Once again, Hallmark is taking the viewers on a trip to Europe as the network leads them directly into southern Italy. Missing the Boat is a romantic adventure that blends stunning coastal scenery, charming towns, and the classic Hallmark theme, wrapped inside a cruise-gone-wrong storyline.
Starring Kristoffer Polaha and Emilie Ullerup, the film follows two strangers who miss their cruise ship during an Italian stop and are forced to race across the country together to catch up, a situation that turns chaos into connection.
Below, we break down, what locations were used in Italy, and why this project felt different for those involved.
Where Was Missing the Boat Filmed?
Missing the Boat was filmed in Italy, with production focusing on southern Italian coastal regions. Unlike many Hallmark movies that rely on Canadian stand-ins, this project embraced authentic European locations, giving the film a cinematic, travel-inspired feel.
The movie features:
- Italian cruise ports
- Coastal towns
- Historic streets
- Scenic countryside routes
These real locations play a major role in the story, since the characters are constantly on the move while trying to catch their cruise ship.
Italian Cruise Ports and Coastal Areas
Since the story begins aboard an Italian cruise, filming took place in real Italian port areas, capturing dockside views, ships, and coastal backdrops. These scenes ground the film in reality and immediately establish the European setting.
Southern Italy’s ports are known for:
- Bright waterfront promenades
- Colorful buildings
- Clear blue waters
These visuals help set the adventurous tone right from the start.
Historic Italian Towns and Streets
As Kelly and Parker race across Italy, the movie showcases small towns and historic streets that feel lived-in rather than overly polished. Narrow alleyways, stone staircases, and local cafés appear throughout the journey, giving the film a distinctly European rhythm.
These locations add:
- A sense of spontaneity
- Natural obstacles for the characters
- Romantic, old-world charm
It’s the kind of setting where getting lost feels magical instead of frustrating — which fits Hallmark’s storytelling perfectly.
Italian Countryside and Road Routes
Travel is central to Missing the Boat, so production also used Italian countryside routes for driving and transit scenes. Rolling landscapes, open highways, and rural views highlight the distance Kelly and Parker must cover to catch up with their cruise.
These scenes help show:
- The urgency of their mission
- The emotional shift as strangers slowly connect
- Italy’s quieter, less touristy beauty
It’s not just about reaching the destination, it’s about everything that happens along the way.
See the filming locations of recent winter escape movies:
Was Missing the Boat Actually Filmed in Italy?
Yes, the movie was genuinely filmed in Italy.
Kristoffer Polaha has openly shared behind-the-scenes stories confirming that the cast and crew filmed on location.
Fans have already noticed authentic Italian details in early previews, from signage to architecture, which further supports the real-world setting.
Filming abroad allowed the movie to:
- Feel more cinematic
- Capture real Italian culture
- Stand out from traditional Hallmark romances
This authenticity is one reason the movie feels different from typical network offerings.
Why Filming in Italy Made This Hallmark Movie Special
According to Kristoffer Polaha, Missing the Boat stood out as a unique Hallmark project. Stepping into Italy gave the story more room to breathe, with natural scenery doing much of the emotional storytelling.
Italy adds:
- Natural romance without forced moments
- Adventure through movement rather than conflict
- A travel-movie atmosphere Hallmark fans love
The setting itself becomes a character — unpredictable, beautiful, and full of surprises.
Missing the Boat Cast
Kristoffer Polaha as Parker
Kristoffer Polaha brings charm and grounded energy to the role, and filming in Italy gave him the freedom to react naturally to his surroundings. He has shared that many on-set moments fans noticed weren’t heavily staged, they came from real locations and real travel experiences.
Emilie Ullerup as Kelly
Emilie Ullerup’s performance benefits from the film’s movement-based storytelling. Her character evolves as the journey unfolds, and the Italian backdrop plays a key role in shaping that emotional growth.
Together, the cast’s chemistry feels organic, largely because the setting forced them into constant motion, just like their characters.
When Was Missing the Boat Filmed?
While Hallmark has not publicly confirmed exact filming dates, production took place during favorable Italian filming seasons, allowing for clear skies, vibrant outdoor scenes, and consistent daylight.
When Does Missing the Boat Premiere?
Missing the Boat premieres on January 31 at 8/7c on Hallmark Channel, and and streams on Hallmark+ on the next day of its premiere. Moreover, the film will reair on the following dates:
- Feb 1 at 6/5c
- Feb 4 at 8/7c
- Feb 14 at 10/9c
- Feb 28 at 12/11c
With its Italian filming locations, cruise-based storyline, and travel-romance vibe, the movie is positioned as one of Hallmark’s more visually ambitious projects of the season.
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