'Rider Strong Recounts Challenging Experience on 90s Fan Cruises'
'Boy Meets World' star Rider Strong reveals his 'nightmare' experience on a 90s fan cruise, expressing the overwhelming guilt he felt for not being able to fully engage with fans as a teenage celebrity
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For Rider Strong, going on cruises with fans in the ‘90s was nothing short of a “nightmare.”
During the "Pod Meets World" podcast episode on Sunday, November 19, Strong, aged 43, discussed his experiences with Sail the Stars. The actor, famous for his role as Shawn Hunter on Boy Meets World from 1993 to 2000, revealed how he and his family enjoyed a complimentary cruise in exchange for fans having the opportunity to meet their favorite celebrities.
Strong shared, "The benefit for me and my family was the chance to go on a free cruise. However, the downside was being confined to a boat with no escape, and constantly working." Speaking to cohosts Danielle Fishel and Will Friedle, he expressed that privacy was lacking outside of their cramped cabins. "Anyone could approach us, and these fans had paid a considerable amount of money... They felt entitled to engage with us, get to know us, take pictures, dance, and even dine with us. It was overwhelming and uncomfortable to be constantly sought after for companionship throughout the entire trip."
Strong recalled that his first cruise experience only involved minimal interactions on stage, such as waving and saying hello. However, his second trip was much grander in scale, featuring notable celebrities like Fishel, Tia and Tamera Mowry, Jodie Sweetin, and Jonathan Taylor Thomas. This trip demanded a constant and energetic performance from him, including nightly dance routines on stage.
As an actor, one might assume that Strong would be comfortable in such a role. However, he admitted that he was not entirely at ease with the demands placed upon him during the cruise. What made the experience particularly challenging for him was the complete lack of privacy. He emphasized that he was going through a difficult time, being only 15 years old and not desiring fame.
Strong remembered being envious of Taylor Thomas, 42, who seemed just as miserable at dancing but appeared more self-assured and confident in refusing such activities. "Being a kid or teenager, it was particularly difficult for me to grasp the concept of boundaries and learn how to establish them," he added.
Despite initially expressing disinterest in going on a second cruise due to a disappointing first experience, Strong's perspective changed when his mom presented him with an enticing offer he couldn't resist.
Rider Strong playing a guitar, September 1995 Ron Wolfson/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Strong confessed that he spent a significant amount of time secluded in his room to avoid participating in the major events, causing the Sail With the Stars organization to express disappointment. He justified his actions by stating that since it was for charity, he felt like he was not fulfilling his duties. Friedle, aged 47, sympathetically responded that it was disheartening to engage in charitable endeavors only to be criticized and accused of neglecting responsibilities. He firmly expressed that such behavior was unacceptable.
On the other hand, Fishel shared a contrasting experience, describing her time on the cruise ships as the most enjoyable period of her life.
She couldn't contain her excitement as she reminisced about the memory, calling it one of the most remarkable experiences she had ever had. "Having my entire family there, surrounded by love, indulging in delicious food, with unlimited virgin Pina Coladas at every corner," she exclaimed. Fishel went on to mention that her on-off boyfriend, Taylor Thomas, and her "future crush," Strong, were also present. However, Strong's aloofness puzzled her. "I could never understand why he was so antisocial and preferred to hide out in his room while we were having so much fun," she mused.
