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Cruises with a difference: From dodging the undead to fending off Klingons
Whether you're a Trekkie or a metal-head, there is no need to settle for an everyday holiday at sea
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Your support makes all the difference.It's cruise week, the industry's annual celebration, during which special offers abound in an attempt to draw in first-timers and experienced cruisers alike. But if it's going to take more than the promise of all-inclusive dining and shore excursions to get you aboard, a themed voyage could be just the ticket. There are plenty of specialist experiences at sea to choose from (bit.ly/CruiseWeekUK).
Beam me up
Boldly drift around the Bahamas on Star Trek: The Cruise, which sets sail from Miami on 9 January 2017, a year after the sci-fi franchise's 50th anniversary. With Captain Kirk (William Shatner) at the metaphorical helm, the week-long cruise will be a Trekkie's dream: venues on board will be transformed into locations from the series while the crew (and, no doubt, holidaymakers) will dress up in Starfleet uniforms.
Other stars will also be on hand for panels and a themed ball. The round-trip voyage costs from $2,750pp (£1,833) for a Balcony Stateroom; stops include Cozumel in Mexico and the Bahamas (00 800 852 9987; startrekthecruise.com).
Floating festival
Swap wellies for deck shoes and tents for penthouse suites aboard the world's biggest hard rock cruise, 70,000 Tonnes of Metal (001 604 298 8667; 70000tons.com).
The 2016 line-up includes goth heroes like Cradle of Filth and Children of Bodum, who will be among the 60 bands to play during this four-day trip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Falmouth, Jamaica. The cruise departs on 4 February 2016, with double cabins from $1,366 (£683).
Raise a glass
Even cruising can't escape the craft beer craze. Discover the best of central Europe's brews with Avalon Waterways' 10-day beer-themed cruise along the Danube, from Prague to Budapest (0800 668 1843; avaloncruises.co.uk). The cruise comes complete with its own onboard beer expert – referred to as a "Beer Pope". Lectures and food-pairing dinners take place alongside an onboard beer workshop, and a stop-off at Ottakringer brewery in Vienna. Departs 30 March 2016; from £2,155pp in a Deluxe Stateroom, including flights from London.
Mystery Tour
For the truly adventurous, Fred Olsen (0845 314 3841; fredolsencruises.com) offers a nine-night cruise to a "mystery location". With the destination kept secret until passengers disembark, the ship departs from (and returns to) Dover and is bound for six ports in four different countries.
The voyage promises to take in five Unesco World Heritage Sites, and the company says it is a good choice for those who haven't cruised before. Departs 5 May 2016; from £999pp in a twin cabin.
Sea sickness
Escape the zombie apocalypse by hiding in a hot tub aboard the Walker Stalker Cruise (001 877 379 9180; walkerstalkercruise.com), a three-night, horror-themed jaunt around the Bahamas aimed at fans of the TV programme The Walking Dead.
Actors from the show will appear on panels and sign autographs, while makeup artists will be on hand to transform guests into the undead in between pina coladas. The 15-18 January cruise is sold out, but you can join the waiting list. From $750pp (£500), plus taxes and fees; the cruise is a round trip from Miami.
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