DeweySki

22 hours ago, zitsky said:

 

> We did meet a couple on our last cruise by going to the meetup.  

> Wish we had met more.

I have met some very nice people on cruises, and even a hookup or two (hehehehe)  My best experience was just about a year ago when I was on a cruise and went to the meetup.  There were about a dozen guys there and we all had fun and got to know each other.  We all hung out together during the cruise and ran around like a pack of teenagers! hehehe  Most of the guys I am still friends with and keep in touch online.  And many I have cruised with again since then!

> What sort of conversations do you have with newbies?

I like to put them at ease and not make them feel pressured.  They are usually nervous enough as it is.  So I talk to them and ask them about their experience, their interest, the curiosities.  And strike up conversations around that.  And most of all LISTEN to their questions and give caring and sincere answers.  I remember when I was young and learning about being gay and WISHED I had someone to talk to like me.  So I enjoy being that person, as well as helping them to experience new things ins a safe and caring manner.

5 hours ago, CDNPolar said:

you can find people with your interests by attending areas where your interests are

I do like that most ships will have an LGBTQ+ Meetup scheduled, most daily.  Unfortunately the majority are poorly attended. But at least they are posted on the schedule and available for anyone looking.  I enjoy sort of being a mentor to "newbies" and "curious" types.  So I try to go to every meetup just in case there is someone new looking so they don't get disappointed.

18 hours ago, fshepinc said:

if you're an unfriendly jerk on shore, you're not going to the life of the party on board ship...

 

If everyone on board is gay, then you'll likely meet gay people that you like. And if they don't like you, it won't be because you're gay. 😉

That is a very wise observation!  One of the things I enjoy being a solo cruiser is the ease of striking up a conversation.  You all like travel AND cruising.  With a GAY cruise you would not have to be careful of the topic matter! hehehehe

On 7/12/2021 at 9:05 PM, Puppower said:

My primary concern is that in older crowds we tend to have more crappy looks and comments while in younger crowds nobody really cares if they see two men dancing. 

I have yet to find someone special to cruise WITH so I can not totally relate.  But as a solo gay traveler I have found HAL to be very accepting, passengers and crew alike.  I am not exactly a quite and reserved person, but I seem to make a lot of friends on HAL cruises that last past the cruise itself.  And many of those friends are older than I am (nearly 64 for me!)  So it definitely can vary from cruise to cruise.

Looking forward to another Virgin experience with friends old and new alike!

I am on the Splendor now and I loved having the videos to watch before hand so that I already feel like I have been here!  A gorgeous ship (with a few imperfections) and the staff has been so marvelous!

17 hours ago, dvalentine823 said:

on deck 9 on Splendor, and the ship creaked alot in medium rough waters. So much so that we had to wear earplugs at night. 

 I will be on Deck 8 today so it will be interesting to see what she is like.

I did notice the tugs used on the ship.  Does the Splendor not have bow thrusters?

On 12/18/2021 at 2:30 PM, dvalentine823 said:

The first video from the cruise has been posted to our channel. Search YouTube for:

I am getting on this ship in 2 days (January 6) and ma very excited to experience it for myself.  I loved your videos and have subscribed!  Thanks for sharing for those of us who are too excited and impatient to wait to see for ourselves! hehehehe

I love Alaska and have visited there on Holland America.  Will be going back in August on Carnival with a group of friends.  Will be interesting to see the difference.  And if I get a chance to do Regent, that will REALLY be a difference I am sure!

1 minute ago, Pcardad said:

Try a 7 day out of Miami.....

I am moving to Ft Lauderdale area by the end of the month just so I will be closer to the cruise sources.  I currently live in Illinois and getting there is often more expensive than the cruise itself, and I am a solo traveler!  Looking forward to taking Regent for a spin soon!

I have really been looking for a cruise to "cut my teeth on" with Regent Seven Seas.  I am a fan of all they have to offer as far as luxury and amenities, but before I invest a lot of time and money in a series of cruises I am looking for a short one to see if it is "all that" as they say and make sure the hype is not just smoke and mirrors.  The videos are amazing and have me itching, so as long as they are accurate I think I will be a huge fan.  Any recommendations for a good "try it out" cruise with Regent?