honest question -- please, please don't be offended
I am booked for a Halloween cruise this year when I discovered that there will be a large gay population on board (about 400 out of 3300). I am traveling with my hubby, 4-yr-old daughter, and parents celebrating their 40th.
The group is hosting a lot of their own events -- costume ball, cocktail parties, comedians, etc. We all have no problem with this. My concern is with my daughter.
Do you feel that there would be a lot of rowdiness or things inappropriate for her to see? I honestly don't know what to expect, and I submit this question with all respect. I have no problem with people holding hands, etc. But on a non-chartered cruise like this, I assume we should not expect to see something the likes of a gay pride parade. Am I correct? I understand if this question sounds ignorant, but could anyone tell me what to expect.
You shouldn't be concerned. Your daughter will be busy enough to notice anything different. The kids will have their own venues unless you decide to curtail her fun with the other kids.
Mr. Harry Martin MR MODERATOR.................. Help us explain...... WHERE ARE YOU?
A convention of say, 400 Shriners aboard your ship would be no more noteworthy to a four year old child nor her parents than the presence of a similarly sized group of gays. There hopefully will be a atmosphere of people having a good time. From our experience, the majority of the gay travelling public, like their counterpart, handle themselfs with decorum, formal night(s) being conventionally adhered to.
Enjoy your cruise and please post your comments of your findings upon your return
I think your question and concern is valid. Please don’t feel that your question is ignorant. It’s important to know what to expect so you can make an informed decision. Please check out the groups web site at
The group that is going to be on the same ship as you have been doing this Halloween cruise for six years
Just from my own experiences with GLBT people I can tell you somethings you can expect, however your experience may be different. The group will be most active at night and the evening with parties and even a gala one night. Most gay guys are going to be very nice and polite, you will find them at the bars, pool and gym. I don’t think you will see anything over the top during the day, if you do see anything inappropriate like nudity don’t be shy to say something, its not ok with heterosexual people and it certainly isn’t ok for gay people on the cruise. You will find most will respond in kind, remember you are all on vacation and want to have a safe fun trip. Your child will be real busy to even know anything is out of place, but if you feel comfortable enough you may wish to have a talk with your child before the cruise, if you need talking points feel free to send me a mesg I have some sites that my friend used to explain to there adoptive kids why they had two dads. I don’t know you or your husband but you may find your self meeting and enjoying some of the same sex partners. This cruise will definitely open your eyes into our community; I hope you walk away from this trip with a new found understanding. Overall we are a good community and I hope we can show you how fun and friendly we can be. After your cruise Id like to know how it went, could you please let me know?
Rob,
Thank you so much. Your response was so informative. The more I'm reading, the more silly and embarrassed I feel about my question. I did check out the website --- looks like fun. Does the group always travel on the same ship? I assume they vary every Halloween. I will definitely tell you how it goes, but I'm sure it will be great.
I am booked on the Mariner of the Seas with a group and I believe it is the same one you are talking about. I too have concerns. It is not that there will be a group of 400 gay people, but rather 2200 straight people. . But seriously, I have done a gay charter with a different group and there were NO issues.
The feed back from the others not part of the group were "you guys sure know how to have fun" and "why cant we have parties like that" etc...
Halloween night will have some costumes that should not be missed, but I doubt you daughter would even think twice about people in costume.
Thanks for asking though. I would rather have millions of people asking to get a better understanding then no one asking and prejudging it with their worst fears.
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Tom
19 cruises total on all different lines including RCCL, NCL, Celebrity, Princess, Holland America and Sea Dream. Our 20th Cruise is October 2007 on the Mariner of the Seas.
I think that your child might see some more PDA other than just holding hands, so just be prepared for that. Crusie lines have very strict rules as to how rowdy passengers can get and even more so after 9/11 so I would not think that you will see people running around naked or being very lude. You might want to have a small conversation on how same sex couples can be close like mommy and daddy too.
Sandy
Just got off Carnival Liberty. There was a large gay group. I believe mostly black men from all over not just the states. They were beyond impressive. They were perfect gentlemen. I did not know they were gay until I asked what group they were with. I would not hesitate to go on another cruise with them. It would actually be a good idea. Fellow passengers who are well mannered, polite and respectful, who could ask for more. My husband feels the same.
Update -- well, we just returned. I must say it was a great trip. The Aquafest group, as the rest of the guests, were most pleasant. Most of their events were private, so if I hadn't known, I would never have guessed the group to be that large! Wouldn't hesitate to sail with Aquafest again, but I would prefer to leave Hurricane Noel behind next time. My mom really liked the group, because one of them told her she looked way too young to be on her 40th anniversary. (Mom's quite chic). "Oh my gosh, look at you!! You look woooonderful, sweety."
Dont you just hate when you have to come home and unpack, everytime i get home I jump onine and start looking to see where I can go next. I am glad everything worked out and you guys had a safe trip.
honest question -- please, please don't be offended
. But seriously, I have done a gay charter with a different group and there were NO issues. 
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