February 04, 2016

A Rookie’s Guide to a BSB Cruise

For all the first time cruisers or perhaps those still contemplating the cruise, the concept of cruising with your favorite group is super exciting! But it can also be hard to fully wrap your mind around exactly what’s going to go down. Here’s a quick rundown of all the excitement that awaits on #BSBCruise2016!
 
Sailaway Party
When we get to LITERALLY sail away into the sunset with the Backstreet Boys. And if that’s not enough, the boys have been known to wear sailor outfits to this event. It’s an
amazing party that kicks off the  cruise and we say bon voyage.
 
Theme Night Deck Parties
The deck parties are one of the most fun aspects of the cruise! Every night the fans and the Backstreet Boys will aggregate outside by the pool and party into the wee hours of the morning. Everyone (including the Backstreet Boys) gets dressed up in the spirit of the theme and generally there will be fun games or activities centered around said theme. In the past we’ve done everything from playing truth or dare during Pajama Night to bobbing for apples during Halloween Night. During the deck parties you can expect drinks to be flowing, fun costumes, and the boys to be mingling and taking selfies with fans. 
 
Door Decoration Contest
This is something that isn’t always publicized, but so much fun to participate in. Fans like to show their BSB love by decorating the outside of their cabin door with all sorts of different pictures, posters, and BSB paraphernalia. Every year they announce the winner(s) and the prizes have ranged from front row seats to the concert to getting pulled up on stage with the guys. 
 
Meet & Greet/Photos
The part where you 100% are guaranteed to meet the Backstreet Boys. Yes, you really do get to meet them! For the photos, you’ll need to be in a group with 4-5 fans. No need to stress if you don’t have a group, the staff will match you up. Otherwise there’s not much else you need to know except that you’ll have your arms around your favorite Backstreet Boy *sigh*
 
Concert
The time to rock out to all your fave songs! The boys will do 2 concerts on the cruise, 1 for each dining group. The seats are assigned so no need to camp out for spots. Just know that cruise concerts are the BEST. They’re a lot more laid back than your typical land-based concert which means we get rare, unreleased songs, comical banter, and other ridiculous antics. You just can’t get these sorts of concerts anywhere else.
 
Backstreet TV
Fans, there is an entire channel that just loops Backstreet Boy videos. Its freakin’ fantastic and it almost makes me want to never leave the cabin. Almost.
 
Casino Games
If you’re a cardshark (or even if you’re not), you’ll get a chance to play blackjack or poker WITH a Backstreet Boy. Everyone has the opportunity to sign up and try for a shot at playing in the finals of either tournament, where you’ll get to play alongside a Backstreet Boy! So brush up on those card skills now. It’s worth it. 
 
Game Show
Every cruise the boys will play a fun, new game and invite a few lucky fans to join them on stage (fingers already crossed!) While we don’t know what the game show is quite yet, I’m sure it’ll be full of lots of laughs. In the past they’ve done things like, Are you Smarter than a Backstreet Boy, 90’s Game Show, and Family Feud. 
 
Q&A
It’s like a soundcheck party but longer and better. Fans get the chance to ask the boys all sorts of questions. And speaking from experience, the questions are thoughtful and unique, making it a one-of-a-kind event.  You can expect a lot of laughs, funny stories, and insightful responses.
 
Roommate Match Program
I include this on the list because it’s near and dear to my heart. It’s important to know that if you’re like me and don’t have anyone in your “normal” circle of friends willing to take this trip with you, there are other fans who are in the same boat (no pun intended) who are also dying to go but no one to travel with. Don’t let that stop you! If I let it stop me 6 years ago, I would’ve missed out on the memories of a lifetime. Rose Tours offers a Roommate Match Program to pair you up with another amazing fan so take advantage.
 
This is just a fraction of what you can expect on board a BSB cruise. This doesn’t even get into the ports, excursions, random run-ins with BSB, experiencing the beautiful ship, meeting other fans, and other potential events (solo events, scavenger hunts, beach parties, karaoke, etc). I know they’ll have more fun surprises in store for us and I can’t wait!
 
If you have any questions for a past-cruiser, feel free to ask below. 
 
For more information on #BSBCruise2016, visit backstreetboyscruise.com 
 
Written by Laura D.