In a galaxy not all that far away, just off Cuba’s
western coast, the force was strong on Disney Cruise Line’s Fantasy on Jan. 13,
as the ship hosted the line’s first Star Wars Day at Sea.
And the day’s theme crept
into every part of the ship experience.
Passengers could barely wait to get in costume, gathering
early in the ship’s main atrium to show off some very impressive — and very
realistic — versions of Princess Leia, Darth Vader, R2D2, Chewbacca, Obi Wan
Kenobi, and all the others.
Light sabers were flying as kids — and quite a few adults —
in Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader costumes dueled down hallways. The pool deck
erupted in cheers every time the ship’s horn played the Imperial March, its baritone
perfectly suited to the dark melody.
A young passenger dressed as a stormtrooper approaches a Jawa at a Star Wars character meet-and-greet. Photo Credit: Johanna Jainchill
Menus were tweaked for the event — think
Yoda’s Pappardelle Pasta and Sand People Salad — and the crew wore special Star
Wars t-shirts and nametags. The familiar scores from
John Williams' Star Wars movie soundtracks were piped through the ship’s
speakers all day long.
The day was filled with Star Wars-themed activities, like
Jedi training sessions where children learned to use the force before
confronting Darth Vader on a theater stage. There was a Star Wars trivia challenge for
super fans and a Star Wars 101 for newbies.
At night, a DJ turned popular Star
Wars riffs into dance beats at the galactic dance party. An open-air, Star
Wars-themed stage show was followed by a fireworks grand finale. The
franchise’s newest film, "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," played for packed
theaters throughout the day.
And, of course, there were character meet-and-greets throughout
the day.
As seamless as the event was, it was not without a lot
of hard work. Disney has been planning the Star Wars Day at Sea for over a
year, and heavily marketing not only this series of cruises, but Star Wars
activities and themes on its ships and in its parks.
This sold-out sailing, one of eight the Fantasy will host
through April, was the line’s first cruise with a themed day at sea.
Naturally, many people are asking if fans can expect more.
Disney won’t say, but with plans for more Star Wars movies, and the apparent success of this first endeavor, it’s hard to
imagine this will be the last we see of Star Wars days at sea.