Star Trek: The Tour -- the highly anticipated  50,000 square foot traveling interactive exhibit of Star Trek sets, props, models, motion-simulator rides and more from all five Trek series and all 10 Trek films -- will visit 40 cities around the country, kicking off in Long Beach, California on January 18.

Trek production designer Herman Zimmerman, costume designer Robert Blackman, make-up supervisor Michael Westmore and visual effects producer Dan Curry are among the folks behind the traveling exhibit, with creator Gene Roddenberry’s son Eugene “Rod” Roddenberry providing narration for the exhibits and star William “Kirk” Shatner the official ambassador of the event. Shatner will make appearances at a select number of the stops on the tour. 

“Star Trek: The Tour promises to be the largest, most interactive and entertaining Star Trek event ever presented to the public,” says Captain Kirk (and not William Shatner, mind you) in the press release. “This will truly be an impressive experience for the whole family and I am happy to be associated with it.”

Highlights include:

The chance to take a ride through a Star Trek adventure in four full-motion, show-based flight simulators.

An all-new multimedia Encounter Theater, built like a theater in the round with 360 degree video screens. Computer-generated sequences put visitors in the middle of the Star Trek action.

The opportunity for exhibit-goers to sit on a full-size Enterprise bridge from the original TV series and have their photo taken and superimposed with an image of the original cast – including Spock, McCoy and Scotty – to look as if the Enterprise crew is standing right next to them.

Detailed recreations of original sets from Star Trek: The Next Generation, including Captain Picard’s quarters, Dr. Crusher’s sick bay and the majestic NCC-1701-D Bridge.

The ability for guests to star with the original cast in an episode of their choice and watch themselves interact with Star Trek icons such as Spock and Scotty. Guests can even take home a DVD of their cameo to share with family and friends.

Sweeeeeet!

Trekmovie.com: Star Trek Tour Starts in January