Imagine this: Your significant other tells you they have a big surprise for
you. Your heart skips a beat, your pulse quickens. You feel their hot breath as
they lean into your ear and whisper: "We're going on a cruise".
What??!! Aren't cruises just for straight people? My gosh, have you ever seen
the Love Boat? Would you want to be stuck with those people for a week or more?
Get with the times, Wilbur, or Wilma: Cruising has evolved. There are more gay
and lesbian men and women cruising than ever before, and more "alternative
cruising" options for them to choose from.
You can choose to cruise by yourselves; or as part of a gay group; or even
on an all-gay cruise. Whatever your preferences, there's a cruise for you -- from
relaxing to raucous, mild to wild! From Alaska to the Caribbean, from Europe to
South America, you'll find a variety of all-gay and gay-group cruises, and one
of them is likely to suit your mood, lifestyle and budget.
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One of the best known names in gay cruising is Atlantis Events (www.AtlantisEvents.com).
In 2003, Atlantis will be hosting a group aboard the brand-new Norwegian Dawn
of Norwegian Cruise Line from January 25 to February 1. It's the world's largest
gay cruise, offering seven days of sun, fun and flesh. Participants will cruise
to Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico, Key West, and NCL's private island in the
Bahamas.
Atlantis's prices can seem a little steep compared to other cruises, but the
company pulls out all the stops, providing its own on-board entertainment, DJs,
T-dances and deck parties. In the past, Atlantis group cruises have featured headline
entertainers like Rosie O'Donnell, Patti LuPone, Chaka Kahn and Cybil Shepard.
And if past cruises are any example of the level of fun you can expect, consider
that NCL has had to re-stock the ships with liquor, sundries and snack foods halfway
through previous voyages. Ultimately, the best proof is the large number of repeat
guests who come back for another Atlantis Events cruise.
Atlantis will also offer a southern Caribbean itinerary aboard NCL's Norwegian
Sky, sailing from San Juan March 9-16.
Another well-known name in gay cruising is RSVP (www.RSVPVacations.com). In
2003, the company will offer a "Que Rico" cruise (Spanish for How Rich,
How Tasty, How HOT!) aboard Holland America's brand-new Zuiderdam. It sails from
Ft. Lauderdale February 22-March 1 and calls at San Juan, St John and St Bart's.
While Atlantis tends to draw an all-male crowd, RSVP attracts a mix of men and
women. While men are definitely in the majority, RSVP is becoming better known
and more popular in the lesbian community. You might also have a few straight
passengers "along for the ride" with their friends or family as well.
For those seeking a more exotic or perhaps more laid-back and intimate experience,
RSVP will also offer a Thailand cruise aboard Star Clipper's Star Flyer March
15-23, and a river cruise between Prague and Budapest September 12-22. RSVP has
also scheduled four Mediterranean voyages aboard the Royal Clipper to France,
Italy, Greece and Spain during July and August. Besides providing a more intimate,
exotic and even educational experience, these cruises offer you the opportunity
to visit many of the globe's gay Meccas in comfort and convenience.
But my personal pick for something different and perhaps a bit naughty is the
"Pillage and Plunder" cruise (http://PillageandPlunder.org) benefiting
Tampa Bay Pride. Set aboard the venerable Regal Empress November 3-7, it's a far
cry from the Atlantis or RSVP cruises on their sparkling new mega-ships. But what
the Regal Empress lacks in size and features is made up for by the "cast
and crew." This voyage is a virtual fantasy-fest featuring well-known gay
porn stars such as Chris Steele, Colton Ford, Will Clark, Kyle Kennedy, Matt Summers
and other famous names in the Chi Chi La Rue stable. You'll also find some of
the more popular RentBoy.com "models" aboard as Go-Go Boys. And yes,
you can look AND touch!
You'll sail from Port Manatee, just outside Tampa, to Key West and Cozumel.
The cruise will feature activities like a Toga Party; "Dinner with the Stars"
(i.e., porn stars); the Roman Deca-Dance Trash Disco Party; cabaret and drag shows;
the "Black Out" dinner (wear your best leather), Boxer & Briefs
Dinner; the "Mr. Pillage & Plunder" contest by the pool, featuring
Naked Twister; and a contest dealing with, um, "size." Some other activities
are just too naughty to mention here!
For a little more variety or if you want to sail with a smaller group, there
are plenty of cruise and travel agencies specializing in gay cruises.
Pied Piper Travel (www.PiedPiperTravel.com) is offering, among others, a Hawaii
cruise aboard Celebrity's Infinity April 3-13, 2003, and a Carnival in Rio cruise
aboard Cunard's new Queen Mary 2 March 6-16, 2004. As this QM2 cruise is extremely
popular, space may already be close to sold out!
Ocean Voyager Travel (www.OceanVoyager.com) is another agency offering a variety
of hosted gay groups, including a Panama Canal cruise aboard Celebrity's Infinity
March 9-23, 2003, or something more rustic like Alaska aboard Holland America's
Zaandam August 2-9, 2003.
Washington, D.C.-based Personalized Travel (www.PersonalizedTravel.net) is
a perennial favorite of many gay travelers. You can "Travel with Mike and
Dave" to the Baltic aboard Holland America's brand new Oosterdam from Copenhagen
to London August 15-29, 2003, or spend Thanksgiving with them cruising to Mexico
aboard Holland America's Ryndam November 23-30.
These listings only scratch the surface of gay cruising and travel in general.
One invaluable resource is the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association
(IGLTA) website (www.IGLTA.com). It's overflowing
with information on travel agents, airlines, cruises, hotels, guesthouses, destination
information, attractions, entertainment, private homes/villas and much, much more!
Whatever your tastes, there's a cruise out there to suit your lifestyle, choice
of destination and budget. And best of all, you'll not be just another guest,
you'll be cruising with family!
