‘Star Trek: The Cruise II’ Further Detailed for 2018

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The “Star Trek” franchise will once again set phasers to fun with “Star Trek: The Cruise II” setting sail twice in 2018.

Hosting both sailings will be George Takei on January 5-11 and January 11-17, 2018 aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Jade.

“This will be the most interactive experience ever created between ‘Star Trek’ fans and actors,” said Takei, in a press release. “Come aboard and experience the voyage!”

The final lineup of fan favorites set to join Takei (on both cruises) include Vaughn Armstrong, Rene Auberjonois, Casey Biggs, LeVar Burton, Jeffrey Combs, Michael Dorn, John de Lancie, Jonathan Frakes, Max Grodenchik, Gates McFadden, Robert O’Reilly, John Paladin, Ethan Phillips, Robert Picardo, Armin Shimerman, Brent Spiner, Connor Trinneer and Nana Visitor.

Produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, LLC, under license by CBS Consumer Products, the event will transform the Norwegian Jade with a franchise-inspired specialty restaurant and bar.

Sandrine’s II will be the sister restaurant to Chez Sandrine from “Star Trek: Voyager,” and 13 Forward will channel 10 Forward from “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” There will also be a special “Star Trek: The Cruise” Museum filled with archival memorabilia.

The ship will sail roundtrip from Miami, Florida—though not quite at warp 9—to the ports of Roatan, Honduras; Harvest Caye, Belize and Costa Maya, Mexico.

‘Star Trek: The Cruise II’ Further Detailed for 2018

Guests will have a chance to interact with the “Star Trek” crew via photo-ops and autographs sessions, as well as take a group picture specifically with George Takei (one per cabin). They will also have the opportunity to partake in plenty of special activities like Captain Sulu’s Soiree and other theme nights. There’s even a Klingon Pub Crawl.

Other celebrity-led events onboard will encompass wine tastings, cooking demonstrations and vow renewals. Shoreside, actors will even host excursions in each port. A makeup artist will be on hand to transform passengers into characters, and live music will be performed by avant-garde synth-pop band Information Society.

Additional nightly shows will be performed by the celebrities themselves, and one can only hope Brent “Data” Spiner’s crossover—acting as a cruise director in the great comedy film “Out to Sea”—will somehow take center stage beyond his characterization of the android from “Star Trek: The Next Generation.”

Pre-registration has already been secured by more than 4,000 fans, and the sailings are expected to sell out. Per person rates begin at $1,300 including meals, main stage events, parties, port charges, taxes and shipboard gratuities. Follow along at hashtag #StarTrekTheCruise.

Check Out 2018’s Blues and Rock-Themed Cruises

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Fans of blues and rock can head out to sea in 2018, simultaneously getting their musical groove and vacation on aboard three new themed cruises.

Cruise to the Edge 2018

Cruise to the Edge 2018 will be aboard Royal Caribbean International’s Brilliance of the Seas for five nights from February 3-8. Prog-rock’s biggest festival at sea will be hosted by YES as it sails from Tampa, Florida to Belize City, Belize and Costa Maya, Mexico prior to returning.

There’s also a complimentary pre-cruise party optional to guests.

Joining YES will be Marillion, Steve Hackett, Mike Portnoy and Derek Sherinian, Carl Palmer’s ELP Legacy (honoring Keith Emerson and Greg Lake) and Marin Barre (of Jethro Tull), Saga, Anathema, Gong, Haken, Glass Hammer, Adrian Belew Power Trio, Lifesigns, Knifeworld, Stick Men with special guest violinist David Cross, Sound Of Contact, Moon Safari, IO Earth, Bad Dreams, Thank You Scientist and Baraka.

UK journalist and preeminent YES expert, Jon Kirkman, will also be joining the sailing.

Experiences onboard will include artist/cruiser photo experiences, Q&A sessions, theme nights and more. One main event will be CTTE Late Night Live with the opportunity to potentially jam with a headliner, watch fans and artists performing together, see a guest showcase or have your song selection played.

The Brilliance of the Seas beckons guests with a nine-deck atrium, glass-enclosed elevators, Solarium pool, Vitality Spa, rock-climbing wall and plenty of other venues and Prog Performances stages.

Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea IV

From February 26 to March 2, 2018, Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea IV will be presented by Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation, Joe Bonamassa and Sixthman aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Jade.

The four-day voyage will naturally showcase Bonamassa and others as the ship departs roundtrip from Miami, Florida to Montego Bay, Jamaica.

“We’ve had a blast this year and we’ve had a blast every other year…There has been some great music this year and we will carry it on to next year,” said Bonamassa, in a press release.

Besides Bonamassa, set to perform across multiple onboard stages are Black Country Communion (Bonamassa, Glenn Hughes, Jason Bonham and Derek Sherinian), Los Lobos, JJ Grey & Mofro, Ana Popovic, North Mississippi Allstars, Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds, The James Hunter Six, Matt Andersen, Kirk Fletcher & Josh Smith, Marcus King Band, Greyhounds, Toronzo Cannon, Larkin Poe, Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear, New Orleans Suspects, The Steepwater Band, Jerron “Blind Boy” Paxton, Jack Broadbent, The Bros. Landreth and Juzzie Smith.

More are expected to be announced.

The Norwegian Jade will be newly refurbished by the time the music festival kicks off with musical group collaborations, a Black Country Communion reunion, artist activities and lots of live performances. The ship itself will feature new restaurants, bars, lounges and updated interior design.

Monsters of Rock Cruise 2018

The Monsters of Rock Cruise 2018 is scheduled for five nights aboard Royal Caribbean International’s Navigator of the Seas roundtrip from Miami, Florida to Falmouth, Jamaica and Labadee on February 11-16. The hard rock/heavy metal festival will additionally feature two pre-cruise parties.

Artists include Tesla, Queensrÿche, Thunder, Lita Ford, Winger, British Lion featuring Steve Harris of Iron Maiden, Doro, KIX, Y&T, Vixen, Great White, Beasto Blanco, LA Guns, The Pretty Maids, Lynch Mob, Firehouse, Loudness, Michael Sweet (of Stryper), The Quireboys, Tyketto, Dangerous Toys, Junkyard, Keel, Raven, Madam X, Rhino Bucket, John Corabi, Autograph, Lillian Axe, Rough Cutt, Mitch Malloy, The Iron Maidens, Kickin’ Valentina, Jared James Nichols, Thee Rock ‘N Roll Residency, Atomic Punks and more to be announced.

Hosting the cruise and moderating Q&As and other events will be Eddie Trunk and comedian Don Jamieson (VH1’s “That Metal Show”), as well as radio host Nikki Blakk and Luc Carl (SiriusXM’s “Hair Nation”).

Additional activities will extend to artist photo-ops, Gong Show Karaoke, My Bloody Valentine Fantasy Ball, “So You Think You Can Shred” and Cooking with Rock Stars hosted by Lisa Tirone and more.

As a Voyager-class ship, Navigator of the Seas showcases the Royal Promenade and attractions such as a FlowRider surf simulator.

Why You Should Consider Cruising in The Haven


The Haven Suite on Norwegian Escape

Whilst there’s plenty to love on a Norwegian Cruise Line cruise, there’s one place on board that will turn your holiday from great to perfection. Tucked away at the tops of Epic, Breakaway, and Breakaway Plus class ships lay a little slice of paradise known as The Haven. Where glorious rooms meet unmatched pampering, a cruise in The Haven is like cruising in first-class. If you can swing it, here’s why spending a little more for this exclusive enclave may be worth your whilst.

ACCOMMODATIONS

If you have to pick The Haven for one reason and one reason alone, let it be for their accommodations. Not only are these rooms beautifully decorated, they are the most spacious. If you are travelling in a big group there’s nothing better than the 3-Bedroom Garden Villa, one of the grandest rooms Norwegian has to offer. Start off your holiday with a complimentary limousine, ready to whisk you to your awaiting 4800+ square feet suite. Complete with a courtyard, hot tub and a sprawling living room with a baby grand piano, the 3-Bedroom Garden Villa is the ultimate way to cruise.

The Haven 3-Bedroom Garden Villa
Hot tub in your own private courtyard

If you are travelling in a smaller group, stay in the Deluxe Owner’s Suite with Large Balcony or Owner’s Suite with Large Balcony. These rooms, though smaller than the 3-Bedroom Garden Villa, do not skimp on luxury. Sweeping floor to ceiling views and private balcony makes these rooms worth the price tag.

Deluxe Owner’s Suite with Large Balcony

For those who are looking for something more intimate I suggest unwinding in The Haven Spa Suite with Balcony. Offering an oversized waterfall shower with body jets, in-room Jacuzzi, and free access to the Thermal Spa Suite, this room is the ultimate way to relax and rejuvenate.

The Haven Spa Suite with Balcony

PRIVATE VENUES

Gone are the days of elbowing through buffet crowds or fighting for the last deck chair because The Haven offers exclusive venues only accessible by Haven members. In The Haven Lounge you’ll find a comfortable seating area perfect for meeting other Haven guests and a private bar ready to concoct your favourite drinks.

The Haven Lounge opens up to The Haven Courtyard where you will find a pool, multiple hot tubs and a private sun deck with plenty of loungers for you to enjoy. Keep an eye out for the deck valets who come around with complimentary wet towels and cold fruit skewers! If you have a hankering for something more, make your way to The Haven Restaurant where you can order items such as Foie Gras, Grilled Atlantic Cod, and Whole Roasted Prime Rib.

The Haven Restaurant on Norwegian Escape

UNPARALLELED SERVICE

If you like to be pampered you’re in the right place. Haven guests are the only people on board that will have access to a 24-hour trained and certified butler. Waiting on your beck and call, your butler can assist with tasks ranging from pouring your champagne, setting up in suite dining, and even unpacking and packing your suitcase.

Exclusive Service in The Haven

In addition to that you have access to a private concierge, perfect for a stress free holiday. Whether you want to make a last minute reservation in a Speciality Restaurant, attend a Broadway show or register for a Shore Excursion, your private concierge can pull together your plans in a drop of a hat.

EXCLUSIVE AMENITIES

As if all of this wasn’t enough, as a Haven guest you will receive exclusive extras. Personal favourites include a complimentary bottle of French Champagne or Sparkling Wine, a bottomless fruit basket, savory or sweet gourmet treats delivered to your room each evening, and a special cocktail party with the ship’s officers!

Exclusive Amenities in The Haven

A cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line will bring you to beautiful destinations on a ship with more options than you’ll know what to do with. If you want a holiday experience like no other, cruise in The Haven, where luxurious accommodations, unparalleled service, and indulgent amenities are the standard. Once you have the best of the best in The Haven, you’ll never want to cruise any other way.