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The Ultimate 80s Party!

The 80s Cruise takes the party to the next level, so pop that collar, and break out the shoulder pads, big hair, and acid-washed jeans to get ready for the ultimate celebration of 80s music and culture on an All-Inclusive, 7-day luxury cruise! Join an incredible lineup of artists for more than 50 concerts and live performances, nightly themed parties and unparalleled celebrity interaction.

The Highlights

Each day and night are jam packed with excellent events tailored for those that are still an 80s kid at heart, including special meet and greets, Q&As with your favorite artists, interactive trivia sessions, 80s karaoke, friendly competitions and a week-long party that never slows down.

The 80s was the decade of excess, so it only makes sense that you get celebrity interaction, rad parties, dancing, karaoke, all events and activities, food, two beautiful beach destinations, PLUS a Royal Caribbean Deluxe Beverage Package for one, All-Inclusive price!  Nowhere else on the planet delivers the 80s awesomeness and unforgettable moments that you will experience on The 80s Cruise !

The music and non-stop events aren’t the only reason to sail on this All-Inclusive Ultimate 80s Party. You will spend 7 days on Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas with more than a dozen bars, restaurants, clubs and lounges, a Vegas-style casino, spa, 3 pools and an expansive pool deck, all of which will be transformed across the ship so you can fully immerse yourself into an 80s time machine!

Awesome Activities

When you aren’t jamming out to one of the over 50 concerts and live performances, you’ll be on the pool deck making a splash or in a retro-rad lounge belting out 80s tunes. The 80s Cruise delivers an action-packed week of Awesome Activities, ranging from ship-wide Pub Crawls, 80s Karaoke and Let’s Get Physical Aerobics to 80s movies and music videos playing on the Big Screen that makes every day feel like Spring Break.

Excellent Events

On The 80s Cruise, you won’t just see your favorite 80s musicians and icons perform on stage, you will also interact with them during our series of Excellent Events. Think star-studded game shows, Big 80s Trivia, Boozy Breakfast Bingo, 80s Video Games and Cobra Kai Karaoke. Every 80s-infused event will make you laugh, smile, sing and dance your way back in time to the BEST. DECADE. EVER. Remember, show no mercy because awesome prizes will be on the line!

Totally Tubular Theme Nights

How did The 80s Cruise earn the title of The Ultimate 80s Party? It takes a killer lineup of iconic 80s bands, events and activities, but our rock star guests take the party to the next level at the Tubular Theme Nights. Each night’s theme sets the stage, and our guests knock it out of the park with show-stopping costumes that’ll turn heads and turn back the time. Memories of these Theme Night parties will live on forever!

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80s Cruise Will Sail From Los Angeles To Los Cabos For Seventh Year

By: Author India-Jayne Trainor

Posted on Published: November 20, 2022

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Last Updated 1 year ago

The popular ‘ The 80s Cruise ’, which has sailed from Los Angeles for the past six years, is set to return for a seventh year in 2023, with a stop in Los Cabos.

The cruise, as the name suggests, will be a celebration of all things 80s, with lots of big hair, leg warmers, and great music. The 7-day cruise will have a line-up of over fifty artists providing entertainment for parties, live performances, and music concerts. 

The line-up of artists is huge, with some of the biggest names being Kim Wilde, Devo, Howard Jones, and Bret Michaels. 

The cruise is set on a luxury ship, the  Navigator of the Seas,  which is owned by Royal Caribbean .  The ship has more than a dozen different bars, clubs, and lounges, multiple restaurants, and a casino, plus its own extensive spa and pool deck. 

The pool also has its own water slide, surf simulator, escape room, and rock-climbing wall. Restaurants will include the likes of Johnny Rockets Express and Jamie’s Italian, plus the ship’s own main dining room and a Chef’s Table experience. To top it off, the ship has a blow-dry bar, sports court, and mini golf course. 

The cruise, which is adults only (21+), will be jam-packed every day with various activities, including meet-and-greets, Q&A events with artists, quizzes, karaoke, competitions, and parties that run daily into the night. 

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All of the activities will be 80s themed, with things such as Cobra Kai Karaoke, Let’s Get Physical Aerobics, Big 80s Trivia, and 80s Video Games. Similarly, events will include game shows, tasting and cooking demos led by artists, interviews and panel discussions, and even vow renewals for guests looking for a unique way to celebrate. 

There will also be regular theme night parties, called Tubular Theme Nights, where guests are encouraged to wear fancy dress. The themes so far are Purple Prom, based on hit artist Prince, Pop Icon Night, Battle of the Bands, Slumber Party, and horror-themed, Nightmare on the 80s Cruise.

Los Cabos Is One Of Many Stops

The cruise will set off from Los Angeles on March 3 rd  2023, before being at sea for the next two days. On March 6 th , it will make its first cruise stop in the popular destination of Puerto Vallarta. The next day, March 7 th will be spent in Cabo San Lucas. 

The cruise will finally stop in Ensenada before returning to Los Angeles on March 10 th . In Los Cabos, passengers can choose to either stay onboard and continue the party or explore the beautiful area of Cabo San Lucas, as the ship will be docked here from midday until 11 pm. 

Tickets are still available for the cruise, and pricing is divided into past guests and new guests, past guests being those who’ve sailed on an 80s Cruise previously. 

Many of the more luxurious rooms are currently sold out, although interested people can join the waitlist. However, rooms such as Ocean Views, Junior Suites, and Ocean View Balcony are still available. 

Prices for interior rooms start from $2,240 for new guests, while the more expensive Junior Suites are $5,250. Prices for past guests are around $100 – $200 less. 

Similar party cruises have also docked in Los Cabos in the past few months, including the Groove Cruise , which returned to Los Cabos last month after a six-year hiatus, and Kiss Cruise , which also stopped in the bay of Cabo San Lucas at the start of November. 

A number of other cruise operators, such as Princess , Celebrity, and Royal Caribbean, have also announced plans for 2023 routes to Los Cabos on their classic luxury ships. The number of ships set to visit the area before the end of 2023 is around 700 . 

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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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14 Totally Tubular '80s Cruises To Book In 2023

In 2023, fans of the '80s will want to book these rad cruises that are packed with nostalgia—and some of the best parties and performances around.

Read update

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

Are you a nudist? Knitter? Golden Girls fan? There’s a cruise for that.

Whether you’re a swinger or just want to practice your golf swing, theme cruises have something for everyone.

Kaity Talley saw the announcement and knew she had to get on board: A cruise exclusively for Hallmark Christmas movie fans? With cookie decorating, tree lighting, movie marathons and karaoke ?

“I got super lucky,” said Talley, 36, of Ontario, Calif. She landed a booking time that got her a spot on the cruise that turned out to be Taylor-Swift-concert- level popular. After it sold out quickly, organizers added a second voyage, which also sold out.

Talley, a Costco manager who also makes TikToks about cruises, expects to bring an entire Christmas wardrobe, ugly sweaters and all: “I’m going to be very corny on this cruise.”

The Hallmark cruise will make its maiden voyage in November, but it’s hardly the first event to gather an extremely niche community of fans and send them out to sea. Theme cruises have catered to groups as diverse as cat lovers , headbangers , Trekkies , conservative activists and zombie aficionados .

There are clothing-optional cruises, faith-based cruises, swingers cruises and cruises for people who want to practice their golf swing .

“If there’s something out there that people like to do, there’s probably a cruise about it,” said Chris Gray Faust, executive director of the news and review site Cruise Critic .

Theme cruises can take many forms, from a small group tucked into a larger sailing to a full-ship takeover. Some are put on by the cruise lines, but most are organized by a travel agency or production company that blocks rooms and venues or charters the entire ship. Those sailings must be purchased through that third party.

Trips are often scheduled during off-peak times, such as January through March or October and November. Prices are higher than a standard cruise, generally reflecting the extra programming or additional perks that passengers get.

Experts say specialty sailings have exploded in recent years as cruise lines have expanded and consumers have sought out more meaningful ways to travel.

“Overall, the travel industry is getting so much more experiential in a number of ways, and theme cruises are the ultimate experiential vacation,” said Chris Hearing, a partner and executive director at Entertainment Cruise Productions , a major organizer of theme cruises. “You get immersed, in our case, in week-long theme cruises where from the moment you walk on the ship, you are surrounded by people that are completely into Star Trek or Comic-Con or motorcycles or ’80s or ’90s music.”

Another producer, Sixthman , got its start in 2001 with a rock-themed event featuring Sister Hazel. This year, the group will pull off 23 cruise events, and the schedule calls for 27 next year, said CEO Jeff Cuellar.

A gateway for cruise newcomers

As the cruise industry builds more ships and tries to cultivate new audiences to fill them, Gray Faust said theme cruises often serve as an entry point.

“It brings a lot of first-time cruisers into the fold,” she said. “They’re fans of whatever the theme is. The fact that it’s on a cruise is almost secondary.”

Howard Moses, a travel adviser, created a site called themecruisefinder with a business partner several years ago and said there are more than 700 cruises listed at any given time, from small groups to full-ship charters.

“It has blossomed in the last I would say 10 to 12 years,” he said.

Talley, who booked the Hallmark Christmas cruise, said theme cruises got her hooked on sailing. She spoke to The Washington Post from Miami after departing a chef-focused cruise and right before boarding a regular sailing on another cruise line. She has been on the Sail Across the Sun cruise, featuring Train and several other acts, four times.

“There’s just concerts happening the entire time,” she said.

Swifties, Trekkies and crafters

Some event production companies sell the opportunity to be in close quarters with the objects of fan affection. Sixthman, which is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, pitches the events to singers, chefs and others as a way to interact with their die-hard fans who will follow and support them anywhere. And for those fans, it’s a tough chance to pass up.

“You’re not just spending an afternoon, you’re spending your vacation with them from breakfast to lunch to dinner to cocktails and activities,” Cuellar said.

Even though the Hallmark Christmas cruise — which is being put on by Sixthman — hasn’t named the stars who will sail, Cuellar said the event was the fastest sellout in the company history.

“Within like 48 hours of the first sellout, there were people already putting mugs on Etsy that said, ‘I survived the Hallmark presale,’” he said. “You talk about a passionate audience.”

Other cruises are entirely fan-driven, without the presence of any stars.

Jessica Malerman and two friends and fellow travel agents came up with the “In My Cruise Era” trip in October during another group cruise with their agency, Marvelous Mouse Travels . There’s no affiliation with the Taylor Swift empire, but the trip has already sold the maximum 199 staterooms it reserved on megaship Allure of the Seas in October 2024.

Events will include dance parties, trivia, cocktail parties, friendship bracelet swapping and karaoke.

“What people want is the connection and they want to make friends and they want to go on vacation and have a sense of community,” Malerman said.

Chad Kampe, the owner of Flip Phone Productions, put on the first — and second — Golden Fans at Sea cruises in early 2020 after organizing a “Golden Girls”-themed bar crawl several years before. The company produces drag shows across the country.

The sailings have included themed dances, costume contests, caftan welcome parties, scavenger hunts, performances from the Golden Gays drag troupe, appearances from people with ties to the show and some very competitive trivia sessions.

“The ‘Golden Girls’ trivia is the most intense trivia you’ve ever seen,” Kampe said.

The events take place on regular voyages, meaning passengers might end up surprised by the surplus of Blanches, Dorothys, Roses and Sophias. In year one, Kampe said a biker group was also on board.

“They loved us,” he said.

Many theme cruises are organized around hobbies or other special interests.

Melissa Gower, founder of Craft Cruises , organizes an average of 10 knitting cruises a year. The knitters and their needles don’t take over the whole ship, but the sailings include instructors, social gatherings and “private fiber-related tours,” she said.

“I have people who traveled with me in 1999,” Gower said. “They’ve been on 30-plus knitting cruises, and they’re still booking travel with us.”

How to find (or avoid) a niche cruise

The Theme Cruise Finder website allows people to search according to category for upcoming trips. Often, sales will open up during an event for the people on board, so it can be difficult to get a reservation on a popular repeating cruise.

Gray Faust said travelers will often comment on Cruise Critic forums about their surprise at being on the same ship as some kind of group. She said a friend ended up on a cruise with Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans “and she hates Tampa Bay.”

In 2016, more than 1,500 vacationers who thought they were taking a regular Bahamas cruise ended up sharing space with then-Patriots player Rob Gronkowski and fans on Gronk’s Party Ship.

Gary Bembridge, a cruise YouTuber who runs the site Tips for Travellers , recommends people search online for the name and date of a cruise they’re considering to see if a theme cruise shows up at the same time.

Moses, one of the founders of the theme cruise site, is co-president of a separate business, The Cruise & Vacation Authority , which organizes theme cruises as one of its services.

“In general, theme cruises are way more fun than a regular cruise because you’re traveling with like-minded people,” he said.

And if someone isn’t like-minded on a shared ship, he said the theme group tries to be understanding.

“We try to be very respectful of the other guests on board,” he said.

More cruise news

Living at sea: Travelers on a 9-month world cruise are going viral on social media. For some travelers, not even nine months was enough time on a ship; they sold cars, moved out of their homes and prepared to set sail for three years . That plan fell apart, but a 3.5-year version is waiting in the wings.

Passengers beware: It’s not all buffets and dance contests. Crime data reported by cruise lines show that the number of sex crimes has increased compared to previous years. And though man-overboard cases are rare, they are usually deadly .

The more you know: If you’re cruise-curious, here are six tips from a newcomer. Remember that in most cases, extra fees and add-ons will increase the seemingly cheap price of a sailing. And if you happen to get sick , know what to expect on board.

10 Forgotten '80s Fantasy Movies That Are Actually Freaking Great (& Where To Watch Them)

• The 1980s saw a rise in fantasy films due to the growing influence of J.R.R. Tolkien's novels and the popularity of Dungeons & Dragons.
• '80s fantasy films like Labyrinth and The Princess Bride have a unique and enjoyable feel, combining romance, adventure, and fairytale-like stories.
• Films like Time Bandits, Excalibur, and Clash of the Titans showcase the caliber of puppetry, prosthetics, and early CGI used in forgotten '80s fantasy films.

The 1980s were a huge decade for fantasy films, though many of them haven't stood the test of time. In a decade known for its blockbuster science fiction films following Star Wars , studios also tried their hands at bringing fantasy stories to life. The back half of the 21st century had seen a rise in what's now considered modern fantasy, due to the growing influence of J. R. R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings novels.

Dungeons & Dragons had also begun to grow in popularity by the 1980s, creating a large audience for the dreamy worlds of the decade's fantasy films. While '80s fantasy can often be cheesy, there's a unique feel to the films that can still be really enjoyable. Often following fairytale-like stories of romance and adventure, movies like Labyrinth and The Princess Bride headline the genre. Beyond those hits, there are forgotten fantasy films that bring an equal caliber of puppetry, prosthetics, and early CGI.

RELATED: 15 Best Fantasy Movies Of All Time - Screen Rant

Time Bandits (1981)

• Available to stream on Max and the Criterion Channel

Time Bandits is one of the more well known fantasy films of the '80s, due to the influence of acclaimed director Terry Gilliam. Many of Gilliam's films are part of the Criterion Collection, giving them a platform to find new audiences in film fans. Time Bandits actually has a similar concept to Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure , as it follows a young man who accompanies a crew of dwarves on an adventure through time to steal historical treasures. On the way, they meet a number of historical figures, including Napoleon and Agamemnon. Time Bandits is also quite funny, as Terry Gilliam is a renowned member of the Monty Python troupe.

RELATED: 10 Classic Movies That Hollywood Will Inevitably Remake

Excalibur (1981)

• Available to rent and purchase on multiple platforms

The story of King Arthur has been told many times in film , but Excalibur is the version that's quintessentially '80s. With an incredible cast that includes Helen Mirren, Gabriel Byrne, Patrick Stewart and Ciarán Hinds, Excalibur is able to humanize characters of Arthurian legend. Excalibur is visually stunning with excellent directing from John Boorman. While many '80s fantasy films are family friendly, Excalibur contains violent action and gore and is rated-R.

Clash Of The Titans (1981)

• Available to stream on Max

Loosely based on the Greek myth of Perseus, Clash of the Titans is an adventure tale that follows the demigod on a mission to rescue the Princess Andromeda from the satyr Calibos. Perseus also famously faces the Gorgon, Medusa, as well as the Kraken. A modern remake of the film released in 2010, and while the reboot is a fun, mythological action movie, it lacks much of the charm that the original had from its prosthetics and early stop-motion computer effects.

RELATED: 20 Best Greek Mythology Movies

The Adventures Of Baron Munchausen (1988)

• Available to rent and purchase on multiple platforms ​​​​​​​

Also directed by Terry Gilliam, The Adventures of Baron Munchausen has a very similar appeal to Time Bandits , taking a fantastical approach to 18th century European, as the Baron tells the ridiculous story of his life. The film is a visual spectacle, with colorful imagery and early special effects. It also contains all the flamboyant humor one would expect from a Gilliam film, as the Baron's story is often outrageous and unbelievable.

Return To Oz (1985)

• Available to stream on Disney+

The Wizard of Oz is one of the greatest and most revolutionary films ever, and while its 1985 sequel comes nowhere close to the magic of the original, Return to Oz still has its virtues. Despite being on Disney+ and a Wizard of Oz sequel, Return to Oz is not a child-friendly film. It explores the darker aspects of the Oz books, and is quite disturbing at some points with horror elements. Return to Oz is imaginative, weird, and can be the perfect remedy for someone searching for an '80s fever dream movie.

Dragonslayer (1981)

• Available to stream on Paramount+ ​​​​​​​

Dragonslayer is a Disney, fantasy adventure film about a sixth-century kingdom that's being terrorized by a dragon. The princess Valerian, in disguise as a young man, puts together a crew, including a sorcerer's apprentice named Galen, in order to defeat the dragon. It's a classic fairytale premise brought to life on screen, with '80s effects, that manages to be entertaining and endearing.

Highlander (1986)

• Available to stream on Prime Video ​​​​​​​

Highlander is a pinnacle for '80s cheesiness, but that's exactly what many people love about it. The film follows Connor MacLeod, a man who is arrested for murdering someone in a sword duel in 1985 New York City, which sounds farfetched on its own. Connor turns out to be an immortal, Scottish swordsman, who tells the chronicle of his immortal life of war and loss. The heart of the story is in Connor's memories of his loved ones, who he's long outlived. Highlander is a touching story with an awesome soundtrack from Queen, that spawned multiple sequels .

Legend (1985)

​​​​​​​

Seeing Tom Cruise kitted up as Lestat in Interview with the Vampire is one thing, but to see the young actor completely dressed up in shining armor, accompanied by a princess and a unicorn, is really difficult to imagine in 2023. But that's exactly what Legend was. Like Dragonslayer , Legend is a classical, fairy tale fantasy story with a demon-like villain, named Darkness, looking to kill the last unicorn to bring the world into an endless night. Tom Cruise, as Jack, is the hero who seeks to save the world against Darkness. To top things off, the film is directed by Ridley Scott, arriving just after Blade Runner .

Quest For Fire (1981)

​​​​​​​ Quest for Fire tells a story of a tribe of prehistoric humans who run out of their singular source of fire. The tribe sends out warriors, including Ron Perlman and Twin Peaks actor Everett McGill, to find and obtain more fire. The fantasy/adventure film is a tale that shows how ancient tribes of men developed the traits of humanity. The film has, at times, cheesy visuals that require some suspension of disbelief, with a dramatic story at its core.

The Last Unicorn (1982)

• Available to stream free with ads on multiple platforms ​​​​​​​

​​​​​With a cast of voice actors that includes Jeff Bridges, Christopher Lee, Mia Farrow and Alan Arkin, The Last Unicorn is an '80s animated fantasy film. Like many of the other '80s fantasy movies, The Last Unicorn was made as a kids' movie, but is probably not appropriate for young kids by today's standards. It's a dark fantasy about a unicorn who learns she's the last of her kind, with some gorgeous animation and complex themes.

RELATED: The Last Unicorn Ending Explained - Screen Rant

Screen Rant

36-year-old tom cruise movie with 9% on rotten tomatoes has the perfect remake cast after $216m hit.

One critically-panned box office hit from Tom Cruise is ripe for a remake, and the perfect cast can be found in the leads of 2023's rom-com success.

• Casting the leads from 2024's successful rom-com, Anyone but You, could elevate a remake of Tom Cruise's 1988 Cocktail movie.
• The success of 2024's Road House remake suggests modern remakes of divisive '80s classics can work today.
• Glen Powell's Top Gun role proves he could successfully replace Tom Cruise in a potential Cocktail remake.

With Road House (2024) paving the way for more modern remakes of cult classic ‘80s thrillers, the potential for Tom Cruise’s 1988 movie Cocktail to be remade could work better by casting the leads from 2023’s big rom-com success. The 1980s was an incredible decade for entries in the so-bad-they’re-good action/thriller subgenre , with movies like Patrick Swayze’s Road House failing to impress critics but remaining beloved for their lack of self-seriousness and entertainment value. The cast of 2024’s Road House remake maintains this sentiment in the remake of the 1989 film, with its divisive success making additional remakes of movies of this vein more likely.

While not as fondly remembered as Road House , another ‘80s hit that falls into this category is Tom Cruise’s 1988 movie Cocktail . The movie follows Cruise’s Brian Flanagan, a business student working as a successful bartender, whose relationships with his coworker Doug (Bryan Brown) and romantic interest Jordan (Elisabeth Shue) lead to a series of unexpected twists and turns. Though the film holds a meager 9% score on Rotten Tomatoes, it was a smash box office smash, earning $171.5 million against an estimated budget of $20 million (via Box Office Mojo ). Following Road House ’s success, it could finally be time to give Cruse's Cocktail the modern remake treatment .

Road House Proves Jake Gyllenhaal Is Perfect For Upcoming Reboot Of 30-Year-Old Jean-Claude Van Damme Action Movie

Glen powell & sydney sweeney would be perfect for a cocktail remake after anyone but you, the two actors could fill the shoes of tom cruise and elisabeth shue.

One crucial factor contributing to the success of Doug Liman’s 2024 Road House remake was its compelling lead cast, with action star Jake Gyllenhaal taking over Patrick Swayze’s character from the original while UFC champion Conor McGregor assumed the cartoonish villain role . Similar to Road House ’s remake requiring an actor with Swayze’s star power and charisma, a Cocktail remake would need an actor with comparable allure to ‘80s-era Tom Cruise for Brian Flanagan . Likewise, with Elisabeth Shue having been one of the biggest female stars of the ‘80s, a Cocktail remake would need an actress of similar popularity and appeal to step into the role of Jordan Mooney.

Anyone but You (2024) and Cocktail (1988) are available to rent or purchase from digital retailers like Amazon Prime Video and YouTube.

If Cocktail does get a remake, these casting requirements can easily be found in the leads of the 2023 hit movie Anyone but You . Though also divisive among critics, Anyone but You was a certified box office smash as it went on to earn over $216 million against a $25 million budget. In addition to a witty script and fun premise, much of Anyone but You ’s success can be attributed to the casting and chemistry of Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney as the two romantic leads. In 2024, Powell and Sweeney aren’t too off from the cards that Cruise and Shue brought to the table back in 1988 for Cocktail .

Much of Anyone but You ’s success can be attributed to the casting and chemistry of Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney as the two romantic leads.

Powell already had rom-com experience with films like Set It Up ahead of Anyone but You , but made a bigger name for his action roles in movies such as Top Gun: Maverick , Devotion , Hit Man , and, now, the upcoming Twisters sequel movie . Meanwhile, Sweeney has proven widely popular with audiences after her roles in Euphoria , The White Lotus , and Immaculate , and both actors prove increasingly bankable with each new release. With the original Cocktail movie’s negative critical and audience response making it ripe for improvement , Powell and Sweeney could provide the star power a remake would need to successfully adapt the same-named 1984 novel.

Sydney Sweeney's New Record-Breaking Movie Confirms Her Box Office Dominance (Just Ignore THAT Movie)

Remaking cocktail sounds better than anyone but you 2 for powell & sweeney, anyone but you doesn't need a direct sequel.

Following the success Anyone but You , Sweeney and Powell announced they were reading scripts and searching for their next collaboration together. While some have thrown around the idea of returning to Bea and Ben’s story with a potential Anyone but You 2 movie , the original movie being based on Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing makes a sequel unnecessary. Rather, it seems more likely that Powell and Sweeney’s “sequel” will be a completely different film that pairs them as romantic leads.

It seems more likely that Powell and Sweeney’s “sequel” will be a completely different film that pairs them as romantic leads.

This was a common tactic for 1990s romantic comedies, which would see romantic leads like Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan or Julia Roberts and Richard Gere reunite in another rom-com instead of making a direct sequel to their past success. Consequently, with Sweeney and Powell searching for their next film collaboration, a remake of Cocktail could provide a fitting follow-up to Anyone but You . With Powell playing Brian and Sweeney playing Jordan, the duo would just need to find a new Doug to enhance their existing chemistry, potentially creating the perfect recipe to improve upon Cruise’s original movie.

Road House 2024's Success Proves Remakes Of Divisive '80s Thrillers Can Work Today

The bar is set lower, but it needs to maintain '80s movie's tone.

Remakes of 1980s hits don’t always work out, with some proving to be unnecessary if the original was already a hit and a product of its time. However, there are some notable exceptions, with Amazon’s 2024 Road House movie being one of them. The Road House remake’s Rotten Tomatoes score is already better than the 1989 original (59% compared to 43%), and smashed records for Prime Video’s movie premiere viewership numbers to prove its popularity among audiences. Though many fans of the original may reasonably remain more loyal to Swayze’s 1989 iteration, it’s difficult to deny the entertainment value and success of the remake.

Considering Cocktail has a much less beloved reputation than 1989’s Road House , remaking the Tom Cruise film isn’t apt to come with as much apprehension or high expectations. With an already divisive original movie, there isn’t as big of a risk of “ ruining ” the original, as the bar is relatively lower when aiming to improve upon certain aspects of the first film that didn’t initially land with critics and audiences. Of course, with cult classics, it helps if the remake maintains the tone of the original, such as 2024’s Road House protecting the campiness and lack of self-seriousness of the 1989 film.

Top Gun: Maverick Highlights How Glen Powell Could Replace Tom Cruise's Brian In Cocktail

Powell and cruise's characters share similar qualities in top gun.

A potential Cocktail remake wouldn’t be the first time that Glen Powell has stepped into an ‘80s-based Tom Cruise property. Powell starred in Cruise’s 2022 hit Top Gun: Maverick as Hangman , who served a role similar to Val Kilmer’s Iceman from the 1986 original movie. Consequently, it’s already clear that Powell has qualities similar to Cruise in that era, which would make him taking over a character that Cruise originated easier to grasp.

The greatest way to make [a Cocktail remake] more enticing would be to get Tom Cruise to return as well.

Similar to Hangman or Maverick, a character like Brian Flanagan has an air of cockiness and confidence that contrasts with his need to prove himself. Powell’s past movies have demonstrated that he could take on this type of character successfully, having to balance the cockiness and heroism of his Top Gun character with the earnestness and rom-com lead chops of his Anyone but You role. While Powell and Sweeney potentially starring in a Cocktail remake would already give it a leg up, the greatest way to make it more enticing would be to get Tom Cruise to return as well.

Source: Box Office Mojo

Anyone But You

Anyone But You is a romantic comedy by director Will Gluck starring Sydney Sweeny and Glen Powell. Sweeny and Powell star as Bea and Ben, two strangers with an incredible first date that goes sour following one incident at the tail end. Thinking the worst is behind them, the two are roped into a destination wedding in Sydney, Australia, where they'll have to pretend to be a couple despite absolutely hating each other.

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Entertainment News

The most memorable songs from '80s movies

The image is indelible. John Cusack standing with a boom box over his head. He’s trying to win back Ione Skye’s heart. You may not remember that he actually fails in this moment, but you definitely remember the song he’s blasting is “In Your Eyes” by Peter Gabriel. It’s a quintessential film moment, and the fact the song is so good helps. It is just one of many memorable songs from '80s movies that we detail here.

“Ghostbusters”

Well, Huey Lewis may not be too high on this song. After all, he sued Ray Parker Jr. over plagiarism, claiming “Ghostbusters” ripped off his song “I Want a New Drug.” Eventually, they reached a settlement. For us, we just know the song is catchy. When Parker asks who we’re gonna call, we all know the answer.

“(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life”

We could have chosen a few songs from “Dirty Dancing”; it’s pretty music heavy, since people rarely dance in silence. The clear choice, though, is “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life,” the theme song. You can see Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey right now as Bill Medley's and Jennifer Warnes’ voices echo in your head. The song won an Oscar. No arguments here.

Just reading the name of this song puts to mind leg warmers pumping up and down. You may not remember the name Michael Sembello, but you definitely remember his song “Maniac.” Originally written after having watched a horror movie, he tweaked it for “Flashdance.” Suddenly it was about dancing like you’ve never danced before.

“The Power of Love”

After the “Ghostbusters” fiasco, Huey Lewis and the News decided to get in the movie soundtrack game themselves. While the band also provided “Back in Time” to “Back to the Future,” Lewis didn’t want to write a song that simply describes what happened in the movie. As such, he also wrote “The Power of Love” for the film, and it paid off big time. It’s the epitome of ‘80s power pop.

“Footloose”

We don’t need to tell you what movie this is from. After Kevin Bacon brings dance to a repressed town, all the kids get to celebrate by cutting a rug. Naturally, Kenny Loggins’ “Footloose” plays during this. Loggins is the king of ‘80s soundtrack songs. We will not accept arguments otherwise.

“Danger Zone”

See, we told you Loggins was the king of the ‘80s. There was no way we could get away with not including at least two of his songs. “Top Gun” includes the iconic “Take My Breath Away” by Berlin. However, when you think about Tom Cruise ’s action flick, we know the first song that comes to mind is the pounding strains of “Danger Zone.” Sterling Archer agrees.

“When Doves Cry”

OK, given that Prince made his own movies in the ‘80s maybe this isn’t fair. However, all we take from his movies, including “Purple Rain,” is the music. Prince wasn’t much of an actor, and the movies are silly, but there are few better movie soundtracks. “When Doves Cry” was a No. 1 Billboard hit, and it’s maybe his most iconic song.

“I Melt With You”

“Valley Girl” was many people’s introduction to Nicolas Cage . It also clued a lot of people into the culture of the San Fernando Valley and the whole “Valley Girl” thing. However, Martha Coolidge’s romantic comedy did more than that. Modern English’s “I Melt With You” was not written for the movie, but it was included in the film in a significant fashion. “Valley Girl” helped put the song into the popular consciousness and gave Modern English its one memorable hit. If not for the movie, “I Melt With You” wouldn’t still be on oldies stations.

“Eye of the Tiger”

You’re already getting pumped to work out. That’s the power of Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger.” Those opening notes just pound into your skull and reach for your heart. Its whole purpose is to score Rocky Balboa getting into shape to face Clubber Lang in “Rocky III.” That was a lot to live up to, but they pulled it off.

“Holiday Road”

If you’ve ever seen a movie from the “Vacation” series, you’ve heard “Holiday Road.” The song was written by Lindsey Buckingham for the original movie in the National Lampoon series — the one where the Griswolds are actually on a road trip. Buckingham knew what he was doing, because the song just feels tailor-made for driving.

You don’t need lyrics for an iconic song. “Beverly Hills Cop” is a classic ‘80s film, mostly because it helped power Eddie Murphy into true superstardom. It also had an infectious theme song, “Axel F,” which is named for Murphy’s character, Axel Foley, and was written by Harold Faltermeyer. If you know the song, it’s already wormed its way into your head. You’re welcome for now, and we’re sorry for when it’s still stuck there in 10 hours.

“St. Elmo’s Fire (Man in Motion)”

The “Man in Motion” part of the title seems unnecessary, because people only know this song as “St. Elmo’s Fire.” That’s the name of the ‘80s Brat Pack movie that it was written for, after all. It’s also what people remember from the chorus. John Parr’s song become a No. 1 hit, even if “St. Elmo’s Fire” hasn’t held up as well as other ‘80s movies.

“In Your Eyes”

The aforementioned scene from "Say Anything". You definitely remember the song he’s blasting is “In Your Eyes” by Peter Gabriel, but what you may not remember that Cusack's character actually fails in the moment. 

“Don’t You (Forget About Me)”

Speaking of iconic images, we give you Judd Nelson pumping his fist into the sky. After he and the rest of “The Breakfast Club” have learned some lessons and left detention, the movie fades into its credits. The song that plays then is this one from Simple Minds. “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” is now a symbol of the ‘80s to this day, and it’s a slice of all-time ‘80s nostalgia.

“Everybody Wants to Rule the World”

Tears For Fears was a successful band that didn’t need a big movie to give it a boost, as “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” made waves on its own. That being said, we’re talking about memorable songs from movie, and if you’ve seen “Real Genius,” — and if you haven’t you really should — you remember that the film ends with the Tear For Fears’ hit playing. For a movie about corruption and the military industrial complex, and also Val Kilmer being really funny, it’s a great choice.

“Old Time Rock and Roll”

Bob Seger’s nostalgic song was released in 1978, and we assume its infectious nature got some people’s attention then. However, most people are aware of “Old Time Rock and Roll” for just one reason, and it involves Tom Cruise sliding across the floor in his underwear. Cruise’s performance in “Risky Business” to Seger’s tune became the thing everybody remembers from the movie. In fact, it got “Old Time Rock and Roll” on AFI’s “100 Years…100 Songs” list.

“Twist and Shout”

Yeah, it’s a Beatles song. Sure it was huge basically from the second that people heard it. Teenage girls went nuts for the Fab Four’s early rock hit. Then Ferris Bueller, that lovable teenage sociopath, made it his own during a parade in Chicago. Bueller’s performance of “Twist and Shout” is very much an indelible ‘80s film moment. We could have also gone with “Oh Yeah” by Yello from this movie.

“Wind Beneath My Wings”

Several different people have recorded versions of “Wind Beneath My Wings," which was written in 1982 and is not a Bette Midler original. You may not have even known there were earlier versions, as Midler made the song her own in her 1988 weepie “Beaches.” She took it to another level when she sung it for Johnny Carson when he retired from “The Tonight Show.”

“Fame” will, indeed, live forever. The song comes from the film of the same name, a 1980 flick that looked at some aspiring young folks hoping to become actors, singers, dancers...all sorts of creative stuff. In short, they wanted fame. The song was performed by Irene Cara, who also played Coco Hernandez in the film. Later, “Fame” was used as the theme song for a TV show based on the movie. Naturally.

Parton did it all in “9 to 5.” She wrote this song for the film, and she’s one of the co-stars. The infectious song brought her a ton of success, and not just in the movie world. “9 to 5” got four Grammy nominations as well. In fact, she even won for Best Country Song.

Chris Morgan is a sports and pop culture writer and the author of the books  The Comic Galaxy of Mystery Science Theater 3000  and  The Ash Heap of History . You can follow him on Twitter @ChrisXMorgan .

More must-reads:

• 20 facts you might not know about 'Beetlejuice'
• 20 facts you might not know about 'Lethal Weapon'

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What the Bridge Meant to Baltimore

The victims, the history, the void. Residents reflect on their collective pain, and the city’s strength.

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By Anna Betts and JoAnna Daemmrich

Anna Betts reported from New York, and JoAnna Daemmrich reported from Baltimore.

Blue-collar workers crossed it. Families went crabbing around it. Teenagers celebrated new driver’s licenses by traversing it. And couples were known to get engaged near it.

Completed in 1977, the Francis Scott Key Bridge was a practical, final link to the beltway of roads that circled Baltimore Harbor, a much-needed solution to reduce Harbor Tunnel congestion. But for so many, it was more than that.

For some, it symbolized the working-class communities around it — for others, the city itself. The bridge also served as a reminder of a storied chapter in history: Near Fort McHenry, the bridge is believed by historians to be within 100 yards from where Key was held by the British during the War of 1812, when he witnessed the siege of the fort in September 1814 and wrote the poem that became the national anthem. (A star-spangled buoy commemorates the supposed spot.)

And the Key Bridge was simply a presence in people’s everyday lives. Since the collapse last week, residents have been processing the loss on many levels, from profound grief for the six workers who died, to concern for the immigrant communities affected by the port’s shutdown, to a sense of emptiness that has cast a pall over their memories.

Here are a few reflections from Baltimoreans, condensed and edited for clarity.

Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos, physician who grew up on the east side of Baltimore

“There’s not a lot of things that tend to unite this city, unfortunately, but this is one of them. Every single Baltimorean felt that bridge fall down. That’s our London Bridge. That’s our Golden Gate Bridge. It was like a friend constantly saying hello to me in the morning.

The bridge was one of the first jobs really available to a lot of the immigrant populations in Baltimore city. My dad, who worked as a painter on the bridge, said if you were an able-bodied person that knew how to do any level of construction or painting and you’re an immigrant, chances are you worked on that bridge.

Up until the bridge was built, you hear these stories from the locals, it would take hours sometimes to get to any place that was reasonable to work at, because of the back roads they had to take. The bridge was a lifeline to schools and work. That’s where my heart is at: These everyday people that live out there just lost a lifeline connection to these big resources such as supermarkets, schools, work.

Not to sound cheesy, but it was a bridge to the American dream. And the first and last hands touching that bridge were immigrants that came here to pursue that.”

Terry Turbin, pastor of Sonshine Fellowship Church in Dundalk and a onetime carpenter who worked on the bridge foundation

“I’m proud to be able to say I had a part in building it. When they get ready to rebuild it, I would like to work on it, even just one day. I went out on the barge in February 1975. After I got married, and found the bridge was being constructed, I wanted to get on the job and make better money. The bridgework was $8.10 an hour. My first day out, I actually asked myself, ‘Oh God, what did I get myself into?’ It was dangerous work. We were driving the pilings, and at that time of year, the wind was pretty stiff. You had to be very careful. The other part was always looking up to make sure nothing was falling on you. It was really stressful. When you got on dry land, you said a prayer of thanks. I have driven over the bridge a thousand times or more, and I would always tell my family, ‘This is where I was working, I was right under there.’ It was an emotional connection for me.”

Gustavo Torres, executive director of CASA, a nonprofit that provides services to immigrants in Baltimore

“For me, the Key Bridge was just another crossing. Its magnificence seemed, well, average. In its death, it has become so much more, its secret life revealed as the place where workers came together. Laborers born in places ranging from south Baltimore to central Honduras sharing companionship as they worked long after I had gone to sleep to make sure that my passage was uneventful. A place of heroism where workers toiled in the cold and throughout the pandemic so that my life was easier. Workers who are fathers, brothers, sisters and mothers. Workers who are neighbors, co-workers, friends from church. Workers, who in their commitment to all of us, are the best of America.”

Comfort, and anxiety

Congressman Kweisi Mfume, who represents Baltimore as part of Maryland’s 7th District

“I was a freshman in college when they started building [the bridge]. I was anxious for the bridge to go up because it was a quicker way to get to the other side of the harbor, but it also ended up being a kind of cathedral of architecture in that community because it was a beautiful bridge. You felt very comfortable seeing it, because its sturdiness suggested all is well elsewhere.

On the economic side, there’s a real sense of urgency because that bridge affects so many supply line issues all over the country. It’s a cascading kind of ripple effect that will add to an economy right now in the wrong way. There are a number of small businesses that are impacted, particularly those who deal in import-export.”

John Olszewski, known as Johnny O, Baltimore County executive

"I feel it in the very personal way, and in the very painful way, that the people who live here do. We’re still very much in shock and reeling from the loss, not just from our neighbors, people who are experiencing unspeakable tragedy right now, who were working on the bridge, but also our neighbors who have this incredible uncertainty about what their future means, who are port workers.

It’s the little memories: as a high schooler, driving around the beltway and crossing the bridge because it was the thing to do when you got your license, to spending evenings fishing in the channel. I’d do a little crabbing, recreationally, on the side of the bridge there. I have all these incredible memories, and then to have everything you’ve ever known come to a screeching halt … ” [His voice trailed off and he shook his head.]

A sense of home

Michelle Dobbs, veterinary pharmaceutical sales representative, resident of the Sparrows Point neighborhood who crossed the bridge twice a day

“Coming over the Key Bridge, I’d feel an instant lowering of blood pressure, a feeling that my day is done. It was a symbol of coming home. You’d have a beautiful view of the Baltimore skyline from the top of the bridge. I’d see the sailboats and cruise ships coming in and out; one time, I was lucky enough to see the Pride of Baltimore [a tall ship] come through. It never got old. It was just a part of my daily life. I don’t know when it’s not going to be so jarring. It’s unbelievable to have such an emotional attachment to a bridge.”

Joey Harkum, musician from Pasadena, a suburban area south of the bridge on the Patapsco River

“It’s absolutely important to northern Anne Arundel County — that’s how we get to Dundalk, that’s how we get to Fells Point. It’s so close to our house, there’s debris washing up on our beach now. We grew up right there on the river. We would take out a little boat and sneak out to Fort Carroll and just explore. Whenever people from out of town came, I’d drive them to the bridge and show them all the forts. I named my first band Pasadena. Our first album had a drawing of the Key Bridge, the smokestacks and the bridge, showing that’s where we were from. It was just part of our identity for people who lived south of the city."

Coming together

Shannon McLucas, ranger at Fort McHenry, a national monument about four miles across from the bridge

“Throughout the morning, we had a lot of regulars, locals walking along the seawall. Joggers, dog walkers, parents with babies, some come every morning to walk. They had the same emotional reaction I did at seeing this dramatically changed landscape. It was very busy but very eerily quiet. To me, that’s remarkable. There are moments when we have this shared humanity — from the park, you see the wreckage, but you also see the Coast Guard at work. We talk about the Battle of Baltimore, in 1814. People came from all over, from different walks of life, to defend the city, they came together. Now, 210 years later, this was an accident, but it’s one of those moments where you realize we do have a shared community.”

Laura Lippman, author

“All I can tell you is that I’m sad and I know others are sad, too. I love my hometown so much. My family moved here in ’65. I remember the riots after the assassination of M.L.K., I remember when homicides spiked in the ’80s, I remember Freddie Gray. It’s a city that’s forever getting knocked down — and getting back up again.

I went to Opening Day of the Orioles, arriving in time for the acknowledgment of those who died on the bridge. It was sincerely moving. As you may know, Baltimoreans shout the ‘O!’ at the end of the national anthem — for the Orioles, but also, I think, for the city. I have never shouted ‘O!’ as loudly as I did on Thursday.”

Miriam Jordan contributed reporting.

Anna Betts reports on national events, including politics, education, and natural or man-made disasters, among other things. More about Anna Betts