Disney did it. Virgin did it. So what’s stopping other global brands from diving into the cruise world?
Imagine a McDonald’s cruise with floating drive-thrus, a Nike ship with a running track over the ocean, or a Coca-Cola voyage that’s one big fizzy pool party. It might sound far-fetched – but is it really?
In this fun article, we’re dreaming big with five brand–cruise line mashups that could actually work. Which one would you book first? Who knows… if enough of us ask, they might just make it happen.
1. McDonalds Cruise Line – McFloat
From the moment you catch sight of this majestic vessel, with its golden arches gleaming against the horizon, you know you’re not in for your typical cruise experience.
The ship, aptly named the “McFloat,” boasts an aesthetic that can only be described as “fast food chic,” complete with a supersized slide that looks suspiciously like a giant French fry. It’s a sight that promises fun, food, and a hint of the absurd.
Imagine lounging by a pool shaped like a giant Happy Meal, complete with a ketchup slide and mustard whirlpool.
The pool area on the McFloat is a splashy paradise where the sun always shines, the water is as sparkling as a freshly poured soda, and the poolside bar serves up McFlurry cocktails and Big Mac sliders faster than you can say “I’m lovin’ it.”
After a sun-soaked day, retreat to your cabin, where the comfort of McDonald’s meets the luxury of cruise accommodation.
The beds, as soft as freshly baked buns, are dressed in red and yellow linens, and the walls are adorned with art that pays homage to the greatest hits of the fast-food world.
And yes, the mini-fridge comes stocked with all your favourite dips because, at sea, every moment is a potential nugget moment.
Step into a dining experience that redefines “fast food” as “fancy food.” The McDonald’s Cruise Line’s premier restaurant serves up gourmet twists on classic menu items.
Picture a Filet-O-Fish, but with artisanal brioche and handcrafted aioli, or a deconstructed Big Mac served with a knife and fork. It’s a place where culinary elegance and playful nostalgia collide, all while offering stunning views of the ocean.
Thanks to Sail Away for the inspiration behind this cruise line.
2. BMW Cruise Line – C Series
First impressions matter, and the first BMW C Series ship doesn’t disappoint. With its sleek design that would make a sports car jealous, this ship cuts through waves like a hot knife through butter – or should we say, like a BMW cruising down the autobahn.
This pool is designed for those who appreciate the finer things in life, like a perfectly engineered backstroke or the art of doing absolutely nothing in style.
Retreating to your cabin doesn’t mean missing out on the luxury. With interiors inspired by BMW’s top-of-the-line vehicles, you’ll half expect your bed to rev up and take you for a spin.
And with smart technology at your fingertips, you can control everything from the lighting to the temperature, ensuring your cabin is as cool as the other side of the pillow.
Prepare your taste buds for a culinary journey where the dishes are as finely tuned as BMW engines. The menu, designed with precision and innovation, offers gourmet dishes that’ll make you want to take a photo faster than you can say “Michelin star.”
The ambience, inspired by luxury cars, means you’ll dine surrounded by elegance – just don’t try to buckle your seatbelt at the table.
3. Coca-Cola Cruise Line – S.S. Fizz
Welcome aboard the S.S. Fizz, Coca-Cola’s bubbliest venture yet, where every moment promises to pop with excitement and refreshment.
And yes, rumours are true – the horn does play the classic Coca-Cola jingle, ensuring you’re always in the right spirit as you sail.
Dive into the pop-themed pool where the water is as sparkling as a freshly opened Coke. The soda fountain jets might not spout actual Coca-Cola, but they’ll certainly add a fizz to your swim.
Poolside loungers in Coca-Cola red and white invite you to relax. And for those feeling adventurous, the poolside bar serves up Coca-Cola inspired cocktails – because what’s a vacation without a little mixology magic?
Your cabin on the S.S. Fizz is a cosy haven of nostalgia and modern comfort. With vintage Coca-Cola posters adorning the walls and a mini-fridge stocked to the brim with every Coca-Cola variant you could imagine (and perhaps some you couldn’t), you’ll wonder if you’ve sailed back in time.
This dining venue is a throwback to the classic American diners of the 1950s, complete with jukebox tunes and a menu that creatively infuses Coca-Cola into every dish.
From the Coca-Cola glazed ribs that’ll have you licking your fingers to the Coca-Cola chocolate cake that’s as rich as the company’s history, each bite is a reminder of why this brand captured the world’s heart. And yes, the waiters do roller skate to your table, adding a dash of delightful diner authenticity to your dining experience.
4. Nike Cruise Line – Swoosh of the Seas
Imagine stepping onto a vessel where every detail, from the hull to the top deck, is infused with the spirit of both competition and relaxation – a paradox only Nike could navigate with such flair.
As cruisers approach their Nike-themed floating palace, they’re greeted by the sleek design of the ship’s exterior, complete with a giant swoosh that seems to whisper, “Just Do It – embark on this cruise, that is.”
The Swoosh of the Seas pool deck is where the magic really happens. Sun loungers are decked out in Nike’s finest, ensuring you’re lounging in style and comfort.
The only challenge here is trying not to take the “Just Do It” mantra too seriously. No diving allowed.
Nike knows that even the most dedicated athletes need to rest, and the cabins are a testament to this philosophy. With bedding that feels like you’re sleeping on air (Max) and decor that subtly nods to Nike’s storied history, the rooms are a haven of comfort.
It’s where you can dream of victory, or just a really good breakfast, surrounded by the elegance of minimalism with a dash of motivational spirit.
The dining experience on board is nothing short of inspiring. Imagine sitting down to a meal where even the chairs encourage you to “eat wisely and hydrate.”
The menu, designed for those who like their cuisine with a side of wellness, features dishes that are both nutritious and delicious. It’s not just about fueling the body but about elevating the dining experience to a sport in itself.
5. Lego Cruise Line – The Brickliner
From the moment you step onto The Brickliner, you’ll feel like you’ve been shrunk down and dropped into a world where everything is made of Lego – except the water, thankfully. That’s still just water.
In the cabins, everything from the beds to the walls pays homage to the humble Lego brick. It’s all the fun of stepping on a Lego without any of the pain – unless you dive into bed too hard.
The pool, designed to look like it’s surrounded by giant Lego bricks, is both a swimmer’s dream and a foot’s worst nightmare – visually, at least.
Around the pool, you’ll find life-sized Lego minifigure lifeguards (don’t worry, there are real ones too), and a waterslide that guarantees you’ll make a splash, quite literally, into a world of fun.
Dining on the Lego cruise ship is an experience that tickles both the taste buds and the imagination. It’s a place where you half expect the food to snap together like Lego pieces. And yes, the chefs do wear hats that look like Lego chef hats, because of course they do.
6. Netflix Cruise Line – The Streamliner
The moment you spot The Streamliner sailing toward the horizon, with its sleek red-and-black hull and a giant glowing play button on the funnel, you know this isn’t your average holiday – it’s binge-watching, reimagined.
This floating entertainment paradise is a dream come true for film buffs and series addicts alike. The ship’s exterior is shaped like a modern cinema projector, with portholes styled like camera reels. And the ship horn? It plays the iconic “ba-dum” Netflix intro sound.
At the centre of the action is the Infinity Screen Pool Deck, where giant LED screens loop your favourite Netflix shows 24/7. Picture watching Stranger Things from a floating beanbag in a pool shaped like the ‘N’ logo, while sipping an “Eleven-tini” garnished with Eggo waffles.
Need to escape the sun (or that one mate who still hasn’t watched the end of Bridgerton)? Retreat to your cabin – a plush, cocoon-like haven designed for the ultimate in streaming luxury. Think memory-foam beds with built-in foot massagers, surround sound, blackout curtains, and a library of every Netflix original ever made. Oh, and a snack button that summons popcorn to your door in under five minutes.
Dim the lights, cue the intro – welcome to Now Streaming: Supper Club, where every dish is a scene-stealer and every drink deserves a spin-off.
Each night, the menu changes to spotlight a different Netflix favourite. Expect Squid Game calamari rings, truffle croissants worthy of Emily in Paris, or a Bridgerton garden soirée platter with floral cocktails and scandalous sweets. Sip a “Queen’s Gambit” Negroni while eyeing the Stranger Wings platter (served fiery red, naturally).
The setting? Cinematic. The vibes? Binge-worthy. And the decision? “One more cocktail or head to bed?” – spoiler: it’s always just one more.
7. Krispy Kreme Cruise Line – S.S. Sweet Escape
From the moment the S.S. Sweet Escape glides into view, its glossy, icing-white hull and sprinkle-covered funnel promise something truly special – a voyage dipped in pure joy and sugar. With a giant neon “Hot Now” sign glowing above the bridge, this floating bakery-on-the-sea is every dessert lover’s dream come true.
At the heart of the ship sits the Sprinkle Splash Zone—a candy-coloured pool deck straight from a doughnut-lover’s dream. The main pool is shaped like a giant pink-frosted doughnut, complete with rainbow sprinkles and a bubbling centre that’s perfect for splashing. Twin twisty slides spiral out of a towering Krispy Kreme crown, launching riders into the “glaze ring” below.
Retreat to your cabin and you’ll feel like you’ve checked into a boutique dessert lounge. The walls are decorated in warm caramel tones and pastel glaze hues, with doughnut art in gold frames. Plush bedding mimics Krispy Kreme boxes, and your memory-foam mattress is just as soft as the inside of a hot Original Glazed.
There’s a “Hot Now” switch by the bed — flick it, and a fresh box of donuts is delivered via your in-room donut chute. You’ll also find a pillow menu scented like classic Krispy Kreme favourites: cinnamon apple, strawberry glaze, or vanilla cream.
Step into Glaze & Graze, the ship’s flagship dining room, where every course is a creative twist on doughnut culture. For breakfast? Donut Benedict on maple-glazed rounds. Lunch? Sweet-and-savoury flatbreads with donut crusts. And dinner? Think bourbon-glazed doughnut sliders with truffle fries and caramelised onion rings.
For dessert (as if you weren’t already there), enjoy a build-your-own doughnut bar, daily deep-fried specials, and a theatrical “Donut Fireworks” finale – flambéed cinnamon churro puffs served tableside.
The Reality
Huge brands love to collaborate with cruise lines. On MSC Cruises ships, there are Lego-themed play areas in the kids’ club and Costa cruise ships have bright orange Aperol Spritz-themed bars as well as Nutella cafes.
But when it comes to building a whole new brand-themed cruise line, maybe not. Although it would be pretty cool, right?
Which brand would you like to see launch a cruise line? Let me know in the comments.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
