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News & Expert Advice
A Blog for the LGBT Community Who Love To CruiseRandall Shirley: Editor
Tom Baker: Cruise Expert
Don Church & Tony Schillaci: Guest Writers
Tagged: All-gay cruises RSS
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Randall Shirley
Top 10 Cruise ideas for Gay Cruise Travel in 2013.
Here we are, new year, and with the Kwancrhismukkah (my multi-inclusive term) holiday season behind us and the Northern Hemisphere doldrum season ahead, you’re likely dreaming of vacations ahead (I certainly am!), even if you’ve just returned from one.
Since you’re on this site, I can only assume that cruising is in your thoughts, so here are my top 10 cruise ideas for you to shake it up in 2013!
1. Sail on a new-to-you cruise line. On my personal dream list are:
• Disney. Everyone I’ve talked to who’s sailed this line, with or without kids, has loved it. But I haven’t had a substantial report from anyone who’s sailed extremely “out.”
• Silversea. Supposed to be ultra-sumptuous. I could handle that.
• Queen Mary 2. I feel like the only princess who still hasn’t been crowned queen by sailing one of this line’s reportedly-lovely ships.
• Norwegian Cruise Lines. I hear good thing after good thing about this line, and want to go see for myself!2. Shake up your cabin type:
Never sailed in an outside cabin? You’ll be amazed at how different a cruise feels when the sun comes up!
Never tried a verandah? Save up and give it a try—fresh sea air in your cabin and the sound of the waves can be intoxicating (and making out with your lover on the balcony is plenty romantic…just don’t do anything inappropriate like those guys on the Atlantis Cruise last year.
3. Think cruising is only for warm weather spots? Try Alaska. We didn’t think we’d like it, and gave it a try. Now we can’t wait to return for another dose of this amazing wilderness.
There are also an increasing number of amazing cruises in the Arctic. While the ship I sailed there on several years ago is now out of service, others have taken her place on a variety of stunning itineraries.
4. Scared of all-gay cruises? Afraid they’re just “floating bath houses” or a “circuit party at sea”? Give one a try—you might be surprised how diverse and fun they can be.
5. Organize your own group cruise, and you could cruise “free.”
6. Take a longer-than-usual cruise. If you’ve previously taken only 7-night cruises, try a 10- or 14-night itinerary. I always find the longer cruises make me feel like I’ve really been on vacation.
7. Get into fresh water. Consider a River Cruise like Mark did last year. He’s still raving about all the fun he had in Europe. A fellow cruiser wrote this report.
8. Try a theme cruise. Try an itinerary focused on Broadway, cooking, wine, golf—whatever floats your boat! The right travel agent can help you find them.
9. Give the gift of cruising. Always wondering what birthday or holiday gifts to get for your friends or family who “have everything”? How about a cruise line gift certificate that will encourage them to join you on an upcoming itinerary.
10. Tell every gay cruise traveler you meet about MeetMeOnBoard.com! Ok, shameless plug here. But the site gets more and more meaningful and powerful with more and more members! Every new member increases your chances of meeting new friends for future sailings!
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markdale
The day was alive with the “Sound of Music”.
With so many wonderful opportunities today, it was not an easy choice to pick what to do or what to see. With the ‘Sound of Music’ firmly implanted in our brains, many of the guys went prancing around the hills of Salzburg, Austria which was the location of the movie. More on those singing and prancing “Maria-wanna-be’s” later.
I decided to stay on the boat since this was some of the most stunning scenery on our river cruise. As we entered Bavaria in Germany, we were surround by stunning natural beauty. Thick green forests with jagged mountain cliffs were everywhere. This part of the world was just how I envisioned it.
My afternoon was spent in Passau, Germany. This small baroque town is celebrating it’s 350th year and is known world wide for having the largest cathedral organ in the world. My stroll to St. Stephan’s Cathedral took me down charming narrow walkways where you would come to a small square with people enjoying an ice cold beer. Yes, this must be Germany.
The organ is played everyday at noon so I didn’t think I would be able to hear it since I was there in the afternoon. As I entered this magnificent baroque cathedral, the stops of the organ opened up and the church was filled with magnificent music. Fortunately the organist was there preparing for a concert so it was my lucky day.
Music also filled the lounge on the ship. Well…I don’t know if I would call all of it music but Source Events sponsored a talent show and it was great which you will see in the video. What I really appreciated about the event is that Avalon Waterways allowed their crew to be a part of it. I don’t believe during any of my previous cruises that I have seen crew members showcase their real hidden talents adding to the fun. These crew members work for months with no time off so my hats off to Avalon Waterways for allowing them to ‘kick up their heels’ for the evening.
Our cruise Director Barbara is the envy of every gay man on board as you will see later in future videos specifically showcasing her fabulous shoes. Her wardrobe is highly fashionable not even to be over shadowed on the runways in Paris.
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markdale
We’re having a Ball on the Danube River!
The shoes at a Masked Ball should always make a statement
Having never cruised on a riverboat, boarding the Avalon Waterways Vista was quite an experience. After a five minute taxi ride going the wrong way down a one way street we were dropped off within 50 feet of the boat where our luggage was taken directly into our stateroom with no waiting. This was the easiest boarding experience I have ever had. It takes me longer to pull into my garage and wait for Dale to make my evening cocktail.
Leaving Budapest we had 24 hours of cruising until we reached our next destination of Vienna. This time gave a nice opportunity to mix and mingle with our new cruise mates. I have found a riverboat to be more intimate as compared to a large cruise ship so it lends itself to mixing and mingling much more easily.
Soon after our departure from Budapest it was time for our first meal. One word. Delicious! The food was cooked to perfection and the presentation was fit for a ‘queen’. The dining experience was as good as in ay high-end restaurant.What would a gay cruise be without an event where you could wear a costume? Since we were sailing into Vienna the next day, the upstairs lounge became a Masked Ball. Music, glitter and glamor was a great way to start the nighttime festivities.
It is evident that Source Events has a dedicated following of gay cruisers since so many of the people that I met have been on numerous past cruises.
After a much anticipated dinner this evening, we will stroll into Vienna to take in the nighttime scene. At this point we do not know what that involves so stay tuned.
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Joseph
Interesting review – thanks for posting. I was on the Brand G cruise that was going from Prague -> Budapest while you guys were heading the opposite direction. I actually talked to a couple of members of your cruise while we were docked at Regensburg. I’d only cruised with Atlantis before, so this was a much different experience. Loved a lot of things about the AMA Amacerto – especially the included WiFi in our room and many public areas of the ship.
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MeetMeOnBoard
Here's Not Looking At You Kid
Organizers of an all-gay cruise on Saturday blamed Moroccan officials for the cancellation of what would have been the first visit of its kind to a Muslim country, but the tourism minister denied the ship was banned and said its passengers were welcome.
Cruise liner Holland America Line and trip organiser RSVP Vacations told the 2,100 holiday-makers aboard the MS Nieuw Amsterdam ship that the July 1 visit to Casablanca had been cancelled.
Read the entire Reuters article here >>>Will Kohler, owner and creator of Back2Stonewall.com is one of the country’s leading experts on LGBT History, Media and Popular Culture. Read his opinion here >>>Click the comment link below and let us know your thoughts.
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markdale
Atlantis cruisers arrested in Dominica: Our Thoughts
Some of us are old enough to remember the “Point/Counterpoint” segment on “60 MINUTES” where opposing viewpoints were presented on current issues. Of course later there was Siskel and Ebert, but now here are Mark and Dale!
We each reached different conclusions concerning the gay male couple who were recently arrested on an Atlantis Events cruise while docked in Dominica due to having sex on their balcony while being visible to people on shore.
DALE: My thought is that a good traveler needs to conform as much as possible to the culture in which he is a guest. “Guest” is a key word here.
MARK: I totally agree with that and I have seen the ‘Ugly American’ on most of my international trips. I believe what the two men did was highly inappropriate. Atlantis isn’t to blame, only the individuals involved.
Their actions would have been looked upon negatively in every part of the world. This was an example of where cruisers didn’t behave with the respect that a guest should display.
DALE: So do you think LGBT people should avoid Dominica because of this incident?
MARK: I don’t want to spend my hard-earned dollars in a country which is blatantly anti-gay. Likewise, I also choose not to support certain corporations due to their discrimination or employment policies. I frankly don’t see the difference.
DALE: But LGBT travelers visiting these less-than-gay-friendly cultures can be a positive thing. We can show by example that we as gay people are not a threat. America’s tolerance has increased due to the fact that so many gays are now out. With so many people knowing a gay family member, friend, or co-worker, we have made allies of many who were once intolerant. This would not have happened if we remained ‘invisible’.
MARK: So would you go to Dominica?
DALE: Yes. I believe we could make a difference by being there and acting appropriately for that region of the world. Would you go there Mark?
MARK: No. With all of the options out there, I would choose not to visit a place that I view as extremely homophobic. You’re right, we can make this world a better place by showing a good example. However, I can’t condone supporting anti-gay countries or institutions.
We’d love to know your feeling on this. Please add your comments. Here’s a list of countries where it’s illegal to be gay.
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Dave Cantrall
Hi Mark and Dale,
Thanks for posting this on the Meet Me On Board Website. I first heard about it on KTVU in San Francisco.
Here is what I think:
a) I will not travel to countries who are expressively against gay people and who have laws which make it a crime just to be gay.
b) HOWEVER, I personally think the gay male couple who had sex on their balcony in view of others is outrageous and grossly inappropriate.
I also believe heterosexual couples having sex in plain view is also grossly inappropriate – which does occur on cruise ships as well, but we just don’t hear or read about it.Dave
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Randall
I love this point/counterpoint. See more information on countries where being gay is, in some form, illegal, by clicking here.
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Joseph
The reports stating they were having sex on their balcony are incorrect. They were arrested for “buggery” but charged with indecent exposure – going on their balcony nude. You can read the Atlantis fan page on Facebook and see some statements by the guys who were arrested. The way the entire case was handled exposes some pretty entrenched anti-gay bigotry on the part of the Dominican establishment. I am less inclined to travel on a cruise that goes through Dominica now, but I think this also is a reminder that gay guys who travel to foreign countries outside of Western Europe or North America need to be very careful about attention they attract and local attitudes about gay people.
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Robert
I fully agree with you Joseph. I hope we in the gay community start boycotting these places that are so blatantly anti-gay. My question would be…if 2,000 gay men stop at this island that is so bigoted, why the $$%%$# wouldn’t Atlantis or Celebrity warn them. Beyond that…why would you go there in the first place?
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Roger
Joseph, these two men were having sex on their balcony. I have seen the pictures of them and would be happy to forward them to you. They were fortunate that they were not charged with buggery because it would have been a felony. Dominica reduced it to indecent exposure to appease Atlantis and Celebrity. If you have ever been on an Atlantis cruise you would know that they tell you repeatedly to use discretion when in a foreign port. These two cruisers were arrested for having sex in public, not because they were gay. They could just as easily been arrested in Miami. In most of the world it is illegal to have sex in public. For them to blame Dominica is ridiculous.
Second question is should a gay cruise to to anti-gay ports. That is a more difficult question for me. It certainly would knock out a large portion of the cruise destinations if they eliminate all gay unfriendly ports.
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Robert
Rich’s initial response to this incident was that these guys were having sex on the balcony with all to view. Obviously, this would of been inappropriate in any country and was beyond the control of Atlantis. I am now reading more and more articles where this was NOT the truth. The men simply exited their balcony for a short period and were arrested for indecent exposure. After being put in the police officers car, mobs of people surrounded the car and it became very intense and frightful. The more I read about this, it is apparent that this event took place purely due to hatred of gays. I would NEVER go to Dominica and woud hope that we as gays boycott any country that is so down right hateful. Be careful Atlantis cruisers…things are going in a dangerous direction now in St. Petersburg Russia where you’ll be sailing this summer.
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Angel
I was in the cruise and Atlantis did not tell us it was a crime t o be gay in Dominica im up set they put us in that risk. I think is stupid to take 2000 gay guys to a homophobic destination. honestly when you are in a gay environment such a gay cruise yo can easily forget that you are not living in a gay world. There were other passengers who told during a game they had sex in the balcony while in the sea.
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Jason
I wasn’t on this cruise so obviously, I don’t know all the facts and don’t know if we ever will. Having said that, I do agree with Angel and wonder why Atlantis would send 2,000 gay men in a party atmosphere to such a homophobic country. With the recent anti-gay laws that are threatening St. Petersburg Russia, this is another destination that is no longer safe to travel to. Will Atlantis be traveling there in July?
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Ron
Good points Jason, I host travel for professional gay men in my city and def take the time to explain why I don’t go to certain countries. I established long ago that I never travel or recommend Jamaica. Simply because to be gay there is to be dead. More gay men and travel industry providers need to re-evaluate there itineraries. Maybe even educating the clients and providing an alternative on-board activity and not spend dollars in the guilty ports of call.
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Peter
How truly “tolerant” is the US? As a Canadian gay man, married equally and legally on Canadian soil, who chooses to also live in beautiful South Florida (15 minutes from the cruise port I might add), I have witnessed my fair share of bigotry. Ever try walking hand-in-hand with your husband on the streets, malls and other public venues of Florida? Other than within the safe confines of a gay bar or strolling South Beach, we are stared upon, commented on by fellow citizens. Ever notice exactly how many gay couples are even comfortable holding hands – period. Gay friends have actually said to us, “It’s okay for you guys, because you’re big men; we’d be asking for trouble for flaunting who we are of we did the same”. Hearing “faggots!” yelled from passing cars while walking your own neighborhood, will not discourage us from continuing the same PDAs our hetero compatriots enjoy so freely. There’s the real irony: The “land of the free” is not so free for everyone. Public sex belongs in the proper place, and I think we have yet to hear the entire story… somewhere between what’s been said and what happened lies the truth. Another country may certainly be more repressive than the US, but let’s not kid ourselves if we think America is not without its bias. And would this have even occurred if the couple in question was straight? Perhaps… but I am more inclined to believe there would admiring crowds of onlookers, cheering for more while the iphone snaps away. I feel sorry for how this couple – and the many others who have been unjustly treated before them. Live freely as you are… proudly hold your lover’s hand… and know one day they will all be desensitized to our actions and it will be the normal non-issue of days gone.
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Michael Schmidt
Rob, Thank you very much for your comments! That is exactly how it is. We do live as Second Class Citizens in this country. I also guarantee that had it been a STRAIGHT couple, they would have snickered and laughed. I did 3 Atlantis Cruises and its a floating WHITE PARTY. I had a great time and never had to worry about getting hit on, hands going everywhere.
You pay DOUBLE for Atlantis and I think they pick the ports, they know the passenger types and quite honestly some of those Islands have quirky laws. Grand Caymon if you take your shirt off they arrest you for indecent exposure.
I am not going sit here and listen to ATLANTIS Cruisers act like the cruise is a CHUCH CAMP! LOL
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Rob
The story these men are telling anyone who will listen seems less than credible and is evolving over time. When they were interviewed by the AP in Puerto Rico after they got out of jail, they refused to say whether they were having sex or not, which seems a de facto admission they were. They have also variously claimed to have been nude or semi-nude. On the Atlantis FB page, some Atlantis pax claim to have seen the couple having sex on their balcony and they say the couple did not stop when they realised they had been seen. The owner of Atlantis also made this claim initially.
I really regret that the impression the world has of gay cruisers is the image of the Atlantis party cruiser, which seems to hit the media as often as Atlantis hits the seas these days. Atlantis fans will tell you “it happens on all the lines” but really, when is the last time you heard of a suicide on an R Family cruise or a drug overdose on an Olivia cruise or a Pied Piper Cruise to a homophobic country. That these inappropriate and unwise people have become the most visible face of gay cruising brings me shame. When straight friends hear we are going on a cruise and ask if we’re going with “that” company, we are quick to say no and they are quick to appear obviously relieved.
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Jack & Dan
We are in our 60′s and love to travel. We have been together for more then 19 years. When traveling all people, gay or straight, need to use common sense. There is a time and place for enjoying sex and publicly on a balcony is not one of them. Should the gay couple been arrested – YES(as well as any other straight couple). There are so many beautiful islands in the Caribbean and Dominica is certainly not one of our top picks. Yes, Atlantis should pick their ports more wisely. But, us gay or straight men and women should be held responsible for our actions and should always remember we are guests in these ports – this is not our private back yard to do as we please.
Jack & Dan
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Daryl Seamark
I think we all agree that we perfer to spend our money where we are welcome, i.e. gay establishments, gay friendly islands or cities. Maybe it is my way of thinking but I find it hard to believe that you can put upwards of 2,000 gay men together and NOT get a few, that think “to hell with the rules and how it looks, lets just do it. If they don’t like it, that is their problem”. Thre is plenty of opportunity on an all gay cruise to get together with other guys. Why is it necessary to flaunt being gay. Why is it necessary to hold hands, embrace except in certain circumstances, if this is not considered proper in certain countries, or states for that matter. . I’ve been married for 30 years (even before it was legal here in Canada) and have wanted on occasion to show my affection for my spouse in public but have not due to local customs and It doesn’t matter if we are gay, straight, bi, or transgendered. If the two guys involved plan on having sex or even play nude on the front lawn at home, regardless of where they live, they are going to be arrested, guaranteed.. What makes them think it is okay in Dominica.
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Damon
As a local LGBT activist in the Caribbean and a fellow Atlantis cruiser, I was insulted by this irresponsible behaviour. 2000+ of us on the Atlantis cruise have now been tarnished with the same dirty brush. Also spare a thought of the fall out this will cause for me and my fellow gay people throughout the islands moving forwards, whilst those individuals are now ensconced in the safety of their ‘free world’ crying victim of homophobia, rather than having been dealt with for an act of indecency. That is what the final charges were. The initial charge of buggery was dropped. In my opinion, that was sent to them as a warning shot – because it is a heavily punishable offense in most of the islands. Buggery is the act of anal sex – not just male on male, I might add! I am incandescent with rage at the hypocrisy of all banging the drum of protest without knowing the facts, or better yet, speaking to the local gay community to know what we really face day to day, and the fight for progress that has now been pushed back years as a result of this stupidity. This issue is about lewd behaviour and gross indecency in public. It has been sensationalised by the fact that it happened in a country still with anti gay legislation. Atlantis or not, gay people CHOOSE to visit many of the islands independently and of own free will. They don’t get their kit off and get busy in public. When visiting they are generally met with curiosity (sometimes in the guise of a verbal taunt), if not met with a welcome. Believe it or not, it’s a small minority who are vehement, aggressive and/or violent in their opposition towards gay people. That is the same world wide – I have experienced it in the US and the UK, and Europe. Africa even worse with the death sentence trying to be imposed in some countries. We need to keep a perspective on this incident. We are struggling to have our laws changed in the islands, but ironically no one has been arrested for being gay, and even now, I still say so. The arrests made were not because these two were gay. They were arrested for being idiots making a public display of what should have been private. You can help us by being role models in society which the vast majority of the guys I met demonstrated. Social responsibility rests with each and every one of us, wherever in the world you may be. Surely if I went cruising in a park somewhere in the US, got caught with my pants down, I’d be arrested in your free gay friendly world, deported and have my US visa revoked and unable to return due to a misdemeanour or felony or whatever level is dealt. Let’s stop the hypocrisy and sitting in our ivory towers thinking that all is well in our gardens!
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Michael Schmidt
Oh Sister get off the soap box. I have been on 3 Atlantis Cruises and its all a big drink, drug, screw for 7 days. To act like its not anything else is just not being truthful. That why we went on the darn things because our neighbors went every years and we heard all the wild tells and up in the Toplesss bathing area at night you could see the book store action. Rich Cambell knew better. Stop booking Homophobe Islands and stick with those that are friendly.
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Tom
I was on this cruise. I blame Atlantis for booking this port because of past problems (protests, rocks being thrown at the ship, etc.). I blame Atlantis for not being up front with their guests about the severity of homophobia in Dominica. The Atlantis cruise director was advising that “Dominica isn’t all that for strolling, shopping and eating, so if you’re going to get off the boat, you really should book an excursion” – in other words, don’t mix with the locals who are so homophopic they will insult you to your face, just get on a tour led by someone who can deal with it because they know they are making money from you. Only the Atlantiis cruise director didn’t put it that way. They were purposefully evasive about the environment and safety of their passengers. Fortunately, we heard from others about the past experiences, and we didn’t get off the ship. Unfortunately, we heard many stories from those that did go ashore. Taxis refused to take a gay couple as passengers. Local radio was appealing to residents to protest. Merchants told perspective customers that they were sickening and perverted. That Atlantis took us there after the previous trip shows very poor judgement on their part.
Frankly, the arrest of the two men doesn’t have much impact on my opinion of Dominica since I don’t really know what happened. Per their story after the fact, it all sounds very suspicious and one must conclude that their situation could have been handled better by all involved (including the two men). But this isn’t why I won’t go back to Dominica and why I’m so upset with Atlantis. My reasons are for the many events that occurred while in port last week and a few years ago. Atlantis needs to be more responsible with their planning of ports and their educating of passengers. For example, they made a big deal about telling us not to wear camoflage on Grenada or Barbados. Why didn’t they also tell us what happened before in Dominica as a warning regarding the prevalent mindset of the island’s inhabitants?
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Jerry
I am sorry, but just being gay does not give us the option to act any way we want. If the ship is docked in Port and you are in full view of everyone, you have an obligation to act in a correct manner. That applies to anywhere you are, even in the states. Public sex is public sex even on a balcony. The moment was so heated that they coulcn’t retire to the privacy of their own cabin. If this were a straight couple doing the same thing, I think authorities would have acted similarly.
It hasn’t been that long ago that we were persucuted and jailed for just being gay, remember Stonewall. It has only been a short while ago that the sodomy laws were overturned and you could have been arrested in the US. Those of you that have such strong opinions about travel to less tolerant countries, should stay home and look at your neighbors who depending on where you live are equally as less tolerant. I have been cruising for over 19 years and have never had a problem. I was respectful of the culture and people of where ever I traveled. That is the key word to traveling… RESPECTFUL. Too often we as Americans forget that and act as if it is no big deal that others do not think the same way we do so our actions do not have to conform.
I agree with others who have stated, it is up to us as gay Americans to continue traveling and demonstrate how good it is to have gay visitors. -
Jim Kelly-Evans
My husband and I had a great time on this cruise, notwithstanding the homophobia some of us encountered in Dominica. We knew that these islands, with the exception of St.; Barth’s, have an anti-gay track record. We booked the cruise nevertheless because we enjoy Atlantis, the Caribbean, and St. Barth’s. While we would have preferred that Atlantis not go to anti-gay destinations, we were hoping that the presence of gay people could perhaps do some good, as long as Atlantis was determined to go there… a mistake. I understand that Rich Campbell is a businessman and that his goal is to run a profitable business. However, I do not think that means that he can’t be more responsible when it comes to the overall welfare of his clientele and that of the gay community as a whole. I found Campbell’s statements about the Dominica incident disingenuous and frankly, extremely disappointing. It is as if he expects us to return to the closet (Malcolm’s advice that “the best way to see Dominica is on an excursion,” which is code for no walking around Roseau hand in hand) so that he (Campbell) need not make any changes to his itineraries. Rich needs to fess up to his responsibility as a businessman who caters to gay men. This means avoiding itineraries with ports that have anti-gay laws on the books, and ports where the local gay community has called for a boycott, e.g. St. Petersburg.
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Tom
To be fair (and to agree with Jim), the cruise was an AWESOME experience. The selection of Dominica as one of our stops (and how poorly the staff prepared us for it) was the only disappointment of any merit.
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Michael Schmidt
Absolutely WELL said! Rich Cambell has gotten wealthy off of his cruises and he picked a cheap port dock to increase his profits. I like Atlantis Cruises did 3, but your not being 100% honest if you don’t accept that its 99% Men and Men do what Men do. If I had Children, they would not be on an ATLANTIS Cruise, we would book a Disney Cruise or go on one of OUR Family Cruises. I think Atlantis should have coached the passengers as to local law. If your on your Balcony, most people don’t think of being in a jurisdiction. I have seen Gay and Straight People on Cruises having sex on their Balconies. We just don’t book destinations that we think are just TRASH! The Bahamas is on our list of no stops too.
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Michael Feldman
Proper behavior is proper behavior, no matter where. That said: we are not second class citizens nor second class human beings and, therefore, do not need to prove to anyone our worthiness, especially by denying that worthiness while enhancing their economy. We certainly don’t need to go to a homophobic, ignorant country to prove anything. The idea that Atlantic would visit any country where homophobia reigns and problems have occurred in the past is unfathomable.
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Matthew
When I first saw and heard this, it was said they were found having sex on a beach while they were visiting and later arrested when back on the ship. So really, what is correct as now I see here it was on their balcony. This now conflicts with what I heard and how handled. If they were arrested cause of having male sex with male in their room, then we really have a problem, but if they were out in public, doesn’t matter who it was, that is indecent exposure, but, if they on their own balcany, is that part of the room sort of? lol. But there was also a report that they were originally arrested for having male/male sex which is illegal there, and then changed to the sex in public exposure.
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Rob
They were having sex on their balcony in full view of pier workers.
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Richard
It’s not a gay issue.. being nude in public is not allowed. Stop being victims and show some class, and wear a swimsuit while you’re docked and on your balcony
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Greg Meredith
Funny that Dominica is so anti-gay and so lax when it comes to drugs. I was approached by at least four locals offering to sell drugs as we strolled the town. This is a third world country with a very uneducated population – most of whom live in poverty. I have a hard time understanding why the cruise ships even stop there other than out of some social obligation to help the economy. As far as the arrests-I have a real belief that if they were straight and merely stepped onto their balcony for a brief time they would be arrested. I am sure that this ship was being closely watched by lots of folks on shore. Too bad Atlantis didn’t anticipate this and caution accordingly.
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jim
Why is everybody trying to blame Dominica or Atlantis for stopping in Dominica. What those 2 did was wrong and they got caught. It is not the countries fault or the travel company. Gay guys got to wise up and learn you can not have sex where ever you want. They were docked in port and walked on their balcony and had sex of course people were going to see. So the authorities did what they should have arrested. Those two need to learn morals and quit crying because they got caught.
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Rob
Qwerty has a first-hand account from other passengers that clarifies a lot. They were seen by female pier workers and they were, indeed, having sex.
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Tom Schaefer
It continually amazes me how people wont take responsibility for their own actions. In no way is Atlantis responsible for what happens to passengers. The LGBT community has the intelligence to research ports of call and find out what the “current attitude” is towards homosexuality. If they are concerned, then dont book that itinerary. We want respect but it goes both ways….respect local customs. Being on a gay cruise does not mean morales are left at the pier upon sailing. If the passengers were having sex in view of others……give me a break…. Isnt the privacy of a stateroom enough?Whats next, sex in the dinningroom…. I am no prude, but common sense needs to kick in at some point. The world is becoming very scary these days, and protecting oneself while traveling is ones own responsibility and not the cruise line or charter company. Freedom is a precious thing, something many people can only dream about…dont take it for granted, dont think anything goes just because you think you can…there maybe a price. As for not going to ports of call because of “attitudes”……thats a personal choice especially with spending ones hard earned dollars. But if its because you cant do your thing in public because you are on a gay cruise….well remember the cruise is on the ship, not on the pier. Sex out in the open…..straight or gay……why? I can tell you if I had an adopted child onboard and my child was exposed to behavior like that…..id be in their face. Sex between two people is a very personal thing….keep it that way. To everyone, travel and enjoy the experience……and remember how lucky you are to be able to do so…something many people on these islands cant imagine.
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Jimmi
My partner and I visited the island of Dominica, the day after this incident, on Celebrity Equinox. Our experience (and previous visits to this island) have been nothing but wonderful. In fact I even said to my partner that the people there were one of the most friendly of the islands we have visited. Now that being said, we were not on a gay cruise. But regardless if it was a gay cruise or not, like in any country (including the U.S.) you have to conduct appropriate to your surroundings. I wouldn’t imagine this would be tolerated if it was a straight couple either. I think it wouldn’t matter where this was, if this happened in the US, it would have still been an issue. I just think we as a community should be a little more responsible and respectful of others who don’t necessarily want to see this. If the tables were turned, would you want to see a straight couple doing this? Being gay doesn’t give you the Carte Blanche to act inappropriate. Imagine your parents where on that pier looking at the ship, would you still be acting like this?
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Michael Schmidt
If it had been a STRAIGHT Couple banging, they would have hooped and hollered and joined in! Think there nice, hold hands and you will be arrested and if you take your t-shirt off they arrest for indecent exposure.
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Michael Schmidt
Here is my comment: #1 I am FURIOUS at Atlantis. They charter the entire ship, THEY BRAG that their ITINERARIES are custom designed by THEM, so if that were true they chose to take a CHEAP DOCK FEE. 8 years ago we went on a Bear Cruise to the Dominican Repubic, the ship shopping consultant didn’t even encourage anyone to get off the ship.
We did and they wanted us to see a fancy HIGH WALLED development for Rich Americans and of course we wanted a bargain so I bribed the cab driver to take us down town. Filthy, is an understatement.
If you have never been on an ATLANTIS Cruise, then you have no idea, it is one party after another and the entire ship is FREE! IF you don’t know what I mean, I mean, the guys are doing it every where!
When you pay 4600.00 to go on a 7 day cruise, you get the impression that ATLANTIS has all under control. I think any one calling someone who is GAY having sex in a public place is either in denial or a PRUDE. We have camper and go to Gay Camprounds all the time. Men folk do it everywhere.
I have seen many a straight couple screw on their balcony and I bet if that had been the case, whoever complained would have been calling for a crowd for a cheap thrill.
My fury is directed at Atlantis! They sailed off leaving 2 tourist in their charge in a RAT HOLE Jail. Both exposed by name and where they live. Now I don’t book cruises that go to Domincan Republic, Jamaica or COZUMEL! Our greatest experiences of both friendly islanders have been to St. Thomas, St. Marten, Caraseau and St. Kitts. In fact we were so overwhelmed with the PRIDE FLAGS THAT draped the old fort wall of Caraseau we have went back and vacationed there and plan to retire there. A true European style Island.
If you want to do drugs, drink and party all night and hook up like a WHITE PARTY, Atlantis is for you. I had just been thinking about booking one next spring but after this, there off my GAYDAR!
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Gay Cruises, Gay Group Cruises, or Mainstream: your favorite ways to cruise
Survey Results: Part 2
By: Michael Bradbury, MMOB Director of Marketing
Olivia Cruises
For a lot of LGBT travelers, being trapped on a ship far from land with members of their own family strikes fear into their hearts. For others, sailing on a cruise ship is a way to get closer to blood relatives and spend time together away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. As gay people we have the added bonus of being able to choose our second family—each other. And according to all the members at MeetMeOnBoard, we love to do it together.
As was clear from our recent membership survey, we LGBTs love to be together. Over a third of our nearly 4,000 members have had the pleasure of traveling on an all-gay charter cruise like Atlantis, RSVP or Olivia. Another 25% have traveled on a mainstream cruise line but as part of a larger gay group, like Aquafest, Pied Piper, Chumley’s or Sweet.
But the vast majority—85%—tend to stick to the mainstream cruises and make their own gay fun.
- We discovered that price is the number one reason members opt for mainstream cruises over all-gay cruises.
- Several members say that it’s fun to do an all-gay cruise just to have the experience but you pay more and give up the choice of going where you want to go.
- Since destination was clearly the biggest factor for members when choosing a cruise, it stands to reason that there are many more options when traveling singly or as a couple on a mainstream departure.
John Tolliver, an avid cruise ship traveler from Wappinger Falls, New York has sailed on all-gay, gay group and mainstream cruises. And he says each style of cruising has its pluses and minuses.
Aquafest - NCL Dawn 2010
He says, “The advantage of the gay charters I think is you feel you’re in a whole new world, and the blinders come off.”
Most all-gay cruises book out the newest, biggest ships and bring their own top-notch entertainment on board. That’s a huge advantage for some, turning a more traditional cruise ship into a floating party.
Several members specifically commented that on an all-gay charters the crew is allowed to let their hair down a little bit more than they would otherwise. One recounted a story of a hotel manager ending up in a hot tub at the end of a raucous night.
Chumley's BearCruise - Crown Princess 2011
For some removing those blinders can be too much. Call it sensory overload. The late-night parties, excessive drinking, wild costumes and theme nights can be too much for some, making an all-gay charter overwhelming. With so much going on all the time, it’s hard not to get exhausted.
- One man says, “The all-gay ones are just so much fun, almost too much. And we don’t dance all night or drink too much or have sex in the sauna. The passengers are just all so nice and attitude is seldom in view. The entertainment, including the hilarious versions of BINGO and the Newlywed game, is so wonderful. So much better than any ordinary cruise I have ever been on.”
- Another says, “Shockingly most times I find straight NCL cruises more fun than gay cruises… with the exception of how awesome the deck parties can be with Atlantis (lasers, lights, sound mostly).” He also says, “Atlantis has priced itself out and I think it’s catching up with itself. Booking bigger newer ships gets people but the same stale itineraries for sometimes double what you’d pay for the same cabin otherwise is just silly.”
- Several members say that to go on an all-gay cruise you are really paying a gay tax. Supply and demand dictate those high costs. And the all-gay charters are selling out so they must be doing something right.
- One cruiser put it very succinctly. “No children, everyone is on the same vacation (unlike your typical cruise where there are reunions and family gatherings, etc…) the other cruisers are very friendly and there is little complaining.”
Sailing out of St. Petersburg, Russia | Atlantis 2009 Baltic Cruise
A lot of you would much rather choose a vacation destination and develop a cruise around that, selecting cruise line and then ship. And it appears that no one has trouble spotting one another once the ship sets sail.
Many members say they thought they were booked on a straight cruise—until the gays showed up.
This story is oh so common and makes the MeetMeOnBoard staff quite giddy. That’s the purpose of this site—to connect LGBT cruise travelers.
Tolliver says, “Straight cruises are a whole different game. So much it seems is up to the Hotel Director/Cruise Director onboard.” He says they can either embrace the gays or ignore them.
And, many members have stories of both. It appears that many Princess ships are no longer actively hosting their Friends of Dorothy cocktail gatherings (or the members aren’t seeing those parties listed anywhere). But just by walking around the ship’s deck, many gay singles and couples are finding each other.
And, then there is the hybrid between an all-gay charter and a mainstream cruise—the gay group cruise.
This relatively new way to travel has been expanded in the last few years. Travel agents who aren’t able to fill a whole ship just reserve a handful (20-500) of spaces on ships that hold 2,000-4,000 passengers. The gay group is a great way to feel the comfort of the gay vibe without being immersed in it during an entire vacation.
- Karen, a single lesbian from Lawrence, Kansas says she travels with a group of 8-10 gay friends. She began with a cruise to Alaska in 2008 followed quickly by trips to Columbia, and Central America that same year. Then after a summer in Spain and Sweden, she formed a new family of friends which they turned into Fika Tours. Now she says, “We are our own gay-group in a mainstream cruise.”
The membership survey showed that MeetMeOnBoard is a diverse community of people who share an important common thread — an insatiable desire to travel by cruise ship. We have avid fans of all-gay charters, where the price is higher, destination is out of your control but the party goes all the time.
We also have regular vacationers who go where they want, how they want (by cruise ship) and leave meeting other gay people up to fate. With so many LGBT couples and singles traveling by cruise ship, it’s nearly impossible to be the only gay people on a ship these days.
MeetMeOnBoard is also comprised of a growing number of members who love the best of both worlds. The gay-group allows the freedom to be yourself, hold hands or kiss your partner without feeling like you are making a political statement. It allows passengers to opt in or opt out of gay-specific activities. And many of our members really enjoy the idea that they can go on a cruise, be themselves and show straight people that being gay is really no big deal.
- Bill, from North Carolina (not a member) and his wife were traveling on a Princess cruise a few years ago and there was a gay-group on board. One night he and his wife were in the top deck lounge watching the gay group dance and have a great time. He says another straight couple came into the lounge and sat down, not seeing the obvious group of gay men dancing. The wife decided she wanted to dance and Bill says when she returned to her seat, “We could hear the woman say ‘There aren’t any women on the dance floor!’ My wife and I just about died laughing.”
Tolliver says, “I think it’s kind of cool on the straight or gay group cruises because just about everyone you meet, straight couples learn that there is nothing to fear from gay men and women.” He adds, “Like that whole philosophy of showing how alike we are by example rather than how different.”
How You Use MeetMeOnBoard
It’s clear from our survey that you are connecting with each other before, during and after your cruises. We set up MeetMeOnBoard.com to do just that. We offer many different ways to engage with each other. But we are always listening to your kind suggestions and trying to improve the site and our services to better serve your cruise-connecting needs. We’ll explore that in our next installment of our 2011 Survey Results, Ask and You Shall Receive.
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markdale
Cruising for Life
Survey Results: Part 1
By: Michael Bradbury, MMOB Director of Marketing
The very first question we asked you on your 2011 MeetMeOnBoard membership survey was about how often you travel by cruise ship. The data was clear. All MeetMeOnBoard members love to cruise. That didn’t surprise us but the numbers did.
Almost three quarters of our 4,000 members love going on cruises so much that that feel compelled to travel by ship at least once a year.
This begs the question why.
Only one member mentioned the ocean even though logically cruising involves water. For most of you, traveling by cruise ship is more about price, convenience, amenities, entertainment and quick travel.
Rick Dallin from San Diego captures the sentiment of many of you. He says, “Cruises are a good value. You have entertainment, lodging, all the delicious food you can eat, and ports of call.”
He’s right. Seasoned cruise ship passengers seem to like the whole lifestyle of cruising—with all the creature comforts of home mixed with all the finest elements of hotel living combined with non-stop entertainment.
While a whopping 74% of MeetMeOnBoard members travel by cruise ship at least one time every year, 17% of our members travel when they can—not every year but every couple of years.
One man who asked to remain nameless says he goes on a cruise only when his family coerces him. Another member keeps running into hurricane cancellations in the Caribbean and that has broken his annual cruise record—twice.
Jen Rainin loves traveling by cruise ship because she wants to see many different places. A cruise ship gives her family (wife plus kids) a taste of places they might want to travel to in the future. And the best part for her is that she doesn’t have to keep packing up and switching hotels.
Many of you like the convenience of cruises for that reason. You lug your luggage aboard, get settled and then the logistics of the trip melt away as you wave bon voyage to your departure port and plan for fun in the sun and midnight buffets.
At MeetMeOnBoard we are proud to gather such seasoned cruisers in one spot, to create community and lifelong friendships, bonded by the love of cruise ship travel.
And some of you—nearly half—really love to go on cruise. 40% of members indicate they travel by cruise ship at least two or more times per year. We know from seeing profiles and comments gathered in this survey that quite a few of you go on cruises about 4 times a year. And some of you sound like you practically live on ships, traveling on multiple 60-day cruises pretty regularly.
On man says he tries to go on 7-10 cruises every year.
For those cruise die-hards there is obviously something very appealing about traveling this way.
Rainin loves the home-base feel of a cruise ship. She is going on a Holland America Cruise to Alaska in August and looks forward to this safe way to travel with her children. She says, “They have such autonomy onboard and there are tons of opportunities for learning.”
David from Pasadena lists the ocean as a highpoint of his cruise ship vacations. But he also likes the all-inclusive aspects.
Many of our new members sign up at MeetMeOnBoard before embarking on their first cruise. It’s always heartening to see a new cruiser’s enthusiasm and excitement. And it’s equally exciting to see our veteran sailors helping out the new folks by answering questions, sharing wisdom and just being so welcoming.
Our survey results show that for those who are new to cruising, you tend to return from your maiden voyage energized and ready to go on another cruise as soon as you can. For most of our members, once they get a taste of the cruise life, it becomes very important to them.
Rainin says, “It’s a wonderful way to travel, to experience the world, to meet and make new friends and to make a difference.”
Pasadena David says, “It doesn’t even have to be a cruise ship.” He’ll go on a barge or freighter. “I just love the ocean,” he says. “Cruise ships have the added appeal of lots to do, people to meet and some of my closest friends are people I have met on cruises.”
MeetMeOnBoard founder Mark den Hartog says, “MeetMeOnBoard is very proud that we have a high percentage of frequent cruisers but we also invite the first-timers and infrequent cruisers to join our growing MMOB family. No matter how many times one has cruised, our site will offer a wealth of information to other LGBT cruise enthusiasts.”
Gay v. Mainstream
The vast majority of members—85%—have traveled on a mainstream cruise line. But many of you prefer a gay group cruise within the mainstream sailing. We’ll explore that in our next installment of our 2011 Survey Results, Cruising with Family.
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Randall Shirley
Cruise trends: what interests you?
Today, a question: What current cruise trend(s) interest you the most?
I ask because I find myself waffling on some upcoming cruise options. We’ll be in Europe this fall, and want to do a Mediterranean sailing. Cruises in Europe are, in fact, a burgeoning trend.
But beyond that, we’re looking at different types of cruises we could take within our date range. I’ve found luxury options, all-gay options, gay groups, big mainstream ships, small mainstream ships, lines that cater mostly to Europeans, Broadway’s Playbill group (expensive!), other special interest groups…and more.
I know what I’m leaning toward, but I’m curious what you’re leaning toward in your cruise planning. What trends catch your eye?
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Randall Shirley
South American Gays Organize Own Gay Cruise!
Buenos Aires waterfront from Puerto Madero © Randall Shirley
If you’ve been to Argentina, you know Buenos Aires has become one helluva gay-friendly town. (And was it just me…or were an unusually high proportion of the men there very, very easy on the eyes?)
I digress. Just as we’ve recently seen happen in Europe, we now see gay South Americans organizing their own gay cruise. Their cruise is called EGO, and it will sail from Buenos Aires to only 2 points in Uruguay (gay-popular Punta del Este and the capital city, Montevideo). I personally think this is a great way for them to test the waters, and frankly a longer South America cruise might be financially out of reach for some Argentinians (their economy has never really come back from its collapse in 2000).
The cruise ship MSC Opera (Photo Courtesy MSC Crociere)
I’ve been able to find one English language website selling this cruise, and rates start around US $1,150, which is VERY steep for a five-night cruise, even an all-gay one, especially since they’re not really promoting it with any additional gay entertainment. The organizers have a Spanish language Facebook page here.
If you have not traveled in South America, it’s worth noting that the most Argentinos do not speak much English (nor should they be expected to). Traveling there will require every bit of Spanish you’ve ever learned, and the dialect spoken in Buenos Aires is nothing like the Mexican Spanish most North Americans are familiar with (they call it Castillano). But you get used to it.
The ship is the MSC Opera, an Italian company little-known to most North American cruisers. (If you’ve sailed them, I’d love to hear about the experience). The ship looks gorgeous.
The ship sails December 12, 2011. Booking available via this link.
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Scott Smith
In 2006 we docked next to the MSC Lyrica and had a chance to talk to some of the psgrs. They all liked it a lot and seemed to be very Italian in spirit and LOTS more formal than ours which was the Celebrity Constellation.
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Randall Shirley
European cruise line organizes own gay cruise
Variety Cruises, a cruise line based in Athens, Greece, has announced a gay cruise from August 20-27, 2010. The
Variety Cruises "Panorama" will take an all-gay sailing. Photo courtesy Variety Cruises.
sailing will include Greece and the Greek islands–Mykonos, Santorini and other islands on their small sailing ship, the Panorama. Cruise-only rates start at $2,290 per person per week–certainly hefty compared to the fares RSVP and Atlantis are offering, but it’s an apples to oranges comparison when you consider the difference in ship style. But it also seems very steep considering the price only includes some of your meals.
I personally don’t know how Variety will do with the concept–if any of you have sailed them on a mainstream itinerary, I’d love to hear about it.
Special activities include lengthy swim stops in selected beaches such as in Mykonos, DJ-spun music, evenings off-board in specific ports of call, and “special events,” not sure what that means.
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caribbean cruises
Coming to this post have got me a great idea of sponsoring a free trip to this cruise ship for my gay couple friends who are soon getting married.
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Will is discussing. 
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Michael Schmidt, 
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Scott Smith is discussing. 
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Will 12:06 am on February 19, 2013 Permalink |
I am wondering if there may be any gay-friendly folks travelling on the Celebrity cruise ship Reflection on February 23rd from Miami