Sandra Larriva
Chess, chocolate... and Elvis?
As if some cruises didn’t already run the risk of being populated by throngs of eccentric partygoers dressed in garish, '70s-throwback fashions, at least one liner is filled with nothing else. On the dance floor, it’s swivel-hip dads wearing rhinestone jumpsuits and their giggling dates prancing about in painfully pointy blue suede shoes. And everywhere, the sideburns are so long and bushy that the term “mutton chops” won’t do them justice.
Welcome to the world of theme cruises. In this case, it’s the Elvis Cruise, where each night lonesome-hearted hound dogs sing along with “Elvis Tribute Artists” to little ditties about hotels for the broken-hearted and the kind of rockin’ that apparently happens in jailhouses. Don’t abandon ship just yet—music is just one theme used by cruise lines to keep their privileged spot as the fastest-growing sector of the travel industry...
Chess, chocolate... and Elvis?
As if some cruises didn’t already run the risk of being populated by throngs of eccentric partygoers dressed in garish, '70s-throwback fashions, at least one liner is filled with nothing else. On the dance floor, it’s swivel-hip dads wearing rhinestone jumpsuits and their giggling dates prancing about in painfully pointy blue suede shoes. And everywhere, the sideburns are so long and bushy that the term “mutton chops” won’t do them justice.
Welcome to the world of theme cruises. In this case, it’s the Elvis Cruise, where each night lonesome-hearted hound dogs sing along with “Elvis Tribute Artists” to little ditties about hotels for the broken-hearted and the kind of rockin’ that apparently happens in jailhouses. Don’t abandon ship just yet—music is just one theme used by cruise lines to keep their privileged spot as the fastest-growing sector of the travel industry...
Sandra Larriva
Chess, chocolate... and Elvis?
As if some cruises didn’t already run the risk of being populated by throngs of eccentric partygoers dres... more
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1
The Elvis Cruise
Jazz Cruises, LLC
Music industry pro Jerry Schilling and director and conductor Joe Guercio have one thing in common: a love for the King of Rock 'n' Roll. During this four-day cruise from New Orleans to Cozumel, they will remember and pay tribute to the music of Elvis Presley with performances spanning The King's career—from gospel to rock, from thin to fat. There will also be panel discussions, autograph sessions and more rockin' events.
2
Equestrian Theme Voyage
Peter Deilmann Cruises
Among the several theme cruises organized by this award-winning line, the equestrian voyage is unlike any other. In addition to galloping your way through some of the world's most scenic trails, you can also visit a horse show and a stud farm. And learn more about the sport from equestrian champions, breeders and trainers who will also be on board. November's 12-night escapade will sail around the Arabian Peninsula.
3
Cruise Trek 2008: The Blue Danube
Cruisetrek
Charlie Datin, producer of this Star Trek-theme cruise adventure, promises to "take the best parts of land-based conventions and bring them on board luxurious, modern cruise ships." If that sounds like your thing, then beam yourself up to where no Trekkie has gone before (in such style, at least): the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria and Hungary. Continuous Star Trek movies, Star Trek games and, of course, special Star Trek guests are on the agenda.
4
Gothic Cruise and Masquerade Ball
All Genre Travel
The world's first goth cruise set sail in 1989, and thanks to the enthusiasm of its mascara-clad vampire enthusiast, 2008's will be lucky no. 13. This year's epic voyage is sponsored by VampireRave.com and Gothic Beauty Magazine, and includes moonlight swims, a gothic art auction and performances by Combichrist, Deepest Symphony and Red Flag. Bad news for the junior vampires—this is an adults-only haunting. Attendees must be 18 or older.
5
National Costume Cruise
Hurtigruten
Cruises in Norway are famous for winding through breath-taking fjords during this northern land's long summer days. But if the awesome landscapes aren't enough to satisfy your Norwegian fetish, consider this weeklong immersion in the country's clothing, known for its "luxuriant patterns and strong colors." From "homegrown peasant" to "fisherman's garb," this cruise should offer more than enough Norwegian history by way of its people's threads. Starting at $1899 per person.
6
Hogs on the High Seas
Hogs on the High Seas
This year, Harley-Davidson enthusiasts have two chances to tear up the lido deck with their chrome-wheeled, fuel-injected suicide machines. First up is the Mexican Riviera cruise in April; then, it's the 6th annual Western Caribbean cruise in November. (An Alaskan trip is currently being planned.) Expect the usual shore excursions, but also tattoo and beard contests, biker bingo and a belly flop competition. For the two nights that formal wear is typically mandatory for dinner, the Hogs' organizers say only, "leather required."
7
Girls Get-A-Way Cruise
Premier Christian Cruises
Then there's the Girls Get-A-Way cruise, produced by Premier Christian Cruises. For this five-day jaunt from Mobile, Ala., to Cozumel, Mexico, the motto is "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun." All are welcome, as long as they're of the fairer sex—because, in the organizers' words, "there's nothing quite like getting a group of girlfriends together to swap stories, laugh and cry together."
8
Clothing Optional Cruises
Bare Necessities Tour and Travel Inc.
If Bare Necessities' busy schedule is any indication, the lid has really blown off the "clothing optional" cruise business. This year's roster includes the South Pacific (May), the Eastern Mediterranean (August) and Greece (September). Company president Nancy Tiemann has been organizing nude travel for 16 years, and claims "people who are able to leave their clothing behind in a social setting are also more able to… be themselves, as they really are, rather than who they think others would like them to be." (She also books vacations for clothing-optional resorts.) If you dare to go bare, this is the cruise for you.
9
Chess Moves
Geek Cruises
In 1998, Neil Bauman was reading a computer programming book on a cruise and thought, why not combine the two? One year later, he founded Geek Cruises. Themes have included The Photoshop Fling, Mac Mania and Shakespeare at Sea. One of his most popular cruises, though, is the annual Chess Moves, which promises tournaments and classes that include "The Art of the Exchange Sacrifice" and "Understanding Pawn Endings."
10
Spotlight is on... Chocolate (And Coffee)
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
This "six-star" luxury line based in Fort Lauderdale has been targeting a wide range of special interests with its "Spotlight" series since 2001. The combination of world-class dessert chefs and the world's most tempting ingredients results in this "Death by Chocolate" cruise that will sail around the Caribbean for seven days starting December 1, 2008. Or, wait three more days and catch the Chocolate and Coffee Cruise, which sails for twice as long and makes stops at several chocolate-producing countries.
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