Inside the Hallmark Christmas Cruise: Festive Highlights, Fan Moments, and Holiday Magic on the High Seas
The first-ever Hallmark Christmas Cruise set sail on November 5, 2024, and for some Hallmark fans, it was nothing short of a holiday dream! From festive activities and fan-favorite actors to magical moments and a holiday atmosphere, this cruise blended the best of the Hallmark holiday spirit with all the excitement of an ocean voyage. Here’s a complete Hallmark Christmas Cruise 2024 recap to give you a peek at what sail #2 can expect – and a few tips to make it even more enjoyable for everyone on board.
We’re spilling all the hot cocoa on our Girls Gone Hallmark Cruise Tell-All podcast episode – out Thursday, November 14th!
Highlights – Things Not to Miss
For those boarding sail #2, you’re in for a lineup of festive highlights that capture everything you love about Hallmark movies at Christmastime. Here’s a sneak peek at a few can’t-miss events:
Festive Feud hosted by Jonathan Bennett
For a true dose of holiday cheer, the Festive Feud hosted by Jonathan Bennett is a must-see! Picture the classic game show with a Hallmark twist – two teams, packed with Hallmark stars and lucky passengers, competing on a set that looks straight out of your TV screen.
Jonathan Bennett absolutely slayed as host, blending quick wit with improvisation skills that had everyone laughing. Sail #1 featured star-studded teams: Kristoffer Polaha and Hunter King joined by three passengers took on Brendan Penny (who kept saying how much fun he was having!) and Rachel Boston with their team of three. There’s tons of crowd interaction and celebration throughout the game, making it a lively experience for everyone.
Hot Tip: This event happens in the ship’s large Stardust Theater which holds 1,042 people, but be sure to line up early to snag the best seats!
Go See the Exclusive Movie Premiere
Watching a brand-new Hallmark movie alongside a crowd of fellow fans? It doesn’t get much better. Sail #1 featured the exclusive premiere of Jingle Bell Run, starring Andrew Walker and Ashley Williams. The audience was on the edge of their seats, cheering, laughing, and crying together – a truly unique way to experience a Hallmark movie.
We thought Ashley might introduce the film but she was busy during the first showing, however she surprised guests with a Q&A in later screenings. Spoiler Alert: Jingle Bell Run is one of our 2024 Countdown to Christmas favorites! Ashley and Andrew’s chemistry shines, and the storyline will have you laughing and feeling all the holiday feels.
Silent Night Disco
Surprisingly, the nightly Silent Disco turned out to be a cruise favorite! This event takes place in the Spinnaker Lounge and, while it didn’t officially feature Hallmark celebs (except apparently a few Hallstars came to dance on the last night of the cruise), it’s a total blast.
Guests wear headphones with three different DJ channels spinning everything from hip-hop hits to classics. It’s a party you can sing along to – out loud and off-key – since no one can hear you! And if you take off your headphones, you’ll get a good laugh at others’ enthusiastic (but pitchy) renditions. This one is pure, unfiltered fun and is highly recommended for any night you’re looking to whoop it up.
Talent Panels
Another can’t-miss highlight? The Hallmark Talent Panels, where fans can sit in on Q&As with their favorite Hallmark stars. Hosted in the Stardust Theater, these panels allow fans to hear personal stories and insights from the actors and writers. One panel was Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story, featuring Tyler Hynes, Hunter King, and writer Julie Sherman Wolfe, moderated by People Magazine’s Breanne L. Heldman.
Tyler and Hunter shared behind-the-scenes stories, Tyler was roasted for his newfound excitement of American football, and Julie Sherman Wolfe delivered non-stop laughs. These panels are a fun opportunity to hear your favorite Hallmark stars in a more personal and candid setting.
Hallmark Channel Trivia
Calling all Hallmark movie buffs! The Hallmark Channel Trivia event is a lively challenge that tests even the most dedicated fans. Pro tip: make sure to catch one hosted by Hallmark stars themselves! Unfortunately, we missed the first star-hosted round and joined one led by an NCL employee instead. We came in confident, ready to dominate – only to be met with some seriously obscure questions. Expect ultra-specific details from Hallmark movies that you may not remember, even after countless viewings! It’s tougher than it sounds.
Face Time with the Hallmark Stars – What to Expect
One of the biggest draws of the Hallmark Christmas Cruise is the excitement of meeting Hallmark’s beloved stars up close. But it’s helpful to know what kind of access to expect on board.
The Hallmark stars generally aren’t accessible outside of scheduled events – they have their own private deck and even a dedicated elevator, keeping them a bit out of reach.
For most fans, the main face-to-face moment will be at the organized photo op, which we detail below so you’ll know exactly what to expect. The only other real chance of seeing them is when they’re out “in the wild” on the ship, though they’re usually accompanied by security, making spontaneous interactions a little quick and sometimes hectic depending on their schedule.
With that said, all hope for a selfie or even a hug isn’t lost! While official access may be limited, here are a few tips for making the most of any star sightings.
Inside the Hallmark Photo Op Experience
One of the highlights of the Hallmark Christmas Cruise is the chance to snap a group photo with the stars! It’s an exciting keepsake opportunity, but be ready for a bit of a wait, as sessions often run 45 minutes to an hour behind.
Here’s what to expect:
- This is NOT a meet-and-greet; it’s a quick photo op, with each fan moving through in under 30 seconds.
- Phones are not allowed, you will be asked to leave it along with any bags outside of the photo area.
- No autographs or extended interactions either – just a quick “thank you” from the stars as you are ushered out.
- The stars may take brief rest breaks during the session, so patience is key.
Photos won’t be available immediately, but you’ll be able to download them within 7-10 days. This speedy photo op still makes for a wonderful memory with your favorite stars.
But Will I Get a Selfie with Tyler Hynes?
The answer is…maybe! Tyler was incredibly generous with his time – when he was available. We personally encountered Tyler after a big event on the pool deck, where he stayed to meet fans, graciously giving out hugs and snapping selfies with everyone waiting. We’ll share more about that experience below, but rest assured, he was as friendly and approachable as you’d hope!
A few stars would sometimes linger near the stage behind barricades after pool deck events, giving fans a chance to snap quick photos. And if you’re lucky, you might just bump into one or two of them “in the wild.” We stumbled upon Kristoffer Polaha at the buffet – just a few fans were around, and he kindly took photos with each of us, with a little help from security. Jonathan Bennett was also spotted at the buffet, dressed in full pajama party gear for the official DearFoams Pajama Party.
Passengers have shared snapshots with Hallmark stars in the hallways, on the stairs, and at the silent disco. Some of the stars are out and about, so it’s all about timing. Keep your eyes open, and you just might score that unforgettable selfie!
Celebrity Etiquette 101:
Meeting a celebrity can be thrilling, especially in a setting like the Hallmark Christmas Cruise, but there’s an etiquette to keep in mind to ensure everyone has a positive experience. First, remember that celebrities are people, too, so give them their space.
Unfortunately, we witnessed some truly unacceptable behavior from fans, including aggressive pushing, grabbing at the stars, and swarming them in large, overwhelming crowds. These actions not only make the experience uncomfortable for everyone involved but also create a stressful and invasive environment for the celebrities, who are there to connect. Such behavior crosses personal boundaries and ultimately detracts from what could be a positive and memorable event.
Final thoughts on etiquette: an 11-minute hug is too long. #IYKYK
What to Bring On Board the Hallmark Christmas Cruise
We wrote a post full of packing tips for cruisers, but there are some specifics you’ll want to be sure to bring on this cruise!
Door Decorating Supplies
While absolutely optional, decorating your door is a really fun part of the trip. Pro tip: It also helps you find your door easily among a long corridor of look-a-likes. We chose to hang stockings on our door and were surprised with fun treats when we returned to our rooms! This was a fun way to express your creativity and it was fun to walk the halls and see the other decor!
Fun Pajamas for the Holly Jolly Pajama Party
Personally, the Holly Jolly Pajama Party was my favorite dress up event. It was so fun to see everyone in their comfies, even the Hallmark celebrities! We even hit up the late night buffet in our pajamas which felt like breaking the rules for some reason! (It very much was totally allowed.)
Dress Up for the Christmas Ball
The Christmas Ball on the Hallmark Christmas Cruise is a festive way to close out your magical journey at sea. It’s a chance to get dressed up, celebrate the season, and feel like you’re stepping into one of Hallmark’s iconic holiday movies. While it’s a memorable event and a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the spirit of Christmas with your friends or new cruise buddies, it’s good to keep your expectations realistic. While stars like Tyler Hynes, Andrew Walker, or others might be present, they’ll be keeping to the stage rather than mingling or joining you for a dance.
The Christmas Ball has received some mixed feedback, but if you approach it with an open heart, it’s a great story to tell and a fun way to round off your Hallmark Christmas Cruise experience. Go, soak up the holiday magic, and say you were part of this unique celebration.
How to Maximize Your Hallmark Christmas Cruise Experience
Make the most of all the festive experiences onboard! Be sure to swing by the merch store for exclusive Hallmark cruise souvenirs that you can only snag here. With so much to do – from BINGO and movie premieres to talent panels – prepare for some lines and a bit of waiting, but it’s all part of the fun. Say hello to fellow Hallmark fans, drop some cheer in the stockings hung around the ship, and keep an eye out for surprise goodies left in your room! Don’t forget to rock your Christmas pajamas and cozy DearFoam slippers to fully embrace the holiday spirit.
For the latest schedule updates, visit Sixthman’s Today page, as we noticed both Sixthman and Hallmark making last-minute tweaks to the schedule to keep things running smoothly. Enjoy every moment of this unique Hallmark holiday adventure!
Please note: Girls Gone Hallmark covered all their own expenses for the cruise and did not receive any complimentary tickets or experiences.
We’re Your New Hallmark Besties
Hey there! We’re Girls Gone Hallmark! Megan’s a longtime Hallmark movie fan, while Wendy – well, she used to be a Hallmark hater. Now, we’ve teamed up to share our (often very different!) takes on these films. Get ready for some lively, fun-filled conversations!
Check out the library of Hallmark movies we’ve reviewed!
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