OK Rancher

What We've found is that going to the LGBT events on the first couple of nights is essential. Even if you're the only ones who show, you have a couple of drinks and move on. When others do arrive, become the host, start a conversation and that should get things going. You won't have to play Julie the Cruise Director all night, but someone needs to set the mood.

Hi...I've been on both HAL and NCL, as well as Princess and a few others. I just hit 50 (a young 50), and feel that NCL or Princess would be a better fit, given your age. HAL has beautiful ships and they feel elegant and evoke the spirit of the old days of ship travel...but they also have a much higher aged passengers than the other two. I feel that your experience on a cruise ship mirrors you mood before boarding the ship. Some seem to get on the ship in order to nitpick...I'm just thrilled to be on a ship, relaxing, and not having to do anything, unless I choose to. Enjoy!

I don't know the ship on which you are going to sail...but I have cruised many times before. Here is my two cents:

When I am looking to book a room, I like to see where the room is relative to elevators, etc. Being in a room right near an elevator can pose some noise issues.

My best recommendation once you've narrowed down a room would be to take a look at the deck plans of that floor, as well as the floors immediately above and below. I almost booked a room immediately below the dining room and above the dance club. That would have been loud during the evening hours. Deck plans will be on the cruise line's website. It's worth the extra effort. I try to get on a floor that has only staterooms both above and below my stateroom.

Enjoy. I've done RSVP and had a great time!

I've done the FOD meetings and they vary cruise to cruise. The last one was on the Norwegian Gem. I would encourage you to attend one of the first meetings. By the time my partner and I got there late-cruise, most folks had formed friendships and would catch a drink or two and then go the the 8:30 seating, or had eaten together and were catching a drink or three before getting on with the rest of their night. Good luck and have fun!

I have done three gay cruises (all RSVP) and many other mainstream cruises. I'm gay...but that's not all of what/who I am, so both types of cruises are fine. I did the gay cruises when I was in my thirties and single. I met some great guys/couples after the first cruise and then planned another cruise with them the following year. The next year, I wanted to go on a gay clipper ship cruise (a great experience), so I traveled solo and had a blast.

Now, I am taking my partner on a mainstream 7-night caribbean cruise. The price definitely works, and we grabbed a balcony stateroom and I'm treating him to all sorts of on-ship treats - a Chef's Table experince, specialty dining, spa services and of course, a bottle of champagne. I managed to do all of this on the mainstream line for what I cost me, solo on a gay cruise.

Also, as gays/lesbians become more accepted in mainstream culture, the need for gay cruises - for me - has dimished.

Enjoy your cruise - whatever line and with whatever types of folks you're with!

The only problem with speedo-style men's bikini suits are that those who could wear them nicely DON'T and those who really should not wear them DO.

When I was younger, I looked fine and wore them. Now...not a chance. Get a traditional above-the-knee bathing suit and call it a day. You may end up as a dinner table companion of someone who felt you over-shared.

When I had 2nd seating dining (8:30pm), I would order a cheese platter or veggie plate from room service to tide me over. I was never ever dying for food. This is your vacation - and you ought to be able to eat when you want.

Great list...I have just a few things to add:

Little packs of kleenex

Comb

Brush

Tweezers

Eye Glasses

Sunglasses

Playing cards

Tide 2 Go pen

Post It note pad

Windbreaker

and pre-addressed labels for postcards

Your recommendations for things to pack are quite good. But as an former overpacker, let me also tell you what I do. I get out the garments I am looking to take and put them on a spare bed or hang them in a special part of my closet. Then the next day, I remove one of each thing (shirt, pant, swimsuit). The next day I remove one more of each item. After I'm done editing, I find that I have packed just enough to get by, look nice and not have to struggle carrying my suitcase.

Even if you don't edit as much as I do, try to take one pair of slacks or shorts or shirt or swimsuit out of your suitcase. Also, try packing navy blue and tan slacks and shorts. Almost anything will go with them and you won't have to take as much.