Hollywood goes to sea for short film series

Lights!

Camera!

Cruise Ship?

Called the “Ocean Views” film project, Hollywood’s James Brolin, Jenny McCarthy and a boat load of stars recently wrapped up shooting a series of original short films as Hollywood goes to sea on board Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas.

(Don’t think “infomercial” yet please)

Brolin and McCarthy both directed and star in the series along with Dean Cain, Charles Malik Whitfield, Scott Elrod and others sponsored by Royal Caribbean International, a first for any cruise line. The film series is available on Royal Caribbean’s website and YouTube channel.

(Not yet, and wipe that look of disgust off your face too.)

The cruise line hopes the series attracts a variety of audiences, including those who may not have otherwise shown interest in taking a cruise vacation.

“In today’s ever-changing digital landscape, it’s important to recognize that consumers are getting their information from a variety of channels,” stated Betsy O’Rourke, SVP Marketing, Royal Caribbean International. “Royal Caribbean has always been known for its innovation, and the creation of these short films allows us to share our story with a wider audience that may not have considered a cruise vacation.”

(Now. Go for it. Throw your pack and best hiking stick at the computer screen.)

McCarthy’s film is called “The Allure of Love” which tells the story of two friends and their plan to get two exes back together. But things go sideways when technology gets in the way and the couple engages in a game of online picture posting one-upsmanship. It’s an unexpected comedic journey about rekindling romance on the high seas.

Let’s take a look shall we?


Actually, this looks pretty good. Way better than what we saw on last Saturday’s
Video of the Day: Saturday Night Live mocks cruises. That was painful to watch.

Brolin directs and stars in “Royal Reunion,” a short film about a multi-generational family voyage on Royal Caribbean International’s Allure of the Seas. Ben and Elaine are celebrating their 40th anniversary on a cruise with their son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter. All that is missing is their fun-loving son who decides to hide out and surprise everyone with his unexpected presence. After a series of comedic near-misses with his parents and brother, he discovers that the biggest surprises of all are the things that he doesn’t know about his family.

Here are the actors in real life, really at sea. See? Hollywood went to sea.


“The Allure of Love” and “Royal Reunion” will debut on Sunday March 13 during an exclusive premiere event onboard Allure of the Seas in her home port of Port Everglades in Florida.

Trailers for the short films are available at www.RoyalCaribbean.com and the films will be available in their entirety at 4p.m. on Sun., March 13.

Immediately following the premiere, Jenny McCarthy (@jennymccarthy) will host a Twitter party from 5p.m. – 6p.m. with Justin Baldoni (@justinbaldoni), Amy Yasbeck (@amyyasbeck4real) and Scott Elrod (@scott_elrod) to discuss the films and their experiences onboard Allure of the Seas. Media and consumers alike can join the party by following #OceanViews on Twitter and follow host @RoyalCaribbean.