A Tale of Two Ships

May 11, 2026

Hey, cruisers!

As we settle into May, I’ve found myself looking up at the stars and wondering at the ships that take us there—and beyond. While we spend a lot of time talking about the crews, this week marks some pretty major milestones for the “characters” that don’t have as many lines as most other crew members, but definitely have souls: the starships.

On May 11, 2256, the USS Discovery played a pivotal role in the fateful Battle of the Binary Stars, the event that began the Federation-Klingon War. Now, depending on which side of the mycelial network you’re on, that day represents a lot of things: sacrifice, a galactic shift, the introduction of a ship that literally jumps through the universe, or the reinvigoration of Star Trek as a franchise. Watching the Discovery evolve from a 23rd science vessel into the beacon of hope for the 32nd century reminds me of why we love these ships and, really, Star Trek. They aren’t just a bunch of hulls, decks, and nacelles; they’re symbols of our resilience.

Then, just two days later on the calendar, we hit May 13. To most people, it’s just another spring day, but to us Trek fans, it’s the anniversary of the Enterprise NX-01’s launch in 2151. It’s hard to believe it’s been 25 years since we first hit warp 5 and went along with Captain Archer, T’Pol, Reed, Mayweather, Tucker, Sato, Phlox, and my favorite space-faring pooch (sorry, Alpha 177 canine), Porthos, to see what was beyond our own orbit. The NX-01 may not have been as tricked out as future Enterprises were, but it was held together by a common purpose, the strength of the Federation, and more than a little “faith of the heart.”

Both ships trekked throughout the universe (and sometimes another universe!) with crews of people who, despite being from different places, speaking different languages, or having different opinions, shared a common goal: to boldy go where no one had gone before.

It’s that spirit of coming together as a shipload of likeminded folks—as a family—that defines the Star Trek: The Cruise experience for me. When we’re all aboard together, we aren’t just passengers on a ship; we’re a crew on a mission to celebrate the legacy of every Enterprise, Discovery, Voyager, and Defiant that warped the way before us.

As we look toward the horizon of our 10th Anniversary sailing in 2027, I’m reminded that every great journey starts with a single launch. Whether it’s a cross-field displacement folder or a Scotty-patched warp core that’s finally ready to go, these ships, and The Mariner of the Seas, represent the best of our aspirations.

So, as you’re going about your week, take a look at that model on your shelf or that pin on your lanyard. I know you have at least one. Which iconic Star Trek ship is your “home” among the stars? Whether you’re a saucer-section traditionalist or a fan of the detached nacelles, I want to hear about the ship that makes you feel like you’ve finally arrived.

See you on the Alpha Quadrant!