The Hallmark Channel Christmas Cruise brought the magic of the holidays to the open seas.
After the initial concept of a Hallmark cruise was so popular it sold out in less than five hours, a second cruise was added on Norwegian Cruise Line.
From Nov. 5-9, more than 2,000 Hallmark fans got the chance to meet some of their favorite stars as they sailed from Miami to the Bahamas. A second cruise was scheduled for Nov. 17-21.
Host Jonathan Bennett described the magic of the cruise in a few short words.
“So much love, so much excitement. The fandemonium was crazy! I said this is as close to the Beatles as we’ll ever be,” Bennett said through laughter in an interview with TODAY that aired Nov. 18.
The off-the-charts demand for the cruise led to a 60,000-person waitlist, which eventually crashed the network’s system.
Here’s an inside look into the cruise.
What was it like on the Hallmark Channel Christmas Cruise?
Cruisegoers told NBC News’ Sam Brock that they were huge Hallmark fans and that it was a dream to spend time with the stars.
“I got this as a Christmas gift, from my daughter,” one woman told Brock.
A group of three women wearing matching “Rollin’ With My Hynies” shirts told Brock how many Hallmark movies they watch per year.
“Well, of course every weekend because new ones come out, but throughout the day — and ‘Christmas in July,”’ one of the women answered.
The experience began when teams transformed the Norwegian Gem into a holiday haven in less than five hours.
The experience is complete with finding the most spirited person on the ship, an ugly sweater contest and gift wrapping.
Michael Wood told Brock why his wife, Shawna Wood, loves Hallmark so much.
“She watches a lot,” he said. “She was actually in the hospital for a long time going through cancer treatments and during the holidays it really, that kept her company.”
Cruise host Jonathan Bennett and actors share cruise experience
Bennett and actor Tyler Hynes sat down with Brock to share what the experience is like, from Bennett rushing onstage in a red suit to crowd-surfing and meeting fans.
“It seems to be this universal feeling of joy and love and camaraderie,” Hynes said.
Actors Nikki DeLoach and Erin Cahill also shared the event from their perspectives.
“We live in their homes, and, like you said, we’re on their screens,” Cahill said. “They feel like they know us.”
“These movies get people through some of the hardest moments of their life,” DeLoach added.
