Hallmark Channel Announces 18 Stars for 2026 Christmas Cruise

Hallmark Channel fans, get ready—your holiday dreams are about to set sail for real. The 2026 Hallmark Christmas Cruise is happening, and honestly, this lineup might be the most fun yet.

Picture it: 18 Hallmark stars on board, cruising from Miami to the Bahamas. You’ll get sun by day, holiday sparkle by night, and the kind of access to your favorite actors that you just can’t get anywhere else.

If you’ve ever wanted to sip cocoa with a Hallmark heartthrob while rocking flip-flops, well, this is your shot.

The Ultimate Hallmark Holiday Getaway Returns

The Hallmark Christmas Cruise has become a fan event people actually look forward to all year. For 2026, it’s back, bigger and brighter than before.

It sails from October 23 to October 27, heading out from Miami, Florida and making its way to the Bahamas—specifically, Great Stirrup Cay—before looping back.

Imagine ocean breezes with a side of Christmas cheer, palm trees wrapped in twinkle lights, and your favorite stars just hanging out nearby. It’s not just a vacation. It’s a Hallmark-style immersion for people who live for cozy romances and happy endings.

And yes, there’s plenty of Christmas magic, even with all that sunshine.

Your 2026 Co-Hosts Are Back

Fan favorites Jonathan Bennett and Nikki DeLoach are back to host. These two know how to keep things lively—they bring warmth, laughs, and honestly, they just get the fans.

They’ll be everywhere: live shows, events, popping up when you least expect it. If you want to feel like part of the Hallmark family, they make it happen.

Meet the 18 Stars Setting Sail

The big headline, though, is the lineup. This year, 18 Hallmark Channel stars are packing their bags and bringing the holiday spirit along for the ride.

There are familiar faces and a couple of new ones joining for the first time. Here’s who’s coming:

• Andrew Walker
• Ashley Williams
• B.J. Britt
• Benjamin Ayres
• Daniel Lissing
• Emilie Ullerup
• Erin Cahill
• Heather Hemmens
• Kimberley Sustad
• Paul Campbell
• Rachel Boston
• Sarah Drew
• Taylor Cole
• Wes Brown
• Will Kemp
• Jonathan Bennett
• Nikki DeLoach

It’s basically a Hallmark all-star team. You’ve got leading men, Christmas queens, and almost every corner of the Hallmark universe repped.

First-Time Cruisers Bring Fresh Energy

One of the most buzzed-about things for 2026? Daniel Lissing and Emilie Ullerup are coming aboard for the very first time.

Fans have been hoping for this. Both have pretty devoted followings, so their debut is bound to spark a rush for photo ops and meet-and-greets.

The rest of the crew are cruise veterans by now. They know how to make it special for everyone who shows up.

What Actually Happens on a Hallmark Christmas Cruise

If you’re picturing a basic cruise with a couple of celebrity sightings, nope. The Hallmark Christmas Cruise is more like stepping onto a floating movie set—except you’re in the cast.

Past trips (especially the hyped 2025 cruise) have been packed with themed activities and exclusive entertainment. It’s not just about standing in line for an autograph.

Festive Events That Go Far Beyond Autographs

Some of the signature experiences have included:

• Holiday singalongs—the whole ship turns into one big Christmas choir
• Exclusive movie screenings of Hallmark favorites
• Wild ugly Christmas sweater contests
• Interactive live game shows with fans in the spotlight
• Big, sparkly Broadway-style variety shows
• Behind-the-scenes panels with the stars

These aren’t just for watching. People sing, laugh, compete, and honestly, just have a blast with the actors they love.

The vibe is close-knit and upbeat—sometimes even a little emotional. For a lot of folks, it feels like a family reunion, but for people who love Hallmark stories.

A Tropical Twist on Christmas Tradition

It’s pretty wild, celebrating Christmas while you’re sailing to the Bahamas. Great Stirrup Cay is all turquoise water and perfect beaches—a total flip from the snowy towns you see on Hallmark movies.

But the ship itself? It transforms. There are decorations everywhere, themed drinks, and people go all out with their holiday outfits. It’s Christmas in October, and honestly, nobody’s mad about it.

Why Cabins Are Already in High Demand

Cabins for 2026 are already getting snapped up. If the past is any clue, they won’t last long.

A tropical cruise plus 18 Hallmark stars? That’s a combo you don’t see every day. For super-fans, it’s not just a trip—it’s a celebration of the movies, the actors, and the community they’ve built around these stories.

The Hallmark Fandom Is Stronger Than Ever

Events like this cruise show just how passionate Hallmark fans are. What started as a seasonal TV block has turned into something way bigger—conventions, cruises, destination experiences, you name it.

The 2026 cruise isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s Hallmark doubling down on what it does best: giving people spaces to connect, feel good, and maybe believe in a little bit of magic.

Should You Book That Cabin

If talking about your favorite scenes with Andrew Walker sounds like paradise, then maybe this cruise is for you. Imagine catching a live show with Paul Campbell or sharing a laugh with Ashley Williams—honestly, that’s hard to beat.

Toss in tropical beaches, some themed parties, and four days packed with holiday spirit. It’s obvious why this event just keeps getting bigger every year.

The 2026 Hallmark Christmas Cruise is shaping up to be a real treat for fans, mixing sunshine and snowflakes in a way only Hallmark would even attempt. If you’re lucky enough to get a cabin, October can’t come fast enough, right?