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Star Trek: The Cruise II

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And so it begins... Star Trek: The Cruise II on Friday welcomed 2300 fans on board the Norwegian Jade, refitted as a Federation starship. Members of Starfleet were on hand as guests arrived and began to explore their starship for the next six days.

star trek the cruise II


Launch Party

As the ship left the port in Miami, fans gathered pool side for the Launch Party with a procession of the cruise’s celebrity guests, who greeted the crowd and said a few words.

Star Trek: The Cruise II, denise Crosby

Denise Crosby implored everyone to “let their freak flag fly!”

Star Trek: The Cruise II, robert o'reilly

Robert O’Reilly energized the crowd by leading them in several Qapla!' chants. It was the perfect warm-up for his upcoming Klingon Pub Crawl.

Star Trek: The Cruise II, ethan phillips

Ethan Phillips gave the crowd a taste of his late-night stand-up performances set for later in the week.

Star Trek: The Cruise II, nana visitor

Nana Visitor told the crowd that she was going to have an Eat, Pray, Love week. She will be leading a meditation session, cooking demonstration and an evening performance with Rene Auberjonois about love.

Star Trek: The Cruise II, robert picardo

Robert Picardo recounted the 'planes, trains and automobiles' story of his escape from the New York weather to join everyone on the ship.

Star Trek: The Cruise II, michael dorn

Michael Dorn acknowledged that he's embarking on his first-ever cruise.

Star Trek: The Cruise II, connor trinneer

Connor Trinneer encouraged fans to join him for the Blackjack Tournament on Saturday.

Star Trek: The Cruise II, Jeffery Combs

While Jeffrey Combs pitched the Poker Tournament that he is headlining.

Star Trek: The Cruise II, vaughn armstrong

Vaughn Armstrong reminded fans of all of the Star Trek characters that he has played.

Star Trek: The Cruise II, john de lancie

John de Lancie offered two fans the opportunity to perform in his audio play this week.

Star Trek: The Cruise II, gate mcfadden

Gates McFadden is ready to dance! She'll be leading a tap class twice during the cruise.

Star Trek: The Cruise II, max grodenchik

Max Grodenchik promoted Saturday night's performance of The Rat Pack.

Star Trek: The Cruise II, Casey Biggs

Casey Biggs led the crowd in a wave for Deep Space Nine's 25th Anniversary.

Star Trek: The Cruise II, Brent Spiner

Brent Spiner jokingly suggested that fans can speak with him on the cruise - but not look at him.

Star Trek: The Cruise II, george takei

And George Takei greeted the throng with his trademark “Oh myyyyyyy!” and adding “Here we are, going where many of you have... gone before. And we’re going in the spirit of the Great Bird... Gene Roddenberry. “


Shore Leave Bar

Star Trek: The Cruise II

The Shore Leave Bar, decked out with Trek Tiki Towers and the Drink of the Day, was a central gathering point for guests. Friday's drink was a Guinan Guilty Pleasure featuring Vodka, Gin, White Run, Scotch, Bourban, Tequila, Triple Sec, Brandy, Pineapple Juice and Orange Juice. And it was available in the Star Trek Geeki Tikis! 

Star Trek: The Cruise II


Burton, Visitor & Auberjonois

Star Trek: The Cruise II, Michael Dorn

Michael Dorn did the honors of welcoming LeVar Burton to the stage of the Stardust Theatre, introducing his old friend and colleague as someone who’s thrived in his post-Trek career.

Star Trek: The Cruise II, levar burton

Burton greeted the audience, saying, “I thought we would do a little Reading Rainbow live,” which elicited cheers. And he then led everyone in signing the Reading Rainbow theme song. Burton then dramatically read two selections starting with the children’s book The Rhino Who Swallowed a Storm, which he co-wrote.

Star Trek: The Cruise II, LeVar Burton

The second story was a piece he wrote about his appreciation of sci-fi books and the works of Octavia Butler.

Star Trek: The Cruise II, nana visitor, rene auberjonois

Following LeVar's performance, Nana Vistor and Rene Auberjonois took the stage with stories about love.

Star Trek: The Cruise II, nana visitor

Star Trek: The Cruise II, rene auberjonois

Nana and Rene opened with a flashback of when Kira first met Odo before sharing favorite poems, a job description for "mom" and much more.


Mirror Mirror Party & Information Society

Star Trek: The Cruise II, Mirror Mirror Party

The Captain's Club was the place to be on Friday night, as fans got in the spirit — and in costume — for the “Mirror Mirror” party. 

Star Trek: The Cruise II, Mirror Mirror Party

Star Trek: The Cruise II, Mirror Mirror Party

Star Trek: The Cruise II, Mirror Mirror Party

DJ Needles kept everyone on their feet and dancing deep into the night and early morning.

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There was no mistaking the Pure Energy in 13 Forward as Information Society rocked the house. 


Artist J.K. Woodward

star trek: the cruise II, jk woodward

The artist J.K Woodward, during his “Mirror Broken” talk, shared with fans how his mission for IDW Publishing’s comic book saga was to add the Mirror Universe construct to the TNG continuity by creating visually unique, even daring versions of such characters as Picard. “The idea was based mostly on a fascist/authoritarian deal,” Woodward explained. “I used the Soviet constructivism of the 1940s to achieve the authoritarian feel.”

Trivia Contest

star trek: the cruise ii, max grodenchik, ian spelling

A full house joined Max Grodenchik and Ian Spelling for "Eat, Drink & Be Merry" trivia. 25 specially-created questions challenged fans while offering a few very funny multiple choice options.

Make-Up Demonstrations

star trek: the cruise ii, john paladin

John Paladin is once again on-board offering make-up demonations as well as the chance for cosplayers to have their make-up completed by a professional. 

Turbo Lifts

Moving around the ship is easy and fun with the fully decorated turbo lifts. Each lift features LCARS displays with important information and guidance for the Federation's visitors.

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II


Cosplayers on Display

Species from across the universe were on display throughout the day and night. Here's a sample:

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II


Keep watching StarTrek.com for daily updates on Star Trek: The Cruise II.

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Day two of Star Trek: The Cruise II found sunny skies as the Norwegian Jade made it way to its first port, Roatan, Honduras.

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The United Federation of Planets flag flew overhead as fans readied themselves for a full day of fun with more than 30 activities to choose from.

Mindful Meditation

The morning got off to a thoughtful, relaxing start with poolside session called “Nana’s Mindful Meditation Class.”

Star Trek: The Cruise II, Nana Visitor

“It’s something that’s made a huge difference in my life,” said Visitor, who told the crowd of fans who joined her poolside that mindful meditation helped her overcome 22 years of post-traumatic stress. It gave her a “grounding” for herself.

Star Trek: The Cruise II, Nana Visitor

“And it’s been tracked, what meditation can do for us. It’s wonderful for our brains. There’s scientific proof of it now, that it works. It’s about paying attention to this moment... Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional.”

Shakespeare with Armin Shimerman

Star Trek: The Cruise II, Armin Shimerman

To be in 13 Forward or not to be in 13 Forward? Hundreds of fans chose to be in 13 Forward for “The Conscience of the King: Shakespeare with Armin Shimerman.” Connor Trinneer introduced Shimerman, noting that Shimerman is a master teacher of Shakespeare and has performed half of the Bard’s canon . “Without further ado, the teacher...” and out stepped Shimerman.

Star Trek: The Cruise II, Armin Shimerman

Shimerman explained that he taught Shakespeare even before DS9.  He also asked the audience, “Why are you here? Why are you here other than to see Quark talk about Shakespeare? I hope it’s because you’re interested in hearing about Shakespeare or perhaps seeing it or reading it”.  He then spent the better part of the next hour detailing the rules of Elizabethan rhetoric, of making arguments, or recognizing opposites in the dialogue.  His ultimate goal: “To give you an appreciation of Shakespeare in a way you’ve not had before. “


Scopes Monkey Trial

Star Trek: The Cruise II, Scopes Monkey Trial

The sun was shining outside, but the lure of an event in the Stardust Theater was too strong to ignore. And that event was a dramatic reading of the Scopes Monkey Trial, led by John de Lancie, which filled the room with fans. The story, complemented by superb performances, elicited gasps and laughs and, at its conclusion, a rousing ovation.

Star Trek: The Cruise II, Marnie Mosiman

De Lancie's wife, Marnie Mosiman, served as narrator.

Star Trek: The Cruise II, John de Lancie

John de Lancie as Darrow

Star Trek: The Cruise II, Casey Biggs

Casey Biggs as Stewart

Star Trek: The Cruise II, Ethan Phillips

Ethan Phillips as Mencken

Star Trek: The Cruise II, Robert Picardo

Robert Picardo as Bryan

Star Trek: The Cruise II, Rene Auberjonois

Rene Auberjonois as Malone

Star Trek: The Cruise II, Casey Biggs

Also on hand: three fans, all with some acting experience, handpicked by de Lancie to participate in the audio-visual presentation. Here is one playing the Butler with Casey Biggs.

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek fan as Scopes

Star Trek: The Cruise II

A Star Trek fan as the Minister

The Dancing Doctor

star trek: the cruise, gates mcfadden

Gates McFadden, who both danced and choreographed on TNG and also choreographed the film Labyrinth, guided eager fans through a fun-filled, basic tap dancing class.

star trek: the cruise, gates mcfadden

“Tap is about changing weight — heel to toe, heel to toe. Learning how to make different sounds with your feet. What happens in tap is all about rhythm.” And the motion of the ship definitely helped those dancing fans find their own rhythm.

To Be A Voyager

Star Trek: The Cruise II, Star Trek Voyager, Ethan Phillips, Ian Spelling, Robert Picardo

Picardo and Phillips are pretty funny guys. Put them together on stage, and we’re talking lots of laughs. 

star trek the cruise, Ethan Phillips

Phillips told the audience he’d just wrapped a run of the Broadway drama, Junk. Backstage near the dressing rooms, all around are posters from throughout the theater’s history. And right near Phillips’ dressing room “was the poster from a show I did decades ago... How crazy is that?”

star trek the cruise, robert picardo

Picardo kept a black bag his foot during the panel, and people couldn’t help but wonder what was it it. “Fans graciously offer gifts to us all the time,” Picardo said. “And this is a Doctor doll that someone made. Next time, though,” he noted as he held it up for the audience to see, “I hope it’s anatomically correct.”


T-Shirt Party

Everyone donned their Star Trek: The Cruise II t-shirts for an afternoon poolside party. The back of the t-shirts includes a list of everyone sailing this week: 20 Trek characters "... and over 2,000 red shirts."

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Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II


In the Kitchen

star trek: the cruise, nana visitor

Nana Visitor, aided by Rodney, the Norwegian Jade’s Star amusing Executive Chef, shared her love of cooking and entertaining with fans. “When people come to your house, you want it to be special, but not break the bank and completely exhaust you,” she noted.

star trek: the cruise, nana visitor

“While drinks are happening, I like to bring out lots of little ‘bites,’ wonderful things.” Three recipes for wonderful things were featured in the presentation: Crab with Avocado Relish; Endive Spears with Roasted Beets and Blue Cheese; and Gale Gand’s Watermelon Kiwi Shots.

Exploring with The Next Generation

star trek: the cruise, the next generation cast

Fans were primed for the day’s highlight, a poolside Q&A with Brent Spiner, Gates McFadden, LeVar Burton, Michael Dorn, Denise Crosby and John de Lancie, moderated by Ian Spelling. The cast, for nearly an hour, reminisced about their TNG experiences, talked about their respective current projects and welcomed the Discovery cast to their world.

star trek: the cruise, Michael Dorn

Dorn, prepping for an upcoming onboard panel, recently rewatched "Code of Honor.” It “was shockingly painful,” he said. “They visit a planet of black people. How could have done that in this day and age? We're (Denise Crosby) actually going to do a critique while it plays. It's never been done. I'll try to moderate it."

star trek: the cruise, denise crosby

Crosby feels that Discovery is in good hands with its leading lady, Sonequa Martin-Green. “I worked with Sonequa on The Walking Dead, which also has a very tight cast,” Crosby said. “She’s wonderful and such a warm, calming presence. It’s perfect casting.”

star trek: the cruise, john de lancie

De Lancie commented on the lasting friendships between the TNG actors. “In the old days in theater a group of actors would grow old together,” he said. “And so it is with them.”

star trek: the cruise, brent spiner

Brent Spiner, asked to name the Trek figure who doesn’t receive credit for his or her role in TNG’s success, immediately suggested Michael Westmore. “He was masterful and did it show after show, year after year, and not just for us, but the other shows, too, and TNG and Deep Space Nine were going at the same time. That consistency was remarkable.”

star trek: the cruise, levar burton

Burton’s latest project is a new version of an old favorite. He’s given Reading Rainbow back to WNED and launched LeVar Burton Kids. “It’s the same thing, but rebranded,” he explained. “Just look for the app. We’re promoting children's literacy through new applications and technology.” And complementing LeVar Burton Kids is his podcast, Levar Burton Reads.

star trek: the cruise, gates mcfadden

What episode was McFadden proudest to be associated with? ”That's a bit tricky, but directing ‘Genesis’ was the highlight for me,” McFadden replied. “And what Westmore did with that makeup... Dwight's spider was creepy, and Marina's take on an amphibian, amazing.” She added, “Also, ‘The Host.’ I loved the question it proposed: what is love?”

Writer’s Workshop

star trek: the cruise, robb pearlman

Robb Pearlman, author of "Fun with Kirk and Spock" and many other delightful novelty titles, shared a bit about his process when creating the book. Each vignette was based on an episode of TOS. He had 250 plot snippets, of which 33 were developed and included in the book. Several that appear were cut and revised from his original version, for length and impact. Working with the fans in the audience, together they created a new piece about: “See the Horta. Horta is in pain. And the Horta is a rock. See Spock. See Spock mind meld. No kill I thinks the Horta. But Spock cannot hear. But thanks to mind meld the Horta does not die.”

Celebrity Bingo

star trek: the cruise, vaughn armstrong

Have you really played Bingo until you’ve done so with the charming and affable Vaughn Armstrong proceeding over the game? Everyone had a blast, and a cool touch was the obligatory “Bingo Boogie” dance the winners had to perform... accompanied by the dulcet strains of KC and the Sunshine Band’s “Shake Your Booty.”

Mission Briefing

star trek: the cruise, Rick searfoss

Retired Air Force colonel, former astronaut, and still-active test pilot Searfoss opined that, “Human space flight is extremely difficult. Everyone involved in the programs knows the risks and dangers, but [the results] are definitely worth it.” He regaled fans with stories of his flights aboard the Columbia and Atlantis orbiters, as well as discussed lifelong friendships forged with other astronauts from the U.S., as well as other countries. “By the time Star Trek premiered in 1966, we were well along with the Apollo program, and there was a spirit in America that anything was possible.” Moving forward, he thinks that government and private industry partnerships are the best option; NASA can and should take the lead in exploration, while private companies such as SpaceX can do the “heavy lifting” with rocket systems development.

Allegiance

Star Trek: The Cruise II, George Takei

George Takei fans received a special treat on Saturday afternoon, namely a full screening of a filmed version of George Takei’s play, Allegiance. Takei himself thanked fans who gave up time in the sun to watch the screening and who greeted him with a standing ovation. “It’s an American story more Americans should know about,” Takei noted. “And we want the story to reach people’s hearts... long after those who lived through it are gone. And, at 80, I’m one of the young ones who’s still alive. This show is entertaining, educational, earnest and profoundly important. Please sit back and enjoy it.”

Science Academy Briefing

Star Trek: The Cruise II, Phil Plaitt

Phil Plait, the Bad Astronomer, examined the following topic during his session: “Is the Earth Special?” The answer is: It’s complicated. To a scientist, the oceans are the key. Liquid water on the surface of the planet indicates the possibility of life. “Water is a matrix for things to happen inside of it,” Plait explained “When you think about life, you think about water. Life formed on Earth very soon after it cooled. We had liquid water on the surface. If there’s any [other planet] that’s close to having water... life could form.” As to that man question: “Is the Earth special? It’s the only habitable planet for us we know of without space suits and submarines... but we’re in one galaxy out of billions,” Plait said, adding, Our planet is gorgeous. It’s the only one we’ve got... but it’s changing.”

Poker Tournament

star trek: the cruise, jeffrey combs

Jeffrey Combs played more than a few wily characters over his time on the various Trek series, so there was no one better to host the night’s poker tourney, which he did with obvious glee.

Renewal of Vows

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Visitor has a busy, busy day, trekking from her meditation class to her cooking class to overseeing dozens of couples re-tying the knot. One couple was together for 40 years, earning them a free bottle of champagne.

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Visitor led the ceremony, invited everyone to “Kiss and rejoice.” She then noted, “Congrats, you are even more married than you were before.”

Interstella Improv

star trek the cruise, Rene Auberjonois, Robert Picardo & Denise Crosby

XXXXXX

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Drink of the Day

star trek the cruise

Saturday's specialty drink was "For the Love of Troi" featuring chocolate vodka, coconut vodka, caramel sauce and coconut milk topped with whipped cream and caramel sauce.

Starfleet Officers Ball

Everyone looked sharp and dressed to the nines for this late-night party. It was all part of Captain Sulu’s Soirée.

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II


Star Trek Rat Pack

Star Trek: The Cruise II, Rat Pack

Trek fans love the Star Trek Rat Pack gigs, and this was no exception. Tonight’s edition of the group featured Armin Shimerman, Jeffrey combs, Casey Biggs, Max Grodenchik, Ethan Phillips, and Vaughn Armstrong, who regaled the crowd in the Stardust Theater with real musicianship paired with comedy songs (both originals and classics with adapted lyrics).


Read Day One's recap and keep watching StarTrek.com for the daily updates on Star Trek: The Cruise II.

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Day Three of Star Trek: The Cruise II is in the books. The Norwegian Jade pulled into port in Roatan this morning, and many, even most of the 2300 fans on board spent the day on the beach and/or enjoying a variety of excursions. Starting around dinner time, though, the Star Trek once again kicked into high gear.

Original Trek

star trek the cruise, original trek

Jonathan Frakes at long last made it on board the Jade following weather-related delays back on the east coast, and he and Gates McFadden had a surprise for the standing-room-only crowd in 13 Forward: guests Robert Picardo, Kitty Swink, Armin Shimerman, John de Lancie and Marnie Mosiman, doing a live reading of “The Trouble with Tribbles.”

star trek the cruise, gates mcfadden

Gates McFadden voiced Captain Kirk.

star trek the cruise, Jonathan Frakes

Jonathan Frakes played Spock and narrated.

star trek the cruise, Armin Shimerman, Gates McFadden, Jonathan Frakes

Armin Shimerman was Scotty.

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Kitty Swink (wife of Armin Shimerman) portrayed Baris.

star trek the cruise, robert picardo

Robert Picardo did the talking for Uhura.

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Marnie Mosiman (wife of John de Lancie) was Chekov.

star trek the cruise, John de Lancie

 John de Lancie voiced Dr. McCoy.

The actors also voiced various additional characters. “I’m doing a little Kirk with Spock,” Frakes cracked. “Do you hear that?” They elicited chuckles with their assorted accents, particularly Mosiman, who captured Koenig impressively. More laughs came from humorous asides and flubs. “I turned the page the wrong way,” Picardo admitted. “Give me a second.” Later, Shimerman admonished himself for his accent. “I did an Irish Scotty.”

The biggest laugh of the night came when Shimerman teased Picardo for going “overboard” with his character’s laughing. Picardo looked out the window toward the water and joked, “It’s a perfect place to go overboard.” When the laughter died down, Shimerman said, “You owe me one, Bob!”

GOW-ROM

star trek the cruise, Robert O'Reilly & Max Grodenchik

Laughs were aplenty when Robert O'Reilly and Max Grodenchik brought their Gowron and Rom characters to 13 Forward for an original story about a temporal anomaly that landed them on a cruise ship on Earth. 


An Evening with George Takei

star trek the cruise, George Takei

Fans filled the Stardust Theater to near capacity to hear Star Trek legend Takei speak for a full hour. He talked for 45 minutes directly to the audience and then spent 15 minutes answering fan questions. he opened by sharing his love of cruises, explaining that they bring people together for a shared experience and provide unique, memorable moments. 

star trek the cruise, George Takei

He noted that while at dinner with his husband, Brad, one fan sent over a bottle of Dom Perignon. At another dinner, a fan paid for the meal. And quite amusingly, Takei recalled how he needs to go to the bathroom at one point, but couldn’t excuse himself to do so. Then, when he could, the wait for the elevator took forever. A fan waiting to use the elevator told Takei his room was just around the corner and invited him to use the bathroom in his stateroomto go to the bathroom badly but it took so long for the elevator it’s with someone for the elevator to come then he took up a fans offer to use their bathroom.

star trek the cruise, George Takei

Turning more serious, he spoke about his experiences as a youth, when he, his family and so many other Asian-Americans were placed in internment camps, relieved of their money and stripped of their rights. That story, of course, was examined/explored by his Broadway play, Allegiance.

Q’s Costume Party

star trek the cruise, john de lancie

Hundreds of fans went all for this soiree, hosted by John de Lancie and featuring a performance by Information Society.

star trek the cruise, information society

Here's a sampling of the amazing costumes:

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II


Drink of the Day

Star Trek: The Cruise II, Borg Invasion

The drink of the day was a tasty, refreshing Borg Invasion. It consisted of vodka, lemon juice, sweet and sour, and beer. Say it with us... resistance was futile.

star trek the cruise, captain's holiday beer

Also available throughout the cruise is the new Captain's Holiday craft beer and nine classic Star Trek drinks: Raktajino, Andorean Ale, Picard's High Tea, Tranya, Risa Moons Shine, Gowron's Choice Bloodwine, Saurian Brandy, Romulan Ale and Aldebaran Whiskey.

Late Night Comedy

star trek the cruise, ethan phillips

It’s commonly known that Bob Saget, who played the nice guy dad on Full House, is one of the bluest standup comics in the business. Well, the Star Trek equivalent of that is Ethan Phillips, and he spent an hour tonight keeping fans in stitches with his ribald act. We’d share some jokes with you, but, we’ll, no. Sorry.

Star Trek Museum

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The atrium of the Norwegian Jade serves as the temporary home of the Star Trek Museum. Ensconced in cases are props and replicas spanning much of the Star Trek franchise including items from Star Trek: Discovery. Here are some of the fan favorites:

star trek the cruise, VISOR

VISOR

star trek: the cruise, Starfleet Academy Flight Trainer Filming Miniature

Starfleet Academy Flight Trainer Filming Miniature

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Starfleet Phaser

star trek the cruise, starfleet phaser pulse rifle

Starfleet Phaser Pulse Rifle

star trek the cruise, Torchbearer D'k tahg

Torchbearer D'k tahg

star trek the cruise, harry mudd cuff

Harry Mudd's Cuff

star trek, the cruise, medkit

Medkit (c. 2266)

star trek the cruise, cardassian phaser pistol

Cardassian Phaser Pistol (c. 2370s)

Read the Day One and Day Two recaps and keep watching StarTrek.com for the daily updates on Star Trek: The Cruise II.

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Day Four of Star Trek: The Cruise II offered the perfect combination of fun in the sun and onboard activities. The Norwegian Jade pulled into port in Belize, to Norwegian’s gorgeous, new private island — dubbed Risa for the occasion — where fans walked just a short distance and settled into chaise lounges on the beach or at the pool, play games or try the zipline, grab lunch, rent a kayak and more.

Risa Scavenger Hunt

Star Trek: The Cruise II,

For many fans on this day, the adventure on Risa began with a treasure hunt. Fans received sheets with riddles/clues, along with pencils, and had to track down the riddle answers and fill out their sheets. More than 100 people participated and only 2 people got all the answers right.

Sand Castle Competition

Star Trek: The Cruise II,

Groups of creative fans trekked to this event, crafting impressive castles in the shape of a Starfleet delta, Klingon warbirds, the Enterprise, a Borg cube and the Enterprise bridge. Check out the sand creations:

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II


High Lord Cuckoo Face, 3 Little Klingons & O' Reilly Too

Star Trek: The Cruise II, robert o'reilly

The title of Robert O’Reilly’s panel alone lured fans — a full house — to 13 Forward on Monday evening. And the explanation came early... O’Reilly and his wife had triplet boys years ago. He didn’t let them watch him as Gowron on Trek for a while, “lest they be scared by me or think they’re going to look like me.” When the boys did, they didn’t like the name Gowron. And this they dubbed him “High Lord Cuckoo Face.” “It kind of fits, you know?” he said rhetorically. “I couldn’t argue with them!” O’Reilly then regaled the audience with tales of fatherhood, the joys and horrors of raising baby boys that turn into teens and then young adults; they’re 21 now. He read a poem, “The Jabberwocky,” and talked about his life and career, and his appreciation of Star Trek. All in all, he kept fans rapt for an hour. It was funny, bittersweet and a deeply personal O’Reilly-audience experience.

Star Trek Squares

Star Trek: The Cruise II

One of major hits of the entire cruise, George Takei served as the center square of this funny, often profane Trek-ified version of The Hollywood Squares. Also participating... two fans, Jonathan Frakes, Rene Auberjonois, Denise Crosby, Phil Plait, Ian Spelling, Robb Pearlman, Kurt Larson of Information Society, and the Gorn. JT Watters, our cruise director, masterfully oversaw the chaos. 

Star Trek: The Cruise II, george takei

Star Trek: The Cruise II, jonathan frakes

Star Trek: The Cruise II, denise crosby

Star Trek: The Cruise II, rene auberjonois

Star Trek: The Cruise II, Gorn

Star Trek: The Cruise II


Risa's Festival of the Moon Party

Star Trek: The Cruise II, jonathan frakes

The weather was perfect for a late-night outdoor party, and Jonathan Frakes got it started. He implored the crowd to behave themselves and not to drink and drew, which drew big laughs, and exited the stage, leaving Band 47 to crank out nearly two hours of classic dance songs that had everyone dancing. 

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II


The Science of Soil

Star Trek: The Cruise II, James Cassidy

James Cassidy isn’t just a member of Information Society, but he’s also a professor. During a panel that even Spock would find fascinating, he made the argument that all life is derived from the energy of the sun, which is “processed” by photosynthesis in plants. All of them derive their nutrients from soil; soil is formed by rocks that have dissolved in water over millennia. “Inside a single pinch of soil there are over 1 billion living organisms... and tens of thousands of different species in that pinch of soil are processing the elements needed for life,” Cassidy said. “Every atom in your body started out in a rock whose nutrients and minerals were broken down by plants. Protecting the soil is Job #1 for earthlings.”


Live Art

Star Trek: The Cruise II, JK Woodward

Renowned artist JK Woodward’s piece of the day was a painting of a Romulan Warbird in deep space. Woodward discussed his process: he works with gouache, a very flexible medium that can mimic oil paints, watercolor, or acrylic, which makes it perfect for the effects he likes to achieve. A trick for creating star fields: a toothbrush. Dipped in water and white paint, he sprinkles droplets across the black sky. A painstaking and exacting artist, he revealed that a single page of a comic takes him 20 hours to complete.


Drink of the Day

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Chaotica’s Death Ray packed a punch. The drink of the day combined Coconut rum, Bacardi Superior, Bacardi 151, banana liquer, pineapple juice and cranberry juice into a villainously tasty concoction. 


The Star Trek Game Room

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Fans who want to meet other fans, just want to try something different or need to relax... can be found in the perfect place, a living room-style game room with a fun assortment of games to play.

Star Trek: The Cruise II

And so, throughout the cruise, we’ve glimpsed fans assembling a Trek puzzle or playing Star Trek Risk, Star Trek Catan, Star Trek Panic and Star Trek Fleet Captains.


Star Trek Library

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Still can’t get enough Trek? Then, check out the library, filled with more than 100 paperback Trek novels. There are titles by Diane Duane, Peter David, Alan Dean Foster, Greg Cox, David Mack, Barbara Paul and dozens of other authors.

Read the Day One, Day Two and Day Three recaps and keep watching StarTrek.com for the daily updates on Star Trek: The Cruise II.

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The Norwegian Jade pulled into Costa Maya, Mexico, setting the stage for Day 5 of Star Trek: The Cruise II. Most fans spent the day off the ship, visiting Mayan ruins, having fun at the nearby water park, and/or indulging in other excursions and activities. Later on and into the evening, all the action was back on board. And StarTrek.com has the scoop:


Max Is Back!

star trek the cruise, Max Grodenchik

Max Grodenchik, introduced reverently by Armin Shimerman as his "comic relief and my pain in the ass" during DS9, came to the stage apologizing for a music mixup that left him without access to many of his music files. He nonetheless gamely entertained the assembled crowd with songs he described as "leftovers" from his Star Trek Rat Pack act. Singing lyrics inspired by his time on DS9, accompanied by familiar, contemporary song melodies, the ditties included "Ferengi, Ferenga", "Alehouse Quark", "Auto-graphitis", with storylines culled from Trek lore and his fellow actors.

star trek the cruise, Max Grodenchik, Armin Shimerman

Having introduced Grodenchik, Shimerman stayed in the audience and was frequently goaded into joining his friend on stage. He finally relented, duet-ing with Grodenchik on "The Paramount Song.”

Liar’s Club

Star Trek: The Cruise II, Phil Plait, Robb Pearlman & Jeffrey Combs

Anyone who thought Ethan Phillips’ raunchy standup act wasn’t blue enough probably felt right at home at this event, which featured Phil Plaitt, Robb Pearlman and Jeffrey Combs. The trio arrived with drinks in hand, and proceeded to lie their way through providing the definitions of such words as blenophobia, crapulence, erectarrine, hemi-pygic.


Blackjack Tournament

Star Trek: The Cruise II, Connor Trinneer

Connor Trinneer led the night’s poker tournament, interacting with the fans playing at his table and the crowd standing all around him. Even from a distance, you could hear the cheers and boos of people reacting to the cards the dealer dealt.


In Search of Lost Time

Star Trek: The Cruise II, Brent Spiner

One of the highlights of the cruise is watching familiar Trek actors display another facet of their talent. Case in point: Brent Spiner, who wowed a full house with his Cabaret act that incorporated song and stories.

Star Trek: The Cruise II, Brent Spiner

Among the choice anecdotes: several years after TNG ended, he was in New Orleans to shoot a movie. He needed a suit and with the wardrobe department, the options were narrowed down to three. One was too big, another too small and third third fit like a glove. Since wardrobe tends to make the rounds in the film and TV, business, Spiner looked at the jacket’s label to see who’d worn it before him. It read: Brent Spiner... The Next Generation.


Holo-Disco Party

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Fans boogied at this 70s-themed party, with Band 47, looking chic oversized shades, Afros and period outfits, cranking out the disco classics. Check out some of the great outfits sported by fans....

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II


Trek Dining & Bars

Much to the delight — general and gastronomical — of fans, the Jade’s restaurants have been rechristened with Trek-style names and, in many cases, Trek-themed food items, with Neelix himself suggesting daily specials. Among Neelix's Dish of the Day in the Grand Pacific dining room are: Chicken a la Sisko, Pasta Boudin, Kohlanese Stew, Unhura's Lemon Chicken, Alfarian Hair Pasta and Dr. McCoy's Pork & Tennessee Smoked Baked Beans.

Star Trek: The Cruise II

At Sandrine’s II, diners may enjoy a full menu of Trek-style French cuisine including Plomeek Spicy Soup, Sisko's Creole Shrimp, Seven of Nine's Fettran Risotto, Chicken Warp Core-don Bleu, a Bolian Souffle and Sisko's Betazoid Uttaberry Crepe.

Star Trek: The Cruise II

The Klingon Karnivoria is inspired by the Brazilian churrascarias of Earth and the feasting halls of Qo’noS. And the food included heart of targ, Gaga, and Kraft leg accompanied by a falcon of bloodwine.

Star Trek: The Cruise II

The social center of the Jade, 13 Forward (appropriately on the 13th floor on the forward part of the ship), serves as the social center of the ship. In addition to a fully stocked bar, it’s home to a stage encircled by rows of comfortable seats, perfect for fans checking out Q&A’s, one-man shows, late night music and celebrity bingo.

Star Trek: The Cruise II

The Shore Leave Bar in the ship’s atrium has been a fan favorite, situated in the heart of the Jade, serving great drinks, screening cool Trek content and offering Geeki Tiki mugs.

Star Trek: The Cruise II

The Pit Stop bar overlooking the pool is inspired by Route 66. Don't miss the "Easter Eggs" featuring some of the best license plates from across the galaxy.


Drink of the Day

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Fans with a sweet tooth were quick to beam up Tuesday’s drink, Orion’s Belt. It’s a combo of Midori, Malibu Rum, pineapple juice and cream.


Read the Day One, Day Two, Day Three and Day Four recaps and keep watching StarTrek.com for the daily updates on Star Trek: The Cruise II.

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Day Six of Star Trek: The Cruise II brought the festivities to a close, but not before fans experienced nearly 15 hours of wall to wall programming, from panels and parties to a Klingon Pub Krawl and karaoke, and from Gates’ Tap Class to Gorn’s Gong Show. Here’s a recap on just some of the day’s highlights...

Deep Space Nine Reunion

Star Trek: The Cruise II, Deep Space Nine Reunion

Poolside was the place to be for this chat, led by Ian Spelling, with Nana Visitor, Rene Auberjonois, Armin Shimerman, Michael Dorn, Vaughn Armstrong, Jeffrey Combs, Casey Biggs and Max Grodenchik. Much of the conversation centered on the show’s 25th anniversary, which will be celebrated in the upcoming documentary, "What We Left Behind."

Star Trek: The Cruise II, Michael Dorn

“Wow, 25 years,” Dorn said. “All these years later you have a different outlook. What's interesting is that I found I can look at it differently now."

Star Trek: The Cruise II, Rene Auberjonois

“Documentaries are complex,” Auberjonois notes. “It’s an animal that takes over. It will be more interesting than what we could have known. Plus, Armin and I had a hot affair. That’ll be in there.”

Star Trek: The Cruise II, Armin Shimerman

“Only two weeks!” Shimerman swore.

Star Trek: The Cruise II, Vaughn Armstrong

The supporting/recurring actors marveled at how the writers and producers made time to develop their respective characters. “I loved it,” Armstrong stated. They just started giving me things and having this instrument allowed me to play those characters. It was amazing."

Star Trek: The Cruise II, Max Grodenchik

Grodenchik said he “wondered if I would be back each season." And he was, which was a gift that kept on giving. Shimerman interjected, “We boldly stayed in one place. And because of that we could do all the recurring characters. Max was as equally an important character as Quark."

Star Trek: The Cruise II, Jeffrey Combs

Combs couldn’t pick one guest star with whom he was most excited to have shared scenes. “I have four...” he noted and cited Andre Martin, Henry Gibson, Iggy Pop and Louis Fletcher.

Star Trek: The Cruise II, Nana Visitor

Visitor thought long and hard when asked what Major Kira might be up to if someone were to make a two-hour reunion telemovie. “I imagine she became more powerful and more alone,” the actress said. “There's a sadness there."

DS1.jpg

Discussing DS9’s legacy, Biggs noted, “To each individual, I would compel you to be conscious of what you leave behind."


Utopia Planetia Shipyards Sea Trials

Star Trek: The Cruise II,

TDoes it float? Can it transport 6 beers across the pool? Those were among the criteria during this poolside contest that pitted fan-made boats — made of garbage! — against fan-made boats. Among the boats: an Imperial battle cruiser (cloaked; so it was hidden within silver wrapping til needed), Starship Crikey, Klingon garbage scowl, a medical shuttle crusher and the ISS Bucket. Among the refuse used: beer bottles, garbage bags, plates, poster tubes and rolled Post-its.

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II


Search for Spock

Star Trek: The Cruise II, Robb Pearlman

The full title of this panel really tells the whole story: The Ship-wide Search for Spock Cryptic Clue Hunt with Robb Pearlman. Eight Spocks were hidden around the ship, with dozens of intrepid fans spreading out, clues in hand, to see if they could find them all before time ran out. Logically, a good time was had by all.

Klingon Pub Krawl

Star Trek: The Cruise II, Robert O'Reilly

The Klingon Karnivoria, quite appropriately, served as the starting point for the loud, raucous, ridiculously fun Pub Krawl led by Robert O’Reilly in full Gowron regalia. The sold-out event was jam-packed with fans klamoring to follow in Chancellor Gowron’s footsteps. Qapla’!


Oh My!!!

Star Trek: The Cruise II, George Takei

Fans glimpsed two empty chairs positioned by the Borg Cube screen. Who’d been joining Takei for his talk? It turned out to be Brad Takei, and the two interacted like, well, an old married couple. 

Star Trek: The Cruise II, George Takei

Takei recalled his first conversation with Gene Roddenberry. The Trek creator called him Tuh-Kai rather than Tuk-Kay. The word Takai, he told Roddenberry, meant “expensive.” Takei revealed that Roddenberry said, “I never want to call actors expensive...,’ and he never called me Tuh-Kai again. 


Code of Honor

Star Trek: The Cruise II, Michael Dorn

Denise Crosby and Michael Dorn teamed up to screen “Code of Honor,” widely considered the worst-ever episode of TNG. Dorn came out first. After noting he was not in the episode and hadn’t seen it in 30 years, he said, “There is, in every series, in a long running series, an episode that stands out. Usually it’s the best episode. I’ll say this is the most-interesting Star Trek ever... for a myriad of reasons. What’s also interesting is we have the actor who figured prominently in it...” And with that, Denise Crosby took the stage.

Star Trek: The Cruise II, Denise Crosby, Michael Dorn

For the next hour, Crosby and Dorn stopped and started the episode, offering memories and commentary as they attempted to, as Dorn put it, “deconstruct what went into this masterpiece.” Joked Crosby, “I have white wine for this. I have to be fortified.” As laughable and even racist as the episode may be, Crosby and Dorn notes, the idea was reasonable, everyone’s heart was in the right place, what wasn’t said was more worthwhile than what was said, and the episode simply didn’t work.

Gorn's Gong Show

Jeff Combs, Connor Trinneer and Vaughn Armstrong joined an apparently caffeinated Gorn to judge this contest, in which fans performed a variety of acts. The whole idea was the garner 10’s from the judge and avoid getting gonged by the Gorn. Among those participating: a bagpipe player, a couple of keyboardists, an ex-soldier who played songs from The Wizard of Oz on his... harmonica, a 15-year-old who yo-yo-ed to the TOS theme music, a singing-dancing-rapper — and more.

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II


A Bone-Chillingly Good Q&A

Star Trek: The Cruise II, Karl Urban

Karl Urban, fighting off the effects of some bad food he ate just before the cruise, chatted with Ian Spelling during an entertaining, informative Q&A, the final poolside one of the cruise.

Star Trek: The Cruise II, Karl Urban

Looking back at 10 years of his crew’s Trek films, he cited two things that stand out: the fans and the great people he gets to work with, with chemistry being very important. "J.J. does a good job of putting people together,” he noted.

Star Trek: The Cruise II, Karl Urban

When asked about taking on the iconic McCoy role made famous by DeForest Kelley, Urban said, “It feels like putting on a big, warm jumper... When doing the first movie, the challenge was making the character identifiable. For me, it was identifying what the very essence of that character was. I’ve since also been able to some of my own stamp on the character as well.”

Riker's Chair Mounting Competition

Star Trek: The Cruise II, Jonathan Frakes

This was pretty damn epic, folks. A large and enthusiastic crowd greeted Jonathan Frakes and cheered on their favorite contestants — including a nimble dancer and a woman with a full Riker beard — as they performed their best “full Riker,” with Frakes sharing his own moves and judging the contestants. 

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Style points were a must! As the Commander himself put it, “Nowhere else in the world is anything like this happening!” And since the winner was declared with time to spare, Frakes happily answered questions from the audience for the remaining time.

Wine Tasting

Star Trek: The Cruise II, Casey Biggs

Packing the Grand Pacific dining room, a crowd of wine enthusiasts listened — and tasted! — as Biggs explained different varietals and offered a technique for enhancing the experience of wine: BLIC, an acronym for Balance, Length, Intensity, Complexity. For the record, Biggs himself is a winemaker and notable as the Paso Wine Guy online.

The Future of Human Space Exploration

Star Trek: The Cruise II, Rick Searfoss

Using current examples such as Elon Musk’s SpaceX and Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin projects, former NASA astronaut Rick Searfoss offered some vision into the near future, as we are beginning the transition to long-duration space flight. Most practical ideas, he noted, “will come from public and private partnerships.”

The Women's View

Star Trek: The Cruise II, Kitty Swink, Denise Crosby, Lolita Fatjo, Nana Visitor, Marnie Mosiman

Talk about a provocative hour. Denise Crosby led a conversation with Nana Visitor, Kitty Swink, Lolita Fatjo and Marnie Mosiman, and it was an open, meaningful conversation with members of the audience, including a few guys, about the position and role of women in our society and how we can all strive to live the dream of Star Trek... free of gender and racial prejudices and inequality.


BFF

Star Trek: The Cruise II, Robert Picardo

Robert Picardo seemed to take extra-special delight in sharing the stage with his old pal and very talented musician, Jordan Bennett. 

Star Trek: The Cruise II, Robert Picardo

Together, they presented a lighthearted musical comedy revue that celebrated their 40 years of friendship and kept the audience tapping their feet and laughing.

Last Call

Star Trek: The Cruise II, Karl Urban

Star Trek’s current Dr. McCoy settled into a chair on the stage of the Stardust Theater and, for a full hour, answered fan questions. He was funny, detailed and charming as he talked about Trek, Dredd, working with Al Pacino in Hangman, The Lord of the Rings and much more.

Drink of the Day

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Many a fan made one last toast with their drink of the day in hand, and that colorful drink was the brilliantly named, James T. Kirk. The ship’s bartenders brought it to life using Bacardi Superior Rum, gin, vodka, blue curaco and lemon-lime soda. 

The Voyage Home

As the day wrapped, fans showed off their final costumes. Here are a few:

Star Trek: The Cruise II

Star Trek: The Cruise II


Read the Day One, Day Two, Day Three, Day Four and Day Five recaps and keep watching StarTrek.com for the daily updates on Star Trek: The Cruise II.

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