Galacticruise Sets Sail in Los Angeles

On Monday, Richard Hatch and another 100 Galactica friendly travelers, including the series original actors, and die-hard fans, set sail on a five day, four night roundtrip cruise to Mexico. On their voyage through the Pacific Ocean, they will mark the 30 year anniversary of the 1978 series premiere.

"Cruises are nice, for me, the X factor is that I happen to be a people person," said Hatch.

Hatch starred as Captain Apollo on the 1978-79 series. In the past four years, he has starred as Tom Zarek on the Sci-Fi channel remake. Other Galactica veterans prepared to embark include Terry Carter (Col. Tigh) and Sarah Rush (Flight Cpl. Rigel).

Overall, eight actors and two behind the scenes producers will set sail. Composer Stu Phillips and writer Terrance McDonnell will set to sea with 85 fans.

"Never in my wildest imagination did I ever imagine doing a cruise with these people," said Shawn O'Donnell, president of the Battlestar Fanclub.

To Hatch, cruises are nothing out of the ordinary, he has hosted and executed several events on land and at sea.

Some people are skeptical of a convention on a cruise ship.

"Some people are concerned they won't have any privacy," Hatch says. "I tell people, this is a big boat. If you want to be alone, you can be alone."

Hatch jokingly recalls another expedition at sea when one of his costars, Dirk Benedict (Lt. Starbuck), was stalked by a gaggle of women.

All in all he says, "People are very respectful on cruises."

Among the events scheduled for the 2,000 passengers include a screening of the series pilot that took place on Sept. 17, 1978.

"I will hope that everybody has a moment. All of us are very, very excited," said O'Donnell.