Sail Away On A Crazy Theme Cruise

#1 Themed Cruises Are Becoming Very Popular

Theme cruises have proved to be an incredibly successful venture for cruise lines, as evident by their massive growth and expansion over the years. The lure of a particular theme is very successful at getting the coveted "new to cruise" folks to take the plunge, often becoming regular cruisers.

Theme cruises have been around since at least the 1990s, though a 1980s "Love Boat" episode featuring a mass wedding at sea might well have been the first themed cruise, says Simon Duvall, a community manager with Cruiseline.com. Music cruises, featuring a specific band or type of music got popular around the turn of the millennium, he notes.

Although many excursions are profitable, there is still some financial risk for organizers. "Many theme cruises are full ship charters, so the band or organization is on the hook for the entire ship and often onboard spending guarantees (the cruise line doesn't want to take a loss) that are hard to hit if they're not able to sell most of the cabins," says Duvall.

Not sure which theme cruises will literally float your boat? Here are some out-of-the box sails that might get you interested...

#2 Meow Meow Cruise

Cat lovers! This is especially designed for all of those who are crazy for cats. They are also a family member, so keeping that sentiment in mind, this cruise liner has themed the ship completely in cat decor. Alas! Your little cat can't join in, it's just for people; but, you can send postcards back to your cats at home. There are a lot of activities planned in the cruise which you can take part in as per your choice. This cruise will sail from 21st- 25th April and will depart from Tampa, FL. Price is $1,700 per cat lover. No dog lovers allowed!

#3 Psychics Unleashed

Connect with your spirit's past while cruising the South Pacific. Four acclaimed psychics will be onboard the aptly named Carnival Spirit "The Natural Medium" author Julie McKenzie; Michael Wheeler, resident psychic at New Idea magazine; New Zealand's Kelvin Cruickshank; and Australia's "dreamweaver" Maria Elita. They'll be doing live readings and workshops on the eight-day sailing, which embarks at Sydney on May 19. The fare is $1,300 per person, and that does not include readings from the psychics.

#4 Beam Me Out To Sea, Scotty

Trekkies of the world are dusting off their Spock ears and swimsuits for this cruise of the Bahamas and Mexico (Jan. 9-15, 2017). William Shatner (Captain Kirk to his devoted legions) will be on board, which is probably why the 2017 excursion is already sold out. Keep an eye out for announcement about 2018 plans, though. If "Star Trek" has taught us anything, it's that the future is just around the bend

Patrick Stewart is said to be onboard for 2017, but save your money and book early, the price per trekkie is $2,200!!

#5 S.S. Bourbon and Civil War

American Queen offers themed voyages that range from bourbon to Civil War aboard the steamboat, American Queen. The Bourbon cruise includes a tour along Kentucky's Bourbon Trail. The Civil War cruise includes a sailing with noted Civil War historians who give enlightening lectures plus tribute artists who bring the Civil War period to life. Discuss military and political strategies of the American Civil War over meals during the nine-day trip. Bourbon cruise: rates from $2,699 per person; Civil War cruise: rates from $2,699 per person.

#6 Quilting At Sea

Man sewing machines with instruction from award-winning quilters on a 15-day Canada and New England sailing on Holland America Line's Maasdam. As you head up the Eastern seaboard from Fort Lauderdale to Montreal, you can explore such topics as Free Motion Machine Quilting: Focus on Fillers and Modern Hexie Garden. The price is $788.99 per quilter plus $249.00 for a pre sail seminar and supply excursion. Four "rock stars" in the world of quilting will on board to teach classes and even sign autographs in between port stops.

#7 Zombie Cruise

If you are a die-hard fan of the popular U.S. television series "The Walking Dead", you would love to know about such a cruise featuring, what else, zombies. The cruise invited nine celebrities from the show and their crazy fans are full of vigor and fun as the entire week is spent dressed and acting like a zombie. Although the ship has already started its journey from Miami in January, you might just get lucky because its gaining popularity. You can sail a new Zombie cruise ship, as another will depart in December of 2016.

#8 Tons Of Metal

If you love big hair, heavy metal and aren't afraid of a headache or two, mark your calendar for the 2017, 70000 Tons of Metal cruise, which will sail to Labadee, Haiti, from Miami/Ft. Lauderdale, Florida (February 2-6, 2017). Dozens of acts will perform on board, plus guests will also be able to enjoy clinics and workshops with the talent, as well as "70000 Tons of Karaoke" and a belly flop contest. What more could a metal head ask for? If you love metal music and have $1,100. to spare, this might be fun.

#9 Conspira-Sea Cruise

If you want to find like-minded folks to discuss crop circles, chemtrails and who really shot JFK, look no further than this week-long cruise along the Mexican Riviera. The first-ever Conspira-Sea cruise set sail this year in February (one guest speaker was Andrew Wakefield, who published a paper on the now-discredited link between autism and vaccinations). The cruise was apparently so successful, another one is scheduled tentatively for fall 2017.

#10 Big Nude Boat

What about dressing down for a party? This is a weird cruise liner where people are encouraged to be completely free from clothes and enjoy complete nudity. It is a trip hosted by the Bare Necessity group and the ship sets to sail only when more than 2000 nude voyagers club-in and register for the trip. This weird and wonderful cruise will set its journey from Ft. Lauderdale. It'll be a 10 day cruise trip where everyone is NUDE! The price? $999.00 per person.

#11 Freedom Cruise

If you don't get enough politics from the Internet and you love Fox News, hop aboard this conservative-themed cruise alongside speakers like Newt and Callista Gingrich and retired United States Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Oliver North. Don't go expecting wet T-shirt contests or Jell-O shots, though a power tie and sport coat might be more appropriate. The cruise, which sails along Europe's Danube River from June 16-23, 2016, will feature panel discussions, lectures and lots of elbow-rubbing potential with the celebrity speakers. The cost is $3,780. per couple.

#12 Ghost Hunters Cruise

Join Barry Fitzgerald and Karl Pfeiffer from Syfy's "Ghost Hunters International" cruising on the Norwegian Gem. Also onboard will be Medium Sarah Lemos. Paranormal investigations in the ports of call Ocho Rios (Jamaica), Grand Cayman and Cozumel will be part of the fun, along with ghost hunting seminars and training. The one-week cruise embarks from Miami. An optional pre-cruise overnight includes a ghost hunt at the Stranahan House Museum in Fort Lauderdale. Cost is $999.00 per ghost hunter.