GAY TRAVELERS MAGAZINE
  • Home
  • 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
    • Treasure Tavern - Orlando, Florida
    • Wohlfahrt Haus - Wytheville, Virginia
    • Zeta - Jacksonville Beach, Florida
  • Gay Romance Stories
    • THE MILE HIGH CLUB by Steven Skelley
    • The Amorous Amishman
    • CHRISTMAS IN SANTA
    • The Officer And Gentleman by Steven Skelley
    • CRUISE SHIP STEAM ROOM ROMANCE by Steven Skelley
  • Marc Perreault - Music That Matters
    • Marc Perreault - MACY GRAY
    • Marc Perreault - NEW ORDER
    • Marc Perreault - THE CARS
    • Marc Perreault - WHEN IN ROME
    • Marc Perreault - ELVIS COSTELLO
  • Curt Loves Oldies - Curt Solash dishes on the best and worst movies of all time
  • Contests & Sweepstakes
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Product & Book Reviews
  • STEVEN SKELLEY POETRY
    • STEVEN SKELLEY POETRY Page Two
  • Subscribe to Gay Travelers Magazine
  • Travel Photos
  • Nude & Natural Male Photos From Around The World
  • Media Kit
  • GAY TRAVELERS MAGAZINE September 2022 Travel News
Please LIKE, TWEET and SHARE!

​Why Oceania Cruises is the Best Choice for Mature Travelers 

Picture
​Why Oceania Cruises is the Best Choice for Mature Travelers

by Kathryn Skelley-Bird


In this author’s opinion, Oceania Cruises is the perfect cruise line for senior travelers.  Their brochures clearly state, “CHILDREN - Although Oceania Cruises accepts Guests of all ages, the unregimented lifestyle and upscale ambiance onboard are designed for adults and do not provide for the care, entertainment, or supervision of children.”

Because there are no activities or facilities for children, Oceania has historically attracted mature travelers who are cruising without the grandkids.  The fares, I think, also discourage bringing the family.  

On the April 11 “Pacific Journey,” there was only one child onboard.  I’ve now taken three Oceania cruises and can count on my fingers the number of children onboard the three vessels.

Although Oceania has historically attracted mature travelers, it appears as if they are now actively reaching out to the LGBT community.  The week before the Marina took 1100 mostly senior travelers to French Polynesia, it hosted a gay cruise to Tahiti called “Atlantis Splash.”

My husband and I took the “Mayan Mystique” cruise in 2011 - our first experience with Oceania.  The cruise was so wonderful we considered it the vacation of a lifetime.  

Having enjoyed that cruise so much, the following year we booked another cruise with Oceania -  “Caribbean Pearls.”  Both cruises were nearly perfect so, after a quick look at Regent Seven Seas and Gauguin Cruises, we decided to book another Oceania cruise - “Pacific Journey” which was defined as “Papeete to Lima/Machu Picchu.”  

I’ve always wanted to see Tahiti and Easter Island is on my husband’s bucket list, so this seemed like a perfect fit.  

The Best Food at Sea

Oceania boasts that it has the best food at sea.  I don’t have much experience with other cruise lines, but everyone with whom I spoke agreed.  I asked passengers which other cruise lines they sail; most Oceania passengers tend to stick with higher-end cruise lines such as Princess, Holland America, Regent Seven Seas and Crystal.  To a person, every one of the guests with whom I spoke concurs that Oceania serves the best food at sea. Credit goes to world famous Chef Jacques Pepin.

Oceania has six ships, three of which are smaller than the other three.  The smaller ships, Insignia, Regatta and Sirena, offer two specialty restaurants, Toscana and Polo Grill.  The three larger ships have four specialty restaurants:  Toscana (Italian), Polo Grill (a steakhouse), Red Ginger (Asian cuisine) and Jacques, the French restaurant named for Executive Chef Jacques Pepin.  

Food in the specialty restaurants is superb and is included in the price of the fare.  Reservations are required.  You may choose between “sharing” or “a table for two.”  If you and your travel companion wish to dine alone, you will be given a table for two.  It is, in my opinion, a lot more fun to share a table.  In that case you will be seated with other passengers, sometimes as few as two, sometimes as many as six.  Somehow the Maitre’d always manages to seat guests with other guests who speak the same language.  Every specialty restaurant is staffed with knowledgeable sommeliers in addition to very well trained wait staff.

All six of Oceania’s ships feature a Grand Dining Room.  The Grand Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch and dinner within set hours.  The room is truly grand and service is impeccable.  For reasons I don’t understand, few people chose to have breakfast in the Grand Dining Room; it is my favorite breakfast restaurant. At breakfast and lunch, you will be seated by yourselves.  At dinner, you will be offered the option of sharing a table or not.  Unlike the specialty restaurants, no reservations are needed.

In addition to the Grand Dining Room, all six ships include a buffet, the Terrace Café.  The Terrace Café is also open for breakfast, lunch and dinner within specified hours.  You may sit inside or out. Many people favor the Terrace Café over the other dining venues.

Waves Grill is on the pool deck and is the only food option for those in swim wear.  There is a salad bar and a grill. You choose an outside table, note the number of the table, and then walk up to the counter and order.  When the food is prepared, it will be brought to your table.
 
On half a dozen occasions, I ordered “Surf n Turf animal style, please.  No bread, no fries” for lunch.  What I got was a small serving of filet mignon cooked to order and a small serving of lobster tail.  I can’t imagine a better lunch before returning to my poolside chaise.

Next to Waves Grill is an ice cream station.  They make their own ice cream and sorbet, both of which are delicious.  They offer four standard Smoothies as well as a Smoothie of the day, shakes, malts, ice cream and sorbet.  The Smoothies are made without sugar:  Depending on the recipe, the Smoothie will include fruit or fruit juice, a cereal (either oats, Special K or granola) and honey and possibly coconut milk or milk.  

The larger ships have a “Baristas” coffee house where one can get coffee, cappuccino, espresso and other similar drinks as well as pastries.  

If you are in a suite, you will have access to the Executive Lounge where you can help yourself to coffee, water, soft drinks and snacks (pastries and sandwiches) 24 x 7.

All of the food venues I’ve discussed above are included in the cruise fare, as are drinks.  I know people who frequently sail on other cruise lines and they tell me that they must pay for soft drinks, bottled water and fancy coffee drinks.  That is not the case with Oceania.  All non-alcoholic drinks (even Perrier, fancy coffee drinks, bottled water, and cola) are included in the price of the cruise.  My neighbors, who take an annual Caribbean cruise with their extended family, told me that they don’t eat in the specialty restaurants because, on that particular cruise line, meals in specialty restaurants are not include in the cruise fare.  Not so with Oceania.  

Included Facilities and Activities

Oceania offers a variety of facilities and activities that are included in the cost of the cruise fare:  Enrichment Lectures, Big O Competition, after-dinner shows, High Tea and karaoke.  There is a well-equipped gym onboard, as well as a library, swimming pool, putting green, and game deck with shuffleboard and croquet. There is an outside jogging path, a computer room and a game room stocked with board games, cards and dice.

One of my absolute favorite activities is to go to High Tea.  Every afternoon from 4:00 to 5:00 PM, High Tea is served in Horizons which is on the 15th (top) deck. The waiters are formally attired all the way down to white gloves.  Some waiters walk around Horizons carrying wooden boxes of tea from which guests may choose their favorite; others bring tea pots full of hot water.  Pairs of waiters push carts around Horizons, offering finger sandwiches while other waiters push carts laden with scrumptious desserts.  Guests enjoying tea are treated to the sounds of a live string quartet.  There is a large table in the middle of the room where one can get scones served with your choice of butter, jam or cream cheese.  Although this is Tea, there is a full bar in Horizons.  If you would prefer a potent potable, you may purchase one from the bar.

Extras

There are, of course, activities for which guests must pay extra if they chose to participate.

Oceania Cruises offer wine tastings and then, depending on the length of the cruise, they might also offer beer, martini, margarita, tequila, and scotch tastings.  I did the Wine Tasting in 2012 and the “nominal fee” was in fact nominal:  It was $15.  On this most recent cruise, the Wine Tasting was $100.  I chose not to participate.

Instead, I went with my husband to the beer tasting.  Danno and his bar-back poured four beers:  Budweiser, Kirin, Samuel Adams and Guinness.  Each “taste” was an entire Pilsner glass full; therefore, no one complained about the quantity of beer.  

Guests can take cooking classes in the ship’s Culinary Center or try their hand at drawing or water color in the Artists Loft.  

There is a small dining room on board Oceania’s three larger ships called La Reserve.  Wine tastings and other small special events are held in La Reserve.  La Reserve offers three seven-course dinners that pair food and wine.  The cost ranges from $95 per person to $165 per person.  Attendance is limited to 30 guests per dinner.  This is an elegant affair geared toward those I refer to as “foodies and wineaux.”  Oceania may use the term “connoisseur.”  Upon arrival, guests are served a Kir Royale on the deck just outside of the restaurant.  After everyone has arrived, guests are escorted inside and seated, then introduced to the Head Sommelier, Executive Chef, Dessert Chef and that evening’s wait staff.

As each course is served, the Manager introduces the course and then the Head Sommelier introduces the wine.  I’ve done this dinner twice now and each time it took three hours.  This expensive add-on is a must for lovers of fancy food and good wine.  When I say “fancy food,” let me share with you the first course of the Connoisseur Dinner (the $165 dinner):  Caviar on Cream of Sea Urchin.  The caviar might sound impressive (and it was yummy) but here’s the kicker:  The black caviar was topped with actual edible gold, creating a visually appealing appetizer.  

There is a casino onboard which has table games as well as video poker and slot machines.  Oceania conducts both Blackjack and Texas Hold ‘Em tournaments; the number of tournaments depends on the length of the cruise. On this cruise, the buy-in for the Blackjack tournaments was $35.  There is also Bingo.

Canyon Ranch Spa at Sea 

Each Oceania ship has a Canyon Ranch Spa facility staffed with employees of the Canyon Ranch Spa.  You may make reservations ahead of time by calling Canyon Ranch Spa at Sea Club directly, or book after embarkation.  If you are in a suite, you can have your butler make the appointment for you.  As you would expect, the at-sea facilities offer manicures, pedicures, facials and massages.  They also have hairdressers who offer a full range of services.

The prices are not for the faint-of-heart but the quality is what one would expect from the Canyon Ranch Spa.  I had a much-needed cut and color (highlights, actually).  Gigi managed to rescue the horrible $10 haircut cut I’d gotten from a barber six weeks earlier in Panama.  

I was delighted with the quality of the manicure but annoyed at the manicurist’s attempts to upsell me.  I had not planned to have a manicure on board, so was pleased to be able to make an appointment on short notice.

I also had a facial, which I had scheduled far in advance.  When I presented myself at the Spa’s front desk, I was asked if I’d like to change into a robe.  After I agreed, I was informed that I would have to turn over my Oceania World Card which would be held as a deposit on the robe and locker key.  With the Oceania World Card, you can pay for anything and everything aboard the ship with a simple swipe.  At the end of the cruise, your credit card is charged; whichever credit card you presented upon embarkation.  I had no intention of entrusting what is basically a charge card to a complete stranger.  This wasn’t a matter of letting the card out of my sight for three minutes to pay for wine; she would have my card for an hour.  I suggested that if I made off with their robe or key, they know who I am and can simply put the cost on my account which is secured by my American Express card, as are all of the charges I incur onboard.  This logic failed to compel, so I chose to wait in the Relaxation Room fully clothed. 

Customer Service

A few days into the cruise, passengers were given Mid-Cruise Surveys.  After making two constructive comments, I turned in my survey.  Coincidentally, my husband also made two suggestions; his were different from mine.  Within 48 hours, the four managers responsible for those four respective functions contacted us.  One found us in the Grand Dining Room, one came to our room and two phoned us.  In every case, they were apologetic and made it right.  Keep in mind that these weren’t problems; they were suggestions on how to be even better.  We’ve subsequently joked that we aren’t going to fill out any more Mid-Cruise Surveys.

Conclusion

Oceania Cruises offer mature adults a first class at-sea experience.  

Mature guests - Men can leave their neckties at home.  I know this appeals to many men, especially older ones who have “been there, done that” and hope to never again wear a tie.  Crew members daftly, almost effortlessly, assist those guests who have physical challenges.  Women find it very comfortable to go to the swimming pool and, after removing their cover-ups, find themselves surrounded by other people in their 50’s, 60’s and 70’s.  It’s great to enjoy the pool and deck without being made to feel inferior by the presence of 20 and 30-year-olds who have yet to meet Mr. Gravity.  

First class - The food is top drawer; which also means you won’t find any around-the-clock buffets. Where there are buffets (Waves Grill and the Terrace Café), staff members put the requested food onto guests’ plates, maintaining a higher level of both customer service and quality control.  Non-alcoholic beverages that other cruise lines charge for are included in the fare.  Meals in fine specialty restaurants, an extra cost on other cruise lines, are included in the cruise fare.  If you’ve never sailed on Oceania, you’ll be surprised by a variety of classy little touches such as cashmere lap blankets.  Oceania Cruises ostensibly has the best Customer Loyalty Program at sea; your 11th cruise is free.  Service is absolutely stellar.  The ships are mid-size (650 to 1250 guests) and the ratio of guest to crew is 1:1.5!

These benefits and features don’t come cheaply.  I am certain we pay more per cruise than our friends who sail on other cruise lines, but the atmosphere suits us.  We like the  specialty restaurants, the lack of children, and the fact that the other guests are our age.  

If this sounds as if it might be your cup of tea as well, go to www.oceaniacruises.com for complete information.

Picture
​Article by Kathryn Skelley Bird. Copyright 2016 Sunny Harbor Publishing.

Contact Us: Sunny Harbor Publishing, PO Box 560318, Rockledge, FL 32956.

Phone: 321-446-7552.
​
Email: SunnyHarborPublishing@yahoo.com 

Widget is loading comments...
Picture
 Even if our visit may have been provided by various travel suppliers for the purposes of reviewing and writing about them, our opinions are not swayed negatively or positively. Our policy: We sometimes are invited to review a venue. We choose to only write positive articles. If you read one of our articles, you know that we had a positive experience. If we have a negative experience, we simply choose not to write anything about that venue. Our tastes may not be your tastes. We want to focus on the positives in life.
​