Couple (and real-life Royal Caribbean enthusiasts), Carlos and Alexa PenaVega star in The Hallmark Channel’s Love at Sea, premiering Saturday, August 11 at 9:00 p.m. ET/8:00 CT. Shot on board Harmony of the Seas, the movie takes viewers on a romantic adventure as the characters sail through the Caribbean, from The Bahamas to St. Kitts.
Alexa plays Olivia Grayham, an event planner who left her family’s hotel business to set out on her own career path. Tasked with organizing a large-scale event on board one of the world’s largest cruise ships, Olivia has accounted for every possible snafu—or so she thinks. When she discovers she’ll be working with unconventional Cruise Director Tony Rieves (played by Carlos), Olivia has to adjust to more than a few unexpected developments along the way. We won’t divulge any more details, but will say there are plenty of twists and turns, and a cameo by a pretty adorable baby.
Can’t catch the movie on Saturday, August 11? The Hallmark Channel will air it throughout August as part of its “Summer Nights” programming. Check out the additional dates here.
While on set, the PenaVegas and their 17-month-old son, Ocean, got a pretty major surprise: They were asked to be the cruise industry’s first-ever Godfamily for our newest (and the industry’s largest) ship, Symphony of the Seas! The selection of a new ship’s guiding spirit, customarily a godmother, is rooted in a longstanding maritime tradition. It felt only right to ask the PenaVegas, seeing as the couple has celebrated some truly unforgettable life moments aboard our ships. They got engaged on Oasis of the Seas and spent their babymoon aboard Allure of the Seas.
We chatted with Carlos and Alexa about their time on board. Read on for what it was like to film on a ship, the activities they couldn’t get enough of on their downtime, and the splashy proposal they’ll never forget.
How does filming on board a cruise ship like Harmony of the Seas compare to other set locations you’ve worked on? Anything you particularly liked about filming at sea?
It was truly a work-cation. A little bit of filming and an amazingship to run around on during our downtime. Can we make all our movies aboard Royal Caribbean ships?
This will be your second Hallmark movie, but you’ve sailed with Royal Caribbean many more times than that! What keeps you coming back?
Cruising with Royal Caribbean is the best and ultimate family vacation. There are so many things to do on the ship! Between the food, entertainment, pool and kids’ areas, it’s an endless amount of fun in the middle of the ocean. And we really need to give credit to the staff: They make every vacation so special. The service on board is just incredible.
Carlos plays a new Cruise Director with his own unique way of doing things, and Alexa plays a highly organized event planner. How far is this from the truth?
Alexa: Ha! Carlos is a lot like his character. Me, not so much. Carlos is very organized but also such an adventurer, which I think is very true to his character, Tony. But my character, Olivia, needs to loosen up a bit. Although, I could really use her organization skills.
Who’s more organized at home?
Alexa: Carlos!
You were asked to be the Godfamily of Symphony of the Seas when you were filming on board Harmony of the Seas. What was the experience like?
Surreal! We didn’t even know it was a possibility. I mean, sure, we fantasized about it (like we said, we are obsessed with cruising), but there had never been a Godfamily before – so it was like a dream. When we both came down the Ultimate Abyss to confetti and a celebration, we thought we had won a prize for being the 50,000th guests to slide down or something. Wrong! You could see it on our faces. We were so confused. But once we figured it out, we were floored. It was such a special moment that we get to share forever. We are the Godfamily of the biggest ship in the world! It doesn’t get cooler than that.
Your son Ocean makes his movie debut in Love at Sea. How was his first time on set?
We were so proud of him! We never thought we would become “those” parents who obsess over everything their kid does, but we are. We are so in love with that little boy. We can’t wait for everyone to see his debut.
Did you manage to fit in any favorite onboard activities while filming?
Yes! We both love the FlowRider. It’s a little tough at first, but once you get the hang of it you can’t stop. And of course, the soft serve by the pool is a must. One of our favorite restaurants is Wonderland. The food is phenomenal and the experience of eating there is so special. It’s unlike any restaurant we’ve ever been to.
Thank you, Carlos and Alexa! Don’t forget to watch the movie this weekend. And if you’re ready to book your own Caribbean adventure, head here to find your perfect cruise.
