Podcasting is setting sail—literally. The announcement of the True Crime Cruise, a new themed getaway designed for fans of crime podcasts, highlights the growing trend of podcast-based vacations.
The True Crime Cruise, set to embark in 2025, promises an immersive experience where guests can participate in live podcast recordings, engage with their favorite hosts, and delve into discussions with experts in forensic science, law enforcement, and investigative journalism.
The cruise offers a unique combination of entertainment and education, with panels, interactive workshops, and even true crime trivia nights.
The cruise will feature “America’s Most Wanted” host John Walsh; Hannah Maguire and Suruthi Bala from “RedHanded," Scaachi Koul and Sarah Hagi from “Scamfluencers,” Aaron Habel and Justin Evans from “Generation Why,” Carl Miller of “Kill List,” “Hollywood & Crime” host Tracy Pattin and Chris Stewart from “Law & Crime.”
This isn’t the first time a podcast-themed event has gone beyond the earbuds.
With their highly engaged listener communities, podcast hosts and producers are increasingly offering specialized getaways, from crime-solving at sea to pop culture deep dives in paradise.
Beyond the True Crime Boom: Other Podcast-Themed Cruises
The True Crime Cruise may be the latest and most buzzworthy podcast getaway, but it’s far from the first to set sail. Other podcast-themed cruises have included:
- The My Favorite Murder "Morbid" Tour – While not an official cruise, Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, the hosts of My Favorite Murder, have taken their wildly successful live show to various exotic destinations, proving that true crime fans will travel far and wide for their favorite content.
- McElroy Family Cruise – Fans of the My Brother, My Brother and Me podcast, hosted by the McElroy brothers, were treated to a sea adventure featuring live recordings, comedy panels, and interactive audience participation.
- The Joko Cruise (Formerly The JoCo Cruise) – While initially a music-themed getaway centered around Jonathan Coulton’s nerd-rock fanbase, the cruise has expanded to include podcast programming, featuring live recordings of shows like The Adventure Zone and Welcome to Night Vale.
Podcast cruises tap into the growing demand for immersive, community-driven experiences, where fans don’t just consume content but actively participate in it.
Podcast Cruises Evolved from Music, Entertainment Trips
Themed cruises are nothing new. For decades, fans of rock bands, TV shows, and even Broadway musicals have been boarding ships to experience their passions up close. But podcast cruises offer something different—an intellectual, conversational, and highly interactive component that sets them apart.
Music cruises, such as The KISS Kruise or The Rock Boat, primarily revolve around performances. Fans watch their favorite bands play multiple sets, attend meet-and-greets, and enjoy the occasional Q&A session.
Podcast cruises, however, create a more interactive environment. Fans don’t just listen to their favorite hosts—they engage with them through live tapings, panel discussions, and even participatory activities like investigative workshops (for true crime fans) or improv games (for comedy podcast lovers).
The focus is more on conversation and community than passive entertainment.
While music cruises are largely centered around partying, podcast cruises tend to be more intellectually stimulating. True crime cruises, for example, may feature retired detectives discussing real cases, forensic pathologists breaking down crime scene evidence, or journalists recounting their experiences covering high-profile trials. Even pop culture and comedy podcast cruises often include industry insights and behind-the-scenes discussions.
Most music cruises focus on a single artist or genre. A podcast cruise, on the other hand, often brings together multiple shows under a single theme. For instance:
- A true crime cruise might feature Crime Junkie, Sword and Scale, and Morbid together in one program.
- A comedy cruise could include live recordings from Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend, The Dollop, and The Always Sunny Podcast.
- A Dungeons & Dragons cruise might feature Critical Role, The Adventure Zone, and Not Another D&D Podcast together.
The result? A broader and more varied experience that appeals to fans of multiple shows rather than just one.
Beyond Cruises: Podcast Getaways Are Expanding
The success of podcast cruises is part of a larger movement in which podcasts are transforming from a listening experience into a lifestyle. Other podcast-themed getaways have included:
- True Crime Conventions & Tours – Live podcast festivals such as CrimeCon offer fans the chance to hear from their favorite hosts in person while also engaging with experts in criminology and investigative journalism. Some events even offer guided tours of real-life crime locations.
- Podcasting Retreats & Workshops – Fans who dream of starting their own podcasts can now attend specialized retreats led by industry experts. These multi-day getaways include hands-on training, live mentorship, and networking opportunities in scenic locations.
- Nostalgia & Fandom-Based Vacations – Some podcasts with cult followings, such as Gilmore Guys (which dissects Gilmore Girls episode by episode), have organized group trips to show-related locations like Stars Hollow-style towns.
As podcasts continue to build dedicated and tight-knit communities, these immersive experiences are likely to grow.
Why Podcast Cruises and Getaways Work
The rise of podcast vacations highlights an essential truth about podcasting: it creates an intensely personal connection between hosts and listeners.
Unlike a musician or movie star, who may seem distant and unreachable, podcast hosts feel like friends. Fans tune in weekly (or even daily) to hear them talk, laugh, and share personal stories, creating a unique level of intimacy.
For fans, a podcast-themed vacation isn’t just about seeing their favorite hosts live—it’s about deepening that connection in an unforgettable setting. For hosts, it’s an opportunity to engage with their audience in a way that goes beyond social media or live events.
As podcasting continues to evolve, the demand for fan-driven experiences will only increase. Whether it’s solving mysteries at sea, diving into comedy on a tropical island, or exploring the lore of a favorite fantasy world, podcast-themed getaways are proving to be more than just a trend—they're the next frontier in fandom tourism.
