“Whenever you take little ones to a park, they run around and make friends with other kids effortlessly, which I’ve never seen adults do — until now.” This insightful observation came from a guest on the Hallmark Christmas Cruise, who was enjoying a delightful trip with her adult nieces and granddaughter. Together, the group of four, dressed in matching pink outfits adorned with sequined nutcrackers, sipped festive cocktails while eagerly discussing their excitement for watching Hallmark Christmas films and getting the chance to meet their favorite stars.

“It’s like a cult — a fun one,” one of the women humorously remarked, referring to the overwhelming enthusiasm shared by the passengers onboard the ship, all united by their love for the Hallmark Channel. Although the crowd was predominantly female, many couples also participated in the festivities. Some were celebrating special milestones, including a couple marking their 40th wedding anniversary and another who got engaged during the cruise. The men added to the fun with humorous shirts; one featured Christmas lights and read, “My wife made me wear this,” while another proudly proclaimed, “Hallmark Husband.” A few gentlemen even dressed up as Santa, enhancing the festive spirit.

I was fortunate to be invited aboard the Norwegian Gem for the inaugural sail, which took place on November 5, alongside approximately 2,500 enthusiastic Hallmark fans and 11 celebrity guests. Interestingly, the fan experience nearly began a day earlier for some, as many actors arrived at a Miami hotel close to the port a day ahead of time. Before long, eager fans gathered in the lobby, hoping to snap selfies with their favorite stars, and none of the actors turned them down, creating memorable moments of connection.

As guests stepped onto the ship, they were welcomed into a winter wonderland. The check-in area was adorned with festive Hallmark-branded pillows, twinkling Christmas lights, oversized ornaments, and cheerful backdrops that were perfect for photographs. Throughout the vessel, while the decorations were less overtly Christmas-themed, they still prominently featured Hallmark branding. Movie posters advertising upcoming films decorated the hallway walls, and the library had been transformed into a shop for Hallmark merchandise. With the recent launch of the Hallmark+ app, actors frequently reminded fans about exclusive content available on the app, including popular titles like “Finding Mr. Christmas” and “The Groomsmen” trilogy.

To get this out of the way early, yes, we set sail on Election Day. The first night saw many guests retreating to their cabins, engrossed in watching the election results while participating in a few opening night events. Although Hallmark Christmas movies were available around the clock on the in-room TVs, news channels were also provided. Around midnight ET, I felt the need for some fresh air and took a stroll around the ship. To my surprise, many others were doing the same — not because of the election, but rather to enjoy the festive atmosphere and socialize at the various bars, soaking up the joy of the vacation.

One bar had Fox News playing on a television, but it seemed no one was paying attention. I decided to treat myself to a warm cup of cocoa, take a few deep breaths, and head back to my room. The rest of the week followed a similar pattern — few people engaged in discussions about the election, opting instead to focus on the enchanting Christmas magic unfolding around them. I made an effort to do the same, immersing myself in the holiday spirit.

The beloved Hallmark icon, Jonathan Bennett, served as the official host of the cruise and undoubtedly deserves the MVP award. His husband, Jaymes Vaughan, along with Hunter King’s fiancé, Chris Copier, also received honorable mentions for their unwavering support throughout the events. Bennett maintained his high energy from start to finish, engaging the audience while hosting various activities, including “Festive Feud,” a holiday-themed twist on “Family Feud” that featured a mix of actors and audience members. Interestingly, Bennett had never actually watched “Family Feud” before but was so entertaining and charismatic that it seems he might have a promising future as a host similar to Steve Harvey.

Much of the upper deck was closed off during the cruise due to strong winds, and all suites and rooms were reserved exclusively for Hallmark staff and talent to enjoy a bit of privacy amid the bustling atmosphere.

Navigating around the ship was an adventure in itself. Fortunately, Sixthman, the company Norwegian Cruise Line collaborates with for themed cruises, had a system in place. For instance, when it was time for Bennett to moderate a panel with “The Groomsmen” cast, including Tyler Hynes, B.J. Britt, and Heather Hemmens, we were escorted as a group through a maze of back hallways and white staircases until we finally reached the backstage area. During this process, we didn’t encounter anyone who wasn’t a ship employee, making it easier to navigate — until it was time to return to our quarters after the panel.

Once any event concluded, especially those held in the main venue, the Stardust Theater, which accommodates 1,042 fans, guests quickly learned where the exit was located. Although it was only a short ten steps to the elevator, crowds gathered in groups to meet the talent, and multiple security guards were assigned to ensure everyone maintained a respectful distance.

It’s hard to imagine a group of actors handling this situation with more grace and charm. Despite their busy schedules, the actors paused to take pictures with fans, including babies (shoutout to you, Rachel Boston!) whose parents were overwhelmed with joy. They listened intently to fans’ personal stories, often touching and heartfelt, about how Hallmark films have positively impacted their lives. The stars graciously accepted gifts like stuffed animals, shirts, and friendship bracelets that read “Cruisin’ With Hallmark.”

While there was a designated dining area exclusively for the talent, many actors opted to venture down to the buffet on the main floor, mingling with fans and snapping photos throughout the day. For instance, Tyler Hynes joined fans for a Boot Shot — a fun tradition he’s shared with followers on social media — where they took a shot from a boot-shaped Christmas ornament, creating unforgettable memories.

The grand evening events took place at the main pool area, which was transformed into a vibrant stage for the cruise.

The evenings featured a variety of themed celebrations, including a tree lighting “sail-ebration,” a cozy pajama party, a hilarious Ugly Christmas Sweater contest, and an elegant Christmas ball. Attendees and talent alike embraced the spirit, showcasing everything from pajamas emblazoned with actors’ faces to glamorous ball gowns and stylish shoulder-length gloves.

Each night, after an hour or two of lively performances and games on stage, the actors would retreat to the VIP area, which fans eagerly discovered. Though barriers were in place, many of the stars spent hours posing for selfies and giving fans heartfelt hugs.

(However, they had to kindly decline when some fans requested kisses — boundaries matter, folks!)

As is customary with Hallmark films, the cruise was filled with heartwarming moments. During “The Groomsmen” panel, Jonathan Bennett became emotional while discussing the significance of the trilogy he co-wrote and produced, which prominently features a same-sex marriage for the first time in Hallmark history. He expressed his gratitude to Hallmark and later invited all Hallmark family members in the audience to stand, which took a moment as many executives were present. His call to action took a while, illustrating that everyone on board felt like part of the Hallmark family, reminding the audience that they were the reason for the event’s success.

In another touching moment, nearly 2,000 fans gathered on the upper deck to sing “Silent Night” without any musical accompaniment, standing together in front of the majestic Christmas tree while the actors gently swayed on stage, creating a beautiful scene of unity and holiday spirit.

Actors weren’t involved in every activity, but numerous events were planned to ensure guests enjoyed themselves: ornament and cookie decorating sessions, Christmas karaoke, gift exchanges, and heartfelt Christmas card writing with some of the talented Hallmark artists.

One of the standout personalities on board was Julie Sherman Wolfe, a talented writer behind two dozen Hallmark films, including this year’s “Hanukkah on the Rocks” and the eagerly awaited “Holiday Landing: A Chiefs Love Story.” Not only was she part of the “Holiday Landing” panel alongside the cast, sharing insights about her collaboration with Donna Kelce at Arrowhead Stadium, but she also crafted several scenarios that were performed on stage throughout the week.

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