Get to Know J.G. Hertzler

October 22, 2024

J.G. Hertzler, known for his iconic role as Martok on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, is joining us on Star Trek: The Cruise VIII! Check out this exclusive Q&A and prepare for an unforgettable adventure with Star Trek’s most legendary stars!

This is your first Cruise with us! Have you ever been on any kind of cruises before, or into the Caribbean? 

A). In 1953 my father was transferred to Casablanca, Morocco.  We sailed on the USN Hodges, troop carrier, from NYC to Casablanca in 5 days.  A north Atlantic storm accompanied us the entire trip.  That’s when I became addicted to SALTINES!  B).  In 1957 my family returned to NYC, aboard the USS CONSTITUTION including a Mediterranean Cruise, to Genoa, Rome, Syracuse, Athens, Tripoli, Alexandria, Tunis and Tangiers…through the Straits of Gibralter… and home! C).  In 2023, I cruised aboard the Long Island Ferry from Bridgeport to Port Jeff to attend TREK LONG ISLAND in Hauppauge, NY.  D). In 1973, flew to Grand Bahama Island, snorkeled and drank for a week on a small boat.  Don’t remember much else!

THAT’S IT!…Until next February, 2025.

Martok is such a blue-collar Klingon — would he ever enjoy a vacation, like a cruise or a resort starliner? And would he ever take Sirella with him?

Martok was born in the garbage heaps of the Ketha Lowlands.  With no hope for service in the officer corps of the Klingon Defense Force.  “Pleasure cruises” are not part of his life.  However, if Lady Sirella requests it, Martok would move mountains to make it happen!

Fans know you enjoy acting, teaching and politics— but what’s another passion or hobby that most fans don’t know about you?

I have always sketched and painted.  I particularly enjoy painting small town America, farmers and cityscapes.  Pen and Ink media is my favorite.  Also, I played keyboards for THE WAKES, in the Washington DC region from 1966-69. We played the Hollies, Zombies, Sam and Dave, Spencer Davis, Booker T. among others of the R and R Greats of our time. (Think I recall maybe 3 songs, partly!)

Has your fellow Klingon chancellor and longtime Cruise veteran Robert O’Reilly clued you in on what to expect? What are you most looking forward to with fans of the seagoing variety?

O’Reilly never clues me in to anything.  He doesn’t have a clue!  Poor fella.  BUT….we are putting together the culmination of 25 years of performing at ST Conventions around the world.  Music, comedy, Shakespeare, Bad Dad Jokes, Klingon Ritual, Dueling, Opera, Special Guests and Conga Line…and Bloodwine (2309). 

What goal are you working toward right now?

Currently marketing a screenplay, “DANCING WITH SANCHO PANZA”, co-written with Jack Trevino, about Franco, Hemmingway, and Spain, 1938. 

What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend?

Mexican dinner at La Fiesta Brava with our close friends, the GATES FAMILY, (Huge ST fans and brilliant artists).

Star Trek: The Cruise VIII The only place to see J.G. Hertzler on the high seas in 2025. The Un-Conventional Voyage is sold out, but join the waitlist for a chance to embark on our starship at sea!