From a “Love Boat” reunion cruise with Cruise Director Julie (Cynthia Lauren Tewes) and Charo to an enticing “True Crime Voyage” and multiple gourmand sailings for food-and-wine aficionados, The Meandering Traveler has picked a trio of best themed cruises.
Yes, these best themed cruises do vary in structure. Some are one-time-only themed event sailings. But also included are multiple voyages with a new signature experience that further enhances a specific, targeted focus.
Each has unique appeal. So, let’s check them out!
(The top deck of a Virgin Voyages ship is shown in the photo above. Photo by Virgin Voyages.)
1. Best Themed Cruises: Love Boat’s Cruise Director Julie
Are you ready for a fun “Love Boat Celebration at Sea,” bringing back fond memories of the 1970s TV show, The Love Boat? Well, then pack your bags for Regal Princess’ special themed voyage roundtrip from Galveston, TX, on November 16, 2025.
Port calls will include Cozumel (overnight) and Roatan, Honduras. But it’s The Love Boat reunion elements that are expected to truly shine, making this a best themed cruise.
This year’s new reunion twist? Both Cynthia Lauren Tewes (aka Julie McCoy, your cruise director) and “cuchi, cuchi” Charo (a talented guitar player who guest starred on the show as entertainer April Lopez) will both sail with guests.
They’ll join former Love Boat cast members Jill Whelan (Vicki Stubing), Fred Grandy (Burl “Gopher” Smith), Ted Lange (Isaac Washington), and Bernie Kopell (Dr. Adam Bricker). The cruise will unfold as a once-in-a-lifetime fan celebration at sea.
Coincidentally, Whelan chatted with The Meandering Traveler for a past blog about her memories of the show and the personalities. Click the Jill Whelan link immediately above for Part 1 of that blog, and Part 2 is here.
But travelers will also gain firsthand perspective about the TV show from Whelan, other cast members and guest stars. “During this cruise, travelers will discover themed meet-and-greets, special activities, and tributes to the iconic series,” says Shelby Steudle, president, Pavlus Travel.
Best Themed Cruises: Charo Performs Live!
“Another highlight is that cruise guests will be treated to exclusive live performances by Charo,” Steudle explains. “Her dynamic blend of Flamenco guitar and high-energy stage presence helped make her a standout guest star on the show.”
Also now available is an exclusive, optional “Captain Package.” Available for a limited number of guests, it offers more unforgettable experiences and special access. Package highlights will include: “The Love Boat Lounge: Cast Cocktail Hour,” the “Bon Voyage Dinner with The Love Boat Cast,” and exclusive commemorative merchandise.
Since this iconic Love Boat themed cruise departs on November 16, 2025, chat today with your personal travel advisor if you’d like to reserve a cabin or suite. These special themed sailings are typically wildly popular with those who either grew up watching the TV series or have enjoyed the reruns.
For this Love Boat Celebration at Sea, at press time, pricing (per person, double occupancy) started as follows: an interior cabin from $608; balcony cabin from $839; and mini-suite from $1,228.
“Soon, you’ll be hobnobbing with The Love Boat’s cast and Charo on the high seas,” says Pavlus’ Steudle.
2. Oceania’s New Gerard Bertrand Food-and-Wine-Pairing Lunch
We’re taking a bit of editorial liberty, we admit. But personally, we believe voyages on Oceania Cruises are akin to a themed culinary cruise. Describing its own product focus as “The Finest Cuisine at Sea,” this upscale line has once again elevated its culinary draw a tad more.
For foodies, Oceania just debuted an exclusive, new Gerard Bertrand Food-and-Wine-Pairing Lunch on all voyages of the new Oceania Allura. This immersive new signature experience is suited to connoisseurs and curious novices alike.
In September 2025, this new food-and-wine-pairing lunch will launch on Oceania Vista. Also, you’ll find it on Oceania Marina and Oceania Riviera by 2026.
New Six-Course Lunch
So, if you do sail, what will the new six-course lunch experience specifically entail? Here are a few tidbits.
- Guided by Oceania’s expert chefs and sommeliers, travelers will enjoy an intimate, educational lunch in Jacques, Oceania’s signature French restaurant.
- This new food-and-wine experience can accommodate up to 40 guests at one time
- Delectable dishes created by the line’s culinary team will be paired with premium, hand-picked Gerard Bertrand wines.
- Those wines are crafted using organic and biodynamic practices.
- For a sample menu of a few dishes and the wines paired with those, check out the line’s press release.
- This optional signature dining experience costs $175 per person (plus gratuities).
Another New Culinary and Wine Option
Chef Alexis Quaretti, Oceania’s executive culinary director, says this: “Collaborating with Gerard Bertrand to craft this one-of-a-kind pairing menu has been an exciting opportunity to bring together culinary artistry and world-class French wines in a way that’s both inspiring and approachable.”
He continues: “It’s a beautiful addition to our wide range of pairing experiences and a true reflection of our commitment to serving ‘The Finest Cuisine at Sea.'”
So, if guests desire to sail in 2026 and feel as though they’re on a foodie-themed cruise, for instance, here’s one of the voyage options.
Oceania Allura will operate a seven-night sailing roundtrip from Miami on February 19, 2026. At press time, fares started at $2,660 per person, double occupancy.
“But given that the experience is already now on every Oceania Allura voyage, and that will also be the case for Oceania Vista by September, there are many more choices for gourmands,” explains Pavlus’ Steudle. As explained above, two other Oceania ships will also get this experience by next year.
So bon appetit and sip away at the line’s new delightful food-and-wine pairing lunch! (Hint: just one of many fantastic culinary/wine activities aboard)
3. Coming Soon: Virgin Voyages’ Mystery Sailing
Virgin Voyages is setting the stage for something unforgettable. The adults-only line has teamed with iHeartMedia to launch the new themed”True Crime Voyage.”
Departing October 10, 2025, this five-night Caribbean sailing from Miami looks to transform podcast fandom into an immersive, at-sea experience. Yes, we expect many of Virgin’s loyal “sailors” (the line’s term for guests) will love it.
“But it’s also likely a great option for any new-to-cruise travelers who simply want to try out cruising and who happen to love mysteries,” believes Pavlus’ Steudle.
Sailing on Valiant Lady, guests will go ashore at Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Plus, they’ll have time ashore at Virgin’s exclusive Beach Club at Bimini.
Best Themed Cruises: True Crime Podcasts
This special themed voyage will focus on some of iHeartMedia’s most captivating true crime podcast titles. Those include “Stuff They Don’t Want You to Know,” “Betrayal” and “Buried Bones.” Readers can learn more about those specific mystery podcasts and others from Virgin’s press release.
Mystery buffs can listen to live podcast recordings of their favorite shows. They can also attend behind-the-scenes “How to Podcast” workshops.
“Other perks will include exclusive meet-and-greets with top hosts and special giveaways,” adds Pavlus‘ Steudle. “Plus, guests will discover themed cocktails and bites inspired by infamous cases!”
This new “True Crime Voyage” marks the start of Virgin’s efforts to bring more of the cultural conversations, trends and fandoms shaping pop culture to sea.
Always Included Pricing
Another plus is that Virgin Voyages has “always-included” pricing. So, the cruise fare covers dining at more than 20 eateries, gratuities, Wi-Fi, group fitness classes and essential beverages.
At press time, fares started at $2,152 per person, double occupancy. “Give your personal travel planner a call for questions and to discuss accommodations options,” says Steudle.
Overall, the three types of themed options above are a great way to indulge your personal passion. So, whether that’s creating Love Boat memories, enjoying gourmand activities or diving deep into true crime mystery, it makes for a fantastic vacation on the high seas!
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