BJ Britt Joins Hallmark Cruise 2026 Replacing Kristoffer Polaha

Hallmark Channel favorite B.J. Britt is making waves—well, sort of—as he steps in to co-host the much-anticipated Cruising With Friends fan getaway in early 2026.

Known for his charisma and quick wit, Britt is filling in for longtime Hallmark leading man Kristoffer Polaha, who had to bow out due to a new filming commitment.

This five-day cruise, sailing from Los Angeles to Ensenada, Mexico, is shaping up to be one of the most exclusive Hallmark fan experiences ever.

With only 200 attendees, fans will get the rare chance to mingle, dine, and play games with Britt, Victor Webster, and Taylor Cole—three of Hallmark’s most beloved stars.

But here’s the twist: Britt admits he still can’t swim, and his plan to enjoy the voyage without ever glancing at the ocean is as endearing as it is funny.

B.J. Britt Steps In for Kristoffer Polaha

When Polaha’s shooting schedule forced him to cancel, organizers needed someone equally charming and fan-friendly.

Enter B.J. Britt, a rising Hallmark star who’s become a household name thanks to his roles in The Groomsmen trilogy with Tyler Hynes and Jonathan Bennett.

Britt’s infectious energy and genuine affection for Hallmark’s fans made him the obvious choice to take the helm for this unique voyage.

Even though he jokes about his fear of water, it’s Britt’s enthusiasm for connecting with fans that really anchors his participation.

For Britt, this cruise isn’t just another gig—it’s a chance to deepen his bond with the Hallmark community that’s supported him from the start.

He’s made it clear he plans to make the most of every moment, from the themed dinners to the interactive games.

And he’s even set himself a goal: to learn the names of all 200 fans joining the cruise, and maybe even a few of their kids’ names too.

A Cruise Unlike Any Other

The Cruising With Friends trip, set for January 4–8, 2026, will take place aboard Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas.

Unlike the massive Hallmark Christmas Cruise Britt will also attend in November—with thousands of passengers—this smaller sailing offers a more personal, VIP-style experience.

Fans can expect a packed itinerary featuring meet-and-greets, themed dinners, Q&A sessions, and special games designed to bring stars and fans together in a relaxed, fun environment.

Adding to the excitement, Taylor Cole is set to host a Hallmark-themed version of The Dating Game, an idea originally dreamed up by Polaha.

With Victor Webster and B.J. Britt as the eligible bachelors, fans are already buzzing about what could happen when the games begin.

Britt, ever the good sport, has joked that as long as his potential match can swim, he’s open to seeing where the tides take him.

Facing Fears and Finding Fun at Sea

Despite his charm and confidence, Britt admits that the ocean is not his comfort zone.

During his first Hallmark Christmas Cruise in 2024, he discovered that staying busy was the key to keeping his nerves at bay.

From wearing anti-seasickness bands to avoiding any direct view of the water, Britt found creative ways to keep his focus on the fans rather than the waves.

His honesty about his fear of swimming has only made him more relatable to fans, who appreciate his down-to-earth nature and sense of humor.

As he prepares for his 2026 voyage, Britt is taking it all in stride.

He’s determined to make the experience memorable for everyone on board, even if it means steering clear of the ship’s pool deck.

His approach is simple: stay active, stay present, and stay grateful.

And honestly, judging by his past interactions with fans, gratitude is something Britt never runs short on.

Why Fans Can’t Get Enough of B.J. Britt

Part of Britt’s growing appeal lies in his genuine connection with Hallmark’s audience.

After his first major fan event—Christmas Con 2024 in New Jersey—he confessed to being so moved by the stories he heard from fans that he left the event in tears.

For him, these encounters go far beyond photo ops and autographs.

They’re a reminder of how powerful Hallmark’s storytelling can be, and how deeply it resonates with viewers who find comfort and hope in the network’s signature brand of heartfelt entertainment.

Fans describe Britt as approachable, sincere, and refreshingly humble.

He often credits his parents for instilling in him a sense of gratitude and perspective, reminding him that fame is fleeting and that kindness lasts.

It’s this balance of humility and humor that makes him such a perfect fit for Hallmark’s family-friendly image—and such an irresistible presence at fan events.

What to Expect on the 2026 Hallmark Cruise

The upcoming Cruising With Friends event promises to be a dream come true for Hallmark enthusiasts.

With a limited number of cabins available, the voyage offers an unprecedented opportunity for one-on-one interaction with the stars.

Organizers have teased a variety of themed activities, including:

• Exclusive dinners hosted by Hallmark actors
• Interactive games and trivia sessions inspired by Hallmark movies
• Behind-the-scenes panels offering insight into upcoming projects
• Photo ops and autograph sessions with the cast
• Charity events benefiting community organizations supported by Hallmark

For fans who missed out on the sold-out Hallmark Christmas Cruise, this smaller sailing is the next best thing—maybe even better.

The intimate setting means less waiting in line and more real conversation with the stars who bring Hallmark’s magic to life.

The Power of Connection

What sets these Hallmark fan events apart is the emotional connection between the actors and their audience.

Britt often says that the fans’ stories—whether joyful or heartbreaking—remind him why he loves what he does.

He’s not just there to promote a movie; he’s there to listen, laugh, and share in the sense of community that Hallmark has built over the years.

That sense of connection is what keeps fans coming back year after year, whether to conventions, meet-and-greets, or cruises like this one.

Looking Ahead: Britt’s Next Hallmark Project

Before he sets sail in January, Britt will star opposite Tamera Mowry-Housley in the upcoming holiday film Tidings for the Season, premiering in November.

The movie continues Hallmark’s tradition of cozy, feel-good storytelling and is expected to be one of the network’s highlights for the season.

With his growing list of credits and fan-favorite status, Britt’s career is clearly on an upward trajectory—and the cruise is just another chance for fans to see the man behind the magic.

Anchored in Gratitude

As Britt gets ready for his next adventure, he’s holding tight to the values that got him here: humility, kindness, and gratitude. He’ll tell you himself—he still can’t quite believe people would travel across the country, or even hop on a ship, just to meet him.

Honestly, that disbelief is part of his charm. It’s what makes him relatable and genuinely lovable—the kind of person Hallmark fans seem to adore.

If you’re one of the lucky folks who scored a spot on the 2026 Cruising With Friends trip, you’re in for five days you probably won’t forget. Expect laughter, real connection, and those classic Hallmark moments with one of their brightest stars.

B.J. Britt might not be diving into the deep end of the pool anytime soon, but he sure seems to be jumping right into the hearts of Hallmark fans everywhere.