What is a specialty cruise?

Specialty cruises offer an experience centered on a hobby or passion, such as gastronomy, sport or music, with specific ports of call and activities. They also cover special periods of the year such as Christmas, with visits to Christmas markets, New Year's Eve, summer vacations and All Saints' Day. Specialty cruises can be dedicated to different types of public, with family or adult-only options. They also include traditional types of navigation, such as sailboat cruises, as well as luxury cruises for an exceptional experience.

The different types of specialty cruises

Christmas cruises and New Year cruises

Christmas cruises and New Year cruises offer a festive and magical experience at sea. On board, passengers can enjoy a variety of entertainment, including Christmas shows and New Year's Eve festivities.
Caribbean cruises offer pleasant temperatures, fluctuating between 23 and 25°C, and sunny weather ideal for swimming.

Disney Cruise Line offers special Christmas and New Year cruises, where the whole family can enjoy magical decorations, shows and festive activities. On Very Merrytime Cruises, passengers watch Mickey light the Christmas tree and take part in parties with Disney characters in Christmas costumes. For New Year's Eve, fireworks at sea and special dinners celebrate the event in a magical, festive atmosphere.

In Europe, river cruises on the Rhine are particularly popular, with stopovers in cities famous for their Christmas markets, such as Strasbourg and Cologne. On the Danube, Vienna is famous for its Christkindlmarkt.
The Mediterranean is ideal for winter cruising, with mild temperatures and few crowds to explore the historic and picturesque towns.
A cruise to Dubai and the Emirates offers the chance to discover impressive modern architecture and unique local traditions. Mild temperatures create perfect conditions for desert excursions.

Summer vacation cruises

Summer vacation cruises are perfect for exploring sunny destinations and enjoying long summer days. Popular itineraries include the Western Mediterranean, the Adriatic Sea, the Greek islands as well as cruises in Northern Europe, where passengers can enjoy pleasant temperatures and the midnight sun beyond the Arctic Circle. Passengers enjoy a wide range of onboard activities, including swimming pools, water sports, evening shows, and shore excursions to historical and cultural sites. Summer cruises are ideal for families, with kids' and teens' clubs, entertainment and family excursions. In the southern hemisphere summer, cruises to South America offer a unique experience: from itineraries along Brazil's vibrant beaches to expedition cruises to the stunning glaciers of Patagonia, combining lush nature, rich culture, and breathtaking landscapes at every port.

Spring Break cruises

The Caribbean is an excellent choice for a Spring Break cruise. With cruises departing from Miami, you can enjoy white-sand beaches and a warm climate. Itineraries include cruise stops in the Bahamas, Jamaica and the Virgin Islands, as well as French West Indies cruises in Guadeloupe and Martinique. Passengers can relax, dive or snorkel, and enjoy lively evenings for a memorable Spring Break.
Mediterranean cruises are also ideal for a Spring Break. You can embark on cruises from Marseille and explore iconic destinations such as Barcelona, Rome and Naples while enjoying the mild autumn temperatures.

Family cruises

Cruising is an ideal experience for families, with a wide range of entertainment activities designed to make vacations unforgettable for young and old alike. MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises and Royal Caribbean are perfect for family cruising. Children travel free of charge (excluding port taxes) up to the age of 12 on MSC and up to 17 on Costa, provided they share a cabin with two adult passengers.

These companies offer nurseries equipped with early-learning games for toddlers, as well as fun clubs for children and teenagers, organized by age group. Teenagers can enjoy themed evenings and an arcade.

On board, young and old alike can enjoy pools, whirlpools, water parks, cinemas, Broadway-style shows, Formula 1 simulators and much more. True temples of entertainment, Royal Caribbean ships are distinguished by outstanding attractions such as the Ultimate Abyss waterslide and FlowRider surf simulators.

Popular destinations include the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, especially cruises to the Bahamas. MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean each have their own private island in the Bahamas, where many cruises call. MSC's Ocean Cay Marine Reserve offers idyllic beaches with crystal-clear waters, ideal for snorkeling and paddleboarding, as well as the Lighthouse Show, a captivating sound and light show. Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay offers an impressive range of entertainment in the Thrill Waterpark, including waterslides like Daredevil's Peak.

Adults only' cruises

Adults-only cruises guarantee the perfect escape for adults seeking tranquility and entertainment without the presence of children. These cruises offer exclusive activities such as themed evenings, immersive shows, mixology classes, casinos, spas and nightclubs. Virgin Voyages is a benchmark in adult cruising, offering unique experiences such as on-deck parties and restaurants with menus by Michelin-starred chefs.

Mini cruises

Mini-cruises are short cruises, generally lasting between 2 and 6 days. They offer an excellent opportunity to discover several destinations in a short time. Advantages include affordable fares, flexibility of dates and the chance to experience cruising in a short time. These include Mediterranean mini-cruises from Marseille to Italy and Spain, river cruises on the Seine and Rhône rivers, and Caribbean cruises with fun and relaxing stopovers on cruise lines' private islands in the Bahamas. Royal Caribbean also offers a number of short cruises with a one-day stopover on its private island in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay, combining relaxation and entertainment for the whole family.

Luxury cruises

Luxury cruises are distinguished by elegant, intimate ships offering personalized service in a relaxed, refined atmosphere. With a high crew-to-passenger ratio, service is attentive and discreet, reminiscent of grand hotels. Gastronomic excellence is at the heart of the experience, with refined menus designed by Michelin-starred chefs, inspired by the local flavors of the destinations visited. Spacious suites offer high-end amenities such as 24-hour butlers and luxurious toiletries. Luxury cruises explore varied and exotic destinations aboard intimate, limited-capacity ships, exploring places inaccessible to larger cruise ships. Polar expedition cruises in the Arctic and Antarctic offer spectacular icy landscapes and unique wildlife. Mediterranean cruises guarantee total immersion in the history and culture of Spain, Italy and Malta. Tahiti and Polynesia seduce with their turquoise lagoons and authentic Polynesian culture. In southern Africa, explore Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park. River cruises in the Amazon offer a unique adventure through the dense rainforest, allowing you to discover extraordinary biodiversity and meet local communities. Each destination is enriched by captivating excursions accompanied by expert guides.

All-inclusive cruises

An all-inclusive cruise includes all the essentials for a complete experience at sea. This type of cruise cuts costs thanks to a single fare covering the majority of services and activities. Passengers can relax and enjoy their stay without worrying about additional expenses. The fare generally includes full board in the ship's main restaurants, gratuities, a wide variety of beverages, onboard entertainment and Internet access (Wi-Fi). Cruisers have free access to a variety of on-board activities, including live entertainment, children's and teen clubs, and use of pools, whirlpools and sports facilities. Luxury all-inclusive cruises generally include most excursions.

World cruises

World cruises offer a unique opportunity to discover fascinating destinations in every corner of the globe. Typically lasting between 110 and 150 days, these cruises offer in-depth exploration of several continents aboard modern, comfortable ships. Itineraries include stops in iconic and exotic locations such as New York, Hawaii, Tokyo and Dubai. Companies also usually offer sections of these itineraries for shorter voyages. Departures take place mainly between December and January, to take advantage of the best weather conditions.

Sailing cruises

Sailing cruises combine tradition and comfort. These authentic cruises allow you to discover captivating destinations with the possibility of actively participating in the navigation. Star Clippers, with its majestic vessels such as the five-masted sailing ship Royal Clipper, is a benchmark in this field. Inspired by the clippers of the 19th century, their yachts sail the Mediterranean, Greece and the Caribbean, offering an intimate atmosphere, personalized service, refined cuisine and a variety of activities on board and in port.

Culinary cruises

Culinary cruises combine sea travel with unique culinary discoveries. On board, passengers savor refined dishes prepared by renowned chefs, often inspired by the destinations they visit.
A benchmark in French luxury cruising, Ponant stands out for the quality of its onboard gastronomy, in partnership with Ducasse Conseil. Ponant regularly collaborates with Michelin-starred chefs such as Alain Ducasse and Amaury Bouhour, as well as renowned sommeliers, to offer refined menus based on fresh, local ingredients. The company offers cruises that allow passengers to discover destinations famous for their gastronomic heritage while enjoying culinary activities and events on board: wine tastings at renowned vineyards, visits to local markets, cooking workshops with chefs and special dinners featuring regional products.

Health and wellness cruises

Health and wellness cruises offer a total relaxation experience with a variety of wellness-oriented activities and services such as massages, yoga sessions and meditation workshops. Most cruise ships are equipped with modern fitness and weight rooms, often offering coach-led classes. They also feature spas with a wide range of treatments, thalassotherapy equipment, saunas and other relaxing facilities.

Cultural cruises

Cultural cruises allow you to discover fascinating historical destinations. In the Mediterranean, they include visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites in Rome such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. Cruises to Greece explore iconic sites such as the Parthenon and the archaeological site of Delphi. Cruises to Egypt offer the chance to explore the Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Karnak, while cruising on the Nile. These cruises are accompanied by lectures on local history and heritage, enriching the cruisers' experience with expert guides and guided tours, offering total immersion.

Musical and artistic cruises

Music cruises and art cruises combine the pleasure of travel with that of discovering rich and varied cultural universes. Whether for music lovers or art enthusiasts, these cruises offer complete immersion in their chosen field.
CroisiEurope offers cruises where classical music takes center stage. On board, passengers attend daily concerts given by internationally renowned artists, sailing on emblematic rivers such as the Rhine, Elbe and Vltava. These cruises also include exceptional evenings at prestigious opera houses, such as the Dresden Opera House.

Zumba cruises

Zumba-dedicated cruises combine a passion for dance and fitness with the adventure of traveling by sea. Onboard, passengers can join daily Zumba classes led by professional instructors, all while enjoying the infectious energy of Latin music. These trips are designed for those looking to stay active during their vacation, offering a variety of physical activities and entertainment. In addition to Zumba classes, Zumba cruises also feature dance sessions in various styles, creating a vibrant and dynamic experience for passengers. One example of this type of cruise is the one organized by Princess Cruises, which offers the "Muévete" program focused on Zumba and other forms of dance, giving passengers the chance to stay fit while exploring exotic destinations.

Golf cruises

Gold cruises offer enthusiasts the opportunity to practice their favorite sport while enjoying a relaxing journey at sea. These cruises often include the chance to play at some of the world's most prestigious golf courses, with stops in destinations renowned for their golfing excellence. Onboard, passengers can take advantage of practice sessions, access to golf simulators, and the opportunity to improve their skills with experienced coaches. Additionally, these cruises typically attract players of all levels, fostering a community of golfers who enjoy both the sport and the travel experience. For example, Costa Cruises offers itineraries that combine golf and sailing, providing exclusive access to golf courses at various destinations, ensuring a unique experience both at sea and on land.

Advantages of specialty cruises

Unique experiences linked to your passions

Specialty cruises offer unique experiences that let you live out your passion while enjoying the pleasures of cruising. Whether it's music, cuisine, sports or history, each cruise is carefully organized to offer activities, workshops, conferences and shows in line with the chosen theme.

A friendly, community atmosphere

Specialty cruises foster a friendly, community atmosphere, where passengers share common interests. This creates unique opportunities to meet like-minded people, exchange ideas and create lasting bonds.

Diversity and quality of activities

Specialty cruises offer a wide variety of exciting activities. Family cruises offer water parks, kids' clubs and Broadway-style shows. Cultural cruises include visits to museums, historic sites and lectures. Music cruises feature daily concerts and themed evenings. Gourmet cruises offer cooking workshops, wine tastings and gourmet dinners.

FAQ about specialty cruises

Specialty cruises: what are the most popular destinations?

Popular destinations for family cruises include the Caribbean, the private islands of MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean in the Bahamas, and the Mediterranean. Christmas cruises on the Rhine include stops in Strasbourg and Cologne to discover the magic of the Christmas markets. Mini-cruises in the Mediterranean and on French rivers such as the Seine and Rhône are also very popular. Itineraries in the Mediterranean include cruises to the Greek islands and Greece as well as cruises to Italy, allowing you to visit emblematic UNESCO-listed historic sites such as the Colosseum in Rome and the Acropolis in Athens.

Who are specialty cruises intended for?

Specialty cruises cater to all types of travelers, whether they're passionate about food, music, sports or culture. They are suitable for families with children, couples in search of romance, and adults looking for an exclusive and relaxing experience. There's a specialty cruises to suit every interest.

What activities are available on a specialty cruises?

Specialty cruises offer a variety of activities to suit your interests. Christmas cruises include visits to Christmas markets. Sailboat cruises allow you to learn how to hoist masts with the crew. Cultural cruises offer excursions to historic sites, guided tours of UNESCO-listed monuments and lectures on local history. Gourmet cruises offer cooking workshops, tastings of local specialties and dinners prepared by renowned chefs. Each cruise is designed to offer unique and enriching experiences.

Are specialty cruises more expensive than traditional cruises?

Specialty cruises are generally more expensive, as they offer unique and specialized experiences, with specific activities and entertainment. Fares vary widely according to theme, destination, season and cabin type. MSC Croisières, Costa Croisière and Royal Caribbean offer mini-cruises priced between $100 and $200 per person, as well as week-long family cruises in standard cabins starting at $300. An 8-day sailboat cruise with Star Clipper costs around €2,500. Prices for Virgin Voyages' week-long adult cruises generally range from $1,500 to $3,000.

Which companies offer specialty cruises?

Leading companies offering themed cruises include Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises, ideal for families with a wide range of onboard entertainment. Virgin Voyages offers luxury cruises exclusively for adults, offering a unique experience combining relaxation and refinement. The benchmark for river cruises in France, CroisiEurope offers itineraries for music lovers. Ponant, a symbol of French luxury, is renowned for its gastronomic cruises, with tasty onboard restaurants designed by Ducasse Conseil. Star Clippers specializes in cruises aboard tall ships, offering a unique experience combining comfort with the charm of traditional sailing. Disney Cruise Line offers three wonderful themed cruises where Disney's unique magic will make your journey unforgettable: Marvel Day at Sea, Halloween on the High Seas, and Very Merrytime.

Cruises Northern Europe on MS Gerard Schmitter