Overall impressions of Holland America as a gay-friendly cruise option
The Holland America Oosterdam anchored at Cabo San Lucas © Randall Shirley
The Canadian border guard raised his eyes when we told him where we were coming home from. “Aren’t you guys the wrong demographic for a Holland America* cruise?” he asked.
I’m not sure who answered more loudly, but both Denni and I effused, “no way—the Oosterdam’s mix of passengers was really broad.” What we didn’t mention to the officer (but could have, this is Canada) is how very comfortable we felt as a gay couple on the Oosterdam.
Of the approximately 50 gay couples on board the ship, Denni and I were the only ones seen holding hands around the ship…but that’s just us. Toward the end of the cruise some of the other gay passengers asked us how we could seem so comfortable, and if it didn’t bother us that people stared. Well, frankly people didn’t stare. Sure, a few double-takes…but I believe that’s only because we’re both so damn butch (LOL, really).
This being the third time I’ve sailed Holland America (the first two were all-gay charters), I think it’s safe to say that the line is reasonably gay friendly. I’ve been told that some of the older Seattle management prefer not to think about the gays, and was told onboard the Oosterdam that the Dutch officers are often, and surprisingly, quite homophobic. I’m sure that could be said for much of the ship’s staff, too—after all, many of them come from developing nations where homosexuality is not an open topic.
But from a traveler’s perspective, my hands-on experience says the majority of people are just fine with us.
- Our beds were already made into a king when we boarded—the cabin steward asked us if we wanted them separated but didn’t blink when we said “no.”
- The ship’s photographers took and posted photos of Denni and me just like all the straight couples—even one of me giving him a peck on the cheek on the Cabo pier. One evening we did a formal portrait together, and the Russian photographer (female) was plenty accommodating of special requests—including a surprising pose that she’s now adding to her main repertoire.
- The dining staff were friendly and professional, never a second glance.
- The ship’s officers (rarely seen) were also friendly enough.
- About the only thing we didn’t do on the cruise was dance together, and that’s because we just never got around to it.
As for the other passengers, again, never a second glance. We had families on board, and I know some very religious folks (I can spot Mormon underwear a mile away), but again, no issues at all.
Other Oosterdam gay passengers were elite-level members with Holland America’s frequent-sailor club, which also indicates the comfort level of sailing this line.
The Oosterdam will be used in a few weeks for an all-lesbian Olivia Cruise, and a few weeks later for an Atlantis all-gay cruise. If you’re onboard either of those sailings, you can thank Denni and me for paving the way with the current staff and crew (of course, cruise ship staff turns over about every 6 months).
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David Samson 10:05 pm on April 28, 2011 Permalink |
My partner and I sailed on Ryndam in January 2011 around Caribbean. I was the second youngest passenger at 63 (my partner at 49 the youngest!). We had no problems with other passengers or staff including officers at cocktail parties. A GLBT drinks session was advertised each evening. We went to a couple but were alone both times. Going on the Noordam in June 2011 so looking forward to whether the different passenger demographics means different atmosphere.