Sew… what’s this theme cruise thing all about?

Every year, being the eternal optimist, I attempt to learn a new skill.  I generally try to pick a skill that I think I have a prayer of developing; I find that “mastering” it is a usually bit of a stretch, given my rudimentary motor skills and complete lack of patience.

This year, I am attempting to learn to sew.  It’s coming along.  Slowly.  I can now make a unisex pair of pajama pants without either: A) inadvertently sewing the legs together at some point, or B) throwing the machine out the window in a fit of frustration.  (Kudos to Amber over at Crazy Little Projects and her Learn to Sew series…that achievement is all due to her, and it’s no small feat.)

This got me thinking, however, that there are those who adore sewing so much, that they will do it given any opportunity… even on a cruise!  And lo and behold, greater minds than mine have already considered this, because the various lines hold cruises tailored (oh, the wit) to just such vacationers.

Case in point?  Princess Cruises‘ ship, the Grand Princess, has a voyage departing August 18, 2013 that’s devoted to quilters and their interests.  The 10-day cruise provides Janome machines and will feature mini-workshops and lessons at sea.

But a quilting cruise is not the only option out there.

• Love to cook? How about a “Top Chef” cruise departing April 11, 2013 on the Celebrity Constellation?
• Miss that 70’s culture?  Holland America’s Westerdam is hosting a “Soul Train” Cruise sailing October 5 , 2013.
• Enjoy a fine lager?  There’s a “California Beer Festival at Sea” that will take place on Celebrity Solstice May 6, 2013.
• Sports fan? MSC Cruises hosts a “Baseball Greats” sailing on April 6, 2013
• Ready to kick up your heels? Holland America Line has a “Dancing With The Stars” cruise; the next one is on the MS Veendam on June 22, 2013.
• For foodies and oenophiles, Oceania Cruises has a “Food and Wine Celebration” departing Lima, Peru on May 6, 2013.

(Note: The above list is just a sampling of options.  Theme cruises are often organized by an outside party, not the cruise line. Contacting an agent is your best bet in finding out what other theme options are available.)

Have you ever been on a theme cruise?  Tell me about it in the comments below.