Lesbian Couples who love cruising

[lawyerrose]

There's a message board elsewhere on the web for women who want to cruise with other women...I'm not sure if I'm allowed to say the name but if you search Google for "lesbian group cruises" (WITH the quotes) they are the 2nd result.

 

Got it. Great site. Registered our upcoming Westerdam cruise on the site. Anybody here going on the Westerdam 3/18/07???

 

Thanks so much for the tip!!

 

Rose

[wigglewomyn]

Hi! I wanted to introduce myself as I just found this website and thread through a friend. My wife and I (we are 52 [yesterday] and 49, been together 6 years) have only cruised once, this past July to Alaska with RFamily Vacations aboard the Norwegian Star. We are cruising again with RFV the week of February 18th to the Eastern Caribbean. We really enjoyed the experience of being surrounded by gay/gay-friendly people so when we decided to cruise by ourselves (we had our son with us in July), we decided to return to RFV even though it is about twice the price of a regular cruise line. I researched Olivia and noticed their prices the same. We returned because we enjoyed Norwegian's Freestyling Cruising.

 

We are curious about cruising on regular lines which is why I dropped in here. I am hoping to learn more about the other lines so the next time we cruise we might feel more comfortable going on a less pricey regular line.

 

Wendy

[Luv2travel81]

Hello everybody,

 

Been really busy, and have not had a chance to come back to this thread, but here I am again, like a bad penny.

 

You all sound like such nice people, it would be pretty cool to cruise one day with you all. We would love to eventually do a South American cruise which stops in Brazil and Argentina, among other places. We have not touched that continent yet, but have heard great things from some of our friends, who love to travel too. Unfortunately, most don't do cruising. They actually kid around that they will cruise, when they're too old to do anything else. I don't quite agree, but I would not want to do a cruise in Europe to places I have not been to yet. There's just too much to do and see, and a few hours, or even a day in each port would frustrate us both. Nevermind that the food is so outstanding. We decided to do Scandanavia and Russia because Scandanavia is not an area we will probably go for a week's vacation, and Russia is not a place you actually envision on going for a vacation, but with a 2 day port stay, well then it becomes interesting. Also that area is not known for their culinary excellence.

 

Jay & T we're in Edison, NJ. It makes for an easier commute into the City every day. We would love to move to Red Bank, but not until we retire. The commute feels long enough as it is. Now with the civil union here, we would we would return to New York, although I still consider myself a native New Yorker. Where down the shore are you?

 

By the way, I'm not quite sure what was said to you about leaving out of SJ, but we left out of there and it was fine. We know SJ pretty good, so feel free to ask me any questions. If you're doing an overnight before or after the cruise, and you get a chance,go to the Parrot Club, I would recommend that you go. It's a really nice, though a bit loud restaurant that has jazz and great nouveau Puerto Rican cuisine.

 

Ladies that is all (as if I didn't say enough) for now, with just one more tiny recommendation. Go see the movie "Notes on a Scandal". It is absolutely terrific. Hope to hear from you soon. ;)

 

Maria & Maritza

[flipflop104]

Me and my missus are on our 2nd cruise in one week and 3 days (not that we're counting lol). It's on P&O's Arcadia (J703) from New Orleans to Barbados. And it's our 8th anniversary while we're on it. We're so excited.

 

Sorry, nothing to do with the thread but just felt the need to share that with you <stumbles humbly out of thread as quickly as stumbled in>

[etoile]

FlipFlop, are you and the missus both female? I think that's all that counts to keep it on topic in this thread. :)

 

My in-laws just told us that they have canceled the cruise they were taking this year, it was going to be from Venice to Copenhagen on HAL. Now they are going on a 68-day cruise in 2008! They will be going from Fort Lauderdale through the Panama Canal, down the coast of South America, cruising by Antarctica, back up the other coast of South America, and back through the Caribbean to Fort Lauderdale. Whew! Sure wish I could go with them, but I could never take so much time off work!

[mithryl]

Hi Etoile,

 

Wow...we'd love to be able to do the cruise your In-Laws are taking! We have the time...but don't know about the money right now. What Cruiseline are they taking? How many days total?

You'll have fun in Alaska...it's an awesome sight to see the Glaciers, etc.

 

Welcome FlipFlop 104! Happy Anniversary. Please share with us your experiences in Barbados. Tell us a little bit about yourselves.

[BrickCityMedic]

Ahhh...a South American cruise sounds fantastic!! However, the Baltics sound pretty interesting as well. I think T and I just want to get out there and see as much of the world as we possibly can while we're still able...unfortunately, holding down jobs is essential to making that happen...which makes it difficult to be flexible to travel as often as we like...viscious circle!!!

[BrickCityMedic]

Sorry about that...I hit "enter" instead of "shift." I hate when that happens...LOL. Maria and Maritza...you're not far from us at all. In fact, I used to live in New Brunswick....but I've been residing in Long Branch for the past two years. T moved in with me last March when we began planning our wedding...having never lived anywhere but New York prior to that...excluding the six years in the Philipines as a child. We've been fortunate enough to have our close friends...another lesbian couple...as travel partners. We have done the last two cruises together, they live about 2 miles from us....so it works out very well!! They're ahead of us on the cruise count though...I belive they've also done Alaska on Celebrity...and I think next year they're planning Panama Canal...we were hoping to join them on that, but we're going to be on AOS instead. We adore Red Bank as well...how often do you get there? If you're willing to take the train, the commute shouldn't be that bad...I know it's only about an hour from Long Branch...you could do it!!!

 

We are staying three days in SJ after the cruise at the Marriott Resort and Casino....we'll be bidding farewell to our friends and family at disembarkation and having three days to ourselves before getting back to Jersey and the rat race!! We'll definitely check out the Parrot Club...does anyone know any gay friendly places in San Juan?

 

Take care!!

 

Jay and T

[Gator83]

I'm back also; sorry it's been a while. Looks like we have had a lot more postings since my original post. Back to the Olivia issue. I think that one would have to decide whether she is willing to spend a bit more $$ on the cruise. I can tell you I think you have more fun on an Olivia cruise. If you go to Olivia's website and go on their forum and read the posts there you will see that everyone that posts just loved going on their Olivia cruise. I'm amazed that there is no one that posted that they had a great time but would not go on another one due to cost. Everyone seems to think it is worth the extra money. I will say that I have booked an inside cabin on my Olivia trip but I really want a balcony (once you do a balcony it's hard not to book one again) but didn't want to pay more than I am paying for the inside.

 

If you are not going to go with Olivia I think Princess is a good line to try, especially if you go when the kids are in school. It is not a party ship (like Carnival and NCL) and there could be a lot of older folks. The decor is very subdued and beautiful, ships are clean, food is good, they have great staff for the social activities.

 

Happy Sailing to everyone!

[etoile]

Hi Etoile,

 

Wow...we'd love to be able to do the cruise your In-Laws are taking! We have the time...but don't know about the money right now. What Cruiseline are they taking? How many days total?

You'll have fun in Alaska...it's an awesome sight to see the Glaciers, etc.

They are going on Holland America, on the Prinsendam. They did a one-month transatlantic (via Greenland) on the Maasdam last year and loved it, so they are going back on HAL. I have been on HAL once before, but they are really in love with it. They are going to be gone for 68 days! :eek:

 

I've been to Alaska on a cruise before, I think it really is the best way to see it because it's so hard to get around on land. I actually went with RSVP as a sign language interpreter, so I had the experience of an all-gay cruise too. My wife was not able to come, though, and my mother wants to see Alaska, so for them it will be the first time. Our itinerary is almost exactly the same as the one I did in 2005, so I will know all the good stuff about the places we're going!

[terraweb]

Back to the Olivia issue. I think that one would have to decide whether she is willing to spend a bit more $$ on the cruise.

 

I wish it was a "bit" more! :p My partner and I love to cruise, but I don't know if we'll ever be able to afford to go on Olivia. Well, we could, but we'd have to go on one cruise every 3 or 4 years, when we'd prefer to go on one every year. Maybe one day, though....

 

Anyway, it was about 16 degrees here today, and I'm ready for some sun and warmth. Needless to say, we are counting the days till our next cruise! In the past, we've always cruised with friends and/or family, and this will be our first time ever cruising with just the two of us, so it'll be different. I know we'll have a blast, though! If anyone here will be cruising with us, let me know.

[mlleach]

My partner and I are cruise addicts. We did Olivia in the beginning and have switched to mainstream. As it has been said many times, you get more for your money. Olivia was a great experience but not worth the cost.

 

We are in our fifties and are always looking for others to cruise with. Leaving on the Sovereign of the Seas on Friday. Just a weekend getaway, but still a cruise.

ML

[BrickCityMedic]

Okay Ladies....

 

I blame each and every one of you...:) ...all of this talk about cruising and planning for our August cruise, T and I have decided that work is overrated and on a whim booked Splendour of the Seas out of Galveston on 3/22 for four nights. We're so excited because the first cruise we took together was out of Galveston...having been rerouted after Hurricane Katrina, we missed two out of our four ports because of the damage...Cozumel was one of them and so we figured it's as good a time as any to go see that port and remind us why we work so hard in the first place...so away we go!!!

 

Can anyone suggest any particular sights to see or things to do while in Cozumel? Neither one of us has been and are anxious to hear what you think...

 

Have a great day!!

 

Jay and T :rolleyes:

[norac]

Hi, I am Caron and my partner, Jane, and I have just started cruising in the last couple of years and we love it! We are about to take our second cruise in August 2007 on the "Vision of the Seas" to Alaska. Although we loved our first cruise to the Western Carribean it would have been even more memorable experience had we been able to share it with some like minded friends. So, this time we did some recruiting of our friends, who in turn invited their friends. We will be joinning up on this cruise from different states. It is giving us a great chance to all get together and visit with old friends while making some new ones and to share what I think will be an awesome experience. I would love to be able to meet other people on the cruise or in the future that we can possibly travel with. We too like to go on at least one cruise a year. Too bad I didn't hear about you sooner and Jane has always wanted to go to Hawaii. I myself have been there twice and it is gorgeous. My favorite island is Kauai. Please drop me a line and let me know how you enjoyed your trip.

 

Caron

[BananaCruzen]

So great to see a thread for the women!

We just booked out 2nd cruise, though first on the Princess Line, today. We are both 34 and taking our 2 children (3 & soon to be 1 yeear) as well as Mother and a Friend. It is the Golden Princess out of SF April 12th.

 

What is FOD -- friends of dorothy?

 

It would be nice to have some 2 mama families around for comfort!

 

Ciao,

Anna

[KL&KR]

Hi--we are Kathy and Kristen from Vacaville, CA. Same indecision with us on Olivia--would like to go, but don't want to pay the price. Also, we don't fly, so we only do RTs from the West Coast. We have tried Carnival twice, to the Mexican Riviera, but prefer Princess, because we are no longer partyers (62 and 57) and Kathy is disabled and uses a scooter. We did 3 on Regal and just loved the staff! Our favorite cruise was to Panama. Just did the Dawn, and went to the FOD meetings, but though we met women in the halls, no one ever showed up, just the guys. Any thoughts???? Will probably do Alaska next, but no definite plans yet.That 68-day cruise sounds so wonderful--Kathy keeps talking about a round-the-Pacific when I retire and have the time...

Have a great time, all you who are leaving soon!

[terraweb]

Can anyone suggest any particular sights to see or things to do while in Cozumel? Neither one of us has been and are anxious to hear what you think...

 

Oh, one of my favorite ports! There is quite a bit to do in Cozumel, so it really depends on what sort of things you like and how much money you want to spend. I definitely recommend snorkeling there. The first time we went, we went out on a boat for $25 per person for about 3 hours. The second time, we went to Chankanaab park and spent most of the day there snorkeling right off the beach. I think that's the best way to do it, and that's what we've done ever since. I can't remember what it costs to get in, but I think it's about $8/person, and if you need it, you can rent snorkeling gear there very cheaply. The park also has a botanical garden and swimming area. I love it there!

 

Hope that helps!

[RVMamas]

Hi ya'll

Glad to see so many friendly people! My partner, Connie, and I are going on our first cruise. We will sail 25 May 2007 on Radiance of the Seas in Alaska. We are booked for the land cruise the week before. We are both 57 and live full time in a motor home.

Winnie

[Mar123]

My partner and I have a 10yo daugther and are embarking on our third family cruise this summer. We originally did Disney and the inaugural RFamily cruise to the Bahamas. Now,we just booked the RFamily Bermuda cruise leaving in July. This is definietly the way to go for anyone interested in traveling with other gay and lesbians. We did their first trip in 2004 and are so excited about returning. It is an absolutely incredible experience that cannot be duplicated on a mainstream cruise. I would definietly recommend it to anyone. I have been on several less expensive mainstream cruises, and I can sincerely say that it is worth the extra cost to take an RFamily cruise.

 

Anna (BananaCruzen) if you get the opportunity to book another trip definitely consider taking one of these trips. Your children will absolutely love it.

 

Happy sailing,

Marlene

[BananaCruzen]

Thanks Marlene -- the family cruises do sound wonderful. I think it will be great for the kids as they get older and are more cognizant of being part of a 2 mom family. Community is always nice.

 

At this age the convenience of just driving over the bridge and sailing out of SF was just too tempting. And frankly the price was a big motivator.

 

We really hope there will be some friendly LGBT families and warm straights.

 

Thanks,

Anna

[Luv2travel81]

Hello everyone,

 

It's been nice reading this thread. It seems as if most of you cruise on this side of the world. Question: What was the best cruise you ever went on, and why? Up until now we have traveled quite a bit, but not by water, but by land. My other half is sold on the idea of cruising. I like to savor the feel of a particular country, city, town, yet I'm not quite sure you can do so in an 6 to 8 hour stop in one place. Our cruise to Scandanavia and Russia in August may provide an answer to that. We are actually going on that cruise because I asked my better half to choose any trip she wanted for her 50th birthday, and that was it. Although I must say, I am looking forward to it.

 

J & T, we have stayed at the Marriott in SJ. It's a good hotel with pretty good restaurants around it. Friends of ours have an apartment in one of the condos right in front of the hotel. As usual the breakfast is pretty expensive in the hotel, but there is a small french cafe, accross the street and to the left of the hotel which serves a good, but pretty cheap breakfast. I can't quite remember the name, but I'll ask my friends and let you know.

 

Also, we had dinner with some friends at a restaurant within a 5 minute walk of the hotel last new years eve which was very good. I can get the name for that also. What I do know because Maritza and I have been there many a time is an open gay bar by the beach which is also about a 5 minute walk from the hotel. The bar is located at the Atlantic Beach hotel at Vendig street, just off Ashford Avenue (main street in front of the hotel). We always go there to have a drink, or meet up with friends. It's pretty cool! You sit under the palm trees, with the sound of the ocean, and holding your honey's hand. I think you ladies will enjoy it.

 

As far as gay clubs, there are a few in SJ (our friends favorite joke is: What separates a straight Puerto Rican man from a gay Puerto Rican man? The answer has gone down from 3 drinks to 1). The only problem we have encountered is that if you don't have a car (which is also difficult to park), you have to hail a cab, and it's not always that easy at the time you leave a club. I would certainly advice against trying that unless you have made arrangements beforehand. The last time we went clubbing, our friends who live in the island took us. It was a small womans club, but we had a ball.

 

Anyhow, sorry that my messages are so long, but I am pretty verbose.

Ladies, I wish you all a very nice weekend. Hasta la vista!!!

 

Maria

[funlady]

Oh, one of my favorite ports! There is quite a bit to do in Cozumel, so it really depends on what sort of things you like and how much money you want to spend. I definitely recommend snorkeling there. The first time we went, we went out on a boat for $25 per person for about 3 hours. The second time, we went to Chankanaab park and spent most of the day there snorkeling right off the beach. I think that's the best way to do it, and that's what we've done ever since. I can't remember what it costs to get in, but I think it's about $8/person, and if you need it, you can rent snorkeling gear there very cheaply. The park also has a botanical garden and swimming area. I love it there!

 

Hope that helps!

Wow- Gone for a bit and look at all the posts..how much fun! My partner and I went to Cozumel in Nov. and we booked the Dolphin Experience at Chankanaab park. Had we know what a wondful place it is, we would have spent the whole day there. The Dolphin deal was my highlight of the cruise, but we could have gone snorkeling as well. If we go back will spend the day there!

By the way we are 61 and 54 and live in San Antonio Texas. Anyone else close? I am a retired school teacher and my partner works for the Post Office.

[mithryl]

Maria,

 

I hear what you're saying about savoying the cities. My experience is that cruising is more about cruising than about the various locations. I love seeing new places and cultures, but you are tight that you'll get more of an "overview" of each place while cruising. It is a great way to see if there are places you'd like to go back and spend more time on a land vacation and others that you immediately know you wouldn't want to waste your time and/or money on. I enjoy the relaxation of the ship board experience and the benefit of seeing several places without having to pack, unpack and repack. The ship is the hotel and your room is always ready when you return from your excursions. The meals are general great too.

I also love having a floating casino! The shows offered are also something you general miss (or pay a lot to see) if you're on a land vacation. Let us know how you like the experience.

My favorite cruise so far was Alaska. It's so beautiful and there's a lot to see and do. I'm hoping that I'll be saying that the circle hawaii cruise we're about to take is my favorite after we get back!

Happy sailing! (and thanks for joining the thread!)

[mithryl]

Funlady,

 

San Antonio is a great town. I live just outside of Dallas for a few years and visited San Antonio. Love the boat rides on the canal! (Guess I love anykind of boat...even really small ones!)

We haven't done Cozumel yet, but it's on my list of places to go. We're thinking of sailing out of Galveston to visit those ports. Do you every sail from the west coast?

[postalgrrl]

Funlady,

We live in the DFW area. And we both work for the post office!! Thankfully not in the same building....we would probably drive each other crazy. We are going on the Carnival Conquest out of Galveston Sept.23, 2007....ya'll should join us!!!