Sell your clients a cruise with a difference, from the foot-stomping rock of Bon Jovi to the glamour of the Monaco Grand Prix.

Keep dancing

Fans of Strictly Come Dancing – and viewing figures suggest there are plenty – will be delighted to hear that P&O Cruises is once again offering a selection of themed cruises featuring stars of the show. One example is the 14-night 2019 Spain and Italy itinerary, departing 29 June on Azura, with early saver prices from £1,230pp. Guests can enjoy the dancing from afar in the audience or take the plunge and don dancing shoes and sequins themselves.

Walk the catwalk

In 2019, Cunard is running a transatlantic cruise with a twist, as the liner invites British milliner Stephen Jones – who emerged during the street-style phase in the late 1970s – and American model and author Pat Cleveland on board the Queen Mary 2 for its fashion-themed sailing. Also joining guests is Colin McDowell MBE, a fashion historian and style commentator who has been in the business for more than 30 years, and a number of up-and-coming designers, showcasing the latest in fashion and what’s hot. Departing 28 July from Southampton, the seven-night sailing comes in at £1,439pp for an inside stateroom, including flights.

Sun, sea and glamour

The Monaco Grand Prix is considered to be the jewel in the F1 crown – as well as one of the most prestigious events in racing – as the street circuit provides the ultimate test of concentration and nerve. Of course, the setting of Monte Carlo just adds to the spectacle, as the rich and famous descend in their droves. And cruise passengers are increasingly joining them. Crystal Cruises’ six-day Riviera Playground itinerary, on Crystal Serenity, departs Barcelona on 23 May 2019, taking in race day on 26 May in Monte Carlo in what Crystal calls a “prime harbour position”. Prices from £2,975pp. Buckle up.

Livin’ on a prayer

Rock ‘n’ roll legend Jon Bon Jovi is joining Norwegian Cruise Line in spring and summer 2019 for two Runaway to Paradise itineraries on Norwegian Jade and Norwegian Pearl. The first, on Jade, sails from Miami to Nassau, Bahamas, on 12 April, while Pearl hosts the Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona to Palma, Majorca, departing 26 August. Jon Bon Jovi will join guests on board for a “full rock show” on the pool deck, as well as a Q&A session. Those who book the first 400 staterooms on the cruises will get the chance to take a snap with the man himself. Bon Jovi said: “Ever since we started Runaway Tours, it’s given me such joy to entertain the fans and tell them the stories of where my songs came from.” Prices start from £1,479pp for the Caribbean sailing and £1,734pp for the Mediterranean itinerary.

In remembrance

Departing Portsmouth on 2 June 2019 on Marco Polo, Cruise & Maritime Voyages will take guests on a six-night cruise to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings and Allied invasion of Europe. Highlights of the cruise include a visit to Pegasus Bridge, which was captured by the 6th Airborne Division to halt a German advance over the Orne River; World War II guest speakers on board Marco Polo; visits to Allied landing areas, and a ceremony on the ship on 6 June. Prices start from £839pp for a twin inner room.

For the love of wine

Modern-day cruising is as much about experiences as it is about destinations, and some of the most popular themed itineraries are based around food and drink. SeaDream Yacht Club runs a series of wine voyages, taking in some of the world’s foremost wine-making regions and giving guests the chance to sample the local product. SeaDream cruises come complete with a wine director, two complimentary wine tastings, a special winemaker’s dinner and on-shore excursions. An example itinerary is the five-day, Barcelona to Nice sailing, departing 18 May 2019 on SeaDream II. Prices from £2,922 for a Yacht Club stateroom.