Senior Highlights....

CRUISE THEMES DRAW RECORD NUMBERS

Cruise ship passengers are bringing more aboard these days than suntan lotion and a good book. Savvy cruisers are packing everything from golf clubs to opera glasses.

Cruise themes are part of a record-breaking trend in 1995, according to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Available in larger variety and quantity, cruise themes allow cruise ship passengers to pursue a special interest or try something new and different, all while enjoying the entire cruising experience.

"A theme provides a unique opportunity for passengers to come away with increased knowledge," says James G. Godsman, president of CLIA. "It is a fun way for passengers to enjoy themselves while cruising and make lasting friendships with people who share similar interests."

For example, enrichment programs--which help passengers explore ways to expand their minds--are one of the fastest-growing types of theme cruises. Topics draw from such disciplines like ancient history, cultural affairs, financial planning, computer science, interior decorating, art, and architecture.

Passengers can also learn--and get support--from each other, on cruises with themes like health and fitness. As a group, they can practice a healthy lifestyle under the guidance of leading health, beauty, and fitness experts.

Meanwhile, a wide array of performing arts--music, Broadway shows, theater, opera, and film are also playing themes at sea. Music lovers can take delight in many classical, big band, country, and jazz theme cruises. Culinary theme cruises are also a favorite, drawing connoisseurs of food and wine. Celebrity chefs are often the cornerstone, with food samplings, cooking demonstrations, special meals, cookbook signings, and wine tastings and lectures by a guest vintner.

The natural beauty and cultural uniqueness of many cruise itineraries has led to themes based on nature, the environment, and ports of call. Passengers can listen to experts lecture on subjects in tune with various ports of call, tour islands based on specific themes, and even learn to photograph wildlife and scenery.

The following is a sampling of theme cruise offerings:

American Hawaii Cruises: "Blue Hawaii"--Passengers enjoy a 1950s theme, which reminisces about Hawaii during this fascinating era. Other new themes include "California Wine Appreciation" and "Country/Western Denim and Diamonds."

Carnival Cruise Lines: The Fun Ships offer a wide many theme cruises organized directly by travel agents.

Celebrity Cruises: Every passenger on Celebrity's award-winning ships will be treated famously, but they also offer unique cruises like a "Guiding Light" cruise to Bermuda on April 29, where passengers sailing with the "Guiding Light" cast and crew will enjoy special on-board events.

Delta Queen Steamboat Company: "Steamboatin' 'U'"--Introducing a new umbrella theme for 1995, Steamboatin' 'U' immerses passengers in American heritage focusing on the Civil War, Music of the Rivers, and World War II.

Cunard Crown: "Country & Western"--Cunard Countess offers a year-round schedule of theme cruises showcasing some of the top performers in country music. Square dancing and country cooking demonstrations add to the fun.

Cunard Queen Elizabeth 2: "Festival of Life"--Lectures by experts and celebrities are offered on many cruises of QE 2. Theme cruises range from "Murder Mystery" to "Broadway Goes to Sea."

Cunard Royal Viking Line: "World Affairs Program"--This program draws upon leading academic experts who provide insights into history, politics, economics, and geography of destinations visited.

Diamond Cruise: "Financial Seminars at Sea"--Senior financial consultants present passengers with insights on personal financial planning, taxes, and securities.

Majesty Cruise Line: "LPGA Theme Cruise"--Among many themes, the Royal Majesty offers an enjoyable Bermuda golf-oriented cruise. This island is the perfect golf-oriented port of call.

Norwegian Cruise Line: "Fitness and Beauty Cruise"--Held annually under the line's umbrella sports theme, passengers can benefit from lectures and training led by leading athletes and health, beauty, and fitness experts. There will also be a "Wheel of Fortune" cruise, where passengers can audition for the show.

Oceanic Cruises: "Japanese Festival Cruise"--Specializing in itineraries throughout Japan, Oceanic offers passengers opportunities to participate in local festivals and gain insight into Japan.

Orient Lines: "Workshops at Sea"--In a new series of on-board seminars, experts lead classroom-style sessions on topics from wildlife to wine appreciation, fly fishing to Oriental art. Destination specialists lecture on each cruise.

Pearl Cruises: "Canon and Classical Japan, Take II"--A photo theme cruise is set for May, with workshops and seminars. Nine other theme cruises are planned in 1995, as enhancements to the line's Far East itineraries.

Princess Cruises: "Lecture Programs"--The Love Boats feature extensive lecture programs aboard their ships cruising to exotic destinations like the South Pacific, the Orient, Southeast Asia, and the Panama Canal. Examples of the types of programs offered include: American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) bridge directors, arts and crafts experts, retirement planning specialists, graphoanalysists, marine historians, golf, finance, dance instructors, caricature artists, world affairs speakers, and authors.

Royal Cruise Line: "Great Chefs"--Celebrity chefs create special menu selections and host cooking demonstrations on ten culinary cruises. Other themes include health and fitness, politics and history, nature and environment, photography, art history, gardens and architecture of Europe, wine, and music.

Seabourn Cruise Line: "Signature Golf Cruises"--In conjunction with Wide World of Golf, the line has organized a series of escorted golf cruises. Golf excursions are featured at prestigious golf clubs worldwide, while golf-related amenities and activities are also included.

Seven Seas Cruise Line: "New Year's Eve Event"--As part of a pre-cruise tour of Sydney, passengers enjoy an elegant dinner at the world-renowned Sydney Opera House and attend a performance at one of its main concert halls.

Silversea Cruises: "The Silversea Experience"--One of the newest entries on the deluxe all-inclusive cruise scene includes a very special shore event on every cruise.

Sun Line Cruises: "Cradle of Civilization"--One of the line's many excellent theme cruises of natural, historic, and scientific interest, this trip highlights the most significant historic,archaeological, and religious sites of the Mediterranean.

Windjammer: "Singles' Cruises"--In response to the overwhelming demand from passengers on previous Singles-only cruises, Windjammer Barefoot Cruises has spread their singles' cruises throughout the entire fleet. It's just another great theme for this unique cruise line.

World Explorer Cruises: "Alaska Enrichment"--Passengers experience Alaska by total immersion in the history, wildlife, geology, and anthropology of the state. Lectures are given daily to support adventurous and innovative programs ashore.

With such a wide variety of offerings, it's easy to understand the rapid growth and popularity of theme cruises. If you have a special interest, there's probably a theme cruise just for you.