Beam Me Up, Buttercup: A Deep Dive into the Star Trek Cruise

The allure of space, the promise of a utopian future, and the enduring stories of courage and exploration – these are the cornerstones of the Star Trek universe. For decades, this franchise has captivated audiences, fostering a passionate global community. And for a select group of devoted Trekkies, the passion extends beyond conventions and movie theaters, culminating in an annual pilgrimage: Star Trek: The Cruise.

Imagine stepping onto a vessel not just for relaxation and scenic views, but for a fully immersive experience into the world of Starfleet. Last month, a Royal Caribbean International ship was transformed into just that, becoming a floating sanctuary for fans celebrating all things Star Trek.

The cruise isn’t just a passive observation of Star Trek memorabilia. It’s an active, participatory event where fans become part of the narrative. One night, a deck party transported passengers to Risa, the famed pleasure planet, complete with a horgahn statue bathed in green light. The music, unexpectedly, included a rendition of "Smooth" by Santana and Rob Thomas, blending familiar Earth sounds with the alien atmosphere.

The dedication of the attendees is remarkable. Roiann Nimis and Denny Wagner, friends from Minnesota, showed up as human-sized Tribbles, those notoriously prolific alien creatures. Their costumes, lovingly crafted by Nimis and her mother, were a testament to their dedication. And they weren’t just wearing the costumes, they were actively contributing to the atmosphere, handing out toy Tribbles to fellow passengers.

Their story is not unique. The article highlights the strong sense of community that forms among these travelers. For Nimis and Wagner, this late-February voyage marked their sixth "Star Trek" cruise. Nimis described the phenomenon as "assimilation into the Collective," referencing the Borg, a powerful image of shared identity within the Star Trek canon.

"It just feels a little bit safer or just more of a community," Wagner added, emphasizing the difference between this cruise and typical conventions. The shared space, the feeling of being among like-minded individuals, creates a unique environment of acceptance and camaraderie.

The annual cruise draws fans to interact with their favorite actors, participate in themed activities, and revel in their collective fandom. But according to regular cruisers, the true magic goes beyond the stars themselves and the scheduled screenings.

Josh Kline, a Colorado-based jeweler, has been on the cruise for seven consecutive years. He began watching "Star Trek: The Original Series" as a teenager and now, this cruise is as much a social event as it is a convention at sea. He emphasizes the immediate sense of connection he experiences on board.

"When I’m on the cruise, I just feel like everybody’s my friend," Kline explained. He and his wife meet fellow passengers each year, planning shore excursions and spending time together on board. He feels free to be himself in this unique setting.

"This is my tribe, so I feel really at home," he stated, highlighting the importance of finding a community that accepts and celebrates one’s passions.

Beyond the social aspects, the Star Trek universe itself seems to influence the values of its fans. Kline’s worldview is shaped by the principles of Starfleet, the organization dedicated to exploration and defense. He says his actions are guided by the question, "Is that a Starfleet thing to do?". He strives to help those in need, answer distress calls, and treat everyone with kindness.

The enduring appeal of Star Trek lies in its optimistic vision of the future, a future where humanity has largely overcome prejudice and bigotry. The franchise embraces diversity, creating characters that resonate with a wide range of viewers.

Celia Rose Gooding, who plays Nyota Uhura on "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds," emphasizes this aspect, stating that the show "reminds people that there is a place for them in the future." The character Uhura, originally portrayed by Nichelle Nichols, was a groundbreaking figure, one of the first Black women in a lead role on television.

Jeri Ryan, known for her role as Seven of Nine on "Star Trek: Voyager," has witnessed her character resonate deeply with the LGBTQ+ community and neurodivergent individuals. Seven, a human who must relearn her individuality after being captured by the Borg, represents the "outsider" experience.

"Her struggle resonates with (the fans), and they see themselves represented," Ryan explained.

This year marked the 30th anniversary of "Star Trek: Voyager." Kate Mulgrew, who played Captain Kathryn Janeway, pointed out that fans on board the cruise embody the Prime Directive, the principle of non-interference.

"People are here to celebrate what brings us together and what unites," she declared.

Compared to land-based conventions, Mulgrew believes the cruise environment creates a "surprisingly very freeing" experience. She describes it as being in a capsule together. “Let’s have a ball. No one’s going to tell our secrets. Let’s be as open and as honest and engaging as we possibly can be."

The transformation of the ship itself adds to the immersive quality of the experience. The Crown & Kettle pub became Bat’leth & Bloodwine, with Klingon imagery adorning the walls. The Royal Promenade was rebranded as the Delta Quadrant Promenade. Even the elevators were labeled as "turbolifts."

The dedication to detail extended beyond the ship’s infrastructure. Passengers went all out with their costumes and decorations. One cabin door featured a United Federation of Planets flag, while another showcased a transporter made of curtains. The ship’s speakers played the soundtrack from "Star Trek: The Next Generation."

Costumes of all kinds were a mainstay at nightly events. The reporter observed a T. rex dancing down the promenade with a Foster’s beer at Gorn’s Pajama Party. The week culminated in Q’s Costume Party, a contest judged by audience applause.

Jen Usellis, a musician who performs as the Klingon Pop Warrior, showcased her dedication by donning a red gown with faux-fur sleeves, silver studded bracers, and a red wig hand-stitched to a prosthetic Klingon forehead. She explained that getting into her Klingon costume feels like putting on armor.

"It allows me to live in the moment a little bit more," she said. "And then to also be surrounded by all of these people who are, like, right there with me or love the same thing I love and are enthusiastic about it, it’s a very beautiful thing."

Usellis was even invited to perform in an opera alongside "Voyager" actor Robert Picardo and Mexican tenor Arturo Chacon-Cruz.

The cruise’s programming sets it apart from other themed events. Guest author Robb Pearlman highlighted game shows like Voyager Family Feud, where guests competed against cast members, and mixology classes led by actors Denise Crosby and Nana Visitor.

"It brings you a little bit closer to the people who are involved in the thing that you love," Pearlman said.

The immersive experience extends to the language itself. One evening, a group of passengers greeted the reporter with a unison shout of "Qapla’ ", the Klingon word for "success."

Star Trek: The Cruise offers a unique blend of fandom, community, and immersion. It’s more than just a vacation, it’s a journey to a different world.