Cruise hack: combine a cruise with a global event

Super Bowl LIX, USA

An 18-week season of hard-hitting plays and whizzing runs will come to a head on 9 February 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana, when the two best NFL American Football teams battle it out in Caesars Superdome to take home the Super Bowl LIX trophy.

To get a sense of life across the pond, before the game, share some beers with fans at a ‘tailgate party’ – which sees locals host barbecues around their vehicles in the stadium carpark.

Carnival, Brazil

From the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema to Rio de Janeiro’s wild bars, the energy emanated in the Brazilian city during Carnival is nothing short of electrifying.

Feel its pulsating rhythm as swathes of samba dancers parade in the street dressed in decadent costumes while spectators party until sunrise.

The next edition will be held between 28 February and 8 March 2025.

La Tomatina, Spain

Said to be the world’s biggest food fight, Spain’s La Tomatina (27 August 2025) is certainly not for the faint- hearted – or vegetable sceptics.

Book ahead, as the event is so popular there’s a limit on the number of participants so the host town of Bunol isn’t overwhelmed.

Oktoberfest, Germany

An event steeped in history, Munich’s Oktoberfest was first held in 1810.

At 2014’s Oktoberfest, 4, 7.7 million litres of beer was served – making the event the perfect choice for fans of the Bavarian tipple.

However, if you’re of the sober persuasion, there is also international street food, amusement rides and classic carnival games such as target shooting and hook a duck.

The next event will be held between 20 September and 5 October 2025.

Day of the Dead, Mexico

Held annually on 1 and 2 November, Day of the Dead sees friends and families gathering to pay respect to those who have passed.

Despite its sombre theme, the festival usually has a humorous tone, as people remember amusing anecdotes about the departed, dress in bright clothes and host parades with extravagant floats and lively music.