| | |  Travel & Outdoors 
Hundreds of San Diegans Join Gay Cruise
 Ben Cartwright - SDGLN
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October 17, 2010
Los Angeles – More than 3,000 people will spend a week together aboard Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas on what will likely become one of the largest floating gay parties around.
The buzz is in the air … or on the sea … as hundreds of San Diegans plan to join Atlantis Events’ seven-day Los Angeles to Mexico cruise that will leave port this Sunday, returning Oct. 24.
The Mariner of the Seas, one of the largest, most luxurious ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, will be turned into a gay playground as Atlantis embarks on the “greatest gay cruise in the world.”
The ship has many of the marvelous amenities one would expect aboard a luxury cruise liner, and Atlantis takes it to the next level by bringing entertainment, activities and an experience that will cater to just about everyone – all in a gay friendly environment.
“We charter the entire ship,” said Don Weiner, vice president of marketing and sales for Atlantis. “We are not just a ‘gay group’ on a straight cruise.”
Weiner said that because Atlantis cruises are completely gay and gay-friendly, the guests and staff are much happier and more courteous to each other than on traditional cruises.
“Guests can really sense the feeling of positive energy that we bring on the cruise,” he said.
SDGLN nightlife columnist Jim Winsor, who has attended Atlantis cruises in the past and will be onboard this cruise, said these cruises draw a wide variety of types of people, but seem to have a particular draw from the “local party boy crowd.”
Winsor makes it clear that these cruises have all sorts of activities, for the party-set as well as those who prefer a more relaxing, quiet experience, but he is looking forward to “seven days and nights of nonstop parties.”
While the cruise will provide plenty of opportunities to dance and party, Weiner made it clear that there is something for everyone on board.
“The thought that a gay cruise is a giant circuit party is one of the most difficult stereotypes we have to overcome,” Weiner said. “We know that not everyone on our cruises likes the same thing, so we specifically program the week so that there is something for everyone.”
Activities include dance parties; gay entertainers, comedians, and musicians; gay film screenings from Atlantis media partners HERE and Regent Entertainment; several quiet areas to read or relax; dining; singles parties; couples parties; shopping; and much more.
“We do throw some of the best dance parties that rival most circuit parties, but have so many other options on board,” Weiner said.
This particular cruise will depart from L.A. at 5 p.m. Sunday and stop in three ports in Mexico: Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta.
When at each port, guests will have from several hours to an entire day to explore and relax in the various Mexican cities. Weiner said that while in ports, guests will not be lost without anything to do.
“We offer organized tours and excursions in every port,” he said. “Guests are welcome to explore the regions on their own, or participate in all sorts of things like tequila tasting, zip lines, visiting the Mayan ruins, walking tours, snorkeling, scuba diving and private tours.”
Back onboard, guests can expect to see top-notch entertainment and a week filled with surprises. Weiner would not tell us who this cruise’s headline act would be, saying “we never reveal our headline entertain before a cruise, as we don’t use it as a selling tool.” Weiner said it is “more like the ‘icing on the cake.’”
Some past “surprise” entertainers have included Joan Rivers, Roseanne, Deborah Cox, Margaret Cho, Patti Lupone, Chita Rivera, Andy Bell from Erasure and Belinda Carlisle.
Weiner enjoys when guests have that “OMG moment” on the cruise when the headliner is revealed.
There are a few cabins left on this cruise. Weiner said this cruise will be particularly special because it will be the last year that Atlantis sails out of Los Angeles on the Mariner of the Seas.
“Royal Caribbean and most of the other cruise lines are pulling their ships off the West Coast and relocating them to Europe and other destinations,” Weiner said.
San Diegans are especially encouraged to take advantage of this trip since major cruise ship departures from this city are limited, and departing from Los Angeles only requires a two-hour drive north, avoiding additional travel costs.
Ticket prices are fairly all-inclusive.
“Virtually everything is included with the stateroom,” Weiner said. “Entertainment, dance parties, and meals (except in specialty restaurants) are included.”
Weiner and his team are looking forward to creating an amazing weeklong experience for all guests.
“From the moment our guests step on the cruise, they are welcome with open arms … literally!” Weiner said.
“Our cruise director Malcolm stands at the gangway and hugs every single guest as they board the ship … guests will notice how happy and welcoming the entire crew is to have them on board.” |
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