Saturday, April 13, 2024

I Spent Two Nights Aboard Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Here's What It Was Like

star wars cruise ship

A particularly striking appetizer, the Iced Felucian Blue Shrimp, was presented to us at the “Taste Around the Galaxy” dinner on the second evening. “We want to see a little bit of Empire-era Star Destroyers and TIE fighters,” Handke says. “And we want to see the Resistance from the First Order era, the prequel era, a familiar ship from The Mandalorian, and Rogue One.” The illusion will be created via the bar viewport, a widescreen, seven-pane window to the stars.

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Here's a first look at Disney Cruise Line's upcoming 'Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge'

star wars cruise ship

Instead, it's a high-end, intergalactic, gold-clad lounge where you can sip a cocktail while watching one of seven scenes through the "windows" that look out into space. Expect to see some fan-favorite destinations such as Coruscant, Tatooine, Batuu and more. Star Wars Day at Sea will be on Disney Fantasy cruises sailing on January 9 and  January 23, 2016; February 6 and February 20, 2016; March 5 and March 19, 2016; April 2 and April 16, 2016. Departing from Port Canaveral, the seven-night Western Caribbean itinerary includes Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, and Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay.

A look aboard Disney’s $6,000 per stay, immersive Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel

It’s unfortunate that most news stories and bloggers have been calling it the “Star Wars hotel” since it opened. Their ability to deliver serious yet comedic moments and fun interactions is what makes them one of the best free-roaming characters in the parks and aboard the cruise ships. There is fabulous gourmet food at dinner, and delicious buffets for breakfast and lunch.

A Cruise Through The Galaxy

It looks to have leaned too far into emulating the space-sensitive designs of an actual cruise ship. I’ve never stayed in a $2,000-per-night hotel room, but I would expect a lot more than this. When the Launch Pod docks with the starcruiser guests will then step into the ship's main deck Atrium to begin their journey.

You’re basically diving into a giant improv exercise with dozens of strangers. And what you’ll get out of the experience is largely what you put in. In my short time there, it was hard to shake the feeling that I was just going through the motions for the particular story track my group was assigned. Maybe the smaller groups, added time, additional context, and more gradual pace of storytelling that the full experience has help make the process feel more organic.

That only includes the “basic” — relatively speaking — Galactic Starcruiser experience. There are a few ride-like activities on the Halcyon, like the lightsaber training pod or the bridge, and the overall vibe here is more cruise ship than theme park — albeit a cruise ship that’s been ripped out of the Star Wars universe. There’s also the recently announced novel The Princess and the Scoundrel, which will reveal the untold story of Han and Leia’s honeymoon on the Halcyon.

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Hotel Reward Programs

Though both ships have ice-strengthened hulls capable of sailing in the polar regions, Windstar doesn't currently operate such itineraries, focusing primarily on the Americas, Europe, and the Pacific Islands. But these new ships may open doors to adventures in the years to come. Star Seeker is under construction, while Star Explorer is currently sailing as Quark Expeditions' World Explorer. Both ships will be reworked to include signature features of Windstar ships, from a watersports platform to Owners Suites with wraparound balconies to a whirlpool on the bow.

Disney Wish: Inside the world's only "Star Wars" bar and lounge on the high seas (PHOTOS)

Ultimately, based on the fact the venue would be aboard a cruise ship, it was decided to make the lounge in the form of a Star Wars ship. One question many guests have is just how much to pack for the cruise. The waking hours during the experience can get very busy, so a multitude of costume changes aren’t recommended. Of course, if you’re an expert at the quick change and want to go all out, feel free.

Cruiser

Her songs and patter, however, included a subtext with hints of the struggles her people and planet were facing. By default, a “vidscreen” displayed where we were on our journey; however, we could also watch TV from our "home planet" via a themed remote. If we pressed a button on a smaller “vidscreen” and tapped our MagicBand (which all passengers receive), we could summon D3-09, a chatty droid. Using clever technology, she asked us questions and incorporated our responses to carry on conversations and help advance the storyline. Our standard cabin, which sleeps five, was a bit small, but delightfully designed and appointed. It included a comfortable queen bed, two built-in berths, and a Murphy bed.

star wars cruise ship

(Disney, of course, is happy to sell you Star Wars-themed attire if you don’t already have it.) And the key differentiator is the ability to participate in the adventure. The whole thing culminates in an action-packed live stage show finale — it wouldn’t be Star Wars without a lightsaber duel (one which includes the spectacular-looking “real” lightsaber prop the company showed off a few months ago). There’s space for a bed, a slide-out table, and enclosed bunk beds built into one of the walls.

Speaking of droids, we expected to see more of them aboard the Halcyon. There is one, SK-620, that roams the decks, but he spent much of the time held in captivity. The seats around Vista Cafe were perfect for people-watching and spontaneous character interactions. We saw them throughout the day both in the atrium and in the pool areas, and the interactions were always fun. Unfortunately, I never once had my camera or phone on me while they were out and about, so here’s a picture of my cappuccino from Vista Cafe, instead. Most importantly, the music aboard the ship changed from the normal animated movie soundtracks to the scores from Star Wars, which did a great job in setting the tone.

As guests sip an assortment of sci-fi cocktails from Tatooine, Mustafar, Endor, and Batuu inside a fictional "Star Wars" party spaceship, they'll blast through space and time courtesy of a special seven-panel viewport offering widescreen cosmic scenes. During free time, feel free to explore all public areas of the ship. You might unlock secrets that help draw you into the story of your cruise. Talk to crew members and characters you meet on board.This is one of the key ways you receive tasks and move through story lines during your cruise.

Every window in the Halcyon starcruiser, including those in each cabin, will have an ever-changing view of the galaxy as the ship moves from destination to destination. All of Disney's Star Wars activities are free of charge, but exclusive themed merchandise and Star Wars-themed cocktails cost extra. Disney cruises are generally quite expensive, so be prepared for sticker shock if you normally sail on mainstream cruise lines, such as Carnival or Royal Caribbean.

Of course, for the price tag, it better be amazing since the cost is roughly the same as two nights at the already expensive "Star Wars"-themed hotel, Galactic Starcruiser. Each trip on Galactic Starcruiser will follow the same broad story arc. Guests are passengers aboard the 275th anniversary trip of the luxury starcruiser, the Halcyon, which is emulating its original voyage from Chandrila to Batuu. Set in between The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker, the ship runs afoul of the First Order — Star Wars drama ensues. No one will mistake Galactic Starcruiser for a traditional luxury hotel by Earth standards.

In addition to having the means and an affinity for Star Wars, potential cruisers should probably also be at least a bit extroverted. First, spend a little time thinking about your character, and what path you’d like to follow during the cruise. Made up character names aren’t necessary, but can be fun and help you feel more connected to the story. Feel free to pick a planet from a Star Wars movie, tell them what city you live in, or make up a new home planet for yourself. No matter what you say, the crew members will play along accordingly.

After boarding a Launch Pod and blasting through hyperspace, you dock with the Halcyon starcruiser and step out into its main deck Atrium. Here you see some guests greeted by SK-62O, the ship’s resident astromech droid (he’s helpful in a pinch). We also heard rumors of codes and stormtroopers involved with the $5,000 cocktail, said to be an epic experience.

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