Fan cruises are different from a convention in several ways. One cruise promoter sums up the difference in this way: at a convention, you get to meet the stars. On a cruise you get to know them!
That's because a cruise group is usually much smaller than a convention with hundreds or thousands of people. It's much more relaxed, with no long lines to meet the stars. You are actually on vacation with them! There may be fewer guests, but since there are fewer fans on board, it make for a more personal experience.
Of course there are other more obvious differences between cruises and conventions, a convention hotel stays in one place. A cruise ship takes you to different ports, usually traveling to different countries. Often you'll watch the sunset in one port and wake up to sunrise in whole different country! (Galacticruise actually visits five different countries in one week!)
A cruise is often more expensive than a hotel stay, or is it? With a cruise, not only does the price include your room, it also includes all your meals! It also includes all that traveling to exotic ports too, although special tours and shore excursions can cost extra. Savvy travelers have known for years that a cruise is your best bargain for any travel vacation/holiday.
There are several Star Trek and Science fiction theme cruises out there. I'm sure that all of them are a fun adventure for the discerning fan who wants an intimate and unique adventure with real Hollywood actors. Some of better known cruises are "Cruise Trek". "The Star Trek Cruise" There 's also a "Dr Who" themed cruise and in the past cruises hosted by Dirk Benedict and Richard Hatch, both from the original 1978 "Battlestar Galactica". Plus of course, our cruise "Galacticruise: The Science Fiction Cruise".
So which of these cruises is right for you? I encourage you to shop around and compare so you can find the cruise that best fits your interests, schedule and budget. Here's some tips you might want to keep in mind while comparing fan cruises:
Length: Most fan cruises are seven day and on occasion, eight day cruises. A few are three or four day cruises, which may (or may not) cost less to attend. So many of you do have to plan on taking vacation time from work to participate.
Guests: The number of guests on a cruise may run from a single guest hosted cruise, such as Richard Hatch's or Dirk Benedict's cruises to three or four or even more guests on the program. Most concentrate on one particular interest, such as Dr. Who, Star Trek, Babylon 5, or Firefly. A few cruises have guests from multiple TV programs.
As in any convention, guest appearances on cruises are subject to professional commitments. If an actor is offered a role where he can make thousands of dollars and further his career, he may have to cancel his cruise or convention appearance. Sometimes, it's ill health or family emergencies that lead to cancelations. That can make for an awkward situation. I've seen it happen... twice.
That's why I'd stay away from the cruises hosted by just one star. I know of one star who canceled his one week cruise appearance because only a handful of fans booked the cruise. It just wouldn't make money for him! Unfortunately, the cancellation came too late for fans who could not get a full refund! Some just took the cruise without him or any guest at all!
So my first recommendation, stick with cruises with more than one guest. Chances are some of them will show up! In case of cancelation, a good promoter will try to find a last minute substitution if it is possible.
(To be continued in part 2)
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