Christmas at Sea is Hallmark Channel’s upcoming reality series, and it’s arriving just in time to make your July feel like December. As part of Hallmark’s 13th annual Christmas in July programming, the network is taking a fresh approach this year with something completely unscripted. This time, real fans set sail with their favorite Hallmark stars on a festive cruise adventure. Here at NetFilming, we’re breaking down all the details about where it was filmed and what viewers can expect.
Hosted by Jonathan Bennett, Christmas at Sea brings together Hallmark stars like Sarah Drew, Tyler Hynes, Erin Cahill, Kimberley Sustad, Andrew Walker, Wes Brown, Paul Campbell, and Benjamin Ayres. Instead of acting in a fictional story, these stars are simply being themselves—interacting with fans, sharing the holiday spirit, and celebrating real-life moments during a themed cruise.
The series is part of Hallmark’s 13th annual Christmas in July event, premiering on Monday, July 7, 2025, at 8 PM ET/PT. New episodes will air every Monday through July 28, and you can stream them the next day on Hallmark+.
Where Was Christmas at Sea Filmed?
The entire series was filmed onboard the Norwegian Gem, a popular cruise ship known for its Caribbean routes. Filming took place in November 2024, during Hallmark’s official “Christmas Cruise.”
Here’s a breakdown of the filming locations:
1. Miami, Florida—Departure Port
Miami served as the starting point for the cruise, where fans boarded the Norwegian Joy. Many opening shots were filmed here, showing how excited fans were to meet their favorite performers and set sail. The voyage started in Miami, where the sun shone on the harbor and the enthusiasm was high. There were photos of the ship’s deck and supporters waving goodbye to the coast. The opening of the series had a pleasant, welcoming air thanks to this coastal city.
2. Norwegian Joy Cruise Ship—The Heart of the Show
Most of the show’s content was filmed onboard while sailing through the Caribbean. Fans and stars were seen mingling in various areas of the ship, including lounges, event halls, gyms, restaurants, and the deck.
Several festive activities were recorded live, such as:
- Holiday-themed dinners
- Cookie-decorating competitions
- Karaoke sing-offs
- Q&A panels with the actors
- Group games and bonding sessions
Jonathan Bennett, who also hosted the Hallmark Cruise, kept the atmosphere energetic with his humor and enthusiasm. In one scene, you’ll even see Paul Campbell helping a fan plan a surprise proposal, while Tyler Hynes takes countless selfies with smiling passengers.
3. Nassau, Bahamas—Final Stop
The cruise’s destination was Nassau, Bahamas, where some scenes were filmed during the ship’s stop. Fans had fun at beachside events and holiday activities, bringing a warm, sunny vibe to the Christmas theme. The main focus was on the ship, but Nassau’s bright blue waters and lively scenery added a special tropical charm, making the series stand out from Hallmark’s usual snowy holiday shows.
Christmas at Sea Behind-the-Scenes Highlights
Christmas at Sea is unusual because it focuses on actual connections. Fans got to know their favorite idols better through games, deep talks and holiday memories. Jonathan Bennett, for example, kept the enthusiasm up by hosting and directing exciting games and talking to fans in person. One episode depicts a fan’s birthday party and another shows celebs like Kimberley Sustad and Andrew Walker talking to fans about their feelings. These real interactions make the show feel like a Hallmark embrace.
The show also catches surprises, like a proposal planned with input from the ensemble, which adds complexity to the story. Each episode advances Hallmark’s goal of drawing viewers closer to the wonders of their own world. This makes Christmas at Sea a celebration of community and holiday cheer.
When Was Christmas at Sea Filmed?
Christmas at Sea was filmed in November 2024. To ensure that there is a sense of reality, this approach helped capture unscripted moments where fans and stars celebrated together during actual times instead of fabricated timelines. The footage was then crafted into a four-part series that is planned to air in 2025 as part of Hallmark’s “Christmas In July” program.
Christmas at Sea Official Trailer
Set your calendars for July 7, 2025, and prepare to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with this unique series!
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