Five Faves: May the Force Cruise with You

Porthole‘s Five Faves

May the Force Cruise with You

Five Things to Geek Out Over During a Star Wars Day at Sea

Disney Cruise Line has just staged its first-ever “Star Wars Day at Sea” cruise, and the experience is nothing short of a galactic bash for geeks and newbies alike. As a super fan of the film franchise, here are my five favorite takeaways from the stellar sailing, heralded by “The Imperial March,” blasted on the ship’s horn no less.

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Screenings

Not only is the new Star Wars: The Force Awakens juggernaut film screened on board, but so are the six preceding prequels and classics presented on the big screen. Seeing all the episodes, from I to VII, theatrically, complimentary, and repeatedly, if the Force so moves you, is enough to make any guest giddy. Also, the Star Wars Rebels TV show and old film trailers play on the outdoor Funnel Vision screen, and tweens and teens get to play the Star Wars: Battlefront video game.

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Merchandise

What would a Disney theme cruise be without out-of-this-world merchandise cobranded with Star Wars and the line? Everything from T-shirts to luggage tags is already making the rounds, but “Star Wars Day at Sea” showcases its very own set of exclusive items specific to the theme cruises, including coveted collector’s pins, artwork, home goods, and apparel available for preorder and on board. Additionally, custom name badges can be inscribed in Aurebesh, and BB-8 sippers can be purchased at the theaters’ concession stands.

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Characters

Nowhere else can you stroll alongside imperial officers around the atrium and stormtroopers on the pool deck, all while dressed up as your favorite character yourself. Two cosplay celebrations take place during the afternoon, and scheduled meet-and-greets feature C-3PO, R2-D2, Chewbacca, Boba Fett, Captain Phasma, Darth Vader, and more at Bespin and Tatooine. How’s that for an exciting port adventure?

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Activities

Events range from “Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple,” where young padawans are selected to come up on stage, face their fears, and defeat Darth Vader in a light saber duel, to “Star Wars Saga: Tales from a Galaxy Far, Far Away,” where guests of all ages are invited to play characters and playfully reenact the classic film trilogy on deck. Engaging presentations, trivia and craft sessions, specialty dining options, and a few fun surprises round out the program.

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Fireworks

The ultimate “Star Wars Day at Sea” crescendo comes in the form of the “Summon the Force” fireworks deck show. Nearly all of the day’s characters are once more reprised on stage to the iconic music of John Williams, accompanied by special lighting effects, pyrotechnics, light saber wielding, Yoda voiceovers, and clips and credit crawls from the films. Then comes the dramatic display in the sky synchronized to the soaring Star Wars score, which sets the sonic scene everywhere on board, in lounge style at the adults-only area of the ship, and remixed at the family dance party.

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Star Wars fans take note: There are still several more “Star Wars Day at Sea” sailings available from January through April 2017.

— Jason Leppert

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^{Photos: Disney Cruise Line / Matt Stroshane}

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