Hi there! The following is one of a multi-part series on 2009 gay cruises. The purpose of each page is to give you useful information about the cruise at a glance. Please feel free to discuss these cruises in the forums! -Ed.
Cruise: 7 Night Alaska Gay Explorer Cruise
When: September 25th to October 2nd, 2009
Company/Offered Through: Aquafest
Type: All-Gay
Departs: Seattle, Washington
Visits: Alaska
Basic Itinerary:
Detailed Itinerary:
Pricing Info:
Other Info:
What’s Included: All meals except for alternative (additional fee) reservation restaurants, entertainment, and accommodations aboard ship for the duration of the cruise as well as all advertised Aquafest Events.
What’s Not Included: Tipping, items of a personal nature, alcoholic beverages, gift shop and spa purchases, gambling, optional shore excursions, airfare, air taxes, and /or local transfers to the port of embarkation/disembarkation. Non-discountable fees and taxes are additional. A $30.00 booking processing fee is additional and subject to change without notice.
Non-discountable fees and taxes: Port Charges $235.00 (Non-Discountable fees) & Government Taxes are $128.02 per person based on double occupancy and subject to change without notice. Fees, taxes, and any surcharges imposed by the cruise line are subject to change without notice. Charges vary for single, triples, and quads. Ask for details.
Cruise Line Cancellation Penalties: [Varies by sailing]
75-57 days prior to departure- deposit amount
56-29 days prior to departure- 50% penalty
28-16 days prior to departure- 75% penalty
15 days or less prior to departure- 100% penalty
Aquafest Cancellation Penalties:
Bookings cancelled from date of booking to 90 days before sailing: Aquafest cancellation fee- $50 per person
Bookings cancelled 90 days to day of sailing: Aquafest cancellation fee – $300 plus Cruise Line cancellation fee – see above.
Bookings cancelled 60 days to day of sailing: Aquafest cancellation fee – $300 plus Cruise Line – see above
Aquafest cancellation fee will be charged to your credit card and will appear on your statement as CruiseCenter.
Documentation Requirements:
It is the passenger’s responsibility to determine and provide proper identification, documentation (including passport and visas if required), and inoculations for the destinations to which he/she is traveling. The traveler should verify requirements well in advance of travel to insure compliance. Passengers who do not meet these requirements will be denied boarding by cruise lines and airlines. CruiseCenter/Aquafest is not responsible for providing documentation and inoculation information.
Disclaimer: All advertised events are exclusive to guests who book through Aquafest only. Aquafest Cruises are group events and not chartered vessels. Events based on a minimum of 30 group passengers. All rates are cruise only and per person, based on double occupancy subject to availability at time of booking. All rates include Aquafest special event fee. Non-discountable fees and taxes, airfare, air taxes and transfers are additional unless otherwise noted. A $30.00 booking processing fee is additional and subject to change without notice. All cancellations are subject to a minimum $50+ per person cancellation fee from Aquafest (see Aquafest Cancellation Penalties above) in addition to any vendor cancellation penalties. Event details, pricing, port charges, taxes, fees and surcharges are subject to change without notice. We reserve the right to correct errors. Please contact us for a more detailed description of restrictions, cancellations, and penalties. Information and pricing are subject to change without notice. All cancellations are subject to a $50 per booking cancellation fee from Aquafest in addition to any vendor cancellation penalties. Trip Cancellation Insurance is strongly recommended for all reservations. More information will be provided to you at the time of booking confirmation.
Trip Cancellation Insurance: We strongly recommend trip cancellation/interruption insurance for all reservations. More information will be provided to you at the time of booking.
Entertainment and Things To Do:
- Private Shows with Guest Celebrities
- Gay and Lesbian GayMe Shows
- Gay and Lesbian Film Festival at Sea
- Gay DJ
- Theme Dance Parties
- Private Group Cocktail Party
- Group Dining
- Wine at Dinner on a Special Night
- Aquafest Cruise Directors
- Gay Olympics and Sporting Events
- Gay Beach Party
- Singles Get-togethers
- Couples Get-togethers
- Lesbian Get-togethers
- Afternoon T-Dance
Private AquaQuest Shore Excursions
OUR MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES FOR 2009
HEDDA LETTUCE
Hedda Lettuce is a six-time “HX” drag queen of the year award winner. She has performed at many cabaret venues including “Caroline’s on the Broadway,” “Fez,” “The Showroom at East of Eight” and the “Chelsea Clearview Movie Theater” where she hosts the “Clearview Classic Movie Night.” She is also the creator of the popular drag country singing trio – The “Dixie Chixs With Dixs.”
Hedda’s screen credits include “To Wong Foo,” “Flawless,” with Robert Dinero, “The Look,” with Carol Alt and a handful of independent films. She has appeared in popular television shows; “Sex in the City,” “Oprah” and recently made an appearance on “20/20″ with Barbara Walters. Hedda’s Theater experience includes the off-Broadway show; “Servicemen,” directed by Sean Mathias and “Sleeping With Straight Men,” starring Hedda Lettuce and John Waters favorite actress; Mink Stole. Hedda has also produced many off-Broadway shows including; “Sex, Lies and Duct Tape; Hedda’s Christmas Show,” “Lettuce Rejoice” and her standup tour deforce; “Miss Lettuce If You’re Nasty!”
In addition she has hosted high profile charity events such as “Broadway Bares,” “The HX Awards” and has performed on stage with Joy Behar, Joan Rivers, Caroline Rhea and in 1999 with Madonna for the “MTV Music Awards.” Hedda just finished a 4-month run of her one woman show; “Meet the Lettuce Family” in Provincetown, Massachusetts. Hedda just appeared as a special guest on “Project Runway.”
JENNA DREY
Headline Performer
Jenna is one of the fastest rising stars on the pop music scene with a three-octave and has some of the best dance hits and ballads. This is one act you won’t want to miss.
Stunningly beautiful glaciers … towering snow-capped mountains … spectacular wildlife … lush rainforest … and mile after mile of pristine coastline. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve holds such a wealth of natural wonders, you’ll find endless opportunities for discovery and adventure here.
Join Aquafest for our sixth annual Alaska cruise on the ms Zaandam as we cruise the last Frontier.
Aquafest is pleased to offer the lowest rates, GLBT Celebrity entertainment, and events on this exciting September cruise. The weather in Alaska is beautiful during September and there are more whale sightings during this period. We hope you will join us for the BEST GLBT Alaska group event for 2009!
The luxurious new ms Zaandam is one of the newest members of Holland America’s “next generation” of cruise ships. The Zaandam reflects a graceful combination of classic and state-of-the-art features found on board both the ms Rotterdam flagship and the Statendam-class vessels. Special features include an alternative restaurant, Internet Cafe, a third staircase for convenient access to public rooms, as well as more of the popular mini-suites with verandahs. The Zaandam’s predominant theme is music and will be featured in the ship’s artwork and interior design elements.
Ship Info:
Public Areas:
Rotterdam Dining Room Features impeccable service and an extensive wine list. Five-course menus include continental cuisine, vegetarian and low-carboptions .
Pinnacle Grill This intimate reservations-only venue offers an elegant, sophisticated dining experience. Featuring premium Sterling Silver beef, inspired seafood dishes and many select wines rated “Excellent” by Wine Spectator – as well as distinctive Bvlgari china, Riedel stemware and Frette linens.
Lido Restaurant offers a relaxed ambiance for all three meals and features a variety of fresh, cooked-to-order specialties.
The Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine Magazine Our state-of-the-art demonstration kitchen offering interactive gourmet cooking lessons taught by our own Master Chefs or culinary guests.
Explorations Cafe, powered by The New York Times A comfortable, coffee house environment where you can browse through an extensive library, surf the Internet and check email or simply read the morning paper.
Greenhouse Spa &Salon Features heavenly beauty and wellness rituals. Enjoy a facial, hot stone massage, steam in a thermal suite and have your hair and nails done for a special evening.
Mondriaan Show Lounge Features talented vocalists, dancers, illusionists, comedians and variety acts.
Crow’s Nest Offers sweeping 270 degree views during the day, and a hip, fashionable nightclub each evening.
