RSVP's Alaskan Adventure: Days 5 - 7

Story and video by Michael Anthony; Photos in order: Michael Anthony (3); Getty (1)

If the ship is a-rockin'…get those anti-nausea pills ready!

Yes, on the 5th official day of RSVP's Alaskan cruise (from which I've been reporting) we awoke to hurricane force winds. Standing on our balcony, holding on for near-dear life, we watched as the captain tried to tender in (or pull into harbor, in landlubber-language). Literally 4 attempts ensued before the commander made an announcement: "I regret to inform you that we will not be docking in Sitka. Instead, you will be enjoying another day at sea."

On one hand, this was disappointing. Sitka is a cultural city that my world traveler friends have told me is definitely worth seeing; it's a rural yet refined collective with heavy native and Russian influences. But, at 60-knots, docking was out of the question. So enjoy the boat, we did!

Even five days in, it's shocking how many things were yet to be discovered on this 12-story ship. Aunt Ros spent the entire day in the "Crow's Nest" library, grilling the on-staff Alaskan expert about everything and anything wilderness-related. Helen and the Uncles took to the ship's culinary school -- culinary school! David, as he usually does, ran off to the gym and spa for some mind, body and soul respite. I jumped in on my first-ever slots tournament. (Second place ain’t bad for an amateur, now is it?)

At night, the cruise ship party scene commenced. Unlike other gay cruise lines, RSVP has those gay good-time vibes rather than that "party atmosphere" that many LGBTQ travelers would prefer to avoid when relaxing. There are parties nightly (like Day Five’s "leather-themed bonanza"), but this Alaskan Adventure boasted all of the fun with none of the attitude; even the great-aunts took to the dance floor and had a blast.

Day Six brought us to Ketchikan, a small Alaskan port town. While the uncles took an historic nature walk and Helen went off to perform in a Native tribe dancing ritual, David and I sated our inner-adventure

seekers and spent the afternoon zip-lining through the city’s rainforest (the second biggest in the world, only second to the Amazon). What can I say about taking a 400 foot nosedive through the misty woodland with nothing more than a mere rope harness as your savior? Priceless!

The evening of Day Seven dropped us off in the heart of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. We arrived by bus to the world-famous Butchart Gardens just in time for a fireworks spectacular for which clearly no expense was spared.

We also got a quick tour of the Gardens themselves before being bustled back to the Westerdam. Now I’m not a big "flower and fountain guy," but something about outdoor floral design done right really makes a man appreciate the world around him; it was absolutely stunning, whether you’re a "stop and smell the roses" kind of traveler or not.

Of course, David and I rocked out the night as hard as we could; refusing to admit that our vaca-y had come to an end. The verdict? From 28-to-70-some-years-old, each and every one of us enjoyed a five-star time. It's hard not to enjoy any openly-gay cruise, but when it’s done in a setting as beautiful as the picturesque Alaskan coastline, it's truly memorable. An expensive memory, yes, but worth every pretty penny.

Writer Michael Anthony, contributing from aboard RSVP's Alaskan cruise

RSVP's Alaskan Adventure: Days 3 + 4

Story and video by Michael Anthony. Images in order: Getty; Michael Anthony; Getty

Although Day Three of RSVP's Alaskan Adventure cruise was technically a "day at sea," we sailed through the indescribably beautiful Glacier Bay and tendered for a bit.

Here, we saw our first glacier of the trip (and of my entire life!), a family of passing whales (who followed alongside our ship and surfaced no less than a dozen times) and miles of gorgeous, untouched-by-man shoreline.

Aunt Ros and Uncle Bill had a field day, snapping picture after picture. Seeing sights like this in movies, on nature flip calendars and in National Geographic specials can be desensitizing, but actually beholding beauty like this in real life is in its own category entirely.

On this cruise, which I’ve never experienced on any other cruise before, they tugboat in resident experts and naturalists to discuss the culture and lay of the land as we pass it. Today’s speaker was Alaska’s one and only gay park ranger; Aunt Helen twisted my arm into attending the lecture, and I’m so glad that I tagged along.

Not only did he give the standard "that’s a glacier, over there is a mountain goat" speech, but he discussed the trials and tribulations of finding success and happiness in such a (stereotypically) hetero-centric environment. It was pretty moving and definitely inspiring.

Day Four took us to Juneau, Alaska's capital (interesting fact: the city is only accessible via passenger plane and boat; not a single road is paved in or out). We spent the first half of the day shopping at the local port: trinkets, furs, Russian cultural items (surprisingly frequent here) and jewelry native to the area.

But the best part of our capital visit (and of the trip to date!) was the one-hour helicopter flight that the 'family' and I took through the local wilderness. (See the clip above for a taste of the majestic beauty that we encountered.) Bears, flora and fauna abounded, as well as glaciers (one which is near the size of Rhode Island at times of the year).

Our pilot, a rough and tumble yet strikingly beautiful local woman, even maneuvered a touch-down on a remote glacier; for nearly 20 minutes, we got to hike and trek around the area, harsh and uninhabitable yet entrancing. The tour cost us well over $500 for four, but was well, well worth it.

Tomorrow, onto the city of Sitka, with a slew of other RSVP-promised surprises in store.

Writer Michael Anthony, contributing from aboard RSVP's Alaskan cruise

RSVP's Alaskan Adventure: Days 1 + 2

Story and media by Michael Anthony

Planning the perfect 'family' getaway is tricky. Everyone wants to escape, but no two can agree on how to do it: beaching in Tahiti? Bar-hopping in San Francisco? Hiking the Appalachian Trail?

Sticking the whole gay 'family' on RSVP's cruise to Alaska, then, begs some questions.

Perhaps it’s just my ever-growing “bear-ness” -- the desire to literally let the hair on my chest grow and actually keep my shirt on for an entire vaca-y -- or the need for a respite that’s a little less party enthused and a lot more R&R. L.A. (my home) isn’t great for R&R, but there are few more relaxing and spectacularly beautiful places than Alaska.

RSVP's Alaskan Adventure is also surprisingly all-too fitting for my 28-through-79-year-old ragtag collective -- my boyfriend and I, together for 6 years and gay as the day is long; my Uncle Bill and his partner of 24 years, Steve; and "Aunt Ros" and the love of her life, Helen, happily partnered for 40 “wonderful, just wonderful” years. With a 2,000-ish person capacity, the cruise offers something for everyone and it's decidedly lions, tigers, bears, oh-my guests was a welcome change from the West Hollywood twink set.

Days One and Two at sea gave the fam and I time to explore; and explore, we did! While my partner and I sauntered about with the "been-there, cruised-this, enjoyed-that" ease of cruise veterans, our accompanying gaggle of first-timers stumbled about with awe in their eyes. The Westerdam (part of the Holland America fleet) may not be the largest ship on the sea -- a 2,000 capacity is still plenty -- but it has everything a traveler needs.

There’s a full gym with free weights, cardio machines, spin classes and even free lectures. The award-winning spa is on hand -- which I tried within a few hours of boarding -- has a hot stone massage to rival any treatments I’ve experienced in LA.

There are also two pools (indoor and out), a casino, art gallery, live-stage theatre (shows every night) and (of course, my favorite haunt) a buffet! Every amenity is well-staffed and top-notch.

On this afternoon’s agenda? Culinary school begins in 20-minutes, my acupuncture awaits afterward, and the pool deck BBQ starts at five. It's only been two days, but we’ve all already taken to the Westerdam, eager for each new event and excited for our first soon-to-see visual tomorrow afternoon: the Glacier Bay shoreline.

Writer Michael Anthony, contributing from aboard RSVP's Alaskan cruise

Cruising with Dani Campbell

Story by Aefa Mulholland

Propelled to fame by her part in MTV’s “A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila,” Fort Lauderdale-based firefighter Dani Campbell talks to GPS about scampering on board Sweet’s women’s Caribbean cruise, her new clothing line, and the search for a First Mate.

AM: You’ll be on Sweet’s inaugural women’s Cruise to the Caribbean along with 1900 other lucky passengers, what are you most looking forward to about the cruise?

DC: Can you believe I have never been on a cruise!! I am looking forward to EVERYTHING! I guess if I had to pick one thing, it would be the joy of not having to worry about working. My second pick would be the awesome places we will be visiting. I just plan on relaxing and not having an agenda.

AM: Are you particularly looking forward to any specific port of call (Belize, Roatan, Costa Maya, Cozumel)?

DC: I'm looking forward to all of the set destinations Sweet has planned. Cozumel will be cool though since it is an island. I hope to charter a boat and go fishing off of their beautiful reefs. Belize will also be of certain interest since it's where my mom went for her honeymoon about 15 years ago. 

AM: It’s your turn to look for love when you’re on the cruise (One lucky lady will win a date with Dani during the cruise). What qualities will you be looking for in your First Mate?

DC: My plan is to just meet people who are genuine and real. My expectations are not set for love, but you never know!

AM: Where was your best ever vacation?

DC: My best vacation was probably when I was filming A Shot at Love in Mexico. We did a lot of cool things and I didn't have to pay for anything! We went zip-lining, ate at awesome restaurants, stayed in a beautiful hotel called Me, and also got to swim with dolphins.

AM: You’ve starting up your own clothing line, pinkboybluegirl. Will you be modeling any prototypes on board?

DC: We currently offer our clothing at pinkboybluegirl. I decided not to set up a booth on this particular venture for the simple fact that I just want to disconnect from all work related issues. I don't want any stress or obligations on this trip. It’s all about fun in the sun this time. I'm sure you will find me sporting some of my clothing throughout the trip.

AM:  Where are your favorite places to hang out in Fort Lauderdale?

DC: My typical night out usually consists of a delicious meal at one of the many amazing restaurants we have and then an upscale bar or lounge. Some of my favorite restaurants are Bova, Sushi Za, the Cheesecake Factory, Houston's and Yolo just to name a few. My hangouts in Ft Laud are Blue Martini, the W Hotel, the Living Room, Automatic Slims and New Moon. As you can see I don't just confine myself to gay only establishments. I luckily live in an area, and era, that is very gay friendly when compared to our past. I can enjoy myself just about anywhere. 

Dani will be on Sweet's Caribbean cruise out of New Orleans, calling at Roatan, Costa Maya, Cozumel, and Belize City, November 8-15, 2009 (DiscoverSweet.com).

Ruins, reefs and a reality star

Story by Aefa Mulholland. 

The 7 things I’m most looking forward to on November's inaugural women's Sweet Cruise

1. With parties, restaurants, bars, pools, and 1900 women on board, the inaugural Sweet Caribbean Cruise is irresistible. Choose from Club Skirts’ T-dance, bingo, casino fun, cooking demos, spa visits, the inspiring Sweet Sparks talk series. And that’s all just on day one! There are seven such fun- and sun-filled days on the horizon (November 8-15, 2009; DiscoverSweet.com; payment plans start at $36/month). Check out carbon neutral Sweet’s impressive voluntourism options, too.

2. Exploring Mayan ruins and wildlife sanctuaries outside Belize City.

3. Getting my order in at the swim up bar at Costa Maya.

4. Snorkeling the reef at Roatan, Honduras.

5. Causing a ruckus on a catamaran during a party cruise.

6. And of course dolphin-spotting. It just wouldn’t be a lesbian cruise without a bit of dolphin-spotting.

7. Reality TV star Dani Campbell of “A Shot of Love with Tila Tequila” fame. Dani will be on board looking for love herself this time. One lucky lady will win a date with the hottie Florida firefighter and a chance to become Dani’s next first mate.

Austria's Pink Lakes

Images Courtesy Pink Lake Festival
Story by Joseph Alexiou

A whole weekend lounging around a pristine Austrian lake is nothing short of paradise for lovers of the European vacation. In the southern province of Carinthia—a beautiful sunny region made up of a thousand lakes and mountains—Lake Wörthersee and the town of Pörtschach will be host to the second annual Pink Lake Festival—an international LGBT event from September 10 through 13.

In what is essentially a gay pride weekend without the parade, Pink Lake is an opportunity for the region to invite queer travelers to experience a quiet and remarkably picturesque part of Europe. With borders near Italy and Slovenia, last year's festival saw visitors from myriad destinations in Europe and beyond. Pörtschach, a spa town full of tradition (from architecture to bakeries), classy restaurants and boutique shopping, is "ideal venue for the Pink Lake Festival."

Highlighted events start with the Almdudler Folkwear Party at the beautiful Parkvilla Wörth—guests wearing Lederhosen or Dirndl (the traditional lady's peasant dress, although being a lady is obviously not a requirement) get a present, and additional prizes to the most creative outfits. Friday's big event is the dragtastic Sissi Ball at the Congress Center Pörtschach, presented by Villacher Bier and featuring the ladies from Vienna's Herr...liche Damen calls for Baroque, "eccentric" costumes. On Saturday the main event is the Schlumberger Boat Cruise, a nighttime dance cruise with live DJs and beautiful views of the lake.

Additional events include Welcome Speed Dating on Thursday for those looking for some weekend romance, a bicycle toure around the lake at 10 a.m. on Friday, numerous happy hours, buffet dinners, and the free "banana cruising," a sports happy hour at the Pink Lake Hausboot (a daytime bathing suit party, if you will). Check out the event website for full scheduling details and locations.

All-inclusive event tickets cost 20€, although most events are no more than 10€ individually.

We like it Sweet

 

Story by Aefa Mulholland

My friend Maggie and I are getting increasingly excited about the prospect of joining 1900 other women on the first ever Sweet cruise (November 8-15). We’ll be galloping up the gangplank in New Orleans on our way to Roatan, Honduras; Belize City; Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico.

As well as sashaying all around the most scintillating spots in the Caribbean, Maggie, our 1900 new friends, and I also have the option of joining a pre-cruise voluntourism package. Those who opt to hit the Crescent City early can spend three days working with a wetlands restoration project designed to prevent future flooding of this resilient city. It’s not all hard work, though – French Quarter accommodations are luxurious, there’s a LGBT history tour, a party, and a tasty cooking demonstration.

Neither of us has been to any of the ports of call, so we’ve been doing a bit of research in order to make the rest of our friends even more envious of our itinerary. Today we’re getting enthusiastic about Belize City.

The perfect gateway to the country’s archeological and eco sites, Belize City is home to around 70,000 people and basks on the country’s central coast. Originally a Mayan city called Holzuz, it now sits amidst a scatter of Creole villages with names such as Double Head Cabbage and Crooked Tree.

It turns out that half of Belize is jungle – jungle teeming with jaguars, pumas, ocelots, armadillos, tapirs, toucans, hummingbirds, parrots, macaws and thousands of species of tropical flowers. The nation is also confettied with over 600 Mayan ruin sites. If we can tear ourselves away from the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere we’re planning on visiting Altun Ha, once a ceremonial center for most of Belize’s Mayans.

Ed Salvato on Sirius/XM Radio!

 

Photo: courtesy Derek and Romaine, Sirius OutQ

Our editor, Ed Salvato (below right), was a guest of Derek and Romaine on their eponymous show on Sirius OutQ.

It was a lively 45 minutes with lots and lots of calls from listeners. They discussed a wide range of travel topics from a wide range of Sirius OutQ listeners: gay men, lesbians, singles, couples and even a straight couple looking for a great weekend getaway from Dallas! Here are a few topics they touched upon:

• Jay in California asked about Egypt
• Bill in Arizona asked about Greece
• Michelle and her boyfriend asked about weekend getaways
• Nicholas asked about Belgium
• Michael asked about South Africa
• Others asked about Mexico, upgrading, gay dude ranches and much more!

Click here to listen to the show. (It's in three parts)

Download 01 Track 01
Download 02 Track 02
Download 03 Track 03

Somewhere Over the Rainbow Cruise

 
Story and photo (Debbie Reynolds) by Jon Barrett

Fourth cruise report: Day at sea.

Puerto Vallerta was our last port of call, leaving us with just two “at sea” days before returning to Los Angeles. I expected to spend both of these last days just sitting by the pool, soaking in as much sun as could before returning to work, but now that we’re heading north (and into the wind), it’s a little cold and blustery outside. So while I did get outside for a couple hours (for my morning run around the 400-meter track and for a some time by the pool), I spent most of the day enjoying the indoor entertainment that RSVP had lined up for us.

Yesterday’s headliner was one I’ve been looking forward to since seeing the itinerary weeks ago: Debbie Reynolds. And it was clear as I took my seat in the two-deck, filled-to-capacity theater that I wasn’t alone in my anticipation. Granted, there were a few guys on the ship who had no idea who Ms. Reynolds is (although they had a better idea when I explained that she played Grace’s mom on Will & Grace), but Reynolds took that question head-on almost as soon as she came on stage.

“I know some of you are too young to know who I am, so let me introduce myself. I’m Princess Leia's mom.” Whether or not you knew her, you had to love her performance, which was filled with show tunes, stories from her days in Hollywood (“Clark Gable, he was straight -- but you guys could have had a chance with Cary Grant.”), and impersonations (including a right-on performance as Barbra Streisand). The highlight of the show was Reynolds’s tribute to her old friend and neighbor, Judy Garland. She brought the house down with “Over the Rainbow,” which seemed like a perfect ending to our lovely second-to-the-last-day on this delightfully gay cruise.

Click here to read Jon's first cruise report from Cabo San Lucas.

Click here to read Jon's second cruise report from Mazatlan.

Click here to read Jon's third cruise report from Puerto Vallarta.

Jon Barret, the Editor in Chief of The Advocate and Advocate.com (the world’s leading multi-platform news provider directly targeting the LGBT audience) has agreed to experience his very first gay cruise  and send us back these periodic reports. Check here all week and be on the lookout for his article about first-time gay cruising scheduled for later this year in the Advocate. 

VIDEO: See and hear Jon's most recent editor's letter here.

For much more information on gay cruises and a schedule of upcoming cruises, click here.

Pulling up Blue Chairs in Puerto Vallarta

Story and photos by Jon Barrett
Photos from top: Carnival in the distance; the hills of Puerto Vallarta; Puerto Vallarta's gay beach; friends Casey and Ira

Third port of call: Puerto Vallarta.

It was another beautiful day -- this time in Puerto Vallerta. The boyfriend and I again took the very good  advice of RSVP’s Charlie Rounds and headed directly to the Blue Chairs Resort as soon as we hit town. Blue Chairs is ground zero for gay here in PV -- and for good reason.

It’s a great way to spend the day at the beach, parked in a blue chair and under an umbrella while drinking very cheap beers (we had five Pacificos and a heaping plate of nachos for just $22). I definitely hope to return; cobblestoned and quaint, PV is my favorite of the three ports of call.

Drinking beer under a beach umbrella is what I expected from the cruise. But just as I reported about the burning bus in Mazatlan yesterday, I’d again like to tell you about one of the more unexpected moments: Soon after we docked in the harbor this morning, Carnival Cruise Lines’ Splendor pulled up directly behind us.

As I watched the Splendor come in, I realized it was perfectly positioned for the Carnival passengers to get an all-day eyeful of our ship’s “freestyle sunbathing” (read: nude sunbathing) deck. The juxtaposition was a great example -- for better or worse -- of how gay cruises (and gay cruisers) can’t help but get in the face of straight locals and tourists. (Can you spot the gay cruiser in the picture above?)

Click here to read Jon's first cruise report from Cabo San Lucas.

Click here to read Jon's second cruise report from Mazatlan.

Jon Barret, the Editor in Chief of The Advocate and Advocate.com (the world’s leading multi-platform news provider directly targeting the LGBT audience) has agreed to experience his very first gay cruise  and send us back these periodic reports. Check here all week and be on the lookout for his article about first-time gay cruising scheduled for later this year in the Advocate. 

VIDEO: See and hear Jon's most recent editor's letter here.

For much more information on gay cruises and a schedule of upcoming cruises, click here.