Cruise vacations lend themselves well to themed events, if for no other reason that unlike hotels and resorts, cruise ships can move to where such events occur.
Here are a few different themes and events that may be of interest to you:
Bridge Cruises
If you’re a Bridge player, and would like to travel with others with the same interest, then our friends at Oceania have 36 departures with a Bridge theme. Here’s a link to their list of Bridge Cruises: https://www.oceaniacruises.com/special-offers/bridge-cruises
On board will be an American Contract Bridge League Accredited Master Instructor (imagine having that title on your business card!), and there are lectures and educational events, as well as tournament play. It is appropriate for all levels. Here is ONE of the 36 options:
Miami to Barcelona departing April 5, for 14-nights
- Visit Nassau, Bermuda, the Azores, Seville, Granada, and Alicante (Spain)
- Verandas available from $4099 – $4499, and include a $500 per person shore-excursion credit.
- We also get extra goodies on this departure for reservations made by November 15.
- This trip is on board Marina. If you want to see our ship tour video of her identical twin, Riviera, here’s the link: https://youtu.be/KvgJJ2bE1OU?si=VpEgz6q82_zR4Qys
Wine Cruises on AMA
AMA has dozens wine themed every year that are hosted by wine experts, with tastings and winery visits included in your fare. Here’s their complete list: https://www.amawaterways.com/destination/wine-cruises/2024
Some Examples:
Basel to Amsterdam for 10 days departing July 14
- Visit Basel, Breisach, Strasbourg, Ludwigshafen, Rudesheim, Bernkastel, Trier, Cochem, Cologne, Amsterdam.
- Hosted by Kimberly Zacharias of Black Star Farms Winery in Sutton’s Bay, MI
- Fares start at $4480 per person
Portugal & Spain for 7-nights departing August 14.
- Visit Porto, Entre-Os-Rios, Regua, Pinhao, Barca D’Alva, Vega de Terron.
- Hosted by Regina Gaines, from House of Pure Vin in Detroit MI,
- Fares start at $4049 per person
Golf Cruises with Azamara
Azamara has a partnership with PerryGolf for fully hosted and all-inclusive golf vacations where you get to try out courses in different ports. Your fare includes green fees, carts, and gratuities. Here’s a list of all their golf themed cruises: https://www.azamara.com/cruises?keywords=golf-cruise
Some Examples:
Ireland Golf Experience from Dublin to Oslo for 13-days departing July 1
- Visit Dublin, Cork, Bantry Harbour, Foynes, Galway, Donegal, Belfast, Londonderry, Ullapool, Kristiansand, Oslo
- Verandas from $5601 per person
Spain Golf Experience from Lisbon to Barcelona for 10-days departing September 11:
- Visit Lisbon, Portimao, Cadiz, Seville, Gibraltar, Malaga, Cartagena, Valencia, Barcelona.
- Verandas from $4400 per person
If you are travelling with someone that is NOT a golfer, then this is the perfect vacation. While you’re on the links, your travel-partner has a long list of other excursions and activities available.
Ken Burns’ American Journeys with Tauck
If you’ve seen his documentaries, then you’re aware of what an iconic photographer and story-teller Ken Burns is. He has partnered with Tauck to enable guests to experience what he has documented on camera in his documentaries. Here’s a list of all those truly American experiences:https://www.tauck.com/tours-and-cruises/exclusive-partnerships/ken-burns
Some Examples:
Philadelphia to Washington for 11-days with departures May through September
- Visit Philadelphia, Gettysburg, Charlottesville, Richmond, Williamsburg, Mt. Vernon, and Washington.
- See the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Gettysburg Museum and battlefields, Jefferson’s House, Virginia State Capitol, Governor’s Palace in Williamsburg, George Washington’s Mt. Vernon Estate, National Mall, Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Exclusive visit to National Archives for a private viewing of the declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the bill of Rights.
- A great trip for American history enthusiasts, or perhaps those that want to offer their kids or grandkids a window into this world.
- $6190 for departures in May and September. Enquire for pricing other months.
Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks for 8 days with departures June through September:
- Visit Wyoming and the Tetons, Snake River, Mormon Row, Jackson, Yellowstone NP, The Bighorns, and Mt. Rushmore
- Pricing from $5490 in June, July, August, or September
Monte Carlo Grand Prix with Windstar
If you’re a racing enthusiast, it’s too late for 2024, but 2025 is still available. This cruise is hosted by a Formula One racing expert, and includes Section K seats for Saturday’s time trials, and higher seats for the final on Sunday.
Barcelona to Rome for 7-nights departing May 20, 2025
- Visit Barcelona, Palamos, Sanary-sur-Mer, Antibes, Monte Carlo (overnight), Portoferraio, Rome
- Your Race Kit includes a program, ear plugs, binoculars, seat cushion, poncho & cap.
- Fares from $8399 per person.
Viking Free Air to Australia and the South Pacific
OK… this one doesn’t have a specific theme, but we rarely see free air across the Pacific, so I thought I should include it this week:
Sydney to Singapore departing for 28 days on Feb 15
- Visit Sydney (overnight), Mooloolaba, Airlie Beach, Cairns, Thursday Island, Komodo NP, Bali (overnight), Java, Ho Chi Minh City, (2nights), Koh Samui, Singapore (overnight)
- Includes all taxes & fees, air, transfers, a shore excursion in every port, Silver Spirits Beverage Package, and wifi on the ship
- $13,499 per person for a veranda room.
Veterans Day
Tomorrow is Veterans’ Day, and I don’t have any specific themed cruises to highlight, but I do want to thank all those that have served for enabling the privilege the rest of us enjoy to be able to travel freely both at home at abroad. We do not forget your contribution, nor do we take it for granted.
Recently booked a Viking Cruise?
Viking makes it really easy to book direct, either online or by phone. Our clients worry that if they book on-line, that they’re cutting us out, but if you let us know after you’ve booked, then we can still help you with your reservation.
We’ll check over your reservation to make sure you’re getting the best possible deal, and we will also add some onboard credits that are not available on direct bookings.
We can add at least $100 per person onboard credit to any direct Viking reservation made in the last 60 days.There is never a situation where you’ll get a better deal by booking directly with Viking (or any other cruise line).
Have something to say about this?
Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PamperedCruiser/posts/pfbid02DXHCFU58HVx3iuBvM3bXqyB3jKtZ6mJyqA8wPk2MxJvhMV5UgwE97i4YyM6W4Gocl
If you’re planning a trip, I’d love to help! Click here or call 800-876-0168 to get in touch today.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sue Bradley
Sue Bradley
