Gay Cruises » aquafest

What Gay Cruise Options Exist Today?

Loy Bond — Thu, 21 May 2009 00:09:45 +0000

The cruise industry has really matured over the past few years, and it’s easy to see why. Massive chunk-of-planet-sized cruise ships that have every possible convenience on board, gently escorting you away to destinations unknown – it’s enough to make anyone try it. Gays and lesbians have had to face many hardships, and being able to have an openly gay relationship on a mainstream cruise is one of those hardships. Cruise operators were quick to find that gays are often well-heeled, and more than that, quite willing to spend lots for great getaways, and so, the gay cruise was born.

Come on, don’t be lazy. Hit “read more.”

Today’s young and happening gays and lesbians have a lot of choices, but essentially, the choice boils down to whether the cruise should be an all-gay one, or a gay group on a mainstream cruise. There are advantages to both, and to read a little more on the subject go here. Let’s have a look at who’s who, shall we?

When it comes to all-gay cruises, there are two heavyweights, and a few smaller players, and each have their own advantages. Essentially, what you’re looking at is ginormity, extreme fun, raucousness, common, typical vs. small, individual, unique, luxurious, mature, calm, quiet. Something like this!

Crazy vs. luxurious gay cruises

Atlantis – The 800-pound gorilla of gay cruises. This is reflected in their strong marketing (The Way We Play), but that doesn’t mean that the company is all show and no go. They serve 20,000 people per year, and have booked some incredible ships, including the Freedom of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship! With Atlantis, you can go on the world’s premier ships, enjoy big-named celebrity appearances, dance to the beat of the biggest DJs, and so on. It’s definitely something that gays should try, but the Atlantis experience is perhaps the polar opposite of say, DavidTours – a highly specialized, very unique, luxurious (and expensive) experience. That’s not to say it’s bad, on the contrary, the experience is really “big,” but you have to decide what kind of experience you’re after. In my opinion, the Atlantis experience caters toward the 20something and 30something crowds.

RSVP – While Hanns Ebensten travel is probably the grandaddy of gay travel and gay tours, RSVP could be the founder of the gay cruise. RSVP was also the only competition that Atlantis had, until they bought it out, but they haven’t merged, and Atlantis says it’ll keep them separate and distinct. So far, it has. RSVP traditionally has had more women on their cruises, and they’re smaller, so everything is a little more focused.

Travelpride – They tend to focus on relaxation and luxury rather than all-night partying and underwear parties. This probably caters to people 40+ or younger Bond villain-wannabes, but they do seem to deliver on their premise. By their own account they focus on smaller ships and attention to detail is very high. Mostly, their packages are all-inclusive, of even 5-star luxury hotels along the way. Probably a good way to see Europe, but their upcoming Mysteries of the Black Sea should be interesting.

Olivia – Oddly, this company began as a record label, but today, it is the only big lesbian tour operator. In terms of atmosphere and feel, it’s most similar to Travelpride, so while there are parties and what not, things don’t get as crazy as they might with Atlantis or even RSVP. Olivia too wants to focus on relaxation, sensuality, peace, calm, basically the ultimate lesbian experience.

R Family Vacations – The somewhat famous cruise line Rosie O’Donnell and her partner began, the who point of this cruise is to offer a gay/lesbian cruise that you can bring family along on. If you think about it, the other cruise operators will allow this, but not focus on it. It’s a great way to make long-term like-minded friends, and possibly because of Rosie O’Donnell’s friends, sometimes attracts big guests. Of course, with family on board, don’t expect towel-whipping competitions or banana hammock overload (a good thing), and it won’t be people in white outfits serving you caviar and champagne on a private deck while you listen to your relaxing musical stylings, but in a way, it’s the most mainstream gay/lesbian cruise, and probably has the most mixed, diverse people on board.

Romance Voyages – Offers really exciting destinations that are fairly far off the beaten path as far as cruises go, such as the Nile, Machu Picchu and the Galapagos. If you’re more interested in the destination than the cruise itself, Romance voyages is perhaps the ideal choice for the more explorative gay traveler. Excursions are also excellent and go to very unique places.

That’s about it for the all-gay operators. Next, let’s have a look at some of the larger tour operators. These guys arrange gay groups on mainstream cruises, but to some, this is the best option. Why? You get plenty more cruises and destinations to choose from, all while remaining in the comfort of a gay group without isolating yourself.

Aquafest – This group wants to position itself as the Atlantis of gay group cruises. They claim that the atmosphere on the boats is “conducive to partying,” and of course, have cruises with themes such as Mardi Gras or Halloween. They have two upcoming cruises for 2009, one for Alaska and the other a Halloween cruise to the Caribbean.

Coda International Tours – Along with Pied Piper Travel, Coda is the other big gorilla in gay group cruises and travel. They too have a very focused approach, unique destinations and a very high satisfaction rate. A Danube cruise, Black Sea & Mediterranean cruise and an Aegean cruise are just some of their 2009 packages.

Hanns Ebensten Travel – This agency pioneered gay travel way back in the 70s when being gay was considered a medical condition. So if you’re looking for experience, this place has more of it than anyone on the planet. You can rest assured that the destinations were chosen with experience and knowledge, but wow! Look at some of ‘em! India, Easter Island, Greece, Sicily…

DavidTours – At the high end of travel resides DavidTours. Providing highly customized options, if you want to combine the concepts of gay and luxurious, find a fairly large sum of money and contact these people.

Pied Piper Travel – If Atlantis is the 800-pound gorilla of all-gay cruises, Pied Piper Travel is an 800-pound gorilla of gay group cruises and activities. They have more events planned than anyone, and more than a few of these other guys combined. Being a small, specialized tour operator means that experience and a hands-on approach will be part of the vacation, and that can sometimes offer tremendous value.

Gay Cruises – 8th Annual Western Caribbean Halloween Cruise from Aquafest

Loy Bond — Sat, 02 May 2009 17:30:25 +0000

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: 8^th Annual Western Caribbean Halloween Cruise

When: October 25^th to November 1^st, 2009

Company/Offered Through: Aquafest

Type: All-Gay

Departs: Tampa, Florida

Visits: Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Belize and Roatan Island

Basic Itinerary:

Entertainment and Things To Do:

Private Gay Shows with Guest Celebrities
Gay and Lesbian 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 Excursion

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.”

REINA

Headline Performer

Taking center stage by storm, Robbins Entertainment/BMG recording artist, Reina hasn’t skipped a beat since her debut blockbuster; “Find Another Woman” hit the airwaves back in1999. In just a few weeks this song catapulted to #2 on Billboard’s Dance Chart.

In 2003 her hit song “No One’s Gonna Change You”, crossed over and entered Billboard’s Top 100 Chart. Fast forward to June 1st, of 2004 and her new single “If I Close My (Everything Will Be Alright)” was debuted at radio and within weeks the record soared to the top of the music charts. She performed the song live on the Regis & Kelly talk show on ABC, and her debut album This Is Reina was released on October 26, 2004.

With a five and a half octave range, Reina has captivated audiences throughout the country. At WKTUS Beat Stock Concerts she sang for over 31,000 adoring fans. In addition to singing, this 27-year-old charismatic New Yorker from the Bronx is a proficient songwriter. She co-wrote her single “Anything For Love” and upon hearing this song, Donna Summer was impressed enough to enlist Reina to write for her.

Her fans have expressed that “Find Another Woman” prompted them to leave bad relationships, and that the song is as empowering as the 70’s hit “I Will Survive”. She earned a nomination for Best New Artist at The Winter Music Dance Conference and was featured on Seventeen Magazine’s “New Star Showcase”.

JULIE GOLDMAN

Headline Comic

When Julie was 15, she was at a Jewish youth group convention where her soon to be first comedy mentor, Tony V., was performing. She was enrapt with him and asked how she could do stand up. He told her to come to the Comedy Connection and do 5 minutes. She did and the rest is history in her own mind.

DJ JST

Headline DJ/Producer

DJ JST (a name derived from his initials, but pronounced gist) is a classically trained violinist and graduate from the University of Michigan, School of Music. In 2004 after working in Information Technology for several years, he decided that it was time to bring his focus back to music and pursue a career that he could be passionate about.

In 2008 His remixes for Lauren Hildebrandt, Jenna Drey, Alyson and Erin Hamilton, brought DJ JST to the forefront as one of dance music’s most sought after producers. His remixes for Erin Hamilton’s “Control Yourself” and Alyson “Here With Me” earned him two top 5 hits on Billboard’s Dance Club Chart.

Now working on some exciting new production and collaboration projects in the studio, DJ JST is well on his way to becoming one of the hottest commodities on the DJ circuit. Stay tuned for his first full length album which is scheduled for release Spring 2009.

DJ – Michael Kessler

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 (Non-Discountable fees) are $159.00 & Government Taxes are $71.89 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.

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.

Detailed Itinerary:

Ship Info:

Every one of Carnival’s “Fun Ships”® is a unique floating resort designed with your fun in mind. Venture out of your spacious stateroom and experience the outdoor areas, wonderful restaurants, friendly casino, relaxing lounges, invigorating spa, exciting nightclubs and duty-free shopping. Come aboard and see for yourself.

Inside Staterooms

Cabin Name: Interior Guarantee

Category: IS

Description: Guaranteed minimum interior stateroom category or better. Stateroom might be assigned at check-in only. Stateroom location or upgrade not guaranteed. Restrictions apply.

Cabin Name: Interior Stateroom with Upper/Lower

Category: 1A

Description: Every Carnival guest is assured of spacious, comfortable accommodations. All staterooms have carpeting, ample drawer and closet space, private facilities (shower, basin and toilet), telephone and color television showing first-run films. Our SuperLiners all feature staterooms above ocean level for a more comfortable cruise.