GWM First Time Cruise Leaving Baltimore in June, 2015

Hi -

GWM, first time ever on a cruise ship. I'm leaving Baltimore on June 21 aboard Carnival Pride.

If you discount my 2 straight friends (a married couple), I'll be cruising solo. Any advice?

Anyone else going to be on this cruise?

Have sailed solo several times and always have a great deal of fun. My solo cruise tip is to apply sunscreen to the face before leaving your stateroom and check your face in the mirror for proper rubbing in.

Also, check the photo gallery area for other passengers on the cruise. If you see any guys traveling with their moms, gay. Have fun!!!

Hi -

 

GWM, first time ever on a cruise ship. I'm leaving Baltimore on June 21 aboard Carnival Pride.

 

If you discount my 2 straight friends (a married couple), I'll be cruising solo. Any advice?

 

Anyone else going to be on this cruise?

Have you looked in the Gay/Lesbian Roll Call? There may be one for your sailing, if not you can start one!

I will be doing my first solo cruise in March on Emerald Princess. I have cruised alone in a cabin before with a group of family but never completely solo like I will be on this upcoming cruise.

If I were you I would also look for the FOD/LGBT get-together onboard. It should be posted in the newsletter and/or at the bulletin board near guest services.

I was on the Pride a little over a year ago out of Baltimore. Definitely be on the look out for the LGBT gathering but aside from that there is plenty to do or not do. I loved the adult only area as it was normally pretty quiet and a great place to relax. There is also plenty going on around the ship. Best advice though, just be open to striking up a conversation with people you randomly meet. Never know who you might meet and friends you might make.

Hotkey,

You'll have no problems. All ships usually hsve a message board near Guest Relations. There's alwsys one for the Friends of Dorothy, but of late its just LGBT meeting at such and such time and a place.

Usually easy to spot, look for the Gay Senior citizens

Georgiaguy - you were on the Galaxy? That was one of my favorite ships in Celebrity's fleet. I was on it in 2002 with my husband. There was this wondrous German girl Sommelier, i wonder what t ever happened to her. we called her "Ya-Ya German Girl" the entire cruise, she was sweet and funny.

The LGBT/FOD meetings will be listed every day in the Fun Times which will be in your cabin at turn down and also available at guest services, the casino and most bars. The first night, there may be few that show up, but you will notice single men and couples do walk bys just to see if anyone is there. The crowd usually grows by night 2. Meeting times and locations do vary since it is at the discretion of the cruises director. On our last cruise, the meeting was always at the Alchemy bar, but the times changed regularly. Enjoy your cruise!!!

Hotkey -

You're gonna have a blast. I've been on the Grandeur and the Enchantment out of Baltimore and have always met up with other gay men and gay friendly folks. Like others have mentioned, try to attend one of the get togethers. Sometimes they are well attended, other times, not so much.

There also always seems to be a great group of people in the Viking Crown Lounge late nights.

Good Luck and I hope you have a blast on your first cruise.

David

In January on the Pride, the LGBT meetings were always at the Alchemy Bar, but the times weren't the same every night. Regardless, it's a great bar and location on the ship. If you're into martinis or really good mixed drinks, that's the place to go. They have a menu of cocktails, but the bartenders are also really good at making custom drinks based on what you like and will ask you a bunch of questions to find out what your perfect drink will be.

Food: If you like burritos, you have to go to the Blue Iguana Cantina - it's open for breakfast and lunch, and they'll make the burritos right in front of you. Also, the burgers and fries at Guy's Burger Joint are outstanding. When you eat in the Main Dining Room for dinner, you'll have to try the Warm Chocolate Melting Cake at least once - it's available every night, and don't be afraid to ask for two sides of vanilla ice cream.

I haven't been to any of the ports you're going to, but I've read lots of great reviews about Half Moon Cay. It's a private island, and the beach is supposed to be wonderful.

Are you staying in the same cabin as your friends?

If you have any ship-specific questions, I'd be happy to try my best to answer them.