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Recorded under the auspices of pioneering producer Brian Eno, 1978’s Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo!  was seen as a call to arms by some and became an underground hit. Others found DEVO’s sound, imagery, and material threatening;  Rolling Stone , for example, called the group fascists. But such criticism missed the point: DEVO dramatized conformity, emotional repression, and dehumanization in order to attack them, not to pay tribute to them.

While 1979’s  Duty Now for the Future  was another strong effort, the band broke through to the mainstream with 1980’s  Freedom of Choice , which contained the platinum-selling hit single, “Whip It,” and represented a peak in their songwriting. The video for “Whip It” became an MTV smash, juxtaposing the band’s low-budget futuristic look against a down-home farm setting and hints of S&M.

DEVO’s next two albums,  New Traditionalists  and  Oh NO It’s DEVO! continued their 1980s decade world touring success accompanied by the hit songs, “Beautiful World” and “That’s Good” respectively.  Shout  was released in 1984, and  Total Devo  in 1988, followed by a live album titled  Now It Can Be Told: DEVO Live at The Palace in 1989. After releasing a studio album entitled  Smooth Noodle Maps  in 1990, the band left the world of touring and recording to pursue film and TV projects.

As DEVO’s legend grew and other bands acknowledged their influence (Nirvana covered “Turnaround,” while “Girl U Want” has been recorded by Soundgarden, Superchunk, and even Robert Palmer), their minimalistic electro-pop was finally given new exposure on four dates of the 1996 Lollapalooza tour, and six dates on the 1997 Lollapalooza tour, both to enthusiastic fan response.

Currently the band is developing a musical based on their alternate world, Spudland, populated with such characters as Booji Boy, Dr. Byrthfood and the nefarious Rod Rooter as well as placing finishing touches on a darkly comic, “DEVO origins” feature film script. The band is confident that these major endeavors, when realized will show a new generation that de-evolution is real.

Bret Michaels

American singer/songwriter, Bret Michaels , has sold over 50 million records worldwide, is a reality TV superstar with some of the highest rated reality shows in history as well as a lifelong type 1 diabetic. An entrepreneur, Michaels has created the multi-million dollar selling Pets Rock Collection with PetSmart, launched his own line of custom guitars and created “Bret’s Blend, Diet Trop-A-Rocka” which is a number one selling beverage for Dr. Pepper/Snapple Group. Michaels, personally and through his Life Rocks Foundation has helped raise millions of dollars for charity and makes donations to not only diabetes awareness and research but to such causes as childhood cancer, Veterans organizations, PetSmart Charities, Operation Homefront, Fealgood Foundation and more. His talent, business acumen and natural candor have solidified him as "a cultural touchdown" in the words of former Viacom CEO Judy McGrath and made him one of the most sought-after performers, keeping him on the road for each of the last 10 years, for nearly 300 live performances, speaking engagements, charitable concerts and private engagements yearly. Michaels’ latest single and video, “Unbroken”—which he cowrote and recorded with his youngest daughter, Jorja Bleu.

Australian psych-rock guitar masters The Church enter their fifth decade of making music with all the fierce creative energy of their early years. With new members introduced, the band are deep into recording the band’s 25th studio album, 40 years after their formation.

Kim Wilde originally burst onto the music scene in 1981 with the classic “Kids In America,” a worldwide hit. This led to a stunning career with over 30 million record sales spanning 12 albums and some of the most memorable hits of the 80s including “Chequered Love,” “Cambodia,” “You Keep Me Hangin’ On” (number one in the USA), “You Came,” “Never Trust A Stranger” and “Four Letter Word.”

Voted Best British Female Singer at the BPI Awards in 1983 (Forerunner to the Brits), Kim also supported Michael Jackson on his “Bad” tour in Europe, playing to over 2 million people over 5 months and also supported the legendary David Bowie across Europe on his 1990 Greatest Hits stadium tour.

After a break from music to get married, have children and re-discover a love for gardening, Kim returned to playing live in 2001 with various festivals and tours including Australia in 2003 before signing to EMI in Germany in 2006 and releasing the Never Say Never album. After several chart successes with the singles from the album, Kim and her band took to the road, performing over 50 shows in 2007 including two tours and various festivals in 2008.

2009 saw another European tour followed by the Come Out and Play album in 2010, which went top 10 in Germany and Switzerland and was followed by a sell-out European tour in 2011. 2011 also saw the release of Snapshots , Kim’s album of her favourite cover versions. This was also followed by a European tour in 2012, which also included Kim’s greatest hits. In 2013, Kim released the beautiful and critically acclaimed Wilde Winter Songbook album, which featured her favourite Christmas and winter inspired songs, both cover versions and original material.

Morris Day and The Time

With his dynamic dancing and smooth yet gutsy vocals,  Morris Day  played an essential role in the development of the Twin City dance/club sound of the 1980s. A founding member of Prince’s band, The Time, in 1981, he remained with the group until 1984 when he launched his solo career. Returning for the first time in 1988, he performed and recorded with the Time from 1990 until 1991 and since 1995. Day’s involvement with Prince traces back to 1980 when his composition “Partyup,” originally recorded when he was a member of the Enterprise, was covered on Prince’s Dirty Mind album. Releasing his debut solo album, Color of Success , in 1985, Day reached his apex with his second solo album, Daydreaming , two years later. Produced by ex-Time members Terry Lewis and Jimmy Jam, the album included the chart-topping R&B tune “Fishnet.” Day released his third solo album, Guaranteed , in 1992. He returned to record store racks in 2004 with It’s About Time , a mostly live album with a few new studio cuts, one including a guest appearance by rapper E-40. Day has appeared in such films as Prince’s autobio-pic, Purple Rain , in 1984, and New Attitude in 1990.

Howard Jones

It was in 1983 that Howard Jones first burst upon the contemporary music scene with his very English songwriting, pioneering synthesizers and thought-provoking lyrics. He set out his manifesto in his very first single “New Song.” The lyrics called on the listener to challenge their preconceived ideas, to see both sides and “throw off your mental chains.” New Song was recently used in a pivotal scene in Breaking Bad where Aaron Paul’s character Jessie Pinkman questions if he wants to “play by the rules.” “New Song” peaked at number 3 in the UK singles charts.

Along with “New Song,” the first two albums, Humans Lib and Dream into Action , brought Howard a host of hits including “Things Can Only Get Better,” “What is Love?,” “Pearl In The Shell,” “Like to Get To know You Well,” “Hide And Seek” (performed at Live Aid), “Look Mama” and “No One Is To Blame,” which reached No. 1 in the US. Howard has sold over 8 million albums across the globe and is one of a select group of British artists who have comprehensively “broken America.”

Howard’s synthesizer-driven debut influenced a new generation of electronic and dance musicians. He enjoyed 14 weeks in the billboard dance chart top 40 in 2013 with his collaboration with Cedric Gervais on a new version of “Things Can Only Get Better.” Howard continues to operate at the forefront of music technology in both his live shows and productions.

Lou Gramm , born in Rochester, New York, was a founding member of Foreigner. He began his musical career as a drummer in the late 1960s then while drumming for a band called Poor Heart, he transitioned from drums to vocals. In the late 1970s after meeting future bandmate Mick Jones at a Spooky Tooth show in Rochester, Lou was recruited to join a new band, which ultimately came to be known as Foreigner.

Gramm was the lead vocalist on all of Foreigner's hit songs, including "Feels Like the First Time," "Cold as Ice," "Long, Long Way from Home," "Hot Blooded," "Double Vision," "Blue Morning, Blue Day," "Head Games," "Dirty White Boy," "Urgent," "Juke Box Hero," "Break It Up" and "Say You Will." He co-wrote most of the songs for the band, which achieved two of its biggest hits with the ballads "Waiting for a Girl Like You," which spent ten weeks at #2 on the 1981-82 American Hot 100, and "I Want to Know What Love Is," which was a #1 hit internationally (US & UK) in 1985. Their first 8 singles cracked the Billboard Top 20 (4 went Top 10), making them the first group since the Beatles to achieve this in 1980.

By 1987, Gramm released his first solo album, Ready or Not, which received critical acclaim and contained a top-five hit single with "Midnight Blue.” He recorded one more album with Foreigner, 1987's Inside Information , but having tasted solo success and the satisfaction of song control, he knew he needed to move on.

Through the years, Gramm continued to perform with Foreigner on-and-off, as well as pursue his solo projects. He left Foreigner again in 2003, and has been touring the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. As of 2013, Lou Gramm continues to tour with his band, performing many of his old Foreigner hits.

Living Colour

Living Colour is an American rock band from New York City, formed in 1984. Led by guitarist Vernon Reid, the band's lineup solidified in the mid-80s with Corey Glover (vocals), Will Calhoun (drums) and Muzz Skillings (bass). The band's music is a creative fusion influenced by free jazz, funk, hard rock and heavy metal. Their lyrics range from the personal to the political, in some of the latter cases attacking Eurocentrism and racism in America.

The band’s debut album,  Vivid , was released in 1988. The album reached No. 6 on the Billboard 200 Albums chart and was later certified double platinum by the RIAA. It featured “Cult of Personality,” a No. 13 hit on the Billboard 200 Singles chart as well as the Top 40 hit, “Glamour Boys.” “Cult of Personality” went on to earn the band their first Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance. 

In 1990, the band's second full-length album,  Time's Up , was released and reached No. 13 on the Billboard 200 while certifying gold, and winning Living Colour's second Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance. It featured guest appearances by Queen Latifah, Little Richard, Doug E. Fresh, and Maceo Parker.

In 1991, Living Colour released the 6-song EP  Biscuits , which coincided with the inaugural Lollapalooza tour.  Stain ,   their third LP, was released in 1993, reaching No. 26 on the Billboard 200. 

After a hiatus in 1995, Living Colour returned in December 2000 and release  Collideøscope   in 2003, with a number of songs about the September 11 attacks including “Flying." It also contained cover versions of AC/DC's “Back in Black” and The Beatles' “Tomorrow Never Knows.”  The Chair in the Doorway   album was issued in 2009.  Shade   was released in 2017 and peaked on Billboard’s Hard Rock Albums at No. 12 with the help of singles “Who Shot Ya,” “Come On,” and “Program.”

Hosts Original MTV VJs

Mark goodman.

The 80s Cruise is ecstatic to welcome  Mark Goodman  on deck as one of our celebrity hosts. Though he launched his successful career in radio, Goodman is best recognized as an original VJ (video jockey) for MTV, where he spent much of the 80s interviewing some of the biggest names in the music industry – Paul McCartney, Sting and Bruce Springsteen included. In that same capacity, he became the face for several of the network’s hit shows including The Week In Rock , 120 Minutes and the first show ever syndicated to broadcast by MTV, The Top 20 Video Countdown . After leaving MTV, the music personality had stints in film, television and internet radio. Today, Goodman broadcasts from Sirius Satellite Radio’s 80s channel as well as its Classic Rewind and The Spectrum stations. Additionally, recent forays into the music supervision business have had him orchestrating soundtracks for film and television, including Touchstone/ABC’s hit series, Desperate Housewives .” In 2013, Goodman and his fellow original MTV VJs co-authored VJ-The Unplugged Adventures of MTV’s First Wave , a behind-the-scenes look at the network’s early years. Expect Goodman to continue regaling audiences with these stories and other fascinating anecdotes as we journey back the 80s together.

Alan Hunter

Just as he hooked audiences in the 80s as one of MTV’s original VJs (video jockey),  Alan Hunter  is sure to captivate guests of  The 80s Cruise  from behind the mic on the highly anticipated voyage at sea. Since leaving MTV in 1987, our cruise emcee dabbled in independent film for several years, earning an Academy Award nomination in 2003 for producing the short film  Johnny Flynton , along with features  Dreamland ,  Best Worst Movie  and  Lifted . Currently, he maintains his hosting chops as a personality on SiriusXM Satellite Radio’s The 80s on 8 and Classic Rewind channels, along with a weekly podcast reminiscing and dishing on all things 80s. Devoted to his hometown of Birmingham, Alabama, Hunter co-created the downtown entertainment complex WorkPlay and co-founded the city’s Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival many moons ago. He now lives in St. Louis, Missouri, with his wife and children.

Downtown Julie Brown

Downtown Julie Brown is an English-born actress, television personality, SiriusXM DJ and former MTV VJ. She was the host of Club MTV from 1987 to 1992 and also appeared on other shows and specials on MTV. She became one of the most beloved stars of that era of MTV and was known for her catchphrase, "Wubba, wubba, wubba."

Also Starring

Jessie's girl.

When it comes to the 80s,  Jessie’s Girl  has it covered, and they are bringing their highly acclaimed “Back to the Eighties Show” back aboard The 80s Cruise in 2019! Based out of New York City where they perform every Saturday night at Le Poisson Rouge in Greenwich Village, the 80s tribute band covers the hits of this amazing decade while dressed as many of the artists their fans adore – think Bon Jovi, Cyndi Lauper, Michael Jackson, Madonna and Prince! When not performing at private parties for the likes of Jamie Foxx and Neil Patrick Harris and at some of the hottest venues throughout the country, Jessie’s Girl takes to the stage from time to time with the hit makers themselves, including Tiffany, Bret Michaels, MC Hammer, Tone Loc and Taylor Dane. A crowd favorite, Jessie’s Girl will be rocking the ship!

The Smithereens

Founded in New Jersey in 1980, The Smithereens have been creating electrifying, original rock ’n’ roll for 41 years. Jim Babjak (guitar), Dennis Diken (drums), and Mike Mesaros (bass) grew up together in Carteret and lead singer, the late Pat DiNizio, hailed from Scotch Plains. The Smithereens’ “take no prisoners” sound, reflecting their Garden State roots, has resonated with fans worldwide over the course of 17 albums and 2500+ live shows. Studio albums include Especially for You , Green Thoughts , 11 , A Date with The Smithereens , and 2011 . Among their biggest hits are the rock radio staples “Blood and Roses,” “Only a Memory,” “Behind the Wall of Sleep,” and “A Girl Like You.” The Smithereens’ most recent album, COVERS , features 22 of the bands favorite songs first recorded by other artists.

The band paid its dues in clubs all over the NJ/NYC area from Kenny’s Castaways in Greenwich Village to the Court Tavern and Stone Pony in NJ. As The Smithereens’ fame escalated, they were in heavy rotation on MTV and appeared on The Tonight Show , Late Night with Conan O’Brien , and Saturday Night Live . They’ve since performed on stages coast to coast from the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles to the Meadowlands Arena in NJ to Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan, and internationally from Europe to Australia. Tour mates have included Tom Petty, Squeeze, The Pretenders, Lou Reed, and the Ramones, among others.

They’ve also inspired and influenced generations of musicians, including the late Kurt Cobain, who counted The Smithereens as a major influence on Nirvana.

With the 2017 passing of Pat DiNizio, the surviving band members decided to persevere and carry on their shared musical legacy. Using rotating guest vocalists, including longtime friend Marshall Crenshaw and Robin Wilson of the Gin Blossoms, something no other band has done, they continue to entertain and rock fans all over the U.S. and the world.

Cutting Crew

An artist who has received Ivor Novello, Grammy, BASCAP awards along with a flotilla of gold and platinum records, really needs very little introduction. By the time Midge's single "If I Was" went to No. 1 in 1985 he had already crammed several musical lifetimes into a 10-year professional career speaks volumes - Slik, The Rich Kids, Thin Lizzy, Visage, Ultravox and of course the most famous one-off group in musical history Band Aid had by then all had the guiding hand of his musical navigation.

By 1979, with his name being added to many musicians' contact book, Ure had been asked by Billy Currie, Chris Cross and Warren Cann to become the new frontman in Ultravox. The band was a major influence on the new romantic and electro-pop movements of the early '80s. Their successful trademark was combining Midge's powerful guitar riffs with sweeping synthesizer motifs, enigmatic imagery and state-of-the-art visuals. Tracks like “Reap the Wild Wind,” “Dancing With Tears in My Eyes,” “Love's Great Adventure” and 1981's timeless “Vienna” were all massive hits the world over as they charted with awesome regularity, not only on single, but with seven consecutive top ten albums in just six years. Indeed, Vienna recently was voted the Nation’s favourite number 2 single of the 80’s, finally granting it a coveted Number 1 position!

Even by then, the Midge Ure story had some individual chapters, of course. He wrote and produced “Fade to Grey” for Visage in 1980, then hit the top 10 in the summer of 1982 with his first release under his own name, an atmospheric take on the Tom Rush song made famous half a dozen years earlier by the Walker Brothers, “No Regrets.”

Then came November 25, 1984, a historic day for Midge and all of pop music, as 36 artists by the collective name Band Aid gathered at SARM Studios in west London under Ure's production. They recorded “Do They Know It's Christmas?” a song he had just written with Bob Geldof as the industry's heartfelt and eloquent contribution to Ethiopian famine relief. 600,000 copies sold in its first week in the UK alone was only the beginning: 800,000 more were bought in the second week, more than three million world-wide, and the unstoppable emotion engendered by the project led to Live Aid, the summer 1985 global concert that, all exaggeration aside, spoke for a generation.

Within months, a staggering £8 million had been raised for the starving in Africa, and Geldof said that without Ure's initial enthusiasm for the idea, not to mention his rapidly penned sketch for the single, neither Band Aid nor Live Aid could have happened.

Just two months after Live Aid, Midge was back at No. 1 in Britain, this time under his own name, with “If I Was,” and by the autumn he had a No. 2 solo album to accompany it, entitled The Gift . Further solo albums followed with Answers to Nothing in 1988 and Pure in 1991 on BMG.

Soon after Midge was busy producing and writing with and for various artists, both established and unsigned, at his studio in Bath, and writing music for films. Other duties included the “Music for Montserrat” benefit at the Royal Albert Hall alongside Sir Paul McCartney, Elton John and Eric Clapton.

Autograph left an everlasting imprint on rock 'n' roll. The platinum-selling Southern California hard rock juggernauts gave the world the ubiquitous hit “Turn Up the Radio,” seminal albums such as Sign In Please (1984), That's The Stuff (1985), and Loud and Clear (1987) as well as unforgettable sold-out shows alongside everybody from Motley Crue and Ronnie James Dio to Van Halen and Aerosmith. Given those accolades, when they disbanded in 1989, they never left the hearts and minds of millions of fans around the globe. Simply put, a reunion was both inevitable.

In 2017 Autograph released a new full-length Album on Megadeth's David Ellefson's EMP Label Group hitting #21 on the Billboard Classic Rock Sales Chart as well as placing 2 new singles on the top 10 Hard Rock Media base Radio Chart. In 2019, Lynch decided to leave the group to pursue different musical styles and was replaced by international Monster Shredder Guitarist Jimi Bell formally from the band House of Lords from RCA Records, 1st runner for Ozzy Osbourne in 1986 and featured in the classic movie Light of Day starring Joan Jett and Michael J. Fox as Joan Jett’s band guitarist in the movie and playing on the soundtrack. The band delivers an undeniably bombastic live performance and was featured on the USA Today news website. The timeless iconic classic rock anthem Top 40 hit single “Turn Up the Radio” continues to receive constant and permanent radio airplay on all major rock radio stations around the world as the lineup is praised by the fans and the critics for their powerful live performances.

China Crisis

China Crisis are an English pop/rock band. They formed in 1979 in Kirkby, near Liverpool, Merseyside with a core of vocalist/keyboardist Gary Daly and guitarist Eddie Lundon. Their output was pop music similar in style to that of New Wave but with strong similarities to the post-punk movement of the early 1980s, namely inclusion of a broader range of musical influences and occasional flirtation with political commentary. Throughout their career, China Crisis has seen moderate success in the United Kingdom with ten hit singles between August 1982 and January 1987 and six albums, as well as commercial success in western Europe, Australia and the Americas.

The band was signed to Virgin Records and recorded their debut album, Difficult Shapes & Passive Rhythms, Some People Think It's Fun To Entertain , which was released in December 1982. A re-release of "African & White" became China Crisis' first hit in the United Kingdom, reaching #45 in the UK Singles Chart. The follow-up single, "Christian," made UK #12 in early 1983 and brought them to national prominence. The album peaked at #21 in the UK Albums Chart. During this period the band toured supporting Simple Minds.

Adding Gary "Gazza" Johnson (bass) and Kevin Wilkinson (drums) to the line-up, a second album, Working with Fire and Steel - Possible Pop Songs Volume Two , was released in November 1983. Tracks included the singles "Tragedy and Mystery" (released six months earlier) and "Hanna Hanna" as well as the title track, "Working With Fire & Steel", which became a hit single in Australia. The album was a Top 20 success in the UK, and China Crisis spent 1984 and 1985 making their biggest chart run, beginning with their only UK Top 10 hit single, "Wishful Thinking," which peaked at #9.

Their third album, Flaunt the Imperfection , was produced by Walter Becker of Steely Dan fame and reached #9 in the UK Albums Chart in May 1985.

The album was previewed by the #14 UK hit single "Black Man Ray," which also enjoyed critical acclaim and international success. The follow-up, "King In A Catholic Style (Wake Up)," was a Top 20 UK single at #19. A third release from the album  You Did Cut Me  reached #54 in the UK.

In 1986, the band returned with What Price Paradise , which included "Arizona Sky," the album's first single release, and another Australian hit, "June Bride." A second single from the album Best Kept Secret  made UK #36 in early 1987.

The five-piece band worked with Becker once more on 1989's Diary of a Hollow Horse , which earned critical acclaim though little commercial success. It spawned the singles "St Saviour Square" and "Red Letter Day," both achieving the lower reaches of the UK Singles Chart. Becker produced of most of the album's tracks, but this time was not credited as an official band member.

The band's last studio album, Warped By Success , was released in 1994, following the band's parting of ways with the Virgin label. The album produced their final UK hit, "Everyday The Same.”

Tone-Loc (born Anthony Smith) soared from obscurity into pop stardom in 1989 when his hoarse voice and unmistakable delivery made the song "Wild Thing" (using a sample from Van Halen’s "Jamie’s Cryin'") a massive hit. The song was co-written by Marvin Young, better known as Young MC, as was the second single smash, "Funky Cold Medina" The album Loc-ed After Dark became the second rap release ever to top the pop charts. Tone-Loc expanded his horizons into acting in 1992 and 1993, appearing a few times on the Fox sitcom Roc . He was also in the films Posse and Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, and in 1991 returned to recording with Cool Hand Loc .

“Making Plans for Nigel”… “Senses Working Overtime” … “Life Begins at the Hop”… “Mayor of Simpleton”… “Generals and Majors”… “Dear God”… “Sgt. Rock”… XTC was one of the UK's most respected and influential bands. Now EXTC ­– featuring legendary EXTC drummer, Terry Chambers – is bringing the XTC songbook to audiences worldwide, including tracks never previously performed for over 40 years.

The show spans XTC's whole career, from their early spiky anthems to the sonic tapestries of later years. EXTC is also writing new material, forging an exciting new direction for Terry and the band.

Terry Chambers is one of the world's most respected drummers. As the driving force of XTC and EXTC, Terry's unique rhythms propel tracks like “Making Plans for Nigel,” “Senses Working Overtime” and “Generals and Majors.” Joining Terry in EXTC are Steve Tilling (vocals, guitar, ex-TC&I – the band of XTC's Colin Moulding and Terry Chambers), Steve Hampton (guitar, vocals) and Matt Hughes (bass, vocals).

Artists worldwide – including Blur, They Might Be Giants, Kaiser Chiefs, Everything Everything and Franz Ferdinand – cite XTC as a major influence.

Trial By Fire

Trial By Fire is a Los Angeles-based 60s, 70s and 80s classic rock R&B group, consisting of Steel Rod and DW3. The classic rock, R&B, and blues trio with the soulful vocals of Eric, Billy and David of DW3 create a perfect combination. In addition to these two powerhouse groups, along came Rebecca Jade with her soulful sound and rock influences, making a perfect addition to this very versatile group.

Sunset BLVD

Sunset BLVD will transport you back to 1987, with a show that celebrates the fun, loud guitars, big hair and the hits of all things 80s-rock (with a touch of pop) that made the 1980s the best decade for music.....EVER!

Larry The Duck

Larry The Duck can be heard on SiriusXM 1st Wave for the past 16 years Monday through Friday from 5:00AM to 9:00AM eastern time and is currently a Senior Director at Island Federal. He started his radio career on June 1, 1979, on the legendary alternative radio station WLIR-FM in New York.

As a DJ and Music Director of WLIR-FM, he broke numerous unsigned artists that became mainstream and is documented in the movie New Wave: Dare To Be Different on Showtime, Showtime On Demand and Netflix. He has won numerous awards including 1986 Radio Announcer of the Year by Billboard Magazine and Music Director of the Year by The Gavin Report for two years in a row in 1987 and 1988.

In addition to his radio career, his business roles included Publisher of Broadcasting & Cable and Multichannel News at Cap Cities / ABC, Disney and Reed Elsevier. He was an SVP at Newsday and Cablevision.

Lori Majewski

Lori Majewski co-hosts Feedback , the morning show on Volume, the first talk channel about music, for which she also hosts Fierce: Women in Music . In addition, Majewski hosts Lust for Lists , her classic-alternative “mixtape” program on First Wave. She co-authored Mad World: An Oral History of New Wave Artists and Songs That Defined the 1980s (Abrams), which Amazon and Buzzfeed named to its 2014 “Best Books” lists. A writer for Yahoo! Music , Rolling Stone , and Billboard , Majewski is a music expert on CNN’s The Eighties , The Nineties, and The 2000s . A vegan, she lives with her husband and cats in Weehawken, New Jersey, where she began her career editing her “Duranzine,” Too Much Information .

Brian Wilk and Brad Heron

Kevin Hamel

DJ Christopher J.

You’ll find DJ Christopher J. on stage keeping audiences dancing with his eclectic music selections and deep cuts. Christopher brings an energetic and encyclopedic knowledge of music that will add yet another level to the music experience aboard The 80s Cruise .

Retro DJ Travis Bell

Retro DJ Travis Bell has played "Dancing Queen" more times than ABBA has sung it; he has over 20,000 music videos in his collection; and has the experience to tap into the vibe of the party and take it to the next level with song selections that will exceed your highest expectations! Travis brings an unsurpassed energy level to any dance floor by mixing 80s tunes in his custom DJ booth. He is so into the 80s he even drives the ambulance from Cannonball Run .

It has been the tradition of The 80s Cruise to announce the members of Anita’s Big Band and All-Stars soon after the current sailing, which in this case is The 80s Cruise ’22 . That sailing ends on January 24, 2022. We anticipate announcing the full lineup of Anita’s Big Band members and All-Stars no later than February 15, 2022. At that time, the full lineup of Performing Groups will also be announced.

Another tradition of The 80s Cruise is that anyone who has completed a Reservation for The 80s Cruise ’23 prior to the final lineup announcement may, at that time, cancel their reservation without penalty.

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ROYAL CARIBBEAN'S MARINER OF THE SEAS

The 80s Cruise sets sail on the spectacular Mariner of the Seas, a Voyager Class ship perfectly suited to be transformed into The Ultimate 80s Party. As you step onto the fully chartered ship, you’ll be transported into a world of non-stop 80s action including nightly concerts in the Main Theater, tubular theme parties in the most righteous venues, plus more than a dozen bars and lounges to pre-party and wind down before and after action-packed days with your 80s partners-in-crime. During the day, there’s no shortage of options for those seeking action, with parties on the pool deck, The Perfect Storm Water Slide, FlowRider® surf simulator, Escape Room, and Rock-Climbing Wall. You can also take a chill pill and bask at the pool or recharge at the Vitality at Sea Spa. The ship is a destination of its own!

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80s Rock-N-Glow Party

AVAILABLE ON:

• Carnival Conquest Current Element Number 1 of 13
• Carnival Dream Current Element Number 2 of 13
• Carnival Firenze Current Element Number 3 of 13
• Carnival Freedom Current Element Number 4 of 13
• Carnival Horizon Current Element Number 5 of 13
• Carnival Luminosa Current Element Number 6 of 13
• Carnival Panorama Current Element Number 7 of 13
• Carnival Radiance Current Element Number 8 of 13
• Carnival Spirit Current Element Number 9 of 13
• Carnival Splendor Current Element Number 10 of 13
• Carnival Sunshine Current Element Number 11 of 13
• Carnival Venezia Current Element Number 12 of 13
• Carnival Vista Current Element Number 13 of 13

* Coming Soon

Your cruise features an 80s Rock-N-Glow Party, so when the sun goes down you know things are gonna get bad… bad meaning good! The fun starts with a Playlist Productions™ show and, since everybody just wants to have fun, features an evening of themed parties that will have you wondering if the ship’s, like, sailing back in time. Just in case we do hit 88 knots, wear your hair big and we’ll up this journey to the max with DJs spinning some righteous tunes from the heyday of music videos, one illin’ 80s dance contest, plus a class to totally teach you how to bust a move. Rad!

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14 Totally Tubular '80s Cruises To Book In 2023

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14 Totally Tubular '80s Theme Cruises To Book In 2023

Those who love to live it up on the high seas and have a nostalgic connection to everything borne of the 1980s will no doubt want to book one of these amazingly awesome themed cruises making a splash in 2023. Running the gamut from hair band nostalgia to R&B grooves and perennially pop culture cornerstones like Star Trek, Golden Girls, and Soul Train, these epic cruises offer vacationers a chance to channel the best of the '80s; whether it’s with day-glo Lycra or big hair blowouts; dancing in hammer pants or getting loose in leg warmers, these rockin’ parties on the high seas have it all for cruise lovers that are also super fans of the most (totally) tubular decade.

From the ultimate 80s rock cruise to classic TV show themes from that unbeatable era (and more), here are a handful of the best cruises in the world for people who want to sail the seas while reminiscing about the good ol' days.

UPDATE: 2023/04/08 18:51 EST BY OSCAR APONTE

For most people, the 80s were the best time for entertainment and American culture, when hairspray was the norm and there was no such thing as "too much color". For anyone wanting to experience the good ol' days again, or to understand what all the fuss is about, some themed 80s cruises bring the decade back to life in unforgettable trips across the seas. That's why this list has been updated to include more options and refresh the information for upcoming dates.

14 The 80s Cruise 2024

Travelers who absolutely love everything the raddest decade has to offer will undoubtedly want to set sail with this rockin’ all-inclusive cruise that’s been a perennial favorite for the last six years. Including seven days/nights of epic concerts from 80s icons like Soft Cell, Air Supply, and Debbie Gibson, this totally tubular jaunt also ups the vibes with appearances from fan faves (and original MTV VJs!) like Mark Goodman, rad rockin’ parties, events, and celebrity meet-ups—making it one of the top themed cruises of the 2020s.

• When: February 29 - March 7, 2024
• Where: Departs from Port Canaveral with stops in Aruba and Curaçao, including 4 days at sea
• Amenities On Board: Restaurants, Several bars, Solarium, Spa, Video Arcade, On Board Johnny Rockets, Escape Room, Running track

13 Monsters Of Rock Cruise

As the iconic 80s band AC/DC once famously said: “for those about to rock…we salute you”—and the Monsters of Rock Cruise is the perfect way to do it, with a blockbuster cruise consisting of five days and nights of rockin’ and rollin’ on the high seas.

Departing from Cape Canaveral, this exclusive event includes performances tailor-made for cruise fans and their inner guitar hero, awesome activities, and tons of fun—in addition to throwback faves like Winger, Queensryche, and Great White.

• When: April 29-May 4, 2023
• Where: Departs from Cape Canaveral, Florida with stops in Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic and the Haitian private islands of Labadee

RELATED: This 33-Day Luxe Cruise Itinerary Calls At 28 Exotic Ports

12 80s Themed West Coast Getaway

Four days, two ports, and endless chances for reliving one of the coolest decades ever? All of this (and more!) are on tap with Princess’ 80s Themed West Coast Getaway that departs LA with stops in sunny San Diego and super fun Ensenada, Mexico.

In a trip down memory lane on Princess’ iconic cruise ship aka the Love Boat , guests will experience the world-class experience the popular cruise line is known for—including 80s-themed fun and iconic stops at famed west coast landmarks at every stop.

• When: April 22-26, 2023
• Where: Departs Los Angeles with stops in San Diego and Ensenada, Mexico
• Amenities On Board: Restaurants, Several bars, Outdoor cinema, Sports Court, Wi-Fi, Art Gallery

11 Ultimate Disco Cruise

Disco may have died in the 70s: however, many of the era’s most iconic stars continued their reign into the awesome 80s; and this epic disco cruise is just one example of how multi-decade crossover results in some of the best entertainment around.

Departing Miami for a party on the high seas, this star-studded event is positively packed with some of the biggest crossover stars—think Billy Ocean, Kool & the Gang; KC and the Sunshine Band; C&C Music Factory, and more—for the ultimate cruise and groove adventure.

Unfortunately, there are no plans for the Ultimate Disco Cruise to set sail again in 2023, and they've announced a 2024 hiatus. But be sure to keep updated on their website for their return in 2025 with this amazing 80s cruise and their itinerary.

Past 80's cruises have taken place on board the Celebrity Summit Ship, which stands out for its wine cellar and lounging areas.

10 80s Themed Cruises From Oz Cruising

Love the land down under and the 1980s? Then Oz Cruising is the place to book an epic 80s adventure in 2023.

With a total of two, three-night cruise options (one departing Sydney and one departing Brisbane), vacationers can have their choice of disco-balled departures and hop onboard for a blast from the past—all accompanied by lavish amenities, luxe surroundings, and a totally tubular trip back in time on this surprisingly affordable cruise (which could even count itself among the most budget-friendly cruises in the world ).

• When: August 19, 2023, and September 9, 2023
• Where: Departures from Sydney and Brisbane
• Amenities On Board: Restaurants, Water Slides, Adult-Only area, Wine Cellar, Several bars, Outdoor cinema

RELATED: Waterslide Right Into The Ocean On This Luxury Cruise Ship

9 On The Blue Cruise - New Horizons 2024

Often lauded for amazing Bahamas cruises , this year, Norwegian Cruise Lines is pulling out all the stops with their famed Mexico-adventure/rock ’n’ roll paradise on the high seas.

A self-proclaimed voyage that “rivals any other Classic Rock Festival, land or sea”, this epic adventure showcases amazing performances from the likes of Alan Parsons, Starship, and The Zombies—in addition to accommodations on the newly refurbished Norwegian Pearl, complete with jammin’ Concert Stage where guests can party like its 1989.

• When: April 5 - 10, 2024
• Where: Departs from Miami, stops in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, and Nassau, Bahamas
• Amenities On Board: Restaurants, Several bars, Professional photo studio, Sports court, Internet café, Video arcade

8 Star Trek: The Cruise VII

80s cruises are not just for those who want to bust a move or break out the big hair and/or legwarmers—some of the best cruises are all about the decade’s best entertainment, too.

And in 2024, Royal Caribbean invites cruise-goers to live long and prosper with one of the most iconic pop culture phenomenons of the decade on Star Trek The Cruise VII—seven days and nights of stellar events, performances, and parties, including an all-star lineup that’s tailor-made for the ultimate Trekkie voyage on the Pacific.

• When: February 22 - 29, 2024
• Where: Departs from Port Canaveral with stops in Aruba and Curaçao

7 The Beach Boys Good Vibrations Cruise

Few bands encapsulate the cool(er) side of the 1980s than the Beach Boys—but instead of heading to the famous Kokomo, this five-night, budget-friendly vacay takes a tubular trip from the US East Coast to paradisiacal locations in the Caribbean. And, if an appearance from the Beach Boys wasn’t enough, the onboard vibe gets even cooler with the likes of The Temptations, The Righteous Brothers, and more—totally rad!

There are no immediate plans for the Beach Boys to set sail again, but with the roaring success of the early 2023 cruise, there's bound to be another itinerary real soon, hopefully aboard the Norwegian Pearl again, so keep on the lookout for the cruise's website .

See how much it costs to go on a five-day cruise on average and budget for the trip in advance.

RELATED: How To Plan The Best Bahamas Cruise, During The Best Month To Do It

6 Soul Train Cruise (2024)

Everyone who’s anyone knows that the chill vibes, iconic fashion, and epic dance moves of Soul Train didn’t just make their mark in the 70s—but continued well into the 80s (and beyond!), too.

And now, cruise fans can have the classic R&B vacay of their dreams onboard the famously large and luxe New Amsterdam, complete with performances from Boyz II Men, The Temptations, and of course, the Original Soul Train Dancers. Indeed, this vessel is massive, perhaps even worthy of a place among the biggest cruise ships in the world .

• When: January 27-February 3, 2024
• Where: Departs from Ft. Lauderdale with stops in Tortola and St. Maarten
• Amenities On Board: Restaurants, Several bars, Fitness center, Spa, Virtual exhibitions, Casino

While the 2023 cruise is sold out, vacationers can beat the rush and book now for the 2024 cruise now.

5 Golden Girls Themed Cruise From Golden Fans At Sea

If you threw a party and invited everyone you knew, you might end up filling an entire cruise ship, like this Golden Girls-themed cruise aims to do in fall, 2024.

In a change from the usual Florida scenario, the 2024 edition of the cruise goes for the European experience, leaving from Spain and ending in Italy after an 8-day voyage. Entertainment includes the fab Golden Gays NYC Drag Queens, a caftan welcome dance party, a character costume party, trivia, and celebrity panels celebrating the iconic 80s hit.

• When: September 14 - 23, 2024
• Where: Departs from Barcelona, Spain with stops in France, Sardinia, and Italy to stop at Rome
• Amenities On Board: Restaurants, Several bars, Casino, Art gallery, Movie theater, Solarium, Spa

The 2024 rendition of the Golden Girls Cruise will set sail aboard the Celebrity Ascent Ship.

4 Flower Power Cruise

Love, good music, and even better vibes, the Flower Power Cruise brings the Love Generation back for an unforgettable 7-day cruise along the Caribbean Sea.

With stellar performances of 70s and 80s renowned artists and groups like The Grass Roots, The Rascals, and Randy Bachman, as well as being hosted by legendary Peter Asher. So make love, not war and enjoy the sun in this groovy trip that's sure to get passengers of all ages back to when Jimmy Carter was president and bell-bottom pants were in.

• When: March 21 - 28, 2024
• Where: Departs from Miami, Florida with stops along San Juan, Puerto Rico and St Croix, Virgin Islands
• Amenities On Board: Restaurants, Several bars, Wine Cellar, Solarium, Spa, Sports court, Art gallery, Casino

Related: Did You Even Eat In The 80s If These Foods Weren't On The Table?

3 Chris Jericho's Rock ‘N’ Wrestling Rager At Sea

Wrestlemania might already be over, but Chris Jericho takes wrestling to a new level in his Rock 'N' Wrestling Rager at Sea cruise. Bringing with him the talent of days past, as well as new blood from AEW's current roster, the ship's deck becomes a stage for exciting matches to take place along the 4-day trip, with a full-day stop at Cozumel to wind down after the excitement of the show.

Besides fighters, Chris also brings artists and entertainers to perform during each fight, so get ready to headbang, laugh, and awe at this excitement-packed trip.

• When: January 26 - 30, 2024
• Where: Departs from Miami, Florida with a stop at Cozumel, Mexico

2 KISS Kruise

Put on some face paint and get the spiked jackets out of the closet, KISS hops back on stage in an unforgettable trip to rock and roll all nite, and party every day. The KISS Kruise has been able to blow away people's minds in each one of its iterations. The 2022 edition counted with performances from the original KISS lineup, as well as appearances from legendary bands like Black Label Society, All Hands On Deck, and Riot.

Even though there won't be a 2023 version of the cruise, the group will update their itinerary for setting sail again in 2024 and bringing fans one of the best 80s rock cruises ever.

1 NKOTB Cruise 2023

Quite possibly every teenage girl's heartthrobs in the 80s, the New Kids On The Block set sail for The Bahamas in a cruise experience that brings their best hits back to the stage with nonstop concerts each day, as well as a chance to get to know the guys better, game nights hosted by the five, and a massive party at Half Moon Cay for the biggest Block Party ever.

• When: October 12 - 16, 2023
• Where: Departs from Miami, Florida with a stop at Half Moon Cay, The Bahamas
• Amenities On Board: Restaurants, Several bars, Water Slides, Mini golf, Adult-only area, Art gallery, Video Arcade, Casino

• MJ Morning Show

Lineup Of 2024 80’s Cruise From Florida Announced

In 2023, the 80’s Cruise sailed from Los Angeles on March 3. Now, the 2024 cruise has been scheduled, and details are out. It will again sail from Florida into the Caribbean. Here are the details:

Photo: 38 Special PR

The 80s Cruise features many of your favorite 80’s acts and personalities. The ship for 2024 will be Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas. The 7-night cruise will begin at Port Canaveral and will sail to Aruba and Curaçao. The ship sets sail from February 29 until March 7, 2024.

Debbie Gibson (Shown at the International Tennis Hall of Fame Legends Ball) – Another headliner of the 2024 80s Cruise (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images)

Here’s the artist lineup for the 2024 80’s Cruise:

.38 special.

“Caught Up In You,” “Second Chance,” “Hold On Loosely”

“Tainted Love,” “Where Did Our Love Go”

“All Out Of Love,” “Lost In Love,” “Making Love Out Of Nothing At All”

Debbie Gibson - Special Electric Youth 35th Anniversary Show

“Only In My Dreams,” “Lost In Your Eyes,” “Electric Youth,” “Foolish Beat”

Sebastian Bach

“I Remember You,” “18 And Life”

Stephen Pearcy of Ratt

“Round And Round”

Ray Parker, Jr.

“Ghostbusters,” “The Other Woman”

Sheena Easton

“9 To 5 (Morning Train),” “Strut,” “For Your Eyes Only”

“Everybody Have Fun Tonight,” “Dance Hall Days,” “Let’s Go,” “To Live And Die In L.A.”

Midnight Starr

“No Parking On The Dance Floor,” “Operator,” “Freak-A-Zoid”

“Obsession,” “Room to Move”

“Send Me An Angel,” “Catch Me I’m Falling”

Escape Club

“Wild, Wild West,” “”I’ll Be There”

When in Rome UK

“The Promise,”

When In Rome version reformed with Clive Farrington (vocals), Andrew Mann (vocals) and Rob Juarez (drums)

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THEMED CRUISES

Super Legends 2024

Sept 13 - 16, 2024

Let’s make music history and sail away with The King of the Accordion, Mr. Ramon Ayala, Los Lobos, WAR, The BAR-Kays, Tierra, MALO, Thee Midniters, Shelly Lares, Sunny Ozuna, Lighter Shade of Brown, Pepe Marquez, Rocky Padilla, David Marez, Cota The Barber, Sophia Maria, Raquel Ramirez, Tarah New, Amoraa, and Texas Funk. The SUPER LEGENDS CRUISE 2024 is simply on another level.

We set sail from San Pedro, CA September 13rd - 16th, 2024 and stopping at Ensenada, MX. It will be 3-day weekend adventure like never before aboard Royal Caribbean’s spectacular Navigator of the Seas.

To find out more, visit SuperLegendsCruise.com or call 888-639-8880. superlegendscruise.com

HIGH SEAS RALLY 2024

october 26 - november 2, 2024

High Seas Rally is the World’s Only Motorcycle on a Cruise ShipTM that brings together a community of bikers for the ultimate motorcycle vacation. This 7-night rally at sea kindles the spirit of adventure and supports two incredible causes – High Seas Rally Dialysis Fund and Wounded Warrior Project. Each day brings a fresh adventure, with legendary theme nights and parties; raffles, auctions and games that support charity; killer concerts and live music from Lou Gramm, The Kentucky Headhunters, Vixen, Hair Ball, Steel Rod and more; top vendors; demos from industry insiders; and bucket list ports of call.

To learn more and to book your cabin, visit www.highseasrally.com

the 90's cruise 2025

january 31 - february 5, 2025

It’s time to dial up the party and take it back to the 90s – the music, the “Rachel,” the baggy pants – on a 5-day luxury cruise! Onboard The 90s Cruise you will relive the magic of the iconic pop culture, music, fashion, and trends of the edgiest decade ever! Step onboard 5-days nightly theme parties, celeb interaction, plus all out 90s parties, and events and activities. Join Blues Traveler, Collective Soul. Gin Blossoms, Everclear, Lit, Color Me Bad, Lisa Loeb, Fastball C+C Music Factory, Jesus Jones, Digital Underground, and Sophie B. Hawkins for over 25 concerts and live performances! The Freshest 90s Party is Hosted by Downtown Julie Brown, Matt Pinfield, and Lisa Loeb.

To learn more and to book your cabin, visit www.the90scruise.com

Comic-Con: The Cruise 2025

February 5 - february 9, 2025

Comic-Con: The Cruise is The Ultimate Fan Adventure! Get ready to set sail on an unforgettable adventure of a lifetime and immerse yourself in the world of popular arts like never before. This 4-day adventure at sea celebrates your passions and is full of surprises, with original, one-of-a-kind, entertainment delivered by Comic-Con ® stars and creators who step off the stage and dine, party, and interact with the guests throughout the cruise. This is an entirely new experience that brings together the most passionate fans from across the globe!

To learn more and to book your cabin, visit www.comicconthecruise.com

STAR TREK: THE CRUISE VII!

February 23 - march 2, 2025

Star Trek: The Cruise VIII is the ultimate immersive experience shared by a star-studded Crew and the most passionate Star Trek fans in the universe! On The Un-Conventional Voyage, you are more than a passenger ⁠— you will become part of the Crew and part of the magic and majesty that is Star Trek ! Beam up for a 7-day Voyage on the spectacular Explorer of the Seas. In 2025, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of Star Trek: Voyager , alongside a star-studded crew from every dimension of the Star Trek galaxy. Enjoy special Star Trek -themed shows, events, activities and parties as we visit three exciting ports of call- Costa Maya, Cozumel, and Belize City. Join us and an amazing lineup of actors and personalities on Star Trek: The Cruise VIII for the most unique Star Trek experience in the galaxy!

To learn more and to book your cabin, visit  www.startrekthecruise.com

THE 80S CRUISE

March 2 - 9, 2025

If you love the 80s — the music, the style, the culture, the excitement, the excess — The 80s Cruise delivers non-stop 80s awesomeness and unique, unforgettable moments for The Ultimate 80s Party! Step onboard an 80s time machine and immerse yourself in 7-days of nightly themed parties, unparalleled celebrity interaction, star-studded events and pool parties all for one all-inclusive price (including drinks)! Join Squeeze, Adam And, Christoper Cross, Sheila E., Men at Work, Andy Bell of Erasure, and more for over 50 concerts and live performances as we visit three exciting ports of call - Nassau, San Juan, and Labadee – with the most righteous fans of the greatest decade!

To find out more, visit www.the80scruise.com .

THE OLD SCHOOL CRUISE 2025

May 2 - 5, 2025

Come be part of making music history! It’s your chance to sail away with the Old School Cruise 2025. This is our 6th annual sailing. This year you'll be joining the legendary Commodores, S.O.S Band, ZAPP, Sister Sledge, Peaches & Herb, the Original Lakeside, Evelyn "Champagne" King, Bloodstone, Lenny Williams, Mary Jane Girls ft. Maxi & Cheri and many more. This is the music that we dance to and is part of all our lives.  We set sail from San Pedro, CA May 2nd - 5th, 2025 and stopping at Ensenada, MX over Cinco de Mayo Weekend aboard Royal Caribbean’s spectacular Navigator of the Seas. She’s the greatest ship on the West Coast. It doesn’t get any better than this. You will have nonstop entertainment while making lifelong memories and friends. So get on board NOW and let’s get the party started.

To find out more, visit www.TheOldSchoolCruise.com or call 888-639-8880.

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Stuck in the '80s podcast

Stuck in the '80s Podcast | '80s music | '80s movies | '80s pop culture

The ’80s Cruise 2025

The 80s Cruise returns for its amazing NINTH annual sailing in 2025! Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas leaves Miami, Florida, on March 2, 2025 for 7 glorious days, with stops in Nassau, San Juan and Labadee. But the real fun comes from performances by  Squeeze, Adam Ant, Christopher Cross, Sheila E, Men at Work, Andy Bell of Erasure, Quiet Riot, Information Society, Kurtis Blow, Honeymoon Suite, The Alarm and more and more. Original MTV veejays Alan Hunter and Mark Goodman as well as Downtown Julie Brown, Larry the Duck and Lori Majewski from SiriusXM will be there to host. Your Stuck in the ’80s hosts will be back to host Big ’80s Trivia.

Trial By Fire returns too, so get ready for Cobra Kai Karaoke, one of the best events of the week. Retro DJ Travis Bell will be there to spin the hits too.

Each night on the ship features an amazing theme party and all drinks – including premium alcoholic beverages – are included. First-time ’80s cruisers, listen to our podcasts for a special promo code that will get you $200 onboard cabin credit.

Don’t wait. Book today and relive the greatest decade with us on board The 80s Cruise.  Find out more at the80scruise.com .

Big ’80s Trivia Sessions

In 2024, Spearsy and Brad in L.A. returned to delight guests with their trivia questions. Special guests included Sebastian Bach, David Sterry of Real Life, Dave Wakeling of The English Beat and Retro DJ Travis Bell. 

Live Podcasts

Well, technically we didn’t do live podcasts on this year’s voyage of The ’80s Cruise. That’s called radio. But we recorded four shows at sea in 2020 to let everyone back home know that we were still alive and having the time of our lives.

Days 1-3 | Days 5-7 | Berlin | Jessie’s Girl

• Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best of Moscow by high speed train

By shuguley , February 15, 2014 in Regent Seven Seas Cruises

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Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.

Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?

My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

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If you are considering this on the 2015 June Baltic cruise on Voyager; my suggestion is don't. There is so much to do in St. Petersburg and although a train is one of my favorite ways to travel the time would be far better spent in St. P.

Thanks for the advice. Yes, this would be on the Voyager during the 2015 season but not yet sure exactly which cruise.

We did the Moscow excursion "on a different luxury line", but from your brief description it sounds very much like the same trip, so I will operate on that assumption. It is a VERY long day! We left the ship at 5:30 AM and returned at 12:30 AM. The highspeed train trip is comfortable, and while they call it "Business Class" it does not compare well to the equivalent class on say Rail Europe. When we did it in 2011, we did have highspeed both ways, and the trip back seemed much longer as the adrenaline and excitement had worn off!:D

Moscow itself is not that terribly different from any other big city in the world, but this Cold War kid never thought he would ever stand in Red Square, never mind walk the grounds of The Kremlin, or tour The Kremlin Palace, or see (but not visit) Lenin's Tomb, or visit The Armoury. But he did, and he loved every minute of it! Yes, it is a long day, and you barely scratch a scratch on the surface, but it is worth it. There is a tremendous amount to see in St. Petersburg, but every Baltic cruise goes to St. Petersburg, so you can go back if you choose to. Not every cruiseline offers you the chance to see Moscow.

I have not personally done this tour, but our last time in St Petersburg, the private guide that we hired for a day was leading the regent tour to Moscow on the high speed train the next day. He said it was way better than the previous alternative, which was flying to Moscow and back. He said that you actually got to Moscow faster because you didn't have to deal with airline checkin etc. it did seem like a very long day to me, and there is so much to see and do in st. Petersburg that I didn't consider doing it.

countflorida

We toured to Moscow from St. Petersburg via the hi-speed SAPSAN train last September, from a Baltic cruise on the Oceania Marina. You need to have a two-night, three day port call in St. Petersburg to take this tour because the tour typically leaves the ship around 5:00 - 5:30 AM and doesn't return until after midnight the next day. We didn't take the ship's tour; we made private arrangements with TravelAllRussia for three days of touring, the first and third days in St. Petersburg and the second day the tour to Moscow by train. Our cost for the private tour for three days was about the same as what the ship charged for the excursion to Moscow alone. There are a number of private tour agencies that operate in St. Petersburg and offer the Moscow train tours; we would strongly recommend them over the ship's tours.

All three days had private guides with car and driver. The second day, the driver picked us up at the ship and took us to the train, but we were alone on the train, and met in Moscow by the guide on the station platform. After our tour and dinner, we were brought back to the train and after the return train trip met by the driver and taken back to the ship. Because you are alone on the train you must have your own Russian visas.

If this is your first visit to St. Petersburg, I would agree there is much more to see there. We found Moscow somewhat a disappointment, particularly Red Square. The Kremlin and the cathedral in Red Square were also worth seeing. But the best thing we saw was the Moscow subway! I worked for the Washington Metro system back in the 1980s as it grew from 40 to 80 miles and although I was in the computer area, I learned a lot about the challenges of running a subway system. We used the Moscow system to get across the city from where we had dinner to the train station, and I was amazed at the cleanliness', speed of operation, the short headways maintained, and the courtesy of everyone involved. A very impressive experience!

We had been to St. Petersburg before, and so had the time to take a day and go to Moscow. Also, I really like trains, and the SAPSAN is a German train set running on Russian rails. Seats are like first class domestic air, spacious but not too plush or comfortable, but with enough room. Not too much recline, and almost 8 hours on the train in two shots is a lot for an old man. They come through and sell drinks, candy, etc. but the sellers don't speak English and no one around us helped, so we had just poor coffee once coming, and brought stuff with us for the trip back. Not too much to see from the train either, particularly on the return when it is night the whole way.

If you decide to go, take a private tour and avoid the overly expensive ship's tour. I'm glad we did it, but wouldn't bother to repeat the tour; we've seen Moscow.

Thanks so much to all of you for the thorough and thought insight. Yhe information you have provided is most helpful.

countflorida: Your detailed post is very helpful. We are not quite ready for a Baltic cruise but should do so within a year. Time enough to do our pre travel research, bookings and visa gathering.:) Thank you!

Emperor Norton

Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.   Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?   My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

I did this on Seabourn. IMO DONT. Take Aeroflop (er Aeroflot). The train has non folding seats where you are literally knee to knee with your fellow passenger (facing each other). Further they don't believe in air conditioning. It's also the worlds slowed bullet train. I think I would have found more enjoyment wandering around the St. Petersburg and Moscow airports.

Countflorida,

This is a little off topic,, however we had planned a river cruise in Russia but decided we would rather stay on land and have booked about two weeks with Travel-All-Russia using the private guide and driver. I'm curious as to how you found them as a tour company.

The guides they provided were fine. We had a different guide each of the days in St. Petersburg, but both were flexible, pleasant, knowledgeable and spoke English very well, as did the guide in Moscow, incidentally. She was a bit aloof, distant, not too friendly, but otherwise fine. In fact, she was the one who suggested taking the Metro, which unexpectedly became one of the highlights of the Moscow excursion. If I have a complaint with AllTravelRussia, it is with their plan and its execution (more later).

I had requested emphasis on World War II (in Russia, the Great Patriotic War) sites and info. In scheduling us, they weren't careful about dates and a couple of the sites we wanted to see were scheduled on the third day, after we'd been to Moscow. But both sites were closed that day of the week, and that info was readily available, right on web sites describing them. Also, the included meals (lunches in St. Pete, dinner in Moscow) were not what we asked for: light meals with some choices, so we could avoid things we didn't like and choose things we did like. My request was ignored; we were given full Russian meals with a fixed menu, no choice. On the first day, a fish dish was the entre, but I am allergic to fish. Fortunately, I had the e-mail I'd sent with me and showed it to the guide, and she was able to change my entre to chicken, which was very good actually. But we didn't want a 3-4 course lunches or dinner (in Moscow). We had the guide drop the lunch the third day, although we never got any credit or refund. But, particularly in contrast to the ship's tours, the prices were so reasonable we didn't worry too much about it.

The people who were on the ship's tour to Moscow saw us boarding the same train for which they were forced to queue up and wait on the way back, and asked us what we had done. I was candid and open so they were not happy when I explained what we had arranged and particularly what it had cost. Also, when we returned to the ship, we found they had laid on a late supper for those who had gone to Moscow, so up we went and had something. Well, it turns out the late supper was supposed to be just for those on the ship's tour, but we and others on 'independent' tours, there were a dozen or more of us, crashed the party, actually got there first, and they didn't realize it until the larger group arrived and there weren't enough tables/places set. By that time, the 'independents' had all gotten served and were eating; what could they do?

A couple from the larger group sat down with us and asked us about our tour, and they were the ones I told about our arrangement and its cost. They turned to others who’d been with them and announced the details, loudly enough so the whole room heard, which started a lot of bitching and complaining. I gathered they weren't very happy with the ship's tour to begin with, and this was the straw that broke the camel's back. We finished up and beat it out of there, but overheard later that one of the excursion staff came to check on something and ran into a real mess. I caught a cold on the trip, which forced me to bed the second day following in Tallinn, so by the time we reappeared we heard about the contretemps' but apparently no one recalled who started it, thankfully.

Because of what happened to us, I would probably not use AllTravelRussia if I were to go again, or if I did, I would be sure to get confirmation of every detail of the tour. They do have good reviews generally, and we were certainly helped by their visa department and liked the guides and drivers. Their weakness, I say now with full 20:20 hindsight, is that once the sales person who plans the tour, sells it to you and collects your money, he (or she) transfers the plan to their Russia office for implementation; there is no follow-up to make sure it gets done right. And that is where our problems arose; we paid for a custom tour but got a standard package with a few destinations switched, and no one checked them out, even to see when they were open the day we were scheduled to go. If you check every detail that’s important to you, it should be OK, but that’s a hell of a way to have to do business, in my opinion.

Thank you for the 20/20 hindsight observation on your Russian tour operator, and better priced than the ship's excursion cost.

Thanks very much for the feedback.

We had the same experience as you so far as price. We originally booked a Viking Cruise but, hearing some things about the river cruises that made us unhappy, looked into other options. T-A-R cost the same or less than a cruise and had us in hotels for 11 days. We opted for the private tour. They have three tour levels, based on hotels. We originally opted for the four star as it did not cost much more than the three star hotels. Finally we decided to throw it all in and upgraded to five star. In Moscow we will be at the newly opened Kempinsky which is two blocks from Red Square. In St. Petersburg it is the Grand Hotel Europe, one of the most vaunted luxury hotels in Russia. Location is important for us as the tours use up only part of the day so being in the center of everything for our independent touring is important. As with many other cities, the less you pay, the farther out of the center of town you are.

We have been working with our salesman in D.C. and he seems to get back to us with the changes we want. He recently returned from Russia so is up on everything. When I asked they said they paid the full TA commission if I wanted so I got my usual TA on board so he is watching our back and giving us that extra level of comfort. He also set up our air, which I know pays him little or nothing, and got us business class for much less than T-A-R wanted for economy, though it took working for a while with a consolidator. He's happy to get his 10 percent on this trip without having booked it. He also took care of the trip insurance. We've been doing a lot of research on the CC sister site Trip Advisor and will write a report there. We will, I guess, become a source of info for CC members after having spent 5 days in Moscow and 6 in SP.

• 4 months later...

scubacruiserx2

Anybody considering a day trip to Moscow from St. Petersburg on the Sapsan may want to look at our travelogue filled with pictures.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1927687

Very informative. Thanks dor sharing. Jeff

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Russian River Cruises

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• Moscow — St. Petersburg
• Moscow — Astrakhan
• Astrakhan — St. Petersburg
• St. Petersburg
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Russia is again welcoming travelers!

• A negative PCR test is all that's needed to enter Russia
• Regular flights are now operating to / from Russia
• Visas can be issues quickly (Volga Dream provides your invitation)
• All Volga Dream personnel and guides are fully vacinated
• Bookings are transferable without penalty for 12 months
• Volga Dream arranges PCR-tests if needed for your outbound flight

Check our COVID-19 Policy page to learn more.

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Luxurious river cruises in russia.

Explore authentic Russian cities. Enjoy premium service and engaging activities as you sail the Volga River.

2022 Cruise Season

Join our signature small group journeys and cruise in luxury along the Russian Volga river!

The Russian Odyssey

An extended 'South to North' view of Russia from Astrakhan to St. Petersburg through Moscow.

Explore Moscow, St. Petersburg and Russia’s Golden Ring in greater depth. Stay at gorgeous Four Seasons hotels. Enjoy special access to iconic cultural sites.

Lower Volga

Treat yourself to an unforgettable experience cruising the Volga river from Moscow to Astrakhan. The tour includes 2 nights in Moscow.

Find Your Cruise

Select destination Moscow — St. Petersburg Moscow — Astrakhan Astrakhan — St. Petersburg

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A Volga river cruise is more than a geographical voyage; it’s also a journey through Russia’s rich and captivating history. No other experience takes you so completely to another place and time. The Volga is Europe’s longest and largest river; it meanders through the stories of Ivan the Terrible and his rise to power, the two historic ‘Greats’ Peter and Catherine, and then on into today. It’s a unique opportunity to see modern Russia in the context of its intriguing history, ably assisted by friendly and professional academics and tour guides. A Volga Dream Russian river tour promises to leave you with an unforgettable afterglow of fond memories.

Moscow to St. Petersburg River Cruise

Moscow and St. Petersburg are Russia’s best-known cities, but the towns of Russia’s historic Golden Ring are delightful too. The luxurious Volga Dream offers a unique opportunity to visit these Russian gems by sailing gently along the Volga River on an unforgettable cruising experience. In small, exclusive groups you’ll enjoy preferential access to some of Russia’s most significant cultural sites.

Moscow to Astrakhan River Cruise

Your River Cruise on the luxurious MS Volga Dream takes you from Moscow along Russia’s grand Volga River to the legend that is Volgograd (formerly Stalingrad) and Astrakhan on the Caspian Sea. Along the way, you’ll discover the treasures of Yaroslavl, the oldest city on the Volga, medieval Nizhniy Novgorod and beautiful Kazan, the ancient Tatar capital. We plan our tour carefully to combine the very best of Moscow with a world-class Volga River cruise.

Discover Russia with MS Volga Dream - Click-through map

We love hearing from guests about their time in Russia and one comment often hear is how surprised people are by the Russian capital. We can’t say for certain what people expected but we do know that it’s always far removed from what they imagined! It’s been called a modern metropolis, a cosmopolitan city, an historic gem, an architectural treasure and a cultural powerhouse, among other descriptions. Majestic Moscow has always surprised our guests and left them with lasting and fond memories.

Russia’s famous Golden Ring is an archipelago of historic towns surrounding Moscow. Uglich is one of the oldest and was founded under Igor, the last Varangian prince. It once resisted the Mongol invasion and its ancient walls saw the grisly murder of young Dmitri, son of Ivan the Terrible. The impressive Church of St. Dmitri on the Blood, with its classic onion domes and blood red walls, is a fine example of classic Russian architecture. The tour ends with an enchanting choral concert.

This, the oldest city on the Volga River, and now a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts a wealth of ancient orthodox treasures. The impressive Transfiguration of the Savior, adorned with murals depicting St. John’s apocalyptic visions can be seen in the Spassky Monastery. The Church of St. Elijah the Prophet is decorated with an awe-inspiring selection of rich frescoes. For a real taste of pre-revolutionary Russia, visitors are entertained by a costumed reception at the Governor’s House.

Close to the shores of White Lake once were the ‘tsar’s fishing grounds’. It lies in a place so serene that ancient monks chose to build no fewer than three holy sites here, including the Ferapontov Monastery. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, its chapels boast magnificent frescoes by Dionysius, one of Russia’s most renowned icon painters. The Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery was a refuge for many nobles during tumultuous times and later a fortress that successfully repelled invading armies.

The Karelia region is a vast and naturally beautiful wilderness that spreads all the way from St. Petersburg to the Arctic Circle. The glorious island village of Kizhi consists almost entirely of the traditionally styled wooden buildings of ‘Old Russia’. Among them is the famous Transfiguration Church built in 1714. Remarkably, and in testament to the craftsmen of the time, not a single nail was used in its construction! Kizhi is one of the favorite stops on the river cruise to St. Petersburg.

A typical rural hamlet brought to life by warm and welcoming villagers. Volga Dream guests are invited into local homes to enjoy classic Russian fare, tea with jam and ‘pirozhki’ (pies). Enthusiastic hosts share Russian traditions and the appeal of village life while proudly showing off their scrupulously kept homes and kitchen gardens. The tour continues with a brief bus ride to see a unique World War II memorial and then, for a real glimpse of Russian life, a visit to a local primary school.

Nizhny Novgorod

This was once a wealthy city thanks to its proximity to rich eastern trading routes. During the Soviet era, the city was closed to outsiders because of its military importance. It’s also where many political prisoners were sent to live out their days in exile. The 16th-century Kremlin ramparts offer spectacular views and the city is known for its elaborately decorated churches. For Volga Dream cruise guests, the highlight of the day is an evening folk concert performed by local children.

Sailing along the Volga river, the riverbank gradually ceases to be dominated by Orthodox churches. Instead, beautiful mosques appear as the river crosses into Tatarstan where the first stop is scenic Kazan, the region’s capital. Inside the white walls of the citadel, the famous Kul Sharif mosque and the old Cathedral of Peter and Paul stand side-by-side symbolizing the two faiths’ long and peaceful coexistence in the region. A concert of traditional Tatar music ends the Volga Dream tour in Kazan.

Passing the Zhigulevskie Mountains offers wonderful views from the sundeck before touring the city. One of the key attractions is the fascinating Space Museum, which offers a revealing glimpse of how the Soviet Union pursued its ambitious journey to the cosmos. The town is also noted for its beautiful esplanade, perfect for a relaxed stroll beside the Volga river. This in turn leads to the Samara State Art Museum. Founded in 1897, it is home to a collection of more than 16,000 works of art.

This city is best known for its close associations with cosmonaut, Yuri Gagarin. The Russian hero who achieved worldwide fame as the first man in space lived and studied here. Saratov used to be home to a large German community, a heritage that can still be seen in the local architecture. The Volga Dream tour visits the Radishchev State Art Museum, the first picture gallery in Russia outside Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Originally called Tsaritsyn, the city was renamed Stalingrad from 1925 to 1961 in honor of the USSR’s leader. During World War II, the city’s residents put up a heroic defense, repelling an advancing Nazi invasion. The battle for Stalingrad has gone down in history as a pivotal moment in the bloody conflict on the eastern front. The most ferocious and deadly fighting took place on Mamayev Hill, where an imposing memorial now stands close to the excellent Battle of Stalingrad Panorama Museum.

Saint Petersburg

If Moscow surprises, then St Petersburg delights. Peter the Great founded the city to showcase Russia’s newfound enlightenment. He wanted to show the modern world a cultured and advanced society. In short, he built the city to impress and in that he succeeded splendidly! The striking buildings were designed by some of the finest architects Europe had to offer and even now, the ‘Venice of the North’ never fails to enchant with its spectacular buildings and impressive canal network. It is a city of true grandeur.

Cocktails with the Captain

Commanding any ship is a complex role that calls for a long list of skills. Captains know their vessels inside out as well as well as the routes they sail and when things don’t go to plan, they have to make instant decisions. Above all though, the most important part of the job, underpinning everything they do, is to keep the ship and everyone aboard safe. The Captain’s cocktail party is a great and a wonderful opportunity for passengers and crew to get acquainted as the gets underway.

Matryoshka doll painting

There is nothing more typically Russian than a Matryoshka. It embodies the fact that there’s always something deeper to be found in every aspect of Russian life. Learning the traditional designs and techniques used to decorate these iconic dolls offers a pleasant diversion and some cathartic creativity!

Superb Service & Dining

Our restaurant serves the highest standard of international cuisine, freshly made by our Cordon Bleu Chef. Choose either a sumptuous buffet or set menu for lunch while dinner is always four or five courses with full service. High praise for the exquisite quality of meals is yet another constantly recurring feature in feedback from our guests.

Meet the Professor

From the Mongol hordes to Soviet times, Russia’s history is, like all of Europe’s, a complex web of political intrigue, war and peace, trade and treaties, as well as heroes and villains. Academics devote whole lifetimes to studying Russia’s long past and one of them presents a series of lectures shedding light on everything from Gorbachev to Chekhov, Khrushchev to Ivan the Terrible and of course, contemporary Russia. Our Professor is on board throughout the river cruise for informal conversation.

Beginner’s Russian

The Russian language can be rather beautiful and poetic and we know that many seasoned travelers enjoy trying their hand at different languages. Our onboard teachers provide an introduction to the riches of Russian, so guests can try out a few useful words and phrases on real Russians during the exciting river tours from Moscow to St. Petersburg or from Moscow to Volgograd!

Russian tea tasting

The drink we tend to associate with Russia is vodka, but tea, in fact, is the much more universal beverage of choice throughout the country. Guests will get acquainted with the Russian tea etiquette, a fundamental component of the country's social culture, and enjoy the traditional tea ceremony while cruising from St. Petersburg to Moscow or taking a Grand Volga river tour.

Russian Dinner & Vodka Tasting

All our dining is international but for Russian Dining night, the Chef includes a selection of traditional Russian dishes: Chicken Kiev, Kulebyaka and no Russian table is complete without Borsch. To add to the ‘Taste of Russia’ optional Russian dress, or at least a touch of Russian style, is provided along with enthusiastic help from our staff!

Russian Cooking Class

A plate of pelmeni might not look like much to the untrained eye, but it forms the heart of Russian cuisine and culture. Basically, it's a type of dumpling: small portions of meat and onion wrapped in a thin sheet of unleavened dough and boiled, a little like ravioli. Guests can join a Russian cooking class onboard the MS Volga Dream to learn how to cook this delicious Russian dish.

Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov Piano Recital

Some of the greatest classical music ever written comes from Russia. It’s hard to imagine a more fitting stage for a virtuoso solo recital by our resident concert pianist than the mighty Volga or a better backdrop than the heart of Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov’s own serene homeland.

Russian River Cruise Aboard Volga Dream

Moscow to St. Petersburg

Why Volga Dream

Family Owned & Operated

MS Volga Dream is Russia’s only family-owned river cruise ship. She can accommodate up to 100 guests, far fewer than most other cruise ships on the river making for a uniquely friendly and intimate atmosphere aboard.

Five-Star Central Hotels

We at Volga Dream are completely convinced that, our guests should stay in great 5-star hotels in Moscow and St. Petersburg within comfortable walking distance of all the major attractions, theaters and restaurants, rather than having to waste time in traffic.

Luxurious Accommodation

The MS Volga Dream is the most intimate and elegant 5-star cruise vessel in Russia. She boasts 56 cabins, all river facing, ranging from comfortable Standard Cabins to spacious Junior Suites and the luxurious forward facing Owner's Suite.

Russian Cultural Experience

Explore Russia's past with the help of professional tour guides. Our on-board program includes fascinating talks on Russian history and politics, Russian language lessons, a festival of Russian cuisine (including vodka tasting!), and much more.

Gourmet Dining

Our on board restaurant serves international cuisine to the highest standard, all freshly made by our Cordon Bleu Chef. For Russian Dining night, he prepares a selection of traditional Russian dishes: Chicken Kiev, Kulebyaka and Borsch.

Tailored Service

All our service crew members are native Russians who are fluent in English and handpicked by the Owner. Proudly, the Volga Dream is famous for her hard working and very hospitable personnel who take care of every aspect of your life aboard.

Download Our Brochure

It's never been easier to plan your next holiday in Russia. Download our free brochure to learn more about authentic Russian river cruises.

Escape the hassle and bustle and add a satisfyingly informative element to your trip and bring together a colorful mosaic of people, history, traditions,  religion, music and art. These are the many strands that time has woven into what is known today as Russia.

What people are saying

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• Moscow - St. Petersburg 4-star cruise by Vodohod

12 days and 11 nights

• Moscow - St. Petersburg Cruise
• Route Moscow - Uglich - Yaroslavl - Goritsy - Kizhi - Mandrogui - St. Petersburg
• Languages English-speaking guide is guaranteed. Other languages are on request.
• Cruise Ship 4-star cruise ships:, MS Nikolay Chernyshevsky, MS Nizhny Novgorod, MS Konstantin Fedin, MS Sankt-Peterburg, MS Kronshtadt
• Group Tour This is a group tour. There will be other people in your group.
• Prices and Dates

Moscow : The first day is arrival day. You are welcome on board! Check in starts at 14:00 (2.00 PM), but you may arrive earlier or later on that day. If you order a transfer you will be met at the airport or train station by one of our drivers and taken by a comfortable car to the river port where you will board your cruise ship (transfer is OPTIONAL).

Over the next few days you will have a chance to explore Moscow and learn about its riveting history. You will be taken on a city tour where you will see Moscow's most interesting sights and learn about this amazing city's past and present. You will also have a chance to do some light shopping and there will be time to relax aboard the ship in the evenings. One of the highlights of your time in Moscow is a visit to Red Square  and the Kremlin . You will also visit one of the Kremlin's famous cathedrals. The Kremlin as we know it today was rebuilt as a stone structure during the beginning of the 14th century but the actual site had been inhabited and used as a fortified city wall for centuries before this period. The Kremlin is truly a fascinating structure - at the same time it is an ancient tower, the city's former military fortification, a palace and the workplace of the Russian President. The Kremlin is the center of Russia's political life and State power and has been home to Tsars, General Secretaries of the Soviet Union and Russian Presidents.

Moscow is Russia's political and financial capital as well as a major world class cultural center. The city includes many must see attractions from the Kremlin and Red Square to the Assumption Cathedral. Moscow is the largest city in Europe. It is unique in that it blends the ancient with the modern. See medieval structures among modern office buildings, walk down crooked old city streets opening up to wide busy boulevards. It is a fantastic city and truly a site that shouldn't be missed.

Uglich : You will be taken to the walking city tour with visit to Kremlin , the Church of St. Demitrius on the Blood and the Transfiguration cathedral .

Uglich was founded in 1148 as a small princedom bordering on Muscovy, Uglich is one of the most beloved towns in Old Russia. The view of the town as you approach it from the Volga River is breathtaking with the Cathedral of the Resurrection and St. John´s Church rising up on the horizon. The history of the town is fascinating; At the end of the 16th century, Maria Nagaya, seventh wife of Ivan the Terrible, lived in honorary exile at the Kremlin in Uglich. It was here in her garden that the 10 year old Prince Dmitry of the Rurik Dynasty, heir to the Russian throne was murdered by Boris Godunov who wanted to seize power for himself. On the spot of his death, the Church of St. Demitrius of the Blood was built and still stands today. The death of Prince Dmitri brought on the start of the Time of Troubles, a dynastic and political crises and one of the most tumultuous periods in Russian history which ended 15 years later after the election of a new Tsar Mikhail Romanov (the first Tsar of the Romanov Dynasty). Inside the Kremlin the oldest building in Uglich, the Palace of Tsarevich Dmitry also stands. During your time in Uglich you will learn more about the town's past and walk along the paths of Russian history.

Yaroslavl : You will be taken to the panoramic city tour with a visit to a local market (free time). You will also see the Church of Elijah the Prophet (exterior), Church of St Nicholas (interior) and enjoy an interactive tour of former Governor's House (and visit to an Art Gallery).

Yaroslavl : Stretching for 18 miles on both banks of the Volga , Yaroslavl is an important Volga port with a population of 600,000. It was founded in the 1010 by Prince Yaroslav the Wise and is one of the ancient Russian cities making up the Golden Ring . It was destroyed by the Tatars in the 13th and 14th centuries but then restored and rebuilt and by the 17th century it had become Russia's second largest city after Moscow and an important cultural and political center. Today, Yaroslavl retains many noteworthy monuments of its colorful past. Of special interest is the magnificent 13th century Spassky Monastery ensemble, a group of majestic 17th century cathedrals, an elegant rotunda and remnants of an ancient trading center. The churches of St. Nicholas and Elijah the Prophet have some of the Golden Ring's most impressive frescoes.

Goritsy : You'll tour the St. Cyril on the White Lake Monastery and Museum of Icons .

Goritsy is a tiny settlement 7 kilometers from the St. Cyril on the White Lake Monastery. The remains of the Nunnery of the Resurrection that sits on the banks of the Sheksna River can be visited and is within a quarter of a mile of where the ship stops. Goritsy is definitely a site to see for anyone with an interest in Russian history. St. Cyril on the White Lake was founded in 1397 by Kirill Belosersky on the shore of Lake Siverskoye. The monastery had wide trade in the 15th to 17th centuries and was used as a fortress to protect Russia's nobility during the Times of Troubles.

After the tour you will return to your ship and set sail in the direction of St. Petersburg along the Volga Baltic Canal. The Volga Baltic Canal is a series of canals and rivers that connect the Volga river to the Baltic Sea.

You'll cruise along Europe's second largest lake, Lake Onega and arrive on the island of Kizhi . Here you will visit a fascinating open air museum containing numerous examples of elaborate Russian, wooden architecture.

Kizhi Island : Via the Volga Baltic Canal, our cruise takes us to the tiny island of Kizhi, located at the northern end of Lake Onega. The island is renowned for its open-air Museum of Architecture , which is assembled from over 80 monuments of wooden architecture from various areas of the country and restored to form a glimpse of the past. The most impressive site on the island is the Church of the Transfiguration or Preobrazhenskaya (the church of twenty-two wooden domes). This masterpiece of architecture, featuring five tiers of 22 domes, was built in 1714 without the use of a single nail, only an axe and pine trees. The church magically changes color as the day grows old, it is certainly one of the most interesting things you will see during your time in Russia.

Mandrogui : Enjoy walking around this traditional Russian village in its beautiful setting and spending a day of rest, relaxation and fun. We will have a fantastic barbeque picnic on the banks of the river featuring one of Russia's favorite specialties - shashlik (meat shish kebab prepared on an outdoor fire). You will love it!

Mandrogui : is really more of a living museum than a live-in village. It features a collection of old wooden houses and is geared towards showing visitors what a traditional Russian village resembled in the past. One of the features here is the Vodka Museum, which contains thousands of different brands and types of Russia's favorite pastime.

St. Petersburg : Your time in St. Petersburg will begin with a Panoramic City Tour . This tour is the best way to get acquainted with all of the city's major highlights. Our professional guide will take you down Nevsky Prospect , St. Petersburg's most famous and vibrant thoroughfare. There you will see some of the city's most interesting architectural monuments including the Kazan Cathedral (exterior) and the Winter Palace. You will see the Peter and Paul Fortress (interior) - a symbol of St. Petersburg and also the oldest building in the city.

One of the highlights of your entire cruise will be a visit to the Hermitage , Russia's premier museum containing one of the largest art collections in the world. The museum consists of five historical buildings including the Winter Palace - the residence of the Russian Tsars. The museum contains over 3 million pieces of art with dates ranging from high antiquity to the present day. Among the Hermitage's treasures are artworks by Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Titian, Rembrandt, Rubens and many others.

During your time in St. Petersburg you will also visit Peterhof - former summer residence of the Russian Emperors, located on the shore of the Gulf of Finland. You will see the Lower Park - a genuine masterpiece of landscape design which can compete with Versailles in France. The park includes over 150 fountains and 4 monumental cascades.

On the last day of your cruise you will say goodbye to Russia, your ship's crew and the many new friends we are sure you will have met during your time with us. We are sure that your memories of the trip will last a lifetime and we look forward to welcoming you to Russia sometime in the future. Our driver will meet you at the ship and take you to the airport to see you off (transfer is optional).

St. Petersburg is Russia's second largest and second most important city - the Northern capital of the country, Russia's cultural center, and considered the world's "Northern Venice" due to its extensive system of canals and islands. Walk along Nevsky Prospect and experience the grandeur of pre-revolutionary imperial Russia. Pass palaces from the past and gaze at the famous embankment of the Neva River with its numerous bridges and striking architecture. St. Petersburg is also home to Russia's largest and busiest port and with its many world class theaters and museums has a very high level of cultural life

Prices and Terms

Prices are per person.

The surcharge for single occupancy in a double cabin is 75% of the total amount for the cruise. Surcharge for single occupancy in Deluxe cabins, Junior Suites and Suites is 100% of the cruise price. Included:

• Accommodation in a cabin of a chosen category
• Sightseeing programs in each port as per itinerary (optional tours are available on board)
• Daily entertainment including live music concerts, evening entertainment, Captain’s bridge tour, dancing music at bars at night and more
• Onboard guides speaking English / French / German / Spanish / Italian; service of onboard guides for other foreign languages can be provided upon request for an additional fee
• Luggage handling in river ports from the inspection point to the ship and from the ship to the bus, as well as on board.
• Headsets for shore excursions
• Russian visa invitation  - the document necessary for obtaining a Russian visa when applying for one at the local Russian Consulate in your country.  PLEASE NOTE:  your passport should be valid for no less than 6 months after the planned departure from Russia and it should have at least 2 blank pages. The process of applying for a visa may take a long time and we recommend that you start 3 months before your trip. In case you are booking the trip last minute, we recommend that you check with the Russian Consulate in your country whether you have enough time for visa application process. In case you have to cancel your trip because of visa issues standard cancellation policy will be applied. 

Included meals:

• Full board, three meals per day (from dinner on arrival day to continental breakfast on departure day). Breakfast is buffet style, lunch and dinner are served at your table.
• 1 bottle of mineral water (0.5 l) for 1 person daily in the cabin
• For lunch and dinner: white/red/sparkling wine/beer in glasses (with no limit), water with no limit
• For breakfast: water with no limit, Cappuccino or Espresso without extra charge 
• Welcome “bread and salt” ceremony on arrival day
• Russian Tea Ceremony
• Captain’s welcome cocktail 
• Captain’s farewell dinner with a special menu
• Coffee station available from 06:00 to breakfast, from 10:00 to 12:00, from 16:00 to 18:00, from 21:00 to 23:00

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• Visa processing costs. For US, UK, Australian, Indian and Canadian citizens, our company offers  Full Visa Support . With Full Visa Support, you send us your passport and other documentation and we obtain the Russian visa for you. 
• International airfare. 
• Arrival and departure transfers. We can arrange those for an extra fee.
• Additional drinks and water in ship restaurant and drinks from the onboard bars
• Optional tours
• Tips for the crew and ship staff
• Forwarding of baggage/souvenirs
• Travel insurance.  We highly recommend to purchase travel insurance before embarking on your trip to Russia. It’s always good to have extra protection while traveling far from home.  Click here  to learn more.
• Items of a personal nature (laundry services, bar charges, beauty salon services, telephone charges, and medical services).
• Room service offered at an additional price.

Please be informed that all pre/post cruise services (additional arr/dep transfers, hotel accommodations, additional excursions, etc.) can also arranged by us.

BOOKING AND CANCELLATION POLICY IN 2022:

Conditions of payment:  To book your cruise a 25% deposit is required in advance. The trip must be fully paid 75 days before departure.

Cancellation terms:    75 or more days before departure – a fee equal to 25% of the entire package will be charged.  74-65 days before departure – a fee equal to 30% of the entire package will be charged.  64-41 days before departure – a fee equal to 60% of the entire package will be charged.  40-35 days before departure – a fee equal to 75% of the entire package will be charged.  34 days or less before departure or in the event of a no-show - a fee equal to 100% of the package will be charged.

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Tom Cruise’s estranged daughter Suri, 18, shares big announcement in rare statement

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Suri Cruise has announced the next big step in her life as she’s set to attend the prestigious Carnegie Mellon University in September.

Suri , 18, the daughter of Hollywood icons Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, revealed the news in a rare TikTok post where she and a group of friends each wore a sweatshirt from their chosen college.

The video, set to the tune of Abbi Sutphen’s Always Remember You, has the caption: ‘LaG commitment day.’

Carnegie Mellon’s School of Design is one of the oldest and most highly ranked programs in the US, and it’s believed the 18-year-old is leaning towards studying fashion .

‘She is a smart girl, and she is turning into a very intelligent mature young woman,’ an insider told the Daily Mail .

‘She has a very close group of loyal friends, and she knows exactly where she comes from.’

Top Gun icon Tom, 61, and Dawson’s Creek’s Katie, 45, welcomed Suri on April 18, 2006, the anniversary of their first date.

Suri is reportedly extremely close to her mum, but it’s believed she hasn’t seen her dad for 11 years .

It’s claimed that the Mission Impossible actor helps his daughter financially, but no longer sees her after he and Katie divorced in 2012 and she left the Church of Scientology.

Tom also has two children from his marriage to Nicole Kidman – Isabella, 31, and Connor, 29 – who he is believed to see regularly and are both members of the Scientology church .

Their divorce settlement stated that the actor agreed to pay his ex-wife $400,000 (£314,200) a year until Suri turned 18, and he will pay for all her college fees.

The agreement states that although he might not see his daughter, he has to cover ‘medical, dental, insurance, education, college and other extracurricular costs.’

Around the time of the divorce was the last time Tom was publicly pictured with Suri, taking her to Disney World in 2012.

At the time, a spokesperson said: ‘Kate has filed for divorce and Tom is deeply saddened and is concentrating on his three children.’

It’s reported that Tom has not seen Suri in the 10 years since, with the pair being no contact for the last three years.

A source told Heat magazine: ‘Tom is feeling guilty about missing so much of her life, but insists that he hasn’t completely shut Suri out of his life, and does get updates from time to time.’

Katie has not commented on Tom’s relationship with their daughter and has stressed the importance of allowing Suri to maintain her privacy.

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The Brat Pack, Explained: A Guide to the Iconic 1980s Acting Posse

By Pat Saperstein

Pat Saperstein

Deputy Editor

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• New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week  3 days ago

“Hollywood’s Brat Pack: Rob, Emilio, Sean, Tom, Judd and the rest — the young movie stars you can’t quite keep straight,” read the headline of an article in the June 10, 1985 New York Magazine, a few months after “The Breakfast Club” was released.

Nearly 40 years later, most people don’t have much trouble telling Sean Penn from Tom Cruise, but at the time, it seemed like a whole new flock of young stars had just taken over the movie business from the old guard. The gang of attractive actors, who frequently socialized together, were dubbed The Brat Pack after appearing in movies like “Taps,” “The Outsiders” and “Rumble Fish” that signaled a fresh new influx of talent.

The word “Brat” was just a play on the 1960s Rat Pack — and an allusion to their general youthful braggadocio — but the magazine article had an outsized effect. The word led the public to view the actors as entitled jerks (the article admitted that several of the members were nepo babies), and it took them decades in some cases to shake off the reputation.

“These boys — these young studs, all under 25 years old, decked out in ‘Risky Business’ sunglasses and trendish sport jackets and designer T-shirts — they were the Main Event,” the article’s author David Blum breathlessly recounted. No wonder people got a bad impression.

Some actors who were barely mentioned in the article, like Andrew McCarthy, became lumped in with the group and bristled whenever the name was brought up. But now, as McCarthy debuts his documentary “Brats” on Hulu, some of them are finally embracing it as an affectionate vestige of the ’80s, an era that evokes great nostalgia among both those who made it through alive and those who wish they had been there. McCarthy explores this phenomenon in his documentary, and he now finds it a “wonderfully iconic” phrase.

Other than brief mentions of Demi Moore and Melissa Gilbert as girlfriends of the actors, the article didn’t mention any women. But the women of the Brat Pack movies were every bit as charismatic, from Moore to Molly Ringwald to Ally Sheedy.

There were many other Brat Pack-adjacent actors who starred in classic films of the ’80s, from Anthony Michael Hall and Estevez’s younger brother Charlie Sheen to Matthew Broderick, Mare Winningham, James Spader, Kevin Bacon, Robert Downey Jr., Lea Thompson, Diane Lane and Phoebe Cates.

For the purposes of this guide, we’ll concentrate on the core members, especially those who were named in the article that started it all.

Dubbed “the most beautiful face” in the original Brat Pack article, Rob Lowe moved from Ohio to Malibu as a teen, where he met Charlie Sheen, Emilio Estevez and Sean Penn. His first major role came in Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Outsiders,” which he shot in Tulsa, Okla. alongside Tom Cruise, Ralph Macchio, Matt Dillion, Emilio Estevez, Diane Lane and Patrick Swayze. After appearing in “Class,” “Oxford Blues” and “Hotel New Hampshire,” Lowe made the quintessential Brat Pack films “St. Elmo’s Fire” and “About Last Night.”

Where is he now? Though some of his later film roles weren’t as arresting as those of his Brat Pack era, he went on to become a TV mainstay with long runs in series including “Brothers & Sisters,” “Parks and Recreation” and “9-1-1: Lone Star.”

Emilio Estevez

Named the “unofficial president” of the Brat Pack in the original article, Emilio Estevez took his father Martin Sheen’s real name so as to not be identified with the “Apocalypse Now” actor. He made his film debut in “Tex” and then starred in “The Outsiders.” But his most memorable roles came as the jock Andrew in “The Breakfast Club” and as punk rocker Otto in “Repo Man,” along with the emblematic “St. Elmo’s Fire.”

Where is he now: After starring in “Young Guns” and “The Mighty Ducks,” Estevez tried his hand at directing with movies like “Men at Work,” “Wisdom” and “Bobby.” He appears in the new documentary “Brats.”

Tom Cruise’s first major role was also in “Taps,” which he followed up with several movies that made a bang, including “The Outsiders,” “All the Right Moves” and the smash hit “Risky Business.” The Brat Pack article called him “the hottest of all” — and that was even before he starred in 1986’s “Top Gun.”

Where is he now? Still starring in “Top Gun,” but this time as the elder flight instructor in “Top Gun: Maverick,” as well as his long-running role heading up the “Mission: Impossible” franchise. With four Oscar nominations, including acting noms for “Born on the Fourth of July,” “Jerry Maguire” and “Magnolia,” Cruise has achieved the most box office staying power, coupled with awards recognition, of any of the Brat Pack.

Sean Penn grew up in Malibu in a movie business family and, like several other members of the Brat Pack, made his film debut in “Taps.” Being called “the most gifted of them all” in the New York magazine article was a lot to live up to, but in fact he’s the only member with two Oscars to his name.

After appearing in the iconic role of Jeff Spicoli in “Fast Times at Ridgemont High,” Penn immediately plunged into more serious roles in films such as “The Falcon and the Snowman” and “Casualties of War” — notwithstanding “Shanghai Surprise,” in which he starred with his new bride Madonna.

Where is he now? Penn won acting Oscars for “Milk” and “Mystic River” and starred in dozens more films including “Dead Man Walking,” “The Thin Red Line” and “Licorice Pizza.” He has directed several films and devotes much of his time to political activism.

Demi Moore may not have been an “official” member of the Brat Pack, but she certainly has honorary status for her coolly alluring early roles in “St. Elmo’s Fire” and “About Last Night.” Moore went on to star in more grown-up roles in films like “Ghost,” “Indecent Proposal,” “A Few Good Men” and “G.I. Jane.”

Where is she now? Moore appeared on the series “Empire” and recently starred as Ann Woodward in “Feud: Capote vs. the Swans.” An Emmy winner, she published a successful memoir “Inside Out” in 2019. She was also interviewed in the “Brats” documentary.

Andrew McCarthy

With his preppy East Coast sensibility and shyly seductive smile, Andrew McCarthy wasn’t mentioned as part of the original Brat Pack in the New York Magazine article — in fact, one of his co-stars in “St. Elmo’s Fire” insulted him in the story. So it’s no wonder he told Variety that, for a long time, he wasn’t happy about the label.

“I found it limiting and judgmental. If you’re going to be labelled, people stop trying to understand you,” he said. But as a foil to the hard-partying Hollywood actors, he turned out to be the perfect “sensitive guy” in movies like “Pretty in Pink,” “St. Elmo’s Fire” and “Less than Zero.”

Where is he now: McCarthy acted off and on while also becoming a TV director and frequent travel writer. His documentary “Brats,” about the Brat Pack era, premieres June 13 on Hulu.

Matt Dillon

“The one least likely to replace Marlon Brando” was a strange way for the Brat Pack article to describe Matt Dillon, but Dillon was more than capable of making his own impact as an actor. He made an impression in teen films “Little Darlings” and “My Bodyguard,” and starred in in three S.E. Hinton adaptations — “Rumble Fish,” “The Outsiders” and “Tex.” His brooding, rugged looks were put to good use in Gus van Sant’s “Drugstore Cowboy” and “To Die For,” and he also appeared in films like “Singles” and “There’s Something About Mary.”

Where is he now? Dillon earned a supporting actor nom for his role in Paul Haggis’ “Crash” and he has been cast by directors as varied as Lars von Trier in “The House That Jack Built” and Wes Anderson in “Asteroid City.” He also starred in one season of the series “Wayward Pines.”

Nicolas Cage

Cage’s role in his uncle Francis Ford Coppola’s “Rumble Fish” cemented his status as part of the Brat Pack. But nearly all his roles during that period became the stuff of legend: from Hollywood punk Randy in “Valley Girl” to “Peggy Sue Got Married,” “Moonstruck” and “Raising Arizona.” He went on to win an Oscar for “Leaving Las Vegas” and nabbed a nomination for “Adaptation.” Let’s just forget about the fact that the New York Magazine article described the Italian American actor as “The Ethnic Chair” of the Brat Pack.

Where is he now? Still working like crazy — six films in 2023 alone — in everything from “Pig” to “Dream Scenario” and the upcoming “Longlegs,” after a long run of action movies and starring in the “National Treasure” franchise.

Judd Nelson

Judd Nelson found his signature role as delinquent John Bender in “The Breakfast Club,” where his sensitively troubled bad boy persona struck just the right note. New York Magazine’s article was not particularly kind when it dubbed him “the overrated one,” but it’s true that his role in “St. Elmo’s Fire” didn’t make as big an impression.

Where is he now? Though Nelson struggled to find the same caliber of roles as some of his Brat Bros, he had a long run on Brooke Shields’ sitcom “Suddenly Susan” in the 1990s. He’s continued to work steadily, especially in voice work for “Transformers” projects. He declined to be interviewed for the documentary “Brats.”

Ally Sheedy

Ally Sheedy might not be as well remembered as some of the other members of the Brat Pack, but her indelible role as Alison, the “basket case” of “The Breakfast Club” was relatable for disaffected teens of several generations. Before that, she appeared in Brat Pack-adjacent films “Bad Boys” with Sean Penn, “War Games” with Matthew Broderick and “Oxford Blues” with Rob Lowe. She went on to have memorable roles in “Short Circuit,” “Maid to Order” and the 2016 indie “Little Sister.”

Where is she now? Sheedy has appeared in occasional films such as “High Art,” as well as in TV series such as “Kyle XY” and “Psych.” She is a professor in the theater department of the City University of New York.

Timothy Hutton

Hutton was “the only one with an Oscar,” the Brat Pack magazine article noted. After becoming the youngest supporting actor Oscar winner ever at age 20 for “Ordinary People,” Timothy Hutton joined the other Brat Packers in the promising “Taps” ensemble. His subsequent films, such as “Daniel,” “Iceman” and “The Falcon and the Snowman” with Sean Penn, were not prototypical Brat Pack titles, but his role in “Taps” was enough to make him one of the pack.

Where is he now: Hutton has had numerous film roles as well as recurring roles on series including “Leverage,” “American Crime” and “Almost Family.” In 2020, he was accused of allegedly raping a 14-year-old girl in 1983; authorities closed the investigation with no charges filed.

Molly Ringwald

Molly Ringwald was a bit younger than the other Brat Packers and never felt entirely comfortable being associated with the group. But as the spunky star of “Sixteen Candles,” “Pretty in Pink,” and “The Breakfast Club,” in which she played the “princess” Claire, she left a big impression on moviegoers of the 1980s and beyond. She went on to star in “The Pick-Up Artist” and “Fresh Horses.”

Where is she now? Ringwald had a meaty part as Joanne Carson on “Feud” and has had recurring roles in series including “Riverdale,” “Monster,” “Great Expectations” and “The Secret Life of the American Teenager.” She declined to be interviewed for the “Brats” documentary. “I don’t want to appear ungrateful to John Hughes, but I do oppose a lot of what is in those movies,” she told NPR about her early films.

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'Brats' doc: Andrew McCarthy asks who was in Brat Pack? 'Everyone gave different answers'

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Sitka and Juneau residents propose hard caps on cruise ships as tourism grows

Passengers from the Royal Caribbean Serenade of the Seas cruise ship wait to board buses into Sitka's downtown at the Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal on Tuesday, June 7, 2022. (Michelle Theriault Boots / ADN)

On June 18 a group of Sitka residents submitted a proposed cruise ship-limiting ballot measure to city officials for legal review.

Two days later, in Juneau, a different group of Alaskans submitted the last batch of signatures needed to put a different limit on the local ballot this fall.

With as many as 1.6 million cruise ship tourists expected to visit Southeast Alaska this year, a growing number of the region’s residents are seeking to put hard limits on the industry.

That comes even as Juneau prepares for a softer, voluntary limit that would be the first of its kind in Alaska.

In Sitka, it’s the third time that local residents have tried to put a limit on the ballot. Two prior attempts were rejected by the city’s attorney.

After those failures, organizers created a nonprofit, raised money, hired an attorney of their own, and are trying again with a new draft.

Klaudia Leccese is president of Small Town SOUL, the new nonprofit. She believes Sitka residents are fed up with overcrowding.

“I’m generally not much of a rabble-rouser. I’m a retired social worker,” she said.

This year, as many as 9,300 cruise ship passengers will visit Sitka on its busiest days, more than the town’s population of about 8,400. On 75 days, the number of tourists will be greater than half the population.

Sitka has only 14 miles of paved roads, and Leccese said the traffic caused by tour boats and tour buses has gotten out of hand. Lincoln Street, at the heart of downtown, is sometimes closed because the crowds are too large.

Tour buses run from one end of the town’s road network to the other, shuttling between the cruise ship dock and Fortress of the Bear, where animals live in captivity.

She said she and her husband frequently take their small boat down the coast for a getaway, but even there, they’re awoken by the wakes of passing tour boats.

“You go, wow, I think these wildlife and fishing charters are just a few too many,” she said.

The newly drafted Sitka proposal would limit the number of cruise ship passengers to 300,000 per year, with no more than 4,500 per day. Sitka is expected to see about 600,000 cruise tourists this year.

Small ships — those with fewer than 250 passengers — wouldn’t be included in the limit. That would protect locally run companies, including Alaskan Dream Cruises , which is based in Sitka.

Large ships wouldn’t be allowed before May 1 or after Sept. 30, and the city Assembly could shrink that window.

“Some businesses are uncomfortable with cruise ships starting in April,” Leccese said, because high school and college students — who make up much of the seasonal workforce — aren’t yet available.

Sitka officials are reviewing the proposed measure for legality and will respond by July 2, the city clerk’s office said. If the measure passes legal muster, backers would need to gather 334 signatures to place it on the local October ballot. To call a special election, 556 signatures would be needed.

In Juneau, a proposed ballot measure would install “ship-free Saturdays,” forbidding large ships from landing on that day.

Karla Hart, one of the measure’s backers, said supporters had needed 290 more signatures on their petitions after a preliminary review, and on Thursday, she drove to city hall to drop off 427 more.

If the signatures are certified, the initiative will be on Juneau’s Oct. 1 municipal ballot .

“We should be good to go,” Hart said.

Originally published by the Alaska Beacon , an independent, nonpartisan news organization that covers Alaska state government.

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Cruise ship with Broadway stars to steam off to Mexico in spring 2025

Laura Benanti appears at the premiere for “No Hard Feelings” in New York on June 20, 2023, left, and Wayne Brady appears at the American Music Awardsin Los Angeles on Nov. 20, 2022. Benanti and Brady are among some of Broadway’s biggest names who will be aboard The Broadway Cruise — heading roundtrip from Miami to Cozumel, from March 31-April 4, 2025. (AP Photo)

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NEW YORK (AP) — A cruise ship with some of Broadway’s biggest names — including Tony Award-winner Laura Benanti and Emmy-winner Wayne Brady — will sail from Florida to Mexico next spring.

The Broadway Cruise — heading roundtrip from Miami to Cozumel, from March 31-April 4, 2025 — will also feature Tony nominees Shoshana Bean, Eva Noblezada and Alex Brightman, as well as Broadway favorites Corey Cott, Caissie Levy and Solea Pfeiffer.

Tony-winning director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell, behind such shows as “Kinky Boots” and “La Cage au Folles,” will discuss creating a show and teach dance classes, while Tony-winning producer Jeffrey Seller — behind such hits as “Hamilton,” “Rent” and “Avenue Q” — will discuss producing hits on Broadway. Will Van Dyke will be the musical director for the cruise.

Producers promise “intimate and grand scale shows and cabarets from Broadway’s coolest talent. You will gain tips and techniques from some of the best and brightest creative talent working today.” There will also be celebrity meet-and-greets and Broadway karaoke.

This will be the third Broadway Cruise, which borrows the Norwegian Gem for its themed trips. Patrons can see performances at everything from the 850-seat Stardust Theater to the Pool Deck Stage, which fits 2,000 or the Atrium Stage, which fits 300.

“With two incredibly successful trips under our belt, The Broadway Cruise is now an annual tradition,” Scott Zeiger, executive producer for EBG Solutions, said in a statement. “If you love Broadway, there is no vacation more fulfilling and exciting than being on our complete ship takeover with today’s biggest talent”.

Mark Kennedy is at http://twitter.com/KennedyTwits