How Do I Select The Right Travel Agency? Part III

How Do I Select The Right Agency? Part III
Narrowing Down Your Options

Just For The Record
GaySailAway's "Bests"

1) Most Gay Friendly Cruise Lines: Azamara Club, Celebrity, Crystal, Cunard, Holland America, NCL, Oceania, Regent, Royal Caribbean, Yachts of Seaborne, Windstar

2) Best Cruise Lines for Active People: Azamara Club, Carnival, Disney, NHL, Royal Caribbean, Windstar

3) Best Cruise Lines for Relaxing: Azamara Club, Celebrity, Crystal, Cunard, Holland America. MSC, Oceania, Princess, Regent, Yachts of Seaborne, Windstar

4) Best First Time Cruise: Royal Caribbean Freedom Class Ship for large ship experience; Celebrity Solstice for an elegant boutique hotel experience; NCL Epic for an active cruise with many dining options

5) Best Large Ships: Celebrity's Solstice Class Ships, Cunard's Queen Mary II, NCL's Epic, Princess, Royal Caribbean’s Oasis and Freedom Class Ships

6) Best Medium Size Ships: Celebrity's Millennium Class Ships, Cunard's Queen Victoria, Disney Ships, Holland America, NCL, Royal Caribbean's Radiance Class Ships

7) Best Small Ships: Azamara Club, Crystal, Regent, Yachts of Seaborne, Windstar

8) Best Niche Cruises: Azamara Club, Celebrity Xpedition, Crystal, Cunard's Queen Mary II and Queen Victoria, Disney, Regent, Yachts of Seaborne, Windstar

9) Most Luxurious Cruise Lines: Azamara Club, Crystal, Cunard, Oceania, Regent, Yachts of Seaborne

10) Best Big Ships: Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, NCL’s Epic, Princesses Diamond Princess and Celebrity’s Solstice and Equinox

11) Most Beautiful Ships: Celebrity’s entire fleet, Princesses fleet, Holland America’s fleet

12) Ships Where English is Not the Primary Language: Costa, MSC

13) Best Cuisine: Azamara Club, Crystal, Cunard, Oceania, Regent, Yachts of Seaborne

14) Best Entertainment: Carnival, NCL, Royal Caribbean

15) Best Gay Ports of Embarkation: Ft. Lauderdale, Honolulu, Miami, New York, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco

16) Best Gay Friendly Ports to Visit: Cozumel, Key West, St. Johns, San Juan Puerto Rico, St. Thomas

17) Most Homophobic Ports: Bahamas, Grand Cayman, Jamaica, St. Croix

18) Best Itineraries for a Warm Weather Vacation: Western/Eastern Caribbean, Mediterranean, Mexican Riviera, Panama Canal, Hawaiian Island, South Seas, Australia/New Zealand

19) Best Itineraries for a Cool Weather Vacation: Alaska, New England, Scandinavia, Antarctica, South America/Patagonia, Transatlantic

20) Best Cruises from the US West Coast: Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaiian, Transpacific, South Pacific, Asia, Australia/New Zealand

21) Best Cruises from the US East Coast: Western/Eastern Caribbean, Bermuda, New England, Europe/Middle East, Transatlantic

22) Best Cruises from Middle America: Yucatan, Western Caribbean

23) Best Ports for a First Time Caribbean Cruiser: Cozumel, Bermuda, San Juan Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. Maarteen

24) Best Ports for a First Time Mexican Riviera Cruiser: Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, Ixtapa, Acapulco

25) Easiest Ports to Get To-and-From an Airport: Port of San Diego, Port Everglades, Ft. Lauderdale, Port of Honolulu, Port of Miami

26) Best Time to Dine: Late Seating for those who like to enjoy happy hour and require more time for getting ready after a day ashore

27) Best Deals East Coast: Caribbean- Oct thru Dec and Feb-March

28) Best Deals West Coast: Alaska- May and September, Mexican Riviera- Sept-November, February-March

How Do I Select The Right Agency? Part II

How Do I Select The Right Agency? Part II
Be Prepared

It’s very important to be prepared. It’s best to have an idea of where you want to visit, how much you can spend, what type of accommodations and style of cruising you would enjoy and how long you have for your travels. Ask friends, work colleagues and family if they have gone on a cruise and for their recommendations. They will know your personality and can provide you with good advice.

Once you have an idea of where you would like to go a qualified Travel Agent can help you find a cruise vacation that best suits your needs. To find the best travel agent for your needs GaySailAway.com has prepared a list of gay/gay friendly Travel Agencies that you can start interviewing. The list is broken up into geographical locations in the U.S. (Visit List) If you are not located close to one of these agencies you can always work with them over the phone. They can provide you information via conversations and through email and websites.

Two of GaySailAway’s most recommended Travel Agencies are located on the West Coast and are able to accommodate clients from all over the US. These are Now Voyager Travel (www.nowvoyager.com 1-800-255-6951) in San Francisco (serving the LGBT for 25 years from the gay Mecca of the Castro) and Jerry and David’s Cruises and Tours (www.rsvpcruises.com 1-800-748-6968) located in sunny San Diego)

Remember to ask for an Agent’s qualifications for selling cruises. They should be experts in the Cruise Industry, preferably with memberships and accreditations by the ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents), CLIA (CruiseLine International Association) and IGLTA(International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association) . They should know everything from what cruise lines and ships best work for your needs, the best way to get to and from your ship, embarkation and disembarkation information (getting on and off the boat), accommodations close to your port of embarkation, passport and visa requirements and what to do in case of any emergency.

Once you’ve selected an Agent and are comfortable working with an Agent don’t be pressured into buying anything. It’s best to get their recommendations and do some research on your own. Ask for brochures and web addresses and visit the web sites yourself. A good rule to see if a Cruise Line is the right fit for your needs is to look at the photographs. If the photos generally show people over 50 years old in tuxes and formal wear chances are you’ll be spending a lot of time with retirees. If they show young families with kids then you’ll be on an active cruise that will have lots of kids during summer and spring break. Photos don't lie...Remember they are key marketing tools used by the Cruise Industires to entice key audiences to purchase their products.

Another resource you have available to you are websites that post reviews, both formally and visitor reviews. These websites can be extremely helpful in finding out if the Cruise Line, itinerary and ship fit your style. GaySailAway has found CruiseCritic.com, CruiseDiva.com and CruiseReviews.com to be very helpful.

If you prefer to cruise on an all-exclusive gay chartered cruise there are several options available for you. You can go directly to the Cruise Charter and book your cruise (you can also book them through any Gay Travel Agency). The Cruise Charters have in-house cruise specialists that know their product intimately and can help you purchase your cruise. For gay men www.AtlantisEvents.com and www.RSVPVacations.com offer all-gay charters. For lesbians www.Olivia.com and www.SweetDestinations.com offer all-women charters and cruises. For families www.RFamilyVactions.com, founded by Rosie O’Donnell, offers all-gay/gay-friendly charters and cruises. All of the aforementioned Cruise Charters are extremely inclusive of bi and trans customers.

There are several Agents offering small or large hosted LGBT group cruises on traditional cruises. On these cruise you will be traveling as a group amongst other passengers who are not LGBT. An advantage to traveling in a small group is the intimacy of being with a cohesive group, the economy of not having to pay for up-charges on an all-gay charter and more options to fit your schedule. These cruises are offered by well-established Gay Travel Agencies and can only be purchased directly from them. These Agencies include www.PiedPiperTravel.com, specializing in Gay Men’s groups, www.AquafestCruises.com, specializing in mixed groups and www.SweetDesitnations.com, specializing in socially conscious cruises for women. Though they tend to cater to one gender, they are always open to any gender or gay-ally.

How To Select A Gay Travel Agency - Part I

How to Select A Gay Travel Agency Part I
What Makes A Good Travel Agent?

With so much riding on making your vacation successful it's important to choose a travel agency that is the right match for your travel needs. Just like with any specialists there are niches that each agency excels in. Today's Travel Agents have an expertise in World Travel and Tourism. Many have professional certificates issued through trade schools and colleges that offer courses specializing in the Travel Industry. Many Agents have been certified by the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) where they earn accreditation as a Certified Travel Counselors (CTC). It’s important to find a Travel Agency that is an accredited member of the ASTA.

When selecting a cruise, it’s important to work with a Travel Agency that is an expert in the Cruise Industry. One way to tell whether an Agency is a qualified Cruise Representative is to see if they belong to the CLIA (Cruise Line International Association) www.cruising.org, the industry association that specializes in the training of Cruise Specialists. CLIA offers course work toTravel Agents to certify them as CLIA Accredited Cruise Counselors. Cruise Lines also offer Travel Agents training in their product, helping them to better qualify which cruise will be the perfect fit for your personality and needs.

To be accredited by these associations Agents have spent years of education attending classes and seminars, familiarizing themselves with cruise ships by visiting ships while they are in port and cruising with a variety of cruise lines to best acquaint themselves with the products that they are promoting to you.

The International Gay & Lesbian Travel Agency (IGLTA), www.iglta.org, represents the Gay Travel and Tourism Industry. They are the watchdogs for LGBT traveler. If you want to work with the best Gay Travel Agency it’s important to select one that is a member or is an affiliate of of the IGLTA. The IGLTA rates Airlines, Accommodations, Cruise Lines and Rental Cars Agencies on their support of the LGBT community.

The HRC, www.hrc.org, also provides LGBT Travelers with a list of HRC endorsed travel partners, partners whom the HRC has deemed friends of our community.

Dreamworks and RCCL Pair Up

Shrek and Donkey usher a cast of Dreamworks' characters
on board to Royal Caribbean Ships

Giving Disney Cruises and Mickey a run for their money, RCCL has announced their joint venture with Dreamworks, the movie studio responsible for such classics as Shrek, How to Train Your Dragon, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda, Monster Vs. Aliens and more. Live characters will be introduced on the soon-to-be-launched Allure of the Seas, the giant sister megaliner to the much loved Oasis of the Seas. The Dreamworks Experience will then come to the Liberty of the Seas starting January 30th, 2011, Oasis of the Seas starting February 26th, 2011 and Freedom of the Seas starting March 27th, 2011.

Don't be Surprised to Find that the Penguins from Madagascar are Steering the Ship

You'll be able to experience photo opportunities with your favorite characters, watch character themed parades, enjoy the How to Train Your Dragon Ice Show (yes, these mega ships have ice arenas for shows and for your own ice skating enjoyment) and the Madagascar Aqua Show, Character Dining (don't worry you're not the meal), Adventure Ocean-an experience for kids sailing onboard, and 3-D movies including Shrek 3, How to Train Your Dragon and Monsters Vs. Aliens, plus special Dreamworks' programs for you in-room TV viewing.

You can learn more at www.royalcaribbean.com
Above images are copyrighted to Dreamworks and Royal Caribbean

Tropical Storm Bonnie is Disrupting Cruises

Tropical Storm Bonnie Interupting Cruises in the Caribbean

Hurricanes and Tropical Storms can disrupt cruise itineraries. Tropical Storm Boonie is making it's way through the Gulf and in her path some ships are being rerouted to avoid rough seas. Here's a list of interuptions;

Carnival Pride: Will skip port call in Freeport, Bahamas replacing it with a day at sea.

Carnival Destiny: Will skip port call in Key West today and head directly to it's next port, Cozumel. On their return route to Miami they will visit Key West.

Grandure of the Seas: Will skip port call in Key West today and head directly to it's next port, Cozumel. They may stop in Key West on their return route from Cozumel.

Following the Fleet...

Where's My Ship?

Ever wonder where your favorite cruise ship is at any given moment? Sailwx.info has a cool "ship tracker" or locator that allows you to locate ships on Sailwx's shipping maps. The site also tracks tides, currents and weather systems. This is a fun website for friends and family to track you as you cruise...unfortunately while they are stuck back at home. P.S. Remember to send your mom a postcard.

Mal de Mer...sea sickness

Overcoming SeaSickness Need Not Require an Exorcist

Many people suffer from motion sickness. I suffer from it when sailing on small boats. There are few things in life that I have experienced that are worse than motion sickness. I once went sailing for 4-hours on a 40’ yacht off of San Diego during clear seas and I was as green as Linda Blair in the Exorcist, exhibiting many of the same symptoms as she did, sans demon. I spent 3 of those hours praying for a quick death.

You may ask yourself why someone who suffers intense motion sickness is an avid Cruise Enthusiast. The simple answer is that I rarely suffer any motion sickness on board a cruise ship. And I’ve never experienced any mal de mer, or seasickness, that couldn’t be cured by popping a Dramamine (an over-the-counter remedy for motion sickness). I’ve been on a cruise ship off of Baja California in Mexico in 25’ swells and didn’t feel any motion sickness.

Cruise ships can help control the roll and pitch, the motion that causes seasickness, by using stabilizers. Stabilizers are ingenious devices that are composed of two small underwater fins on the sides of the ship that interrupt the sea’s natural flow around the ship which normally causes it to pitch and roll (move side to side). They literally stabilize the ship and make it much easier for passengers to enjoy a vomit free cruise experience. Even with stabilizers most passengers still feel a little bit of motion, but it is the fun kind of motion that you go “Oh gurl, I just felt the earth move” and order another round at the Martini Bar.

If you do experience the “Mal” on board there are several remedies that will help settle your ailment. Simple remedies include lying down, keeping your eye focused on the horizon, get fresh air, avoid strong odors like cigars, perfume or garlic, avoid alcohol and caffine. If these don't help then you have additional options.

Drugs:

- Dramamine, Antivert and Bonine are over-the-counter pill remedies that can be bought at any drugstore or provided by your room steward. May cause drowsiness. Ask your physician or pharmacist if it is alright to use if you are taking prescription medications

- Transderm Scop "The Patch” is a small circular patch that you wear behind your ear that delivers scopolamine, an anti-motion sickness drug, into your system. Each patch lasts 3-days. Side effects can include dry mouth and blurred vision

- Vitamin C at doses of 3000mg to 5000mg (3-5 grams) taken on the onset of nausea can immediately settle your stomach. The brain makes histamine that causes motion sickness. Vitamin C can effectively cut the production of the histamine

Homeopathic Remedies:

- Ginger Ale and saltine crackers are a great way to help settle nausea caused by motion sickness

- Bitters, a drink your bartender can prepare, is a remedy sailors have been using for years

- Wrist Acupressure Bracelettes can be purchased at most pharmacies and onboard. Brands include Bioband, Seaband, or the Oprah Magazine's favorite Psi Bands. These are very popular but must be worn correctly on the pressure point for them to be effective.

Hurricanes, Tropical Storms, Tropical Depressions…Oh My!

Don't Rain On My Parade..or Cruise Vacation

June 1 through November 30, prime vacation season, is Hurricane Season in the Caribbean. What happens when a storm is barreling down on the Caribbean while you’re cruising the high seas? Unlike most land based vacationers who may have to be evacuated or spend days in a hurricane shelter, a cruise ship has sophisticated hurricane information systems on board and the Captain is able to divert the ship out of the intense activity of the storm. The worst things that might happen is missing a scheduled port or having to endure a rainy day. Cruise lines do everything possible to keep their passengers safe and happy and their reputation is at stake. They want you to become a repeat customer so when at all possible they’ll steer clear of storms and bad weather.

If you are extremely hurricane weary you may consider taking a Hawaiian Cruise or Mediterranean Cruise as an alternate warm-weather option (Mexican Riviera cruises often encounter hurricane and tropical storms during the same Season). August and September have historically been the most active Hurricane times in the Caribbean so booking a cruise early in the Season may be a good alternative for you. And if you find yourself skirting a hurricane, you can make the best of it by enjoying some of the indoor activities the ship has to offer and by all means join in on the “conga-line” when the ships in rougher water… it’s an experience that you’ll talk about for days.

You can track current weather conditions real time at www.goes.noaa.gov/g8hu.htm

Interior Rooms with Outside Views

Inside-Outside Staterooms on Disney Dream

The designers of Disney's soon to debut ship Disney Dream (debuting January 26, 2011) have outdone themselves. Interior cabins will have High Definition "Video Portholes" that will bring the outside... in, way in to the interior staterooms of the ship.

For many cruisers, an interior stateroom is a great way to save on cruise fares, providing most of the important amenities of an outside stateroom without a view to the outside world. Disney Dream will debut "Video Portholes" in the interior cabins. Using camera's positioned on the outside of the ship, the cameras will project the outside world, in real time, to the Video Portholes.

But Disney does not just stop with an outside view...there's never a missed opportunity to parade the beloved characters by passengers on board the Disney ships. Mixed into the real time outside views will be projections of Disney Characters, Mickey Mouse and Nemo, and even a Haunted Pirate Ship, periodically integrated into the view... to remind viewers, once again, that they are on a floating Disney Resort. And for those who are a little sheepish with the idea of having a Peeping-Mickey watching you in your staterooms, the Video Porthole can be turned off.

Disney Cruises are a great option for LGBT travelers who love the Disney Resort experience. The ships have adults-only decks, showrooms, clubs, restaurants, pools and spas, so those who prefer a kid-fee experience will have ample sanctuaries to retreat to. They're a good option for gays traveling with families or friends that have kids. The food, entertainment and accommodations will be certain to satisfy everyone...and who doesn't like a little Mickey Mouse once in a while?

Disney cruises to the Caribbean, Mexican Riviera and Europe.

Norwegian Epic's

Norwegian Epic Studio Rooms

Norwegian Epic debuted earlier this summer to raves and just a little criticism (ok, so she has a profile like Bab's). For solo cruisers Epic has cool new studio rooms that are synthesize both glam and modern into a small 100sq foot space. The rooms are really well laid out for a cruiser seeking an economical room with fun and modern accoutrements. The studios have mood lighting, similar to the cabin lighting in Virgin America's planes (red for sex), a double size bed, a window looking into the interior hallway of the ship (with blinds for privacy) and a space age bathroom. And studios residents get access to a private retreat for socializing. More on Epic to come.

An Interview with Charlie Rounds, President of R.S.V.P.

Photo: R.S.V.P. President, Charlie Rounds (right) and husband Mark Hiemenz

GaySailAway is privileged to interview Charlie Rounds, President of R.S.V.P. Vacations about his career as a Pioneer in the Gay Cruise Industry, the upcoming R.S.V.P. Hawaiian Cruise and the industry in general.

Here is a preview of the interview. The complete interview will be debuting shortly on our website www.GaySailAway.com.


Gay Sail Away- With so many exciting cruise itineraries available for RSVP to select from as a travel company what were the deciding factors that made RSVP select NCL’s Hawaiian Island Cruise?


Charlie Rounds - "What was really important for us at RSVP was that we’ve never been to Hawaii in 25 years. And we thought what a great way to start our next 25 years to go to one of, I think, the best places in the world for a cruise. To do our kick-off for 25 years, That’s what brought Hawaii to the top.”


Remember to cruise Hawaii with RSVP, October 30, 2010! More details at www.rsvpvacations.com

Coming Soon Bear "FURLough" 2011

GaySailAway's Bear FUR-lough 2011

GaySailAway is planning our new Hosted Gay Event "Bear FUR-lough 2011". Full details will be presented soon...until then all we can say is that we will be heading North-to-Alaska on the high seas with a group of Bears, Otters and their admirers. The Group will be lead by GaySailAway's "Bear for 2010", Tommy "Salami" and GaySailAway President, Steven Craig. Check back for further details or drop us a line at info@gaysailaway.com

Left: Guest Host, GaySailAway's Bear for 2011, Tommy "Salami". Come join the fun with Tommy and crew as we cruise Alaska and have a great furry time.