The TCM Classic Cruise sets sail in just over a month, but if you were hoping to join the fun you’re too late. It’s sold out. You can still add yourself to the waiting list. And if you’re one for last minute travels you might just want to do that. But don’t wait, cause that list is getting pretty long too.
Turner Classic Movies (TCM) is doing it again. For the fourth time the leading authority in classic film is setting sail for the high seas aboard a first class luxury cruise ship, and since the classic movie network recently celebrated its 20th anniversary its doing everything bigger and better than before by including a roster of special guests like no other. Among the passengers will be Academy Award winner Richard Dreyfuss (Jaws, The Goodbye Girl), Academy Award winner Shirley Jones (Oklahoma, Elmer Gantry), Academy Award recipient Roger Corman (The Pit and the Pendulum, The Little Shop of Horrors), movie icon Tab Hunter (Damn Yankees!, Battle Cry), legendary actress Ann Blyth (Mildred Pierce, Kismet) Hitchcock alumnus Diane Baker (Marnie, The Diary of Anne Frank) and cult film actor James Karen (Poltergeist, The Return of the Living Dead). The October voyage will also include iconic game show host Alex Trebek, producer/writer/actress (and Hollywood royalty) Illeana Douglas, author and film noir expert Eddie Muller and film historian Bruce Goldstein of the world renown Film Forum of New York City.
Naturally, TCM's Robert Osborne and Ben Mankiewicz will of course once again serve as the official hosts for the star-studded cruise, which will take place October 21-26 aboard the Disney Magic, a premier ship that underwent major renovations in 2013. The cruise will also feature the Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra, which is celebrating 20 years of reviving the art of silent film music. I saw these guys accompany Metropolis the first year of the TCMFF and was blown away by the enormous sound only three guys can make. And back by popular demand will be Hot Sardines, the foot-stomping jazz band from New York making its third cruise appearance (after all, what’s a ship board vacation without some fantastic music to dance the night away to).
All of this amazing talent and entertainment will sail from Port Canaveral, Fla., with stops in Castaway Cay (Disney's luxurious private-island paradise in the Bahamas) and Key West. Along the way, travelers will be treated to a wide variety of TCM-themed events and activities, including in-depth interviews and Q&A sessions with the above listed special guests, screenings of many of the films in which these guests have appeared, trivia games and so much more. Details about the voyage, including information on cabin reservations are available on the TCM Classic Cruise website. But I can tell you right now there’s nothing like a cruise. As much as I love the TCM Classic Film Festival, I would die to get the chance to take this cruise (which would of course defeat the purpose). Having been on several other sailings myself, I can tell you that the opportunities for closeness on a ship just can’t be matched by any other event. The chance encounters with your beloved star, let alone the camaraderie with your fellow passengers is unparalleled. And the stories I’ve heard from those who have taken the cruise makes me green with envy.
So, if all of this has peaked your interest and you’ve got some flexible vacation time coming up in late October, go to the website and sign up for the wait list. If you’re lucky enough to join these merry band of classic movie pirates I say bon voyage to you! Just don’t talk about it within ear shot of me at the 2015 TCMFF. I may have to hurt you. Good luck!