This article appeared on southernvoice about the QM2 being cahrtered for an all gay crossing in 2007:
GAY PEOPLE CRUISE MORE THAN HETEROsexuals. That is to say, gay travelers board cruise ships far more frequently than their straight counterparts, according to Community Marketing and the Gay & Lesbian Travel Association, gay travel groups.
According to a recent study by Community Marketing, people who take gay cruises do so an average of three times per year, compared to once every three years for people who take mainstream cruises.The study also says that 20 percent of gay men and lesbians took a cruise vacation in the last 12 months, while only an estimated 17 percent of heterosexuals took a cruise in the last three years, and only 16 percent of overall Americans have ever taken a cruise in their lifetime.
If all this talk whets your appetite to test your sea legs, here are some upcoming opportunities from three of the main providers of all-gay cruises:
ATLANTIS EVENTS
If you have some work days saved up that you can use quickly, Atlantis Events offers a seven-day Hawaiian islands cruise departing on April 23 from Honolulu on Oahu. The trip includes stops at three islands: Hawaii, Maui and Kauai, before returning to Oahu.
The trip takes place aboard the newest US-flagged ship, The Pride of Hawaii, which offers ten different restaurants, two outdoor pools, a three-story theater, an Asian-themed spa and a fitness center. Prices begin at $999 per person with double occupancy. Airfare and other fees are not included.
Atlantis’ other 2007 offerings include Spain, Italy and Greek Isles cruise Aug. 25-Sept. 2; an Athens to Venice cruise Sept. 2-11; and a cruise along the Mexico's Pacific coast Oct. 13-21.
OLIVIA CRUISES
The gals at Olivia have a mouthwatering Mediterranean culinary cruise May 29 to June 8. Travel from Italy to Croatia, Greece and Turkey.
Special guests include the 2006 Bon Appetit pastry Chef of the Year; Tiffany Faison and Josie Smith-Malave from Bravo’s Top Chef; a wine connoisseur and a famed San Francisco restaurateur. Remaining rooms start at $3,599.
Three more Olivia cruises with rooms available before year’s end include a Tahitian cruise, Sept. 15-22; an Alaskan cruise, Sept. 9-16; and a Mexican Riviera cruise, Oct. 20-27.
RSVP VACATIONS
The luxurious Queen Mary 2 makes a transatlantic journey from New York City to Southampton, England, May 29-June 4.
The six-day trip across the Atlantic includes a mega line-up of entertainers from comedian Margaret Cho and "American Idol" contestant and recording artist RJ Helton. RSVP is currently promoting a limited number of rooms starting at $789.
Other RSVP cruises planned for 2007 include a Mediterranean cruise to Italy, Greece and Croatia, Aug. 9-19; and an Alaskan cruise, Sept. 7-14.
LinkWithin
