Theme cruises are very attractive to travelers who want more than relaxation, spas, slot machines and buffets while at sea. Here are just a few of the many offered in the coming seasons:

Big Band Cruise on MSC Lirica and MSC Poesia, December 10 to 20, 2009, and February 27 to March 8, 2010. These dancing and listening themes feature the Les DeMerle Big Band. Veteran musicians in this group have played with the new Harry James Band, Wayne Newton, Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. The DeMerle Band specializes in classic swing and jazz, including the sounds of Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Broadway hits, from the 1940's and later.

Jazz Cruise on HAL's Westerdam, November 8 to 15, 2009. All passengers on this cruise will be jazz fanatics, so if you sign up, you’ll be among friends of the classic music genre. And for this year’s offering, there will be much more than just a band on stage. It will include more than 40 different events, including instrumental and vocal soloists and small groups.  

The Elvis Cruise on Carnival’s Inspiration, from November 12 to 16, 2009. This includes all-Elvis, from live performances, shipwide broadcast  of famed Elvis classics and sessions with former friends and musical associates of the King.

Theater at Sea on Crystal Symphony, from August 12 -23, celebrates the 90th anniversary of New York’s Theater Guild. Among the guests will be famed actresses Gena Rowlands, Susannah York and Patricia Neal. Additionally, there will be live stage performances from Broadway’s, Porgy and Bess, Carousel and Oklahoma.

Eight Days a Week: The Ultimate Beatles Tribute Cruise on Norwegian Pearl, from October 17 to 24, 2009. Along with many experiences with Beateles music, there will be cast members of the Broadway show, Beatlemania.

For more about the theme cruise sailings, including prices, destinations and other information, check with your online or local travel agency.