Upao

I was looking for RSVP cruise reviews here and started one. I'd like to hear your thoughts.

This was my first ever cruise and it was fun.

Pros:

Fun themed dances.

Contracted entertainers were, overall, entertaining.

A few of the RSVP staff were delightful.

I liked having the clothing-optional sundeck.

Boarding procedures seemed fairly efficient.

Some of the HAL staff joined in the festivities and had fun with the guests.

Being with other gay and gay friendly people made me feel comfortable.

The passengers were friendly and I had a great time meeting folks from around the world. We even organized a kilted dinner!

Improvement Areas:

It was confusing what processes and procedures were RSVP's and which where HAL's. There were some service lapses and I couldn't tell if that was how HAL operated or if it was something to do with the charter contract specifications. One example, I took a tour of the spa and it was just one HUGE hard sell to another. I had booked a massage before the trip, (the massage was good), but I didn't book anything else because the hard-selling made the environment tense. Another example is how alcoholic beverages are sold. I'm told that HAL normally has alcoholic beverage packages for purchase, on this cruise it was cash per drink.

I went through a travel agent for my booking, so it was easy for me. However, when it came to re-booking on the ship, the process was confusing and it was on paper. I had heard you could book your same room while onboard, but this time I couldn't as the room was already booked as were all the rooms in my category (upper level, just shy of the big suites). I didn't end up booking the 2019 cruise because I didn't want to wait in lines to spend another couple grand with RSVP, that's why I have an amazing travel agent - that's what he does.

The owner of RSVP (Rich) gave a Q&A about RSVP and its future. I honestly don't know if he cares much about the brand. (Hearsay) I was told by another passenger that Rich owns and loves Atlantis, and that is where he spends his energy.

The branding for RSVP doesn't really represent who was onboard - ads feature primarily white, buff, gym bunnies with only some other body and ethnicity types. My travel agent insisted it was a great, mixed group and not circuit partiers. He said I'd fit in with the other bear types - turned out to be true. I wouldn't have booked if it weren't for my agent's knowledge.

What I found was, HAL Koningsdam was a lovely ship and I would cruise on them again. RSVP Vacations was good but I won't enthusiastically recommend them. I will likely try RSVP again to see if a second trip would be better. I will also try other LGBT vacation companies.

My cruise on HAL in Feb 2018 was very nice. We had a butler for part of the cruise and he said he loved the gay cruises. He said the guests are more relaxed, like to interact with the crew, tip well, and that the crew gets to be less formal with the guests. He specifically asked to work some of the events.

Yes, the reservations are open.

I was told the 2019 ship will be refurbished before the next RSVP cruise.