Are you a cruiser who’s been there, done that, and looking for something a little out of the ordinary? Are you ready to shake things up, and ditch the basic itineraries, bingo, and buffet lines? We have some great ways to combine your interests with a memorable and unique cruise that will stand out from all the rest.
The cruise industry has become wildly creative at bringing you unusual experiences while being out at sea. The funny thing is? Most people are unaware of how many unique cruises there are to choose from. Do you love music of all kinds? There’s a cruise for that! Do you have a unique interest or hobby? There’s a cruise for that! ( well, probably.) Whether you’re an avid cruiser or someone who rarely cruises, there is something for everyone! Today, we celebrate wild, weird, and unique cruise ideas — from themed cruises to unique river cruises, educational cruises, and beyond! More than likely, there’s something here that you didn’t even know existed!
Best-Themed Cruises
Themed cruises are great. If you haven’t been on one, you’re missing out! Imagine a whole ship full of people who are passionate about a certain show, era, or hobby, just like you! It’s like summer camp for adults but with wayyyy better food — and ocean views. You’re not just cruising, you’re going to exclusive events, workshops, concerts, and parties with people who get it. There’s a built-in sense of community that makes everything feel extra special. Talk about instantaneous friends!
Here’s a look at some unique cruises happening soon:
Star Trek Cruise
Trekkies, set phasers to stun, this one’s for you! Star Trek is celebrating its 60th anniversary with 3,000 of its closest fans. Joining those fans will be crew members like William Shatner, Walter Koenig, and many others! This will be a 7-day galactic adventure departing from Port Canaveral, Florida, on February 20, 2026. Ports of call include the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas. This Star Trek cruise is booking up fast, so if you’re interested “Make It So” and “Engage”!
Marvel Cruise
Disney Cruise Line will be celebrating the world’s greatest heroes (and villains) aboard their newest ship, the Disney Destiny. The ship will feature Marvel-themed venues and entertainment and will include a lineup of Marvel Super Heroes on a day out at sea. Witness beloved characters such as Black Panther, Spider-Man, Iron Man, Thor, and more. Nighttime shows will include spectacular stunts, effects, and pyrotechnics.
80s Cruise
If lots of color, shoulder pads, and REALLY big hair are more your jam, boy, do we have you covered! This is an all-inclusive 80s PARTTTTY with live music from: Bret Michaels, OMD, Billy Ocean, Taylor Dayne, Quiet Riot, Men Without Hats, Rob Base, and more! This 10-year cruise celebration will be hosted by some of the original MTV VJs, such as Mark Goodman and Alan Hunter, along with Downtown Julie Brown! If you don’t know who any of these people are, I’m guessing this was not your era! However, if this cruise strikes a chord with you, this 7-day blast of a cruise departs from Port Canaveral, FL, on February 27, 2026, with stops in the Bahamas, Jamaica, and Haiti. Fer sure, this will be a totally tubular time. So make those reservations right away, and don’t forget your mega can of Aquanet!
Broadway At Sea
Are you a Broadway lover? Well, why not combine your love of musicals with a cruise for your next vacation? From time to time, Royal Caribbean International offers full-scale productions of shows like Mamma Mia!, Grease, Cats, Hairspray, etc. If you have a Broadway-loving family, like we do, this one is a bucket list item!
Whodunit Cruises
If you’re the sleuthing type with a significant other (or maybe looking for a girls’ trip), we think that this is a fun one! Whodunit Productions is bringing you a 7-night cruise to die for with their “Till Death Do Us Part” murder mystery cruise!” This trip departs Los Angeles on February 6, 2026. Throughout the cruise, you’ll unravel a web of secrets while you search for clues and attempt to solve a mystery before it’s too late. The itinerary includes three stops including Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta.
River Cruises
River cruises are kinda the hidden gem of travel. Once you try one, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. They’re not as hectic or loud as your typical Caribbean cruise with waterslides and loud music. Instead, they are scenic, relaxed, and way more intimate than those massive ocean ships.
You’re gliding past castles, vineyards, and adorable little towns that feel straight out of a storybook. You wake up in a new place, sip your coffee with castle views, and stroll right off the ship into the heart of some charming village. River cruises are for people who want adventure and maybe a glass of wine in hand while floating past centuries of history. Here are a few river cruises to get you started:
Uniworld’s 50th Anniversary
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026. Its Rivers Of The World cruise is an incredible 50-night journey spanning six rivers across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Starting in Brussels, Belgium, and ending in Amman, Jordan, this voyage also includes a surprise “Mystery Cruise” segment. Fun stops on this cruise include tulips in the Netherlands, a show at Moulin Rouge, indulgent stays in France’s Burgundy and Provence regions, and 5 nights at a luxury hotel in Cairo, We think that this would be an incredible trip!
Ancient Egypt & Nile Cruise
Are you curious about going to Egypt and visiting ancient pyramids and tombs but maybe a little nervous about getting there? We think that taking a cruise here would be a great way to see this part of the world. Exodus Adventure Travels has a cruise where you can join an expert Egyptologist, who will help you discover the age-old mysteries of the ancient Egyptians. You will visit the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, cruise the Nile, and more!
Mekong River Cruise
With only 68 passengers on this all-inclusive luxury cruise, Scenic Spirit is a floating sanctuary. This five-star experience includes attention to detail from the crew, spacious suites, and exotic culinary flavors. You will explore the cultures of southeast Asia, see floating markets, and partake in a tuk-tuk ride along the waterfront,
Educational Cruises
Semester At Sea
Did you know that you can actually earn college credits while taking a 100+ day cruise and traveling to multiple countries and continents? I bet THAT just got some students’ attention, huh? Each year 550 students from Colorado State University take part in a multi-country study abroad program aboard the MV World Odyssey. Now, parents, I can hear you rolling your eyes and picturing scantily clad kids running amuck! While I’m sure that some of that goes on, the Semester at Sea voyage is actually a floating campus with a team of 25-28 faculty, all holding doctorates or advanced degrees with international/intercultural expertise. This program is open to students of all majors and emphasizes global studies. So there MAY actually be some learning that goes along with this too! You’re welcome, kids!
Road Scholar Cruise
If you’re an active senior citizen with a passion for travel, Road Scholar might just be the company for you. This non-profit tour company is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025. Road Scholar aims to make travel affordable and unforgettable by offering a blend of adventure and education. They believe that everyone should have the opportunity to travel, and they even offer financial aid and caregiver grants for adults who are 50+. They operate small group tours, grandparent-grandchild adventures, cruises, and so much more.
Crafting Cruises
CraftCruises
If you’re the crafty type and love crocheting, knitting, scrapbooking, etc., CraftCruises offers a variety of itineraries and countries to choose from throughout the year. As of this writing, you can find cruises to the British Isles, Arctic Circle, Panama Canal, New Zealand, Portugal & Spain, and more! There are even craft cruises for kids to get them involved as well!
Cruise & Crop
In addition, if you’re an avid scrapbooker, check out Cruise & Crop. They specialize in scrapbooking and crafting cruises, offering opportunities to learn new techniques and to connect with fellow crafters. They are currently advertising cruises to Alaska, Hawaii, Greece, Norway, Italy, Croatia, and more!
Cruising For Pet Lovers
Cruise Tails
If you’re anything like us and hate saying goodbye to your pup every time you travel, this might just be the stuff of dreams. 🐾 Margaritaville at Sea is launching its very first dog-friendly cruise out of Tampa in November 2025! Yep, 250 lucky dogs (and their humans) will emBARK on a 6-night adventure where the red carpet is rolled out just for your furry best friend. Think personal pet butlers, doggy costume parties, and so much more.
Meow Meow Cruise
Cat lovers, we haven’t forgotten about you! Yes, there’s a cruise for people who love cats too. While your pets cannot physically join you, we do think that this cruise is a purr-fect opportunity for connecting with like-minded individuals sharing your passion for all things feline. There will be cat trivia, a kitty scavenger hunt, and a Meow Meow Mixer cocktail party. This cruise sets sail on August 31, 2025, aboard the Discovery Princess, heading to Alaska.
As you can see, there really is a unique cruise for everyone. And new cruises with changing itineraries pop up all the time. So don’t settle. Get out there and Travel The Unexpected and find the right cruise for you and your interests!
If you enjoyed this list of cruises, check out some of our favorite travel experiences and festivals throughout the world!
