Zombie cruise themed around hit US TV show The Walking Dead featuring Norman Reedus to set sail

One of the most unusual cruises of the year – themed around the hit US TV series The Walking Dead – will set sail on Friday.

The four-day Walker Stalker cruise will feature Q&A sessions with a number of the show's stars, including Norman Reedus, who plays kind-hearted rogue Daryl in the show, and Danai Gurira, better known as sword-wielding Michonne.

Also on hand will be make-up artists, ready to turn passengers into bloodthirsty monsters, while entertainment will include costume contests and themed parties.

The voyage departs from Miami on NCL's 2,200-capacity Norwegian Pearl, and will visit the island of Grand Bahama before returning to the Florida port on January 18.

Unfortunately for those hoping to bag a last-minute spot, it has proven as popular as the TV series, and sold out many weeks ago – with fans paying from $US750 for a double occupancy cabin.

Now in the middle of its sixth season, The Walking Dead – a post-apocalyptic and wincingly gory zombie thriller – has been a critical and commercial success, with the highest total audience of any series in US cable television history.

Its English star Andrew Lincoln, also known for his roles in Love Actually, This Life and Teachers, will not be appearing, but other stars from the show that will be on board include Emily Kinney, who plays Beth; Chad L Coleman (Tyreese), Christian Serratos (Rosita) and Lawrence Gilliard Jr (Bob).

It is not the most obvious theme for a cruise, with holidays at sea generally considered rather more sedate affairs, but it is one of several other off-beat options for 2016. Other unusual cruises include 70,000 Tons of Metal, featuring 60 heavy metal bands over four mosh-filled days; a Ghost Hunter's Cruise, offering sessions with mediums on board Norwegian Pearl from September 18-25; and The Big Nude Boat, an annual naked cruise organised by Bare Necessities - the next voyage departs from Fort Lauderdale on February 6.

It is the brainchild of Walker Stalker, which organises zombie, horror and sci-fi fan conventions around the world. Its first UK convention takes place next month, on February 20 and 21, at the London Olympia, and will also feature appearances from actors.