KISS Kruise II Departing from Miami on Halloween, Pre-Party at Grand Central

Black makeup, platform shoes, and leather pants are seldom worn on the high seas. But once a year, the KISS Navy throws a bash aboard a luxury vessel and encourages folks to dress like their favorite 1970s rock stars. Skippered by Admiral Gene Simmons and Co-Commanding Officer Paul Stanley, KISS...

By Victor Gonzalez

September 14, 2012

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Black makeup, platform shoes, and leather pants are seldom worn on the high seas. But once a year, the KISS Navy throws a bash aboard a luxury vessel and encourages folks to dress like their favorite 1970s rock stars.

Skippered by Admiral Gene Simmons and Co-Commanding Officer Paul Stanley, KISS Kruise II will set sail from the Port of Miami on a four-night, five-day Caribbean "assignment" aboard the Norwegian Pearl next month on Halloween.

But if you can't spare $1,500 to join 'em at sea, Grand Central's hosting the official KISS Kruise II pre-party on the eve of Simmons and Stanley's scheduled departure. The only drawback, there's no guarantee that KISS will actually make an appearance.

On the cruise, however, it's total (limited) access.

"Many of you requested that KISS interacts more," reads a statement on the KISS Kruise website, "and after this inaugural sailing they are excited to do just that!"

This year, each fan will have the opportunity to pose for a picture with KISS...in full makeup! Additionally, they'll already have an autographed "Kruise print" waiting for them in their cabin at check-in.

Each member of the band will also host an onboard activity at some point during the cruise, perhaps along the lines of a Gene Simmons belly flop contest or Paul Stanley's hairiest chest competition.

And yes, all-you-can-eat buffets, non-carbonated beverages, and an unmasked KISS show on the pool deck will also be part of this year's festival at sea.

KISS Kruise ... Don't you wanna rock 'n' roll 'n' yaw all night, and try not to puke all day?

KISS Kruise II Pre-Party. With the NO. 13s. Tuesday, October 30. Grand Central, 697 N. Miami Ave., Miami. The party starts at 8 p.m. and admission is free with [email protected]. Ages 18 and up. Call 305-377-2277 or visit grandcentralmiami.com.

KISS Kruise II. With KISS, Skid Row, Adler, Yacht Rock Revue, and others. Wednesday, October 31, to Saturday, November 4, aboard Norwegian Pearl, boarding at Port of Miami, 1015 N. America Way, Miami. Available cabins cost $1,500 to $1,700 plus fees. Visit thekisskruise.com.

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