The movies Twilight and The Vampire's Assistant, the television shows "True Blood" and "The Vampire Diaries," the band Vampire Weekend, the Hot Topic stores that sell vampire attire, the new "X-Men the Vampire Slayers" comic book series, the new book "Abe Lincoln: Vampire Hunter"... and the list goes on. Earlier in the year, we thought 2010 was set to be the Year of the Cougar, but we may have spoken too soon. Whether you are bitten by the vampire bug or yearning to put a stake through it's undying heart, you cannot deny this pop culture trend's influence as it has now seeped its way into the cruise industry.
Recognizing the trend, Cruise Critic has put together a list of the best cruises for vampire-lovers. So if your clients are eager to go "vamp" as they travel, consider the itineraries below.
The Alaska Twilight Cruise and Convention at Sea
Passengers will be able to meet stars from the Twilight movies— including Alex Meraz ("Paul" in Twilight), Michael Welch ("Mike Newton" in New Moon) and Jodelle Ferland ("Bree" in the upcoming movie Eclipse)— pose for photos with the actors and enjoy a costume ball. Cruises Cruises Cruises Inc. set up the itinerary and is providing an additional three-day tour to Forks, WA, where the story is set, before the cruise departs.
River Cruise to Romania, Visit Dracula's Castle in Transylvania
Looking for a "real" experience with vampiric history and folklore? Take a trip to Transylvania on an Eastern European river cruise into Romania with Viking River Cruises' Eastern European Odyssey River Cruise, and add on a trip to Brasov for a tour of "Dracula's Castle," officially Bram Castle, which once belonged to Vlad the Impaler.
Vampire-Friendly New Orleans
Anne Rice— author of the "Vampire Chronicles"— chose New Orleans as the setting for much of "Interview with the Vampire." Today, the city embraces its vampire heritage with numerous tours and dark tales. Cruisers can add a few days of travel in New Orleans before or after embarking on a Caribbean cruise from the port. British cruise line P&O offers a 30-night cruise on Aurora, taking in 11 ports in eight countries, including a stop in New Orleans.
Annual Gothic Cruise and Masquerade Ball
Goth may not be exactly "vamp," but it is close enough for some. This Carnival cruise for fans of goth and industrial music has been held annually for the past 15 years. Taking place on Carnival Liberty in September, there's an interest for vampire fans as the typical formalwear on the cruise is Victorian style.