Backstreet's Back Halloween Night: The Mummy's Revenge

We officially have our second theme night- Halloween Night part 2. Here's the scoop...

Picture this: Your bus breaks down and you're forced to stay at a creepy hotel full of werewolves, vampires, mummies, and ridiculously good dancers. Sound familiar? We're bringing it back for our second official theme night of the 2014 Backstreet Boys Cruise!! Backstreet's Back Halloween Night: The Mummy's Revenge.
Pack some extra TP, there may be some mummy wrapping happening!

 

I'm not sure how I feel about this. It was a lot of fun last year, but I was really hoping for something new and different. I could definitely see myself repeating my costume from last year, depending how creative I'm feeling in the next couple of months. I will say that I really enjoyed seeing how creative people got with their customers, so I'm looking forward to seeing that again next year.

Meanwhile I'm also curious how the boys will dress up. They're almost leading us to believe it'll be the same costumes from the Everybody video, which could be a lot of fun. Who doesn't want to see Dracula Howie D?

So what does everyone else think about this theme? Any ideas on what you're costume will be yet?

AJ Spills About the Cruise

She Knows just published the article, "What happens on the Backstreet Boys Cruise is retold in great, juicy detail by AJ McLean."  Fun article with AJ rehashing some of the great moments of the last cruise including Bachelorette night. Here's an excerpt:

"This is a time for everyone to just go and let loose. Forget about your 9-5, your troubles or stresses you're dealing with at home, your jobs and personal life; and just come out and have fun with your favorite band for three whole nights and days." - AJ

The article is definitely getting me even more excited for the upcoming cruise. I think the thing I'm most looking forward to is seeing how they intend to top bachelorette night.

Studio 54 Night

In a nice turn of events, our first official theme night was announced quite early and its Studio 54 Night!! I like that they provided a teaser video for us, though it almost spoils the fun of being surprised to see what they're going to wear on the cruise. Well, I guess I'm going to have to do shopping!

 

Studio 54 Night

Preview of what's to come

21 Simple Backstreet Cruise Hacks

Here are 21 (hopefully) helpful cruise hacks for both you first time and repeat cruises!

1. Bring a water bottle. I found standing on that lido deck all afternoon under the hot sun- a water bottle would've been super helpful. Its a lot of general admission types of events so if you don't want to forgo your spot, be prepared to stand there for a while and stay hydrated.
   
   
2. Comfy shoes. I cannot emphasize this enough. Lots of standing around.
   
   
3. Don't ask the boys for pictures before or after the meet & greet. They JUST took a picture with everyone on board and I don't think its fair to ask them for anymore. I've seen cruisers ask Brian for photos and he'll actually make this same comment. Be considerate.
   
   
4. Bring extra camera batteries and memory if you get snap happy like myself.
   
   
5. Take a moment and appreciate where you are. So simple but many fail to do this.
   
   
6. Don't wait to take pics with your friends. So often I'd run into a friend and say "oh we'll take a picture later" but later never comes.
   
   
7. Try to come down early or stay later in Miami if you can. Lots of fans in the area and its a great way to relax a bit amid all the chaos that is a Backstreet cruise.
   
   

   

   Downtown Miami
   
   

8. You have a better chance of a run-in when there is a solo event or everyone is aggregated at an event waiting for the boys. So for example when everyone is out on the beach waiting for BSB to show up, there's an increased likelihood of seeing them out and about on the ship. Similarly if everyone is up on the lido deck watching Howie's solo concert, there would be lighter crowds elsewhere on board.
   
   
9. Best time to go merch shopping is first night during your dinner when the other group is in their event. Just sneak out in between courses. There's no one there and they still have all of the items available.
   
   
10. Arrive at the cruise terminal early enough and you'll be able to see the boys arrive and board before everyone else.
    

    

    Boys arriving at the cruise terminal
    
    

11. Take advantage of the live streams of the lido deck on the TV in your stateroom. Good way to quickly check the weather or crowds without ever having to leave your room.
    
    
12. Nick, Howie and AJ to a lesser extent all seem to like to hang out in the casino if they have some down time. I'm just saying if you have to cross the length of the ship, may as well pass through the casino. 
    
    
13. Take pictures with the cardboard cutouts sooner than later because last year they were stolen (dont even get me started on that) before the cruise was over.
    
    

    

    Cardboard version of Brian, Kevin, Howie, Nick & AJ
    
    

14. Act normal. Such a simple concept but as long as you stay cool, the boys will stay cool. As soon as things get out of hand is when they'll pull back from us.
    
    
15. Get to events a little early if you can. Sometimes if you're lucky there might be a bonus sighting. I'm thinking of Kevin's solo event when he came out before he was supposed to and practiced on the piano a bit.
    
    
16. Keep your eyes peeled in the main dining room during dinner for the boys. I've seen Brian and Howie eat there. Heard about Kevin eating in there as well. Meanwhile I believe AJ has been spotted upstairs in the buffet for dinner. Unsure about Nick but I've never seen him in the main dining room for dinner except that first year.
    
    
17. If you need anything the first 6 hours or so on board, pack it in your carry-on. Otherwise be prepared that you might not see it for a while. (Credit to Cory)
    
    
18. Don't waste time trying to meet people at certain places/times. It rarely works. Its easy for one of you to get caught up because you spotted Brian taking pictures somewhere or whatever the case may be.
    
    
19. Pack layers for the deck party and plan for all types of weather. In the past we've experienced it all from hot sun and rain to cold windy nights. (Credit to Cory)
    
    
20. To dial your friends cabin you need to enter the deck number then room number.
    
    
21. Don't feel pressure to spend a ton on your theme outfits or door decorations. You can do as little or as much as you want in either category and be totally fine.

The Who's Who of BSB Cruising

A reader suggested a while back that I do a post on all the important people in the BSB and BSB cruising world. And I know she asked me ages ago, but better late than never, right?

Backstreet Management

Jenn

Melissa

Jenn Sousa- BSB's manager. Super sweet. You'll most likely see her hosting the game shows.

Melissa Mondello- Assistant Manager.

Ground Ctrl- They manage the general day to day interactions between the Backstreet Boys, their management, and the fans. You'll see them on board but they are not the ones you go to for most cruise related issues.

Eddie and Justin (Left to Right)

Eddie Meehan- CEO & Co-Founder of Ground Ctrl. You'll probably see him around the boys taking care of loose ends. I believe last year he was interviewing a few girls for some video that I have yet to see.

Justin Segura- Photographer/Event Coordinator of Ground Ctrl. He'll generally be the one with the camera.

Rose Tours- Company that organizes theme cruises, including the BSB cruise of course. You go to them for any questions/concerns related to the cruise.

Complete Rose Tour Staff

Michelle (back row 2nd from left) and Jeannie (far right).

Hal Roseman with the Backstreet Boys

Bill & Suzanne Roseman with Brian

Michelle Moore- Event Coordinator of Rose Tours. As her title suggests, she runs the BSB events on board.

Jeannie Gearhart- Manager of Rose Tours. She's the one you'll most likely email or speak to with any issues/concerns before the cruise.

Hal Roseman- President of Rose Tours

Bill Roseman- CEO of Rose Tours

Suzanne Roseman- CEO of Rose Tours

Lots more important people who work there, obviously, but sadly I don't know everyone so just highlighting a few.

Backstreet Boys' Security

Backstreet Boys Security Team

In order from left to right:

Mike E.- Nick's bodyguard.

Aaron- Sorry, don't know his name. Anyone out there know it? *Update* His name is Aaron per 'Anonymous' below. Thanks!

Keith- Kevin's bodyguard   .

Drew P.- Head of security. Brian's bodyguard.

Josh N.- AJs bodyguard.

Family & Friends- With every subsequent cruise this category has dwindled down, so I'm not going through everyone. I'll just cover the important people I can remember who attended the last cruise, as I assume they'd have the greatest chance of attending in 2014.

Curtis, Leighanne, and Jodi on the 2013 cruise

Howie & his bro, John, on the 2013 cruise. (And AJ enjoying some pizza.)

Leighanne Littrell- Brian's wife and CEO of Wylee. 

Jodi & Curtis Hartley- Friends of Brian & Leighanne. Jodi is also a Wylee sales rep.

John Dorough- Howie's brother.

Backstreet Boys- Can't forget these 5...

Captain Backstreet Boys

Howie- The "latin one." On the cruise can generally be seen with at least 1 drink in his hand and closing down down the deck parties, winning the honor of last Backstreet Boy to go to bed.

AJ- The "bad boy." On the cruise can generally be seen doing whatever it takes to make sure us fans have a good time.

Kevin- The "mature, responsible one." On the cruise can generally be seen spending hours in the same spot surrounded by mobs of fans taking pictures and signing autographs. Seriously, the man has the patience of a saint and deserves some sort of award.

Nick- The "cute one." On the cruise can generally be seen working the crowd from the stage and seductively hamming it up for the fans.

Brian- The "funny one." On the cruise can generally be seen doing the same silly antics he does on-land, but now on the high seas.

Seasoned cruisers and fans- please comment below if I mis-stated anything or missed anyone. And shout out to my girls- Ashley, Chrissy, and Anne Marie for helping with this one!

5 Theories why the Cruise isn't Sold Out Yet

First things first, in case you may have missed it, Ticketmaster is doing a cruise sweepstakes (just for US citizens) so be sure to sign up for your chance to win!

Enter Here for Chance to Win a Free BSB Cruise

I assume other contests as well cruise deals will start popping up soon. It seems like we're repeating 2011 and the cruise just isn't selling very well. I have a couple of ideas as to why....

Why the Cruise Isn't Sold Out Yet

1. Need a New Itinerary- It's the same itinerary and more or less the same ship as before. Yes, its technically a different ship, but its the sister ship the the Imagination thus its virtually the same thing. At least in my opinion. We're also sailing out of Miami again and going to Half Moon Cay. While I personally don't care that we're going to the same ports, particularly because I really like Half Moon Cay, it's still nothing new. But bottom line- they're not giving repeat cruisers a compelling reason to return.
   
   
2. No Buzz- Last year there was a lot of excitement around the 20th anniversary and Kevin returning. They just simply don't have that same level excitement this year to act as a draw.
   
   
3. Cost- Money. Period. This is not a cheap trip and I think some fans just don't have any more to give after 3 cruises and the IAWLT tour. VIP prices are going up; concert prices are going up. It's hard to justify keep pouring money into the Backstreet Boys as we get older and have more grown-up responsibilities. Now I don't fall into this category ;)... but I think some fans do.
   
   
4. It's Getting Old- A lot of repeat cruisers have now done this up to 3 times, and I think some fans have "gotten their fill" of the BSB cruising experience. I find the experience to be a ton of fun, but its a bit formulaic at this point. We know we'll get concerts, beach parties, deck parties, game shows- just a matter of different themes and different game. Its a fantastic formula, but I feel like they need to push themselves to think outside of the box. Give us a reason to keep coming back. Do a pool party. Do Brunch with the Boys. Do a slumber party in their hall. I think in conjunction with having the new fun activities, they need to PROMOTE them. We don't get the fun details on what they're doing until 2 weeks before the cruise. So how can they expect to attract new cruisers this way?
   
   
5. European Tour- By having the European leg of the In a World Like this tour, I suspect many Europeans are struggling to justify the added expense given that they had a chance to see the boys just a few months before the cruise.

Europe Cruise

So I stumbled on this video from a recent sound check party where the fans ask the boys if they would consider doing a European cruise.

Boys discussing a potential European Cruise

I found the answer quite interesting. Typically when they've been asked this question in the past, the simple reply was, "We'd love to do a European cruise." Well this time Kevin chimed in and said they've actually trying to develop a relationship with a cruise line that operates in the Mediterranean. I still don't know how seriously they're entertaining the idea, but it certainly got me thinking.

As an American, of course I'm biased and hope they decide to stick with the US. As much as I've always wanted to do a Mediterranean cruise, I think combining that with a BSB cruise isn't necessarily the way I'd choose to go. For starters the cost scares me immensely, especially factoring in the conversion rate. Now I'm starting to fathom what you international fans must go through! I also don't think I'd be able to enjoy the ports because there would be too much Backstreet activity to focus on. I barely get to see any of the islands we do now. 

There are clearly still so many unknowns, its hard to say if I'd actually go. So many factors to consider- from cost to timing. I do know I'd try my best to be on that ship because at this point I don't think I could miss a BSB cruise. I also imagine I'd extend my trip and make a point to see some of Europe.

Putting aside the fact whether or not I would go, I do think it makes business sense for them, just given how high the demand is in Europe. I suspect one of the reasons the cruise hasn't sold out this year is because there's a European tour. Fans simply just don't have the budget for both. 

One last thought- if they decide to use a European based company aside from Rose Tours, I think the cruise has the potential to be very different. Rose Tours has a strict formula that they stick to. Beach Party + 3 Themed deck parties + Game show + Concert =  BSB Cruise. Not saying thats a bad thing, because it really is a great formula. But I can only imagine that if a different company were running the show we might have a totally different experience.

UPDATE
Found another video at a recent after party where AJ brings up wanting to do a European cruise. Granted we can't always trust AJ, but they're definitely talking about it.

Cruise talk starts 3 minutes in.