Set phasers for… Sail? Trekkies have always found new and interesting ways to express their fandom – or fanaticism – for Star Trek. With a Star Trek cruise officially happening, they will be joined by none other than original Captain Kirk himself: William Shatner.
The official website of the cruise announced that Shatner would attend Star Trek: The Cruise, but serve as host for the whole affair. The cruise itself serves as a commemoration of Star Trek – celebrating 50 years as an institution among sci-fi fans around the world since its inception by Gene Roddenberry. When he spoke out about his excitement to be involved in the project, its patently obvious that his commitment to the show -- and fans -- that made him famous has not flagged over the last five decades.
As host of the cruise, Shatner will lead all attendees in a variety typical cruise activities tailored to the interests of the committed Trekkies onboard. Among the happenings one can partake in: Star Trek-themed concerts, performances, and parties, as well as discussion forums led by experts – both in general science, and Star Trek trivia. Although the affair has all the fun of an average cruise, news of Shatner’s involvement likely spurred ticket sales based on fans’ desire to sale under command of the real life James Tiberius Kirk. While the Enterprise has been switched out for the Norwegian Pearl cruise liner, the passion behind the captain remains the same.
Although undeniably one the show’s biggest names, Shatner is far from the only Star Trek alum to join the cruise. Other Star Trek TV actors along for the ride include: Jonathan Frakes (William Riker in Star Trek: The Next Generation), James Darren (Vic Fontaine in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine), Robert Picardo (Dr. Lewis Zimmerman on Star Trek: Voyager), and John de Lancie (the omnipotent being Q in TGN, DS9 and Voyager). We like to think we would have seen some degree of involvement from Mr. Spock (Leonard Nimoy) had it not been for his recent – and untimely – passing.
Departing from Miami, Star Trek: The Cruise will take fans to a variety of locales in the Caribbean including Mexico, and the Bahamas. Ticket prices start at $975 and range all the way up to $7,500 per person. This does not mark the first sanctioned cruise tailored to meet the needs of a rabid fan-base. Just last year New Kids on the Block set sail with 2,500 fans on a cruise ship to celebrate their legacy from the early 1990s – complete with musical acts as well as a wedding officiated by Donnie Wahlberg himself. The event was so popular that it was recorded into an eight-episode reality series by TVGN. Hopefully we can get a similar peek into this Star Trek cruise for those of us who can't make it aboard.
Star Trek: The Cruise embarks with William Shatner at the helm on January 9, 2017 – will you be on board?
