GAY TRAVELERS MAGAZINE
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  • LGBTQ+ VOICES
    • * Tommy McGlothlin - before the age of nine, I knew I was different
    • * We Must Never Forget That Being Gay Was A Crime
    • * Scott Wood - 29 months since I accepted I was gay
    • * Why I Celebrate LGBTQ Pride by Steven Skelley
    • * On Coming Out, Self-esteem, and the Love of Being Gay by Curt Solash
    • * Chet Kabara - Fairy child that did not expect to live long enough to grow up
    • * Happy Pride From A Former Homophobia Hostage By Christen Christensen
    • * Michael Doonan - Love That Dare Not Speak Its Name
    • * The Truth About The COVID19 Vaccine
  • Florida Spotlight
    • Pride Journey Orlando By Joey Amato
    • Florida Things To Do Links
    • Big Gay Key West - A large social event for gay chubby men and their admirers
    • Steven and Tom Visit the Wizard of Oz Museum
    • Key West Pride to Feature Parties, Performances and a Parade June 1-5
    • We Would Choose This AirBnB Condo Rental Over Any Hotel Room In Melbourne
    • Key West Pride to Celebrate Diversity in Paradise June 2-6, 2021
    • Manhattan Tower – New Units, Covid Protocols and Dining
    • Key West to Host Annual Womenfest Sept. 4-8
    • LGBTQ Miami - The best choices to create your dream Miami vacation
    • CEDAR LAKES WOODS AND GARDENS - A must-see Nature Coast attraction
    • GayStPete House - the laid back, quirky, friendly and relaxing clothing optional B&B in St. Petersburg, Florida
    • One Magical Weekend - a new kind of PRIDE
    • Central Florida's Freebie and Cheap Fun for Families​
    • Florida Theme Parks and Attractions
    • Gay Travelers Magazine Visits The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
    • Schooner Freedom - Tour St. Augustine In A Tall Ship
    • St. Augustine Gold Tours - Private Driving Tours of St. Augustine Highlights
    • Pompano Beach – Florida’s Warmest Welcome
    • Casa Grandview - Historic Bed & Breakfast in West Palm Beach Florida
    • WBSC Women's Baseball World Cup Comes to the USSSA Space Coast Complex in Viera, Florida
    • Come Out With Pride Orlando – Our interview with Jose Luis Dieppa
    • Valerie Paul Wedding and Event Planning
    • LEGOLAND 2018 Events!
    • Beach House Cabanas - Treasure Island, Florida
    • The Villa Bed & Breakfast in Daytona Beach, Florida
    • Old Florida Vacation Rental Homes – Short Term Vacation Rentals Near Sebastian
    • The Big Coconut Guesthouse - The friendly clothing optional gay men's guesthouse
    • Fishermen’s Village – Charlotte County Florida’s Resort, Shopping, and Entertainment Icon
    • Orlando North – Food, fun and entertainment in Seminole County
    • A Celebration of Friends - a celebration of mature men in the gay world
    • Coral Castle Museum - Miami’s quirky, mysterious and world famous attraction
    • Five Reasons You Should Go To The Delray Beach Open
    • Florida.com - deals on restaurants, concerts, sporting events and more
    • Christmas at Gaylord Palms – Kissimmee, Florida
    • Big Cypress Gallery and Swamp Cottages
    • Butterfly World - Coconut Creek, Florida
    • Liberty Garden Suites
    • Grand Resort & Spa - Fort Lauderdale’s Luxury resort and spa for gay men since 1999
    • Reunion Resort
    • Where To Find Florida's Space Coast Surfing Hotspots
    • Palm Island Resort
    • Smyrna Beach Club
    • Black Dolphin Inn
    • Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa Welcomes LGBT Weddings
    • Playalinda Beach - Florida's Space Coast nude beach
    • Island House
    • Renaissance World Golf Village Resort & St Augustine’s Nights of Lights
    • Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort
    • Surfing Santas
    • Pompano Beach Resort & Spa
    • Tarpon Lodge
    • Two Fish Inn
    • Five Things You Must See In Cedar Key
    • Cypress Cove Nudist Resort
    • Florida Keys & Key West Events Summer & Fall 2015
    • St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
    • Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
    • White Sands Buddhist Center
    • FREE Florida Travel App
    • Schooner Freedom Charters
    • St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum
    • Manhattan Tower
    • The Hilton Orlando
    • Plaza Beach Resorts
    • Our Naples, Florida Top 5 Attractions
    • Kennedy Space Center / Cape Canaveral Launch Schedule
    • Marineland Dolphin Adventure
    • Babcock Wilderness Adventures
    • Steinhatchee Landing Resort
    • Florida Same Sex Weddings
    • Historic Casa Marina Hotel Offers Same-Sex Weddings
    • Daytona Beach On A Budget
    • MLB Spring Training 2015 Schedule
    • Fishermens Village Resort - Punta Gorda, Florida
    • The Shell Factory - North Fort Myers, Florida
    • Boca Grande, Florida
    • Blue Man Group - Orlando, Florida
    • Delray Beach Open - Delray Beach, Florida
    • Tuckaway Shores Resort - Indialantic By the Sea, Florida
    • Discover NW Florida – Our Pensacola Area Favorites
    • King Fisher Fleet - Punta Gorda, Florida
    • Lake Como Family Nudist Resort - Lutz, Florida
    • Renninger’s Antique Extravaganza - Mount Dora, Florida
    • B2 Hotel - Miami, Florida
    • Palm Beach Hibiscus B&B - West Palm Beach, Florida
    • Liberty Suites - Dania Beach, Florida
    • Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens - Delray Beach, Florida
    • Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club & Lodge - Orlando, Florida
    • Busch Gardens - Tampa, Florida
    • The Cabanas Guesthouse & Spa - Wilton Manors, Florida
    • Camp Mars Gay Campground - Venus, Florida
    • Casa Marina Hotel - Jacksonville Beach, Florida
    • Charlotte Harbor Highlights - Charlotte County, Florida
    • Cirque du Soleil La Nouba - Orlando, Florida
    • Fort Christmas, Florida
    • Gatorland - Orlando, Florida
    • The Grand Resort and Spa - Fort Lauderdale, Florida
    • Hammock Beach Resort - Palm Coast, Florida
    • Haulover Beach - Miami, Florida
    • Historic Cocoa Village - Cocoa, Florida
    • The Inn On Charlotte - St Augustine, Florida
    • Inn on Fifth - Naples, Florida
    • Jungle Adventures - Christmas, Florida
    • Kennedy Space Center - Cape Canaveral, Florida
    • Key West Express - Key West, Florida
    • Koreshan State Park - Estero, Florida
    • Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club - Naples, Florida
    • Naples On A Budget - Naples, Florida
    • Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens - Naples, Florida
    • Old Powderhouse Inn - St Augustine, Florida
    • Renaissance Orlando at Sea World - Orlando, Florida
    • Ringling Museum - Sarasota, Florida
    • Titanic The Experience - Orlando, Florida
    • Gay Wine Weekend in Sonoma
    • White Cap Beach Condos - Fort Myers Beach, Florida
    • Wyndham Deerfield Beach Resort - Deerfield Beach, Florida
  • USA Spotlight
    • Autumn is Provincetown’s Secret Season
    • New Mountain Biking Tour of North Dakota's Maah Daah Hey Trail
    • The Naked Trainers LIMITLESS RETREAT - A Transformative Nude Wellness Event For Men
    • The best Pride celebrations this June
    • Glow in the Park at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
    • Southern Utah Offers New 190-Mile Glamping Trail
    • Pride Journey Savannah by Joey Amoto
    • Pride Journey Chicago By Joey Amato
    • Summer Series of Gay Wine Events
    • Pride Journey Colorado Springs By Joey Amato
    • LA Black Pride weekend kicks off free community driven festivities throughout Los Angeles & West Hollywood
    • Pride Journey - Palm Springs, California
    • 2021 NYC Pride
    • Pride Journey: Atlanta
    • The 190-Mile Aquarius Trail Hut System in Southern Utah Unveiled
    • Joseph Puopolo Hikes the Constellation Trail in Prescott, Arizona
    • Southern Christmas Getaways From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Blues of Mississippi
    • SILVER AIRWAYS NONSTOP FLIGHTS START NOVEMBER 23, 2020 WITH FARES FROM $49* TO ORLANDO, TAMPA, AND FT. LAUDERDALE
    • Pride Journey: Monterey, California
    • Pride Journey: Aspen Gay Ski Week
    • Pride Journey: Columbus, Ohio By Joey Amato
    • Pride Journey: Grand Rapids/Saugatuck By Joey Amato
    • Bryce Canyon National Park - Utah
    • Pride Journeys St. Louis By Joey Amato
    • Southern Decadence 2019 - parties, parades, brunches and events in New Orleans
    • Pride Journey: Providence, Rhode Island
    • Las Vegas Accommodations For Every Taste
    • Las Vegas Grows More Fabulous with LGBTQ+ Events and Celebrations
    • Las Vegas Issues 20,000th Same-Gender Marriage License
    • Rainbow Room to Host Inaugural Pride Ball - NYC Pride’s Only Black Tie Event
    • Pride Journey: Spokane, Washington
    • Pride Journey: Phoenix/Tempe
    • THE FIRST ANNUAL MENDOCINO PRIDE: CHASING THE RAINBOW FESTIVAL
    • Escape Resort Palm Springs – Our interview with Co-Owner Mark Hunter
    • Pride Journey: Provincetown Cape Cod
    • Foodies Guide To New Orleans
    • Pride Journey: Milwaukee
    • Pride Journey: Portland, Oregon
    • Triangle Inn - Award-winning, historic Palm Springs Resort
    • The Best of the Best By Donald Pile and Ray Williams
    • Bearfoot Inn - An oasis in the desert in sunny Palm Springs, California
    • Pride Journey Indianapolis
    • Experience Holiday Chill in San Diego
    • Park Ridge Lodge - a relaxing men's retreat nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains
    • Starland Community – campground/retreat center located in a Southern California high desert setting near Joshua Tree
    • How To Enjoy Three Palm Springs Gay Resorts In One Week
    • Tortuga Del Sol - One of the most beautiful clothing optional gay resorts we have ever experienced
    • Cedar City, Utah – The Amazing Destination For All Four Seasons
    • Tyler Morgan Tells Us about The Utah Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City
    • US West Coast Holidays Bus Tour – Salt Lake City, Jackson, Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Devil’s Tower, Crazy Horse Memorial, Mount Rushmore and more!
    • Pride Journey: Kansas City
    • The Appalachian Trail Day Hikers' Guide: Downhill to Fine Wine and Accommodations: Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee by Carol and Jim Steiner
    • Pride Journeys: Rochester, New York
    • Carpe Diem Guesthouse and Spa - One of Provincetown's finest boutique guesthouses with a unique clothing optional spa
    • Southern Cheyenne Marlon Fixico Helps Us Understand The Native American TWO SPIRIT (LGBT) People
    • Grant Philipo’s Las Vegas Showgirl Museum
    • Pride Journeys: Houston By Joey Amato
    • Pride Journey: Philadelphia By Joey Amato
    • The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo ¬- just about everything one could ever ask for!
    • Kings Island - The perfect combination of world-class thrills and family attractions.
    • A Visit To The World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta – Coke Nirvana
    • Copper Cactus Ranch Men’s Retreat – The Men’s Sanctuary Near Phoenix, Arizona
    • The Best Of LGBT New York City
    • Provincetown – Where LGBTQ+ can be themselves
    • Seattle - The perfect cocktail for adventure
    • Long Beach Pride
    • Philadelphia LGBT Hotspots
    • The National Gem and Mineral Collection of the Smithsonian Institute
    • Escape Resort - Palm Springs, California
    • Santiago Resort - Palm Springs private, luxury, swimsuit-optional escape for gay men
    • Pigeon Forge – The Great Smoky Mountains Destination With Something For Everyone
    • Memphis – Discover the Home of the Blues and the Birthplace of Rock n Roll
    • Circle J Guest Ranch - Where men can come together in beautiful East Texas
    • New Orleans Fall Festivals
    • Michigan - Home to the Midwest’s Largest Gay Resort and more
    • Hollywood Museum Salutes LGBTQ
    • Coney Island & Luna Park
    • Elvis Presley’s Graceland – The Memphis Mansion and Museum of the King of Rock and Roll
    • Nashville – The Songwriting Capital Of The World and Much, Much More
    • LBGT MUSEUM EXHIBITS IN NEW YORK CITY
    • Roseland Resort & Campground – The gay, clothing optional resort on 222 acres in West Virginia
    • Simple Ways To Save On Airfare – Tips from AAA
    • William McKinley Memorial Monument and William McKinley Presidential Library & Museum
    • Silver Dollar City - The amazing theme park for anyone who has ever played cowboy or cowgirl
    • Gay Naturists International - An organization that cares about who you are, not what you do
    • San Francisco - Use Attraction Passes To Save Money And See San Francisco
    • Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction
    • Arcadia – Washington State’s Romantic Nudist Club Getaway
    • Where You Can Fly High In San Diego
    • What To See and Do In Ptown In 2017 - Provincetown, Massachusetts
    • Hillside Campgrounds - Pennsylvania’s clothing optional attitude free campground for gay men
    • Freedom Valley Campground - Ohio’s safe haven for gay, questioning and straight men
    • Vermontology Guided Tours - An intimate tour experience that feels like traveling with a group of friends
    • Maison Dupuy – The New Orleans French Quarter Hotel just two blocks from Bourbon Street
    • CampBuckwood - The All male campground resort in the rolling hills of central Indiana
    • The Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center welcomes tourists, visitors, and first timers in 2017!
    • The Woods Campground - The LGBT clothing optional camping resort in the Poconos
    • Camp Camp - The all-inclusive, week-long real summer camp experience for LGBT adults
    • NUDE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE GRAND CANYON
    • The 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa - Eureka Springs, Arkansas
    • Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art – Bentonville, Arkansas
    • The Showboat Branson Belle
    • Eureka Springs, Arkansas
    • Brimfield Antiques & Collectibles Show
    • PRIDE Events - USA, Canada, Mexico
    • Provincetown Spring 2016 Events
    • Our interview with American Association for Nude Recreation President Beverly B. Price
    • Louisville Celebrates Marriage Equality With Wedding Contest
    • Provincetown Halloween 2015
    • Hot Air Balloon Festivals
    • Fall Foliage Sightseeing Tips
    • Tin Can Tourists
    • Broadway 2015 / 2016
    • GNI Gathering 2015
    • AANR Skinny Dip 2015
    • National Register of Historic Places Itineraries and Self-Guided Tours
    • Do It Yourself Covered Bridge Tour
    • U.S.A. Tourism Links
    • A+ Weddings by Rev. Vernon Diannah Porter
    • Edenfield House Bed and Breakfast
    • Gay Hotels & Accommodations USA
    • Gay Campgrounds USA
    • Alabama Road Trips - Alabama
    • USA National Parks
    • USA Zoos
    • Land's End Inn - Provincetown, Massachusetts USA
    • Chatham Gables Inn - Chatham, Massachusetts
    • Captain David Kelley House - Centerville, Massachusetts
    • Old Manse Inn - Brewster, Massachusetts
    • St. Simons Island, Georgia - Artsy, Classy and All About Friends and Family
    • Parliament Resort - Augusta, Georgia
    • Our St. Mary's, Georgia Top Ten - St. Mary's, Georgia
    • Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta - New Mexico, USA
    • The Best of Columbus - Columbus, Ohio
    • Georgia Mountain Fair - Hiawassee, Georgia
    • Goodbread House B&B - St Marys, Georgia
    • Huntington Hotel and Nob Hill Spa - San Francisco, California
    • Pride Journey Indianapolis By Joey Amato
    • Inns of Elegance - St Augustine, Florida
    • Jekyll Island, Georgia
    • Las Vegas, Nevada
    • Long Beach, California
    • Luray Caverns - Luray, Virginia
    • Napa Valley Wine Train - Napa, California
    • Oahu Nature Tours - Oahu, Hawaii
    • Palm Springs, California
    • Philadelphia & Brandywine - Pennsylvania's Uniquely Beautiful Gems
    • Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival - Canton, Ohio
    • Pink Jeep Tours - Las Vegas, Nevada
    • Provincetown: The Iconic LGBTQ Destination - Provincetown, MA
    • The Queen Mary - Long Beach, California
    • Renaissance World Golf Village - St Augustine, Florida
    • Ritz Carlton LGBT Package - Cleveland, Ohio
    • San Francisco Helicopter Tours - San Francisco, California
    • San Pedro & The Port of Los Angeles - San Pedro, California
    • South Carolina National Heritage Corridor - Mountain Lakes Region
    • Terranea Resort - Los Angeles, California
    • Tower Tours / Yosemite In A Day - San Francisco, California
    • Tybee Gay Days - Tybee Island, Georgia
    • Unique Beach Vacation Ideas
  • International Spotlight
    • INTERNATIONAL MEN ENJOYING NATURISM - social and recreational organization of like-minded men
    • Norse Atlantic Airways takes off from the west coast for the first time with its inaugural flight from LAX to Oslo
    • Naturist / Clothing Optional Boutique B&B in East Northamptonshire UK
    • Vigeland Sculpture Park - Oslo, Norway
    • NO TAN LINES VACATION - Clothing Optional Condo Rental in Tulum, Mexico
    • R Family Vacations LGBThailand 2020
    • SIX OF THE BEST CITY TOURS BY BIKE
    • Saddle Skedaddle - Break away from the tourist hordes and enjoy a different side of France from the comfort of your saddle
    • WILD TERRAINS ANNOUNCES 2020 SCHEDULE FOR PORTUGAL & MEXICO CITY
    • Pink Rose Guesthouse & Spa - Experience Cape Town and the Winelands
    • GAY CANADA - The best links for LGBTQ2 travelers
    • PARIS FRANCE for the gay traveler
    • HAVEN RIVIERA CANCUN RESORT - This haven is a little piece of heaven that welcomes LGBTQ guests
    • TheXT10 Men-Only GuestHouse in Costa Rica
    • Gay Travelers Magazine Visits Tulum Mayan Ruins, Mexico
    • Gay Travelers Magazine Visits El Rey Mayan Ruins in Cancun, Mexico
    • Gay Travelers Magazine Visits Chichen Itza, Mexico
    • Gay Travelers Magazine Visits Vigeland Sculpture Park & Museum in Oslo, Norway
    • Frank Jones Visits The Magnificent Cave Temples of Dambulla, Sri Lanka
    • Adventure Trips for Solo Travelers
    • NKD Training – Nude Fitness In London
    • PrivateFly - Island Hop In The Bahamas Luxuriously
    • St. Thomas Food Tours - Walking tours with a delicious twist
    • Butterfield & Robinson Offers Amazing Walking Trips Europe Asia, Latin America and Africa
    • The Abridged Guide to Venice’s Most Beautiful Canal Crossings
    • Enjoy Budapest With Free, Self Guided Walking Tours
    • Amatungulu Tours – Nudist Activities In The Most Picturesque Places In South Africa
    • MajorPride - The first Pride event in Llantwit Major, the Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales, UK
    • 48 Hours in Stuttgart
    • IRELAND’S DROMOLAND CASTLE COMPLETES 20 MILLION EURO REFURBISHMENT
    • Flavors of St Thomas Food Tours
    • Sacred Tours of Mexico - Experience the spiritual and historical traditions of Mexico
    • Olympus Tours – Tours of Cancun, Chichen Itza, Tulum and More
    • Vinales Valley, Cuba - Touring the UNESCO World Heritage Site
    • Shady Ladies Tours Presents Shady Ladies of Paris
    • Rusty Rover Tours – Delightful Tours of Prince Edward Island
    • A Free Tour Of Quebec
    • Contiki Travel - Celebrate pride in Athens, Ios and Mykonos
    • Camp It - Australian Camping For Gay, Bi and Trans Men Who Love Men
    • Whistler Pride and Ski Festival - Sports, culture, entertainment and LGBT Human Rights celebration in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
    • Villa Rainbow – The charming guesthouse on St Martin for gay males
    • Out & Out Club Jamboree - Toronto's fun-filled week of summer camp for LGBTQ campers
    • DETOURS Travel - Laid Back Gay Adventure Travel
    • Gay Homestays - Matching travelers with LGBTQ property owners
    • TLVFest - Tel-Aviv International LGBT Film Festival
    • Titanic Belfast - Experience the Titanic on the very site where the she was built
    • Zoom Vacations- Gay Vacation Experts
    • World Naked Bike Ride
    • Bimini
    • CUBA! NOW BY LAND AND SEA
    • Poldie's Bed and Breakfast
    • Mexico Travel Tips
    • Australia Tourism Links
    • Cozumel Cruise Excursions - Cozumel, Mexico
    • Blue Lagoon Island and Dolphin Encounters - Nassau, Bahamas
    • Journeying Through The Swiss Alps - Switzerland
    • Blue Lagoon Dolphin Encounter Nassau, Bahamas
    • Abaco Island Beach Resort, Bahamas
    • Adventure Eagle Tours - Tahiti
    • Avventure Bellisme Tours - Venice, Italy
    • Bruges, Belgium
    • Butchart Gardens - Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
    • Chez Rick & Phil B&B - a safe environment in Normandy France for LGBTQ brothers and sisters
    • Dover, England
    • Eze, France - A fascinating medieval village
    • Flavors of San Juan Food & Culture Tours - San Juan, Puerto Rico
    • Godfrey Tours - St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
    • Best Western Hotel Bologna - Mestre, Italy
    • Nassau Bahamas Easy Walking Tour
    • Niagara Falls, Canada
    • Pride Journey Iceland By Joey Amato
    • Polynesian Xplorer Tours - Western Samoa
    • Reykjavic, Iceland
    • Red October Tours - St Petersburg, Russia
    • San Blas Islands - Panama
    • Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
    • Vancouver Island, BC Canada
    • Vigeland Sculpture Park - Oslo, Norway
  • Cruise Spotlight
    • The Big Easy Cruise - New Orleans music festival at sea
    • The 70s Rock and Romance Cruise
    • Ultimate Disco Cruise 2023
    • Beach Boys Good Vibrations Cruise 2023
    • Country Music Cruise 2023
    • 12 DAY POLYNESIA CRUISE ABOARD ARANUI
    • Uniworld’s Mekong Jewel - Spectacular vacation in Vietnam & Cambodia
    • California Cruisin’ with American Cruise Lines
    • MIM TRAVEL - Join our Annual LGBT Cruise Event for the mature male and his admirers
    • The Viking Mars Will Be Named on May 17 by the Countess of Carnarvon of Highclere Castle
    • Great Deals on Two New Atlantis Cruise and Resort Vacations
    • MSC CRUISES OFFERS AN INCREDIBLE CHOICE OF SHIPS AND DESTINATIONS FOR SUMMER 2023
    • VIKING Announces Newest Ocean Ship And Three New Itineraries
    • Atlantis 2021 Gay Greek Isles Cruise
    • American Cruise Lines - First to Cruise the U.S.A. and the Only Line Cruising the East Coast
    • Expedition Cruise Lines for Summer 2021
    • Overseas Adventure Travel to Resume International Travel
    • Two Bad Tourists Gay Sailing Trip of Croatia - August 2021
    • Star Clipper Returns to Mediterranean for 2022 Season Star Clippers has announced that its namesake tall sailing ship, Star Clipper, will return to ply the blue waters of the Mediterranean for the 2022 season.
    • MIM TRAVEL - 17th Annual Gay Group Cruise for Mature guys (and gals) and their younger and older admirers!
    • Virgin Voyages is Loud and Proud for Pride
    • TLO Cruises & Tours - Cruising with Polar Bears
    • We Cruised To CUBA For $339 With An Open Bar!
    • Here’s where to find your Cuba Cruise
    • MIM TRAVEL 2019 and 2020 Gay Cruises and Tours
    • ON THE BLUE cruise 2020 hosted by Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues
    • Everything To Sea - Clothing-Optional Relaxed Sailing for Men
    • Atlantis Events - 2019 All Gay Cruises and Resorts
    • Upcoming Meet Me On Board Gay Group Cruises
    • NAVIGATOR OF THE SEAS SAILS INTO MIAMI WITH $115 MILLION NEW LOOK
    • Princess Cruises to Activate Three Additional Princess MedallionClass Ships in 2019
    • Disney Cruise Line Epic Adventures in 2020 - Star Wars Day at Sea and Marvel Day at Sea
    • BLISS CRUISES– 2019 and 2020 Cruises for adult swingers
    • Norwegian EPIC 11 Day Western Caribbean Cruise
    • Gorgeous Ladies of Wresting – From their Netflix tv series to ComicCons to cruises, GLOW keeps entertaining 80s style!
    • Discover Florida Cruise Ports & Which Cruise Lines Sail From Each
    • National Geographic and Scenic Add New Sailings for 2019
    • Princess Transatlantic Cruise
    • Disney Cruise Line Announces 2019 Return of Star Wars Day at Sea and Marvel Day at Sea
    • Cruise To Cuba On The Norwegian Sky and Discover The Vinales Valley
    • Book Your Big Nude Boat Cruise For 2018 & 2019
    • Atlantis Events All-Gay Cruises For 2017 & 2018
    • Big Nude Boat – Start Your 2019 With A Nude Cruise
    • Windstar Cruises - Experience Asia in Private Yacht Style
    • Cunard Welcomes Same-Sex Marriages on its Iconic Three Ships
    • Five Reasons To Cruise To Cuba On The Norwegian Sky
    • Chub Cruises – Cruises For Large Gay Men And Their Admirers
    • SAILORdudes Gay Sailing Adventures – Nude and Clothing Optional Gay Cruises
    • Amazing Nude Cruise Opportunities For 2016
    • Norwegian EPIC – Our Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida
    • Atlantis Events – Gay Cruises and Events
    • Viking’s 10 New Ocean Cruise Itineraries for 2017
    • Why Oceania Cruises is the Best Choice for Mature Travelers
    • Viking River Cruises Grand European Tour
    • Chumley's BearCruises
    • Norwegian 2017 Itineraries
    • Cruising On The Carnival Breeze
    • Carnival Breeze Behind The Fun Tour
    • Prime Timers 7 Night Cruise
    • Atlantis All Gay Cruises for 2016
    • Star Trek: The Cruise
    • Pearl Seas Cruises Cultural Voyages to Cuba
    • Avalon Offers Palate-Pleasing Themed Cruises in 2016
    • Cruise Line Websites
    • Caribbean Princess - 5 Day Western Caribbean Cruise
    • Atlantis All Gay Cruises - 2015 Cruise Schedule
    • Carnival Victory - 7 Day New England / Canada Cruise
    • Carnival Inspiration - 5 Day Western Caribbean Cruise
    • Cruise Line Carry-On Alcohol Policies
    • Holland America Statendam - Alaska: Glacier Discovery Cruise
    • Holland America - Panama Canal & Inca Discovery
    • Holland America - 7 Day Western Caribbean
    • MSC Poesia - Caribbean Cruise
    • MSC Musica - Mediterranean Cruise
    • MSC Poesia Transatlantic
    • Norwegian Cruise Line - Chef's Table Experience
    • Oceania - Western Caribbean cruise
    • Princess - Australia / New Zealand 12 Day Cruise
    • Princess - Greek Isles 12 Day Cruise
    • Princess - 28 Day Hawaii, Tahiti & Samoa Adventure
    • Princess - 15 day Iceland & Greenland Transatlantic Cruise
    • Princess - Northern Europe Grand Adventure Transatlantic 28 day Baltic Cruise
    • Princess - 10 day Tahitian Princess Polynesian & Cook Islands
    • Royal Caribbean - 3 day 4 night Bahamas Cruise from Port Canaveral, FL
    • Royal Caribbean- 7 Day Serenade of the Seas Southern Caribbean
  • Nudist and Naturist Spotlight
    • Federation of Canadian Naturists - Canada’s national nudist organization
  • Entertainment, Dining & Theater Spotlight
    • Photographic Artist Gianni Gianorso Rauso Shares His Love Of Italy, Photography, The Nude Body And Body- Positivity
    • Sunken Roads: Three Generations After D-Day movie review by Steven Skelley
    • A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood movie review by Steven Skelley
    • DON’T YOU DARE by Gayla Turner Book Review by Steven Skelley
    • Sheryl: Music From The Feature Documentary
    • COUNTRY MUSIC COMMUNITY MOURNS THE LOSS OF NAOMI JUDD
    • 100 Years of Men in Love - The Accidental Collection movie review by Steven Skelley
    • THE BATMAN movie review by Steven Skelley
    • Farewell Yellow Brick Road - The Final ELTON JOHN Tour Dates
    • Gotham Knights NYC Gay Rugby Team 2020 Calendar
    • SISTER AIMEE - Movie Review by Steven Skelley
    • FREE ADMISSION EXTENDED THROUGH AUGUST AT NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN JEWISH HISTORY
    • ROCKETMAN – Movie Review By Steven Skelley
    • Boy Erased - Movie Review by Curt Solash
    • John Wick Chapter 3 Parabellum - Movie Review by Steven Skelley
    • YESTERDAY The Movie - Movie Review by Steven Skelley
    • La Cage Aux Folles at the Titusville Playhouse
    • The Opera House - The Met’s odyssey for a new home in the 1950s and ‘60s
    • The Wizards of Winter - Time Travel Back To A 70s and 80s Prog Rock Holiday
    • Wilander On Wheels - The first fantasy tennis experience with a former World #1 that comes to you
    • Ollom Art – Our interview with John Ollom about healing art, nudity and dance
    • The Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts - Bringing World Class Live Entertainment to Florida’s Space Coast
    • The Court of Two Sisters – New Orleans
    • Naked Boys Singing - Six guys. Sixteen songs. No clothes!
    • The Birdcage Fine Art Gallery & Studio
    • Spamilton - A hilarious parody of Hamilton
    • Zeek Taylor
    • Tab Hunter Confidential Documentary Debuts on DVD and Blu-Ray
    • Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows Laugh your way to solving a crime
    • AA Garden Fusion
    • The Cork & Bottle
    • Lewis Black
    • Sister Act
    • Belinda Carlisle
    • The Naked Magicians
    • Kathy Griffin Wows Audience on Carnival Cruise Ship
    • Hairspray
    • Savory Faire Food Tasting Tour
    • Dracula
    • The Shady Maple Smorgasboard
    • The Full Monty Titusville Playhouse Inc.
    • Brazilian Grill - Cape Cod, MA
    • Zeta Brewing Company
    • Arlo Guthrie - Alice's restaurant 50th Anniversary Tour
    • Al Capones Dinner & Show - Kissimmee, Florida
    • Arabian Nights - Orlando, Florida
    • The Best of Columbus Dining - Columbus, Ohio
    • Broadway Palm Dinner Theater - Ft Myers, Florida
    • The Golden Apple Dinner Theater - Sarasota, Florida
    • Jakes On Market - San Francisco, California
    • The Lazy Goat - Greenville, South Carolina
    • Mai Kai Polynesian Restaurant & Dinner Show - Fort Lauderdale, Florida
    • Medieval Times - Kissimmee, Florida
    • Oh Canada Eh? - Niagara Falls, Canada
    • Outta Control Magic Comedy - Orlando, Florida
    • Pirates Dinner Adventure - Orlando, Florida
    • Dining In Provincetown Massachusetts
    • Sleuths Mystery Dinner Show - Orlando, Florida
    • Sugardaddy's - Columbus, Ohio
    • 3030 Ocean Restaurant - Fort Lauderdale, Florida
    • Titanic Dinner Event - Orlando, Florida
    • To Live and Love Well: The true story of a gay man's struggle with poverty, abuse, and excommunication from the Mormon Church
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Princess  28 Day Hawaii, Tahiti & Samoa Adventure

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Princess 28 Day Hawaii, Tahiti & Samoa Adventure

by Steven Skelley & Thomas Routzong

For any cruise lover who wants to get away from the rat race for twenty-eight days, Princess cruise line’s Hawaii, Tahiti & Samoa Adventure cruise is the perfect choice. The amazing sights, sounds and tastes of Pacific Island culture are some of the most unique and interesting you will find anywhere on the planet.

Our cruise sailed from the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, California. We highly recommend that you add a few days to your trip and enjoy these cities. Don’t be surprised if you look at the car beside you at a red light and recognize a television, music or movie star. It happened to us. Be sure to check local notices for the filming of television shows, movies, music videos, or commercials. They happen here all the time and are both entertaining and educational to watch. We watched one from the window of our Crowne Plaza hotel room in San Pedro right around the corner from the cruise terminal!

Our cruise was on the beautiful Sapphire Princess which features four swimming pools, eight hot tubs, a fitness Center, a spa, a salon, separate men’s and women’s sauna and steam rooms and much more. A ship refurbishment is scheduled for early 2012 with the addition of a Movies Under The Stars screen and several other upgrades. For those with Suites, we highly recommend breakfast at Sabatini’s – available only to Suite level guests and VIP’s. The cooked-to-order food, personal service, entertaining waiters, complimentary mimosas, juice, and cappuccinos made breakfast a daily highlight.


SAILAWAY

We arrived at the port and were on the ship and in our cabin in less than forty-five minutes. Compared to some cruises where we have spent as much as four hours waiting in line to board, this embarkation was nearly perfect. Lunch was immediately available on the Lido Deck. Sailaway provided cruisers with many photo opportunities as we left one of the largest commercial ports in the U.S., cruised along the beautiful California coastline and even watched sea lions sunning on rocks and buoys.


LAHAINA, MAUI

After four relaxing days at sea, the Sapphire Princess dropped anchor off the coast of Maui. Passengers were tendered in to a town named Lahaina where there are a variety of shops and restaurants just steps from where you come ashore. If you haven’t booked an excursion already with Princess, don’t worry - independent tour operators line the shore. Just across the street, the third largest banyan tree in the world provides shade in the local park.

Maui, the second largest of the Hawaiian islands, was formed by two massive volcanoes which are joined by a rich valley. The most popular attraction is the Haleakala Crater, the world’s largest inactive volcano which towers more than 10,000 feet above sea level.

We chose the tour to Haleakala Crater. This 10,000 foot high volcano has a massive, multi-colored crater that is 3000 feet deep, seven miles long and two miles wide. We passed through the clouds at 7000 feet! The crater is a stunning site, especially with the clouds below. Several people had difficulty breathing at this altitude so those with breathing difficulties should be careful.

Other Maui points of interest include –


  • Iao Valley with its sacred Hawaiian monoliths.
  • Ka-Anapali a premier beach resort area and the playground of Hawaiian royalty.
  • Whalers Village a multi level 8 acre complex of shops and restaurants.
Princess offers a variety of excursions including –

  • Haleakala Crater
  • Maui Ocean Center
  • Lavender Farm
  • Iao Valley
  • Maui Tropical Plantation
  • Kahakoloa Village
  • Lahaina’s Walking Tour
  • Hiking Ho’olawa Valley
  • Atlantis Submarine Adventure
  • Maui Snorkel Cruise
  • Helicopter and Hana Road
  • West Maui and Moloka’l Helpcopter Tour

LGBT travelers can visit MauiGayInfo.com for information about accommodations, weddings and more.

HILO, HAWAII
        

On the morning after Maui, the ship docked at the Hilo pier in a very industrial area but there are some free buses to local shopping sites. Hilo is the largest of the Hawaiian islands at 4000 square miles. It is often referred to as The Big Island.

The island is filled with natural wonders including black sand beaches, lava flows, snow capped mountain peaks, tropical jungles, and volcanic craters. Mauna Loa is the most massive mountain on earth. It rises more than 30,000 feet from the sea bed to its summit. It is more than 100 times the mass of Mount Everest. As we stood admiring it from across the bay, a local resident told us that the peak is often covered in snow!

We walked off the ship and walked about one mile to the Haluokaleana Japanese Gardens and Mokuola Park. Both of these parks are free. Local youths climb a stone platform and dive into the water from two different levels offering a free show to anyone watching. Mauna Loa is visible across the bay from the parks. With Mauna Loa, the Japanese Gardens and acrobatic, high-divers this area is an excellent place to shoot photos.  

Other Hilo points of interest include –


  • The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
  • The Volcano Country Club golf course (4280 feet above sea level)
  • The Mauna Loa Volcano
  • The Akaka Falls
  • Rainbow Falls
  • The Nani Mau Gardens
  • Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory

Princess offers a variety of excursions including –


  • Volcanoes National Park
  • Macadamia Nut Farm and Gardens
  • City Drive
  • The Summit of Mauna Kea
  • Akaka Falls and the Nani Mau Gardens
  • The Pacific Sunami Museum
  • Lava Tree State and Hilo’s Volcanic Heritage
  • Hawaiian Culinary Tour
  • Hilo Coffee and Winery
  • Hawaii Botanical Gardens
  • Rainbow Falls
  • Wailuku River and Kaumana Caves
  • Kayaking Adventure
  • Snorkeling
  • Volcanic Landscapes by Helicopter

LGBT visitors have a number of clubs to choose on Hilo from including The Mask - Querade in Kailua Kona and My Bar in Kailua Kona.  

HONOLULU, OAHU

On the morning after Hilo, the ship docked in the heart of Honolulu near the Aloha Tower which features multiple shops, street vendors and restaurants. Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii, is called “the gathering place.” Oahu is home to Waikiki - the most famous beach in the world, Sea Life Park - with the world’s only wholphin (a cross between a killer whale and a dolphin), and Pearl Harbor - one of the United States’ most meaningful military and memorial sites.

Looking for something unique, we chose Oahu Nature Tours for our tour of Oahu. Our guide, Mee-na explained the difference between Oahu Nature Tours and the more touristy companies, “Oahu Nature Tours is different from most tours because we focus on nature and history. This information makes all the difference. Another difference is that we focus on small group tours which allows us to go to places large buses cannot go and we can load and unload our passengers much more quickly and then spend more time sightseeing.” Our Oahu Nature Tours small-group-tour was excellent. Mee-na was very knowledgeable, outgoing and fun. Our group of Americans, Australians and Fins spent a lot of time laughing and learning.   www.OahuNatureTours.com

Other Oahu points of interest include –


  • Waikiki Beach – the “spiritual home to surfing”
  • Shopping – Chanel, Hugo Boss, Ralph Lauren
  • The USS Arizona Memorial – dedicated to those who lost their lives in the attack on Pearl Harbor
  • The USS Missouri Memorial – where WWII ended with Japan signing its surrender
  • The Punchbowl – a national cemetery for the fallen of WWII, Korean War and Vietnam
  • The Iolani Palace – the last residence of Hawaii’s monarchs and the only royal palace on American soil.
  • The Pali Lookout – incredible views of Oahu’s windward coast

Princess offers a variety of excursions including –


  • The USS Arizona Memorial and City Drive
  • The USS Arizona Memorial and Mighty Mo
  • Pearl Harbor and WWII Exclusive Military Bases
  • Polynesian Cultural Center
  • Oahu North Shore
  • Hanauama Bay and Island Drive
  • Scenic Drive of the Pali Coast
  • Hawaiian Luau and Polynesian Center
  • Iolani Palace and Queen Emma’s Summer Palace
  • Diamond Head Crater and Summit Hike
  • Atlantis Submarine Adventure
  • Dolphin Encounter
  • Ali’i Kai Dinner Cruise

​Oahu has a number of LGBT clubs to choose from including Hula's Bar and Lei Stand, Fusion Waikiki, In Between, Wang Chung's, and Bar 7.


KAUAI 

As the ship docked in Kauai, we could immediately see why it is known as the Garden Isle. Not only is Kauai the only one of the Hawaiian islands that cannot be seen from any of the other islands, it is the most natural and undeveloped.  

Waealeale, at the center of Kauai is the remnant of the extinct volcano that formed the island. The Waimea Canyon was described by Mark Twain as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific and the Spouting Horn blowhole was once believed to be “the angry roar of the lizard goddess Kaikapu.” Several prominent rock formations on Kauai were used in King Kong and Jurassic Park films.

We took the Wailua River and Fern Grotto tour. Though it was not one we especially enjoyed, it did seem to please the guests over the age of 75. The tour began with a bus ride to the Ahukini Pier and to the Opaekaa Falls for photo opportunities followed by a slow cruise up a small river on a flat bottom boat that seats nearly 100. During the cruise, guests are entertained by a singing guitarist and a hula dancer. Once the boat docked, the Fern Grotto was reached by a five minute walk up a slight incline on a paved walkway. Guests who stand on a raised platform to view a cave and a small waterfall in the cliff side’s natural amphitheater are encouraged to marry or renew their wedding vows at this “site of more than 10,000 weddings.”

Princess offers a variety of excursions including –


  • Waimea Canyon
  • Wailua River and Fern Grotto
  • Wailua River Luau and Romantic Ceremony
  • Hollywood In Hawaii Movies and Waterfalls
  • Grove Farm and the Kauai Plantation Railway.
  • Kauai Canopy Zip Line
  • Kipu Ranch with a Jungle Mountain Trek, Swim and Zip Line
  • Kilohana Crater and Maha’ulepu Coast By 4 Wheel Drive
  • Tubing the Hanamalu Ditch System
  • NaPali Cruise and Snorkel
  • Beach Snorkel
  • Kaua’i by Helicpoter
  • The Kilauea Lighthouse and the Hanaeli Pier and Helicpoter Tour
 

PAGO PAGO, AMERICAN SAMOA

(pronounced pango pango)

The Samoan Island chain lies about 2300 miles southwest of Honolulu. It was a four day cruise from Hawaii. Samoans are considered the purest Polynesian heritage with ancestors thought to go back twenty-five centuries. American Samoa is a U.S. territory where Samoans are U.S. nationals but not citizens. It is the only U.S. territory in the South Pacific.

One of the most charming holidays is called white Sunday – on the second Sunday in October as children leave church services they receive special foods and clothing. Dress is important to Samoan culture. Women wear traditional puletasi – tunic and long skirt, fresh flowers and leis. Men wear bright knee length wrap around skirts called lava lavas.

Our tour was provided by David at the American Samoa Visitor’s Bureau. David arranged for us to have a private tour led by local guide Rory West (RoryWest@yahoo.com).

Rory has extensive knowledge of Samoan culture, plant life, fishing, and island hiking trails. Not only does he offer tours to cruise passengers, he also leads multi-day hiking tours through the rainforest. As Rory took us to incredible scenic points both at sea level and high into the mountains, he explained Samoan culture and the medicinal properties of the numerous plants we encountered. His easy-going manner and vast knowledge made for a great tour. www.AmericanSamoa.travel

According to Rory, Samoan culture is still very tribal. It is also very hospitable. If a relative shows up at a Samoan home near mealtime, it is customary for the homeowner to feed that person a meal - even if they were not expected and even if it is a large group of unexpected visitors. Rory also explained that marriage or producing children creates an unbreakable bond with that family’s tribe. Once a person is married or born into a tribe, they are accepted, supported and protected forever.

Many of the American Samoan beaches are covered with sun-bleached, white coral in an amazing diversity of shapes and sizes. Large bats reside in seaside caves and in trees just a short walk from the cruise ship pier. They can clearly be seen hanging upside down from tree branches during the day. They are so big they are sometimes called flying foxes.

Brightly colored, open air buses (Le Trucks) with wooden seats shuttle tourists and locals around the island.

Other American Samoa points of interest include –


  • Fagatogo - Pago Pago’s downtown, home of the territorial government and only business district
  • The Government House - home to the American Samoa Governor
  • The Jean P. Haydon Museum - history of Samoa, Samoan art and artifacts
  • The National Park of Samoa
  • Cock’s Comb
  • Pola Island

Princess offers a variety of excursions including –


  • The West Island Drive and Ava Ceremony
  • Island Drive Village and Home Beach
  • The Jean P. Haydon Museum and Tauese’s Museum
LGBT travelers should be aware that homosexuality (sodomy) is illegal in Samoa and punishable with prison terms of seven years according to the Samoa Observer newspaper. Legislature is considering this issue.


APIA, WESTERN SAMOA

Western Samoa is approximately eighty miles from Pago Pago, American Samoa. The ship docked at a pier in a rural bay. The pier was filled with the vans, buses and taxis of tour operators.

Samoa has an independent government and Samoans have been described as “a proud people who are known for their politeness and hospitality but expect visitors to respect their local customs.”

There is still a very strong tribal / familial culture in local communities. Head chiefs and talking chiefs oversee almost all local matters and decisions. The communities revolve around Aiga – families related by blood, marriage or adoption. As we drove around the island, we witnessed several village councils where the head chiefs and talking chiefs gathered in open-air pavilions to decide important community matters.

We chose Polynesian Xplorer for our tour of Samoa. Zita Tago Martel, Managing Director of Polynesian Xplorer and Honorary Consul of France, spoke passionately about her heritage, “We have so much to offer in Western Samoa. We have a unique culture, heritage, connection to nature, and community relationship.” Zita even joined us for lunch at one of the scenic tour stops. Her friendly personality and adventurous spirit was contagious as she shared her passion for Samoa and her adventures as a trophy winning longboat captain!

Fa’ atupu, a chief in a local tribe, was our tour guide. His knowledge of Samoa and Samoan culture was immense. He shared this in-depth and educational knowledge in a very friendly, conversational manner. At one point, he ran up a coconut tree effortlessly, tossed coconuts and fronds to us and then wove a basket from the fronds in minutes! He also demonstrated how to start a fire using only local materials and how to open a coconut and drink coconut milk. His easy-going manner, laughter and ever-present smile made for a very pleasant day. We highly recommend Polynesian Xplorer tours. www.polynesianxplorer.com

Other Western Samoa points of interest include –


  • John Williams Memorial
  • Letava Sliding Rock
  • National Museum Of Samoa
  • Palolo Deep Marine Reserve
  • Papaseea Sliding Rock
  • Robert Louis Stevenson Museum
  • Vailima Botanical Gardens

Princess offers a variety of excursions including –


  • Island Drive and Vailima
  • Island Drive and Tafa Tafa Beach
  • Piula Cave Pool and Vailele
 

BORA BORA, FRENCH POLYNESIA

Bora Bora is surrounded by a ribbon of reef. Cruise ship passengers must be tendered in to the shore. You will want to be on deck as the ship arrives. The view is simply stunning!

If you haven’t already scheduled an excursion, you will find dozens of tour operators waiting on shore, holding signs advertising their tour and price. We chose a local tour company from the many waiting at the shore. Five of us were loaded into a 4-wheel drive vehicle and circled the island. The entire island is just 15 square miles.  Just about every tour makes an obligatory at the world famous Bloody Mary’s bar with its sand floors and $10 to $20 drinks. You will want to have your camera ready – the view across the street from Bloody Mary’s is fantastic. Be warned, dogs are left to run free on the island and it is easy to accidentally step in dog droppings as you are snapping photos for your vacation scrapbook.

Our favorite excursion was the helmet dive in which we were fitted with a seventy pound metal helmet connected to an air line that ran back to the boat. We were lowered to the lagoon bottom where we were able to hand feed the fish from a bag of bread tied to our helmets. We took amazingly clear, unusual and beautiful photos of this unique experience using an underwater camera.

Other Bora Bora  points of interest include –


  • Paopoa Point
  • Matira Point and Matira Beach
  • Bloody Mary’s Restaurant and Bar
  • Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu
  • Ancient Marae Temples
  • The Lagoonarium
  • Motu Tapu
  • Shark and Ray Feeding

Princess offers a variety of excursions including –


  • Circle Island Tour
  • The Lagoon Excursion
  • Aquatic Adventures (Aqua Helmet Dive)
  • 4-Wheel Drive Excursion
  • Matira Beach
  • Bloody Mary’s Restaurant and Bar
 

MOOREA, TAHITI

Moorea, less than twenty miles off the coast of Papeete, Tahiti, has a totally different look and feel than the modernized Papeete. The butterfly-shaped island of Moorea is a tropical paradise of jagged mountains, lush forests, turquoise lagoons and white sand beaches. Parts of the movie South Pacific were filmed here. Moorea is everything a tropical paradise should be!

Our island tour included the Belvedere viewpoint, a vanilla farm, a pineapple plantation, Polynesian temple ruins and a scream-inducing drive to the top of Magic Mountain. One woman in our truck screamed in fear the entire way up and back down the mountain. The road was extremely steep and barely wide enough for our vehicle. Any mistake could have sent us plummeting down 1000 feet or more. Once we reached the upper parking area, we were able to walk up a steep pathway to two lookouts that provided stunning views of the bay and our ship. The hike to the viewpoints is very steep and there are no guard rails – just a 1200 foot drop to the valley below.


Other Moorea points of interest include –


  • Cook’s Bay
  • Opunohu Bay
  • Polynesian Temple Ruins
  • Belvedere Lookout
  • Pineapple Plantation
  • Vanilla Farm
  • Magic Mountain

Princess offers a variety of excursions including –


  • Island Tours
  • Tiki Theater Village
  • Dolphin and Whale watching Expedition
  • Lagoon and Coral Motu Snorkeling
  • Catamaran Sail and Snorkel
 

PAPPEETE, TAHITI

Tahiti is the sister island of Moorea and Papeete is its capital. As soon as the ship docks, you’ll notice a big difference between the two - Papeete is a very modern city. Because it is a big city, traffic jams can cost you a large amount of time. If you book a private tour or rent a car on your own, make sure you allow ample time to return to the ship before sailaway. (We were stuck in city traffic for over thirty minutes even though we were just a mile from the pier.)

Venture outside the city and you will be rewarded with an amazing array of high cliffs, cascading waterfalls, lush forests, and unique flora.

Because we prefer a small group experience, we chose a private tour by William Leeteg of Adventure Eagle Tours. William is a native Tahitian with a cheerful personality and an incredible amount of information to share. William explained Tahitian culture and local plants in detail but in a very entertaining manner. He also knew the best ways to avoid the times the large tour buses were at the attractions. We always arrived before they arrived or after they left. This is a huge advantage.

William took us on a relaxed drive to visit the Gauguin Museum, Venus Point , Fern Grotto, Blow Hole, Lookout Panoramic view  and the Great Waterfall. Because it was a small group, we always had more than enough time to explore each site. William’s four hour tour took us 72 miles around the island in a comfortable air-conditioned mini bus. We highly recommend Adventure Eagle Tours! www.adv-eagletour.com

Other Moorea points of interest include –


  • Fern Grotto
  • Point Venus – 100 year old lighthouse and black sand beach
  • Gaugin Museum
  • Arahoho Blowhole
  • Aruhurahu Marae – open air Polynesian Temple
  • Faarumai Waterfalls
  • James Norman Hall Home – coauthor of Mutiny on the Bounty
  • One Tree Hill
  • Papenoo Surfing Beach

Princess offers a variety of excursions including –


  • Island Drive and Gaugin Museum
  • Highlights of Tahiti
  • James Norman Hall Home
  • Point Venus
  • Museum of Tahiti
  • The Tomb of Pomare V
  • Faarumai Waterfalls

LGBT visitors should be sure to visit  www.GayTahiti.com a website designed by Tahiti Tourism specifically for LGBT travelers. According to their site, “Tahiti is not necessarily a gay destination, but it is definitely a gay-friendly destination. In fact, as it is one of the most romantic places on earth whether you are gay or straight, the islands of Tahiti are a couple’s paradise."


RETURNING TO LOS ANGELES

The return sailing to Los Angeles from Tahiti takes eight days. On our trip, the temperature in Tahiti was in the high 80’s. It grew steadily colder as we sailed north.until our daily high temperatures were only in the 50’s.

The eight days at sea offered a lot of time for attending shows, reading, basking in the pools or hot tubs or participating in one of the many scheduled activities. Zumba was a favorite with our fellow passengers. As many as one-hundred cruisers met every morning on the two floors surrounding the main pool to dance themselves to fitness.

Once we arrived in the Port of Los Angeles at San Pedro, we found debarkation to be just as efficient as embarkation was at the start of our adventure.  Captain Jermann had his crew very well-trained.

Rather than getting off the ship and heading straight to the airport, we decided to add a post-cruise stay at the Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes just up the coast. The 582 room, Mediterranean designed, luxury resort is located on more than one hundred acres on a majestic seaside cliff. One of our favorite things about Terranea is the Discovery Trail, a bluff-top trail that connects miles of coastal trails and runs along the seaside edge of the resort property. The views are incredible whether you hike the trail down to the ocean and seaside cove or hike up to the top of the cliffs for a look at Catalina Island and Pointe Vincente Lighthouse. If you are looking for a luxury accommodation in the Los Angeles area, we highly recommend the Terranea! www.terranea.com

LGBT travelers can find great information about Los Angeles area LGBT events at DiscoverLosAngeles.com.

If you can get away for twenty-eight days, Princess cruise line’s Hawaii, Tahiti & Samoa Adventure cruise is the perfect choice for experiencing the amazing sights, sounds and tastes of Pacific Island culture. The cruise is only offered once a year, so we recommend that you plan ahead.

For more information, visit http://www.princess.com/

Article by Steven Skelley and Thomas Routzong. Copyright 2011 Sunny Harbor Publishing. Contact Us: PO Box 560318, Rockledge, FL 32956. Phone: 321-446-7552. Email: SunnyHarborPublishing@yahoo.com

Keywords: cruise, Princess cruise, Gay Travelers Magazine Princess Cruise Line, 28 day Hawaii, Tahiti and Samoa cruise, cruise, samoa, tahiti, los angeles, terranea, maui, kauai, honolulu, oahu, hilo, pago pago, samoa, apia, bora bora, moorea, papeete, gay, lgbt, glbt, gay cruise, cruise, Steven Skelley, Thomas Routzong, 

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