in 2004), all sailings offer a unique entertainment or cultural theme ranging from jazz to murder mystery.
First European Cruises` European Vision hosts a seven-night singles cruise Nov. 23 from Venice to Dubrovnik. Activities include planned socializing events and games based on astrological signs and horoscopes. Passengers sailing on Mistral`s Sept. 14 Classical Music cruise roundtrip from Kiel, Germany, enjoy concerts by famous musicians, and a Nov. 30 Well Being Westbound transatlantic voyage on the European Vision focuses on looking and feeling good via demonstrations, conferences and treatments.
Holland America Line is again featuring its popular Big Band cruises. Guests experience the Swing era with the Harry James Orchestra on Volendam`s 10-day southern Caribbean Wayfarer cruise sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale on Nov. 11, and the Sammy Kaye Orchestra on Oosterdam`s 14-day transatlantic sailing departing Lisbon, Portugal Nov. 19. Sailings include evening performances as well as tea dances and question-and-answer sessions with the bandleaders.
Radisson Seven Seas Cruises` Seven Seas Voyager offers an 11-night Mediterranean Menu and Music cruise Aug. 30 from Rouen (Paris) to Monte Carlo, featuring cellist and food lover Sharon O`Connor, who created the concept behind the Menus and Music books. Sharon leads onboard activities and talks about the art of pairing music and food while an ensemble from the San Diego Chamber Orchestra provides music and wine experts host tastings.
The Yachts of Seabourn`s Seabourn Pride hosts a Great American Food & Wine Festival on a 13-day cruise from New York to Nassau departing Oct. 25. Onboard activities include cooking demonstrations by guest chefs including Charlie Palmer and wine tastings featuring vintages from some of America`s most prestigious vineyards. Signature dishes created by guest chefs will be featured on the ship`s menus.
Silversea Cruises offers two voyages where guests experience the perfect pairing of culinary and wine cruises. Silver Shadow`s July 23 sailing from Rome to Cannes features Meadowood`s Didier Lenders and Steven Tevere, and winemaker Scott McLeod, of Niebaum-Coppola Estate Winery. Silver Cloud`s Aug. 7 sailing from Paris to Lisbon, features guest Chef Richard Reddington of Napa Valley`s Auberge du Soleil. Reddington matches his French-Mediterranean cuisine with vintages chosen by the Robert Mondavi and Opus One wineries.
Swan Hellenic`s Romans to Renaissance voyage Nov. 8-22, explores Italy as one of the great garden styles in Western Europe. Guest speaker Sir Roy Strong focuses on the birth of the country`s garden revolution following the Renaissance. Passengers are invited to visit historic Lecce with its impressive Baroque architecture; the lovely arboretum in Trsteno; the Franciscan Monastery in the medieval city of Dubrovnik; and the Royal Estate at Capodimonte.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
