The Wiggly Adventure Cruise lets kids meet Wiggles characters and enjoy themed activities. Photo / Royal Caribbean
The Wiggly Adventure Cruise lets kids meet Wiggles characters and enjoy themed activities. Photo / Royal Caribbean
From historical moments to thrilling sporting events or your favourite tunes, here are 10 ways to indulge your personal passions onboard a ship and in port on a theme cruise, writes Tiana Templeman
Nudist Cruise | Bare Necessities Tour and Travel
No need to pack your evening wear, but you’ll need plenty of sunscreen on this 14-night round-trip cruise from Cairns to Vanuatu on Scenic Eclipse II. Not surprisingly, there’s no dress code on this nudist cruise, although guests must cover up in port, on their veranda and in the dining rooms (except for the Yacht Club and the ‘bare buffet’ at Azure Café). Aside from no one wearing clothes, the rest of the experience on this Bare Necessities charter is the same as you’ll find on most luxury cruises.
The charming, eight-passenger Scottish Highlander is a first-class canal barge with a traditional Scottish country house ambience that will warm your heart almost as much as the whiskies that feature on this six-night Whisky Trail cruise. Along with spectacular Scottish countryside and plenty of drams, you’ll also indulge in traditional Scottish fare such as salmon, game and seafood. Onboard and onshore, you’ll be accompanied by the hotel barge’s experienced crew, who will take care of your every need and refill your whisky glasses regularly.
Cruise on the Scottish Highlander. Photo / European Waterways
Australia and Bali Golf Cruise | Azamara Cruises
Perfect your swing on a cruise that takes you to play half a dozen golf courses in style. Sailing from Sydney to Singapore on February 5, 2026, onboard Azamara Pursuit, this 22-night golf cruise comes with the chance to play at courses including Spalding Park, Royal Freemantle and the Bali National course in Indonesia. Once you arrive at the ship with your clubs, you’ll only see them again at each golf course, where they’ll be waiting for you in a cart, ready for tee off. Non-golfing partners are also catered for with city excursions, spa options and the ship’s five-star amenities.
Priced from $10,580 pp twin share (plus golf fee for playing guests). perrygolf.com
The Love Boat Celebration At Sea | Princess Cruises
“Set a course for adventure, your mind on a new romance” on this round-trip, seven-night Western Caribbean ‘The Love Boat Celebration at Sea’ cruise departing on November 16, 2025. Regal Princess will take you on a journey down memory lane with some of the show’s best-known actors, including Bernie Kopell (Doc), Fred Grandy (Gopher), Ted Lange (Isaac) and Jill Whelan (Vicki Stubing). If your love for your partner is still exciting but not necessarily new, you can renew your vows with the cast officiating, complete with a commemorative certificate. There is also Love Boat-themed trivia, cocktail making with Isaac the bartender, panel discussions with the actors and more.
Paris to Normandy WWII Remembrance and History Cruise | Avalon Waterways
Discover the history of World War II as you sail round-trip from Paris on a seven-night all-inclusive Avalon Waterways’ WWII Remembrance and History Cruise. Join a WWII history expert for tours to Normandy’s WWII landing beaches, the Pointe du Hoc monument, the American Cemetery, and the museum of Les Invalides, where you will discover stories of bravery and learn about the military strategies behind World War II. Travelling companions who don’t share their partner’s passion for war history can choose from the cruise’s regular touring options, such as food and wine tours, visits to chateaus and other sites such as Claude Monet’s gardens, or a bike ride along the Seine. This itinerary is offered in June each year and books out well in advance.
Priced from $7910 pp twin share. avalonwaterways.co.nz
History buffs can visit WWII battle sites while cruising through France. Photo / Avalon Waterways
Japan Photography Cruise with Ewen Bell| Heritage Expeditions
Take your travel photography to the next level on this 16-night round-trip expedition cruise from Osaka and sign up for workshops and on-location shoots with award-winning photographer Ewen Bell. Departing on May 14, 2025, and only available to a maximum of eight guests, this exclusive photography programme encompasses urban and landscape photography and also offers the chance to try your hand at travel portraiture. In addition, you’ll get to enjoy Heritage Expeditions’ delicious food and wine and the line’s extensive programme of included excursions.
Priced from $21,395 pp twin share (including the workshop). heritage-expeditions.com
Kanazawa send off on a Heritage Expeditions cruise with Ewen Bell. Photo / Ewen Bell
Australian Open Tennis Cruise | Carnival Cruises
Get off the couch and get onboard Carnival Adventure on January 19, 2026, for a trip from Sydney to Melbourne, where you’ll experience world-class tennis at the Australian Open. Officially partnering with Tennis Australia, this Australian Open Tennis Cruise includes two days in Melbourne to attend the Australian Open, a Ground Pass ticket and transfers from the ship to Melbourne Park. Onboard, there are meet and greets with tennis personalities and a photo opportunity to hold the AO trophies, plus multiple dining opportunities, evening entertainment and viewing screens showing the tennis.
Priced from Z$1610 pp twin share. carnivalcruises.com.au
Anthony Inglis and the National Symphony Orchestra | Cunard
Perform on stage in a choir backed by the UK’s National Symphony Orchestra on a Transatlantic cruise from New York to Southampton on board Queen Mary 2, departing on September 3, 2025. With no ports on this itinerary, you’ll enjoy a full programme of musical events hosted by composer and conductor Anthony Inglis and backed by the British National Symphony Orchestra. Along with two classical symphony concerts, don’t be surprised if you spot the orchestra’s principal performers dropping in to join the ship’s musicians in the Royal Court and Queens Room for a song or three.
Spotlight on Heritage with Ancestry | Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Join Kyle Betit, co-founder of AncestryProGenealogists, onboard Seven Seas Voyager and discover how genetic genealogy transformed Europe. Departing on October 31, 2025, you’ll spend 14 nights sailing from Venice to Rome and attending entertaining lectures that bring the subjects of ancestry and genealogy to life. If you’re tracing your family tree, you can also sign up to receive one-on-one guidance from an expert genealogist who has researched your personal history. This all-inclusive cruise takes care of everything, from dining and drinks to shore excursions, Wi-Fi, laundry and more.
Priced from $11,990 pp twin share. rssc.com
Genealogy cruises offer expert-led workshops to help guests trace their family roots. Photo / Regent Seven Seas Cruises
The Ultimate Wiggly Adventure Cruise | Royal Caribbean
Join Captain Feathersword, Dorothy the Dinosaur, Henry the Octopus, Wags the Dog and Shirley Shawn the Unicorn on one of six Wiggly Royal Caribbean sailings departing from Sydney or Brisbane during the 2025/26 cruise season. On these sailings, you (and your littlies) can do the Hot Potato at Wiggly dance parties, watch live performances in the main theatre and participate in activities such as story time with your favourite Wiggles characters. All the usual cruise ship fun such as the Kids Club, bumper cars, boogie boarding on the FlowRider, wining and dining are also available.
