The bad reputation that cruise ships are only for pensioners and those after a slow holiday (which is a beauty in itself, but that’s another story) are long gone.

Cruises have upped the ante to attract travellers. Dare we say it? Aboard these cruises, the destination almost doesn’t matter – it is most definitely about the journey.

Check out these five cruise ships offering something a little extraordinary.

1. Norwegian Bliss from Norwegian Cruise Line

Perfect for: adrenaline junkies

Why: put your Mario Kart video game skills to the test on the cruise’s two-storey racetrack. While you won’t quite fall into the sea, thanks to the safety barriers, you can catch the thrill of twisting and turning at up to 30 miles per hour (48km/h) alongside seven other riders on a racetrack while at sea.

Also on board is an open-air laser tag course and a water park, which extends over the edge of the ship.

2. The Rock Boat

Perfect for: music lovers

Why: it’s as simple as it sounds: a cruise ship which doubles up as a musical festival where you will eat, sleep and breathe rock music.

This annual cruise line offers several dozen bands with each voyage and promises patrons “a musical frenzy”.

Unfortunately, this year’s cruise, from February 1-6, is already sold out, but fear not – there’s always 2020.

3. Peregrine Adventures tours

Perfect for: eco-conscious travellers

Why: Travel with a happy conscience knowing that you’re aboard a cruise liner, whose owners are committed to sustainable tourism. No only are all single-use plastics banned from Peregrine Adventure cruises, passengers will also be provided with reusable cloth bags and refillable water bottles.

The cruises carrying only 30 to 50 people, smaller in size than conventional cruise liners, will also focus on responsible exploration – bringing guests to islands that bigger ships can’t reach and allowing patrons to explore local markets and learn about a destination’s history and culture from locals.

4. U by Uniworld cruises

Perfect for: millennials

Why: originally designed for millennials only, U by Uniworld dropped its 21-45 age limit before setting sail, but you need only to look at the all-matt black exterior of the cruise to know it’s designed for the generation addicted to sharing their lives.

Needless to say, almost each and every part of the cruise experience is designed to be Instagrammed.

On board are rooftop lounges where you can camp out in tents under the stars, and the farm to table cuisine promises peanut butter bacon bars and quinoa burgers. Topped off by the silent discos, yoga classes, and the marble bathrooms, you can be sure every moment will be picture perfect.

5. Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras

Perfect for: patient theme-park lovers

Why: OK, so this one isn’t strictly available for 2019, but it’s too good to skip.

If you thought the Hair Raiser roller-coaster ride at Ocean Park, in Hong Kong, was a thrill as it suspends you in the air while overlooking the South China Sea, imagine all of this while literally abroad a cruise ship. Then you’ll have BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster.

An attraction on Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ship Mardi Gras, which is available to board from 2020, the ride will be 240 metres (780-feet) long and feature twists, turns and drops atop a motorcycle-like vehicle while 187 feet above sea level.

Take in the 360-degree sea view and don’t forget to buy your commemorative roller-coaster photo!

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