A part of Hallmark’s ‘Christmas in July’ series, ‘Christmas at Sea’ is a four-part series that follows the superfans of the network as they get the opportunity to meet various popular Hallmark stars on board a luxurious cruise ship. As their cruise glided across the open waters for five days, the fans and stars celebrated Christmas with meet-and-greets and indulged in all kinds of festive activities and celebrity surprises, making the entire event memorable.
Besides that, the cruise included a surprise proposal and wedding, a teenager celebrating his 16th birthday with his grandparents, and more. In ‘Christmas at Sea,’ the Hallmark fans got the unique chance to meet stars like Erin Cahill, Jonathan Bennett, Sarah Drew, Andrew Walker, Benjamin Ayres, Tyler Hynes, Wes Brown, Taylor Cole, Paul Campbell, Kimberley Sustad, and Nikki DeLoach. With the open waters in the backdrop, the Hallmark production was made all the more unique and entertaining because of the amenities that the massive cruise ship offered to all the voyagers.
Christmas at Sea Filming Locations
‘Christmas at Sea’ was filmed entirely on a luxurious cruise ship as it took a five-day trip on open waters, from Miami to the Bahamas and back. In order to capture the star-studded annual Hallmark Christmas Cruise, the principal photography for the four-part series took place between November 17 and November 21, 2024. The popular Hallmark actress, Erin Cahill, was also a part of the cruise. She elaborated about her experience, saying, “We got to connect with wonderful people and hear their beautiful stories on the cruise last year. It was so heartwarming and so much fun and we are beyond excited to share this special show with you!! no one does love and connection like the incredible people in front of and behind the camera at this Hartford network. So joyful to be there.”
Norwegian Gem Cruise
The production team of ‘Christmas at Sea’ captured the merry happenings that transpired aboard the Norwegian Gem Cruise Ship for over five days as they navigated unpredictable waters from Miami, Florida, to Nassau, the Bahamas. According to reports, the fans who made it on the ship got through a 60,000-person waitlist to set foot on the swanky vessel and create some unforgettable memories with their favorite Hallmark stars as well as a bunch of like-minded individuals. From enjoying a movie premiere to sipping on some delightfully good wine during a tasting session to singing Christmas carols together, the fans had a gala time basking in the glow of the holiday season as they participated in several fun-filled festive events on the Hallmark Christmas Cruise.
Officially launched in August 2007, the Norwegian Gem is an integral part of Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). With a capacity of over 2,300 guests, the luxurious cruise ship was refurbished in 2022 and consists of different types of staterooms, bars & lounges, a spa, and a couple of dining rooms. The Norwegian Gem also has a shopping center available, where one can shop for cosmetics, snacks, clothing, souvenirs, and more. Moreover, the cruise offers a multitude of entertainment options, making it the ideal ship for the Hallmark Christmas Cruise.
Nikki Deloach, a Hallmark regular, opened up about the experience, claiming that her heart was full in the company of her chosen family and her fans during the cruise. “I just wanted to say thank you to our Hallmark audience, those of you who extended your love, light and heart and left us all feeling more joy than we could ever have imagined. I literally cannot stop crying because I was so moved by you all. This cruise was for you, a way for us to give back to you for all you’ve given us. I am so grateful for each and every one of you. Thank you so much for giving me one of the most memorable weeks of my life. I miss you all already,” she elaborated.