Plenty of theme spirit

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This was published 11 years ago

Plenty of theme spirit

By Joanna Hall
Authentic design ... the PS Murray Princess.

Authentic design ... the PS Murray Princess.

WHILE surfing the web in the US recently, I came across a website devoted to themed cruises. Scrolling through the categories, there was an impressive number of options; if you fancy meeting your favourite soap star, or brushing up on your golfing skills, there's a cruise departing somewhere with like-minded people.

In the 20-odd years I've been writing about the high seas, themed cruising has remained a popular trend. Although themes used to be traditional, focusing on food and wine, or common hobbies, popular culture has undoubtedly gripped the cruising world, with themes today following blockbuster movies, vampires and even technology.

Closer to home, there are a growing number of options for people looking for a cruise offering something a little different. At one end of the scale, P&O has expanded its popular theme nights, including Island Night where you can break out your Hawaiian shirts and sarongs, and Rock and Roll Party Night where you can dress up as your favourite music star.

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For a more encompassing experience, however, Music Cruises Australia returns with two short back-to-back jaunts from Sydney to nowhere on Rhapsody of the Seas.

The first pays tribute to Elvis Presley, departing on November 11, while the second is a 1960s and '70s music cruise departing on November 14, featuring 15 acts (musiccruises.com.au).

Australia's first fitness cruise departs from Sydney on April 2 next year on Carnival Spirit. The nine-night cruise to New Caledonia features daily boot camp sessions (tickledpinktravel.com).

Laughter lounge ... P&O's comedy cruises feature a guest panel.

Laughter lounge ... P&O's comedy cruises feature a guest panel.

Further afield, cycling enthusiasts might prefer a river cruise in Europe. Sea Cloud Cruises has departures in August and September on Sea Cloud II, featuring special cycling tours with a guide at ports of call in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

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And in the US, lovers of seafood can indulge their passion on a variety of themed cruises this year and next with American Cruise Lines. There are King Crab cruises in Alaska and Lobster Festival cruises in New England.

Package of the week

Traditional seaside town ... Lyme Regis.

Traditional seaside town ... Lyme Regis.Credit: Getty Images

Avalon Waterways has a new round-the-world package combining a cruise in Europe with land stays in New York and Asia.

The 23-day package includes a 15-day cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam and a four-day stopover in New York with a two-day tour pass to explore the city. There's also a bonus four-day stopover in Singapore, Hong Kong or Bangkok, and all flights provided with Star Alliance carriers. The package is priced from $11,142 a person, twin share, including savings of up to $1618 a person, for travel between April 1 and December 30, 2013. 1300 230 234, avalonwaterways.com.au.

In brief

Princess Cruises has a range of new itineraries in 2013, including cruises between Sydney and Tokyo on Sun Princess, and a cruise to Tasmania on Diamond Princess. The new program also features the return of its 35-night Hawaii, Tahiti and South Pacific itinerary.

Scenic Tours has a new 14-day South of France river cruise on the Scenic Emerald departing from Chalon-sur-Saone and ending in Arles.

Suite guests on Celebrity Cruises can expect even more pampering following a fleet-wide upgrade of services and amenities. They include the Celebrity eXhale bedding program with premium mattresses, Egyptian cotton linens and Bulgari luxury bath products.

PS Murray Princess

LAUNCHED 1950 PASSENGERS 120 REGULAR HAUNTS Murray River, South Australia BEST FOR Couples THE DETAILS A seven-night Murraylands & Wildlife Cruise from Mannum, SA, is priced from $1479 a person, twin share. 1800 804 843, captaincook.com.au.

Need to know

1 An inland paddle wheeler built for cruising the Murray River, the Murray Princess has an authentic design based on an era when hundreds of similar vessels plied the river. Its paddle, which propels the ship, is original.

2 Highlights of a Murray River cruise include exploring an unusual part of Australia's outback, featuring outstanding fauna and flora, rich indigenous culture and the legacy of a variety of historic riverside ports.

3 Of the 60 staterooms, 51 have outside views opening to an exterior deck and nine have portholes but open onto an inside passageway. Compact and with a traditional design, standard features include private bathrooms, electric blankets and bathroom amenities.

4 Dining takes place in a single-seating dining room, with events varying from a Captain's Welcome Dinner to buffets. Complimentary tea, coffee, bottled water and biscuits are available in the Paddlewheel Lounge.

5 Facilities include two spas, two saunas, a sun deck, two bars, two lounges with comfy leather armchairs and a guest laundry. Entertainment tends to be low key.

Port watch: Lyme Regis, UK

Need to know This traditional seaside town and fishing port is popular among English holidaymakers. Located in Dorset, south-western England, it made its debut as a cruising port of call recently following a maiden call by Silversea Cruises. Ships dock at the newly redeveloped harbour; taxis are available but the local sights can be explored easily on foot.

Do not miss Lyme Regis is situated in the heart of the Jurassic Coast, England's first natural UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for fossil hunting. The town dates back to the 14th century and features art shops, galleries and cafes, while Marine Parade offers a lovely walk. The Lyme Regis Museum is interesting for history lovers, while further afield, the best excursions take in the sights of the Jurassic Coast.

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