Advertisement

From Strictly to gardening, check out these fantastic themed cruises

Photo credit: Shutterstock
Photo credit: Shutterstock

Looking for something different to the average Caribbean sailing or European river cruise? Themed cruises offer a wonderful alternative to your typical sailing and we've rounded up the best ones for 2021 and 2022.

Over the next year, you can join a whole host of themed cruises to beautiful destinations - from Amsterdam to the Norwegian fjords - and our favourite themed cruises take in attractive sites, delicious food and unique experiences.

Whether you're obsessed with tasty cooking and fancy a food-themed cruise or would love to hear gardening tips from the experts on a garden-themed cruise, these are the best ones to take this year and next...

Food and drink-themed cruises

Learn the cooking secrets of the Hairy Bikers in the Norwegian fjords

Meet TV chefs Dave and Si on a foodie tour of Norway's breathtaking fjords, where the Hairy Bikers will cook some of their favourite recipes for you in a private demonstration, before taking the time to answer your questions.

Photo credit: Shutterstock
Photo credit: Shutterstock

The boys will also sign copies of their new cookbook, The Hairy Bikers’ British Classics, which you’ll receive on the cruise. During this nine-day trip, you'll visit the likes of Eidfjord, Hardangerfjord, Bergen, Geirangerfjord and Alesund to witness some of Norway's most impressive scenery.

BOOK NOW From £1,259 per person

Savour the flavours of Bordeaux with James Martin

Celeb chef and Saturday Kitchen host James Martin first fell in love with Bordeaux as a trainee at the Michelin-starred Hostellerie de Plaisance, and he’s been returning to the region ever since, which makes him the perfect guide to its wonderful flavours.

Photo credit: Shutterstock
Photo credit: Shutterstock

On a luxury, foodie-themed cruise he’ll join you for an oyster tasting, do a cooking demo of French classics, and design the menu for a special dinner with matched wines. You’ll also visit the lively farmers’ market in Libourne, enjoy fine wine tastings with Saturday Kitchen expert Susy Atkins and soak up all of the region’s gorgeous scenery from your five-star ship.

BOOK NOW From £2,249 per person

Garden and nature-themed cruises

Explore Amsterdam's tulips with Gardeners' World's Adam Frost

Take to Holland's waters for a floral-themed cruise with TV's Adam Frost, who will join you on a unique tour of world-famous garden Keukenhof. As well as visiting this must-see attraction to see its magnificent flower displays (it's only open for a couple of months each year), you can ask Adam for gardening tips.

Photo credit: Shutterstock
Photo credit: Shutterstock

During the five-day cruise, you'll take in various places in the Netherlands, including Amsterdam, Hoorn, Harlingen and Den Helder. There'll be plenty of chances to spot windmills, taste traditional Dutch food and stroll historic towns.

BOOK NOW From £699 per person

See the Floriade 2022 Expo with Charlie Dimmock

Another exciting way to experience the colourful gardens of the Netherlands will be on a Floriade 2022 cruise, when you’ll get to visit the spectacular once-in-a-decade flower show and hear a talk from Garden Rescue’s Charlie Dimmock.

Photo credit: Floriade/Charlie Dimmock
Photo credit: Floriade/Charlie Dimmock

The fabulous exhibition is themed around the idea of ‘Growing Green Cities’, and will feature 3,000 different species of plants, plus workshops, talks, interactive displays and tastings. While you’re there, you’ll also sail to the De Kruidhof Botanical Garden and beautiful Het Loo Palace.

BOOK NOW From £1,295 per person

Go in search of the Northern Lights with Carol Kirkwood

The mesmerising Northern Lights are one of the world’s great natural wonders, lighting up the night skies in wintertime with a green and yellow glow. They’re a weather phenomenon that’s always fascinated Carol Kirkwood, and she’ll be joining Prima readers on a cruise into the Arctic Circle to see them this winter.

Photo credit: Shutterstock
Photo credit: Shutterstock

Sailing up Norway’s east coast, you’ll explore colourful towns like Alesund and Tronheim, as well as the remote and beautiful Lofoten Islands - and even stop off at Europe’s northernmost point, the North Cape. As well as give a talk, Carol will sail across the spectacular fjord by Herstad with you, and you’ll be able to go on snowy adventures including husky sledding.

BOOK NOW From £2,105 per person

Dance and music-themed cruises

Discover the Danube with Strictly's Anton and Erin

Next April, you can cruise to the likes of Vienna, Budapest and Passau on a Strictly Come Dancing-themed cruise with stars Anton Du Beke and Erin Boag. The ballroom experts will host three special events during the eight-day cruise, including a private talk and Q&A session for you to ask all your questions about their glitzy careers.

Photo credit: Shutterstock
Photo credit: Shutterstock

They will also give a dance masterclass on board your luxurious river cruise ship and perform during a magical evening of music and dance at Vienna's historic Arsenal. All this and you'll get to visit some of Europe's most marvellous cities.

BOOK NOW From £2,145 per person

Relive The Sound of Music with West End stars

Join the cast of the West End hit Julie Madly Deeply as you relive Dame Julie Andrews’ career on a cruise from the pretty Austrian market town of Engelhartszell, through two capital cities (Vienna and Bratislava), the beautiful Wachau Valley, Linz and Salzburg.

Photo credit: HeadSpinPhoto
Photo credit: HeadSpinPhoto

They’ll give a private performance of the show, featuring hits from some of Dame Julie Andrews’ best-loved roles including The Sound Of Music, Mary Poppins and My Fair Lady, plus you’ll meet the star Sarah-Louise Young. All of your meals and drinks – including sparkling wines and cocktails – are included and your ship features a heated outdoor pool, spa, restaurant and sun deck.

BOOK NOW From £985 per person

A TV-themed cruise

Hang out with Ruth and Eamonn on the Danube

This Morning presenters Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes have been lighting up our TV screens for decades, and now’s your chance to meet them yourself on a fun-filled cruise along the Danube. They’ll be presenting an interactive show onboard your ship, including games, banter and a cooking demo, plus holding a Q&A and posing for pics.

Photo credit: Getty/Shutterstock - Shutterstock
Photo credit: Getty/Shutterstock - Shutterstock

What’s more, this glitzy voyage will see you visit five countries and three capital cities in just eight days, from the historic centre of Passau and cobblestone streets of Ceský Krumlov, to the grand skylines of Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest.

BOOK NOW From £2,395 per person

You Might Also Like