PIED PIPER, Summit 05/30/10

[pennywaltz]

My friends and I (a bunch of 20something young professionals) are going on our first cruise.

 

We decided to go with the Pied piper summit cruise to Bermuda. We don't know what to expect? Has any one have good/bad exp with this gay travel group? What age ranges usually? Any tips on what to do and what not to do (besides don't jump off the ship!)?

 

Pied Piper didn't say much about the gay programming they will be having. So I definitely am unsure what to expect for gayiness. also is it more of a couple's thing or single's thing?

[Daleed77]

We just booked with them for the 5/30 Bermuda cruise. This will be our first time with a gay group. So far, so good!

 

By the way, my partner and live in Brooklyn and we are 32 & 37. At least we know that we won't be the youngest on the cruise!

 

Dale

[pennywaltz]

YAY!!!!

 

so yeah you won't be the youngest in the group.. Prob my group will be. I'm 23... (we have the baby who is 22 in the group)... so wonder any anyone top that by bringing an 18 year old haha :) It's our first time on a cruise too.. so let's see what they have in store for us. We're in Connecticut.

 

What area of Brooklyn do you live in? I might be moving to the Downstate area for school.

[Daleed77]

We live in Ft. Greene, Brooklyn. It's a great neighborhood.

[COMBOY]

My friends and I (a bunch of 20something young professionals) are going on our first cruise.

 

We decided to go with the Pied piper summit cruise to Bermuda. We don't know what to expect? Has any one have good/bad exp with this gay travel group? What age ranges usually? Any tips on what to do and what not to do (besides don't jump off the ship!)?

 

Pied Piper didn't say much about the gay programming they will be having. So I definitely am unsure what to expect for gayiness. also is it more of a couple's thing or single's thing?

 

I did a Pied Piper group cruise to Alaska several years ago on Celebrity Mercury and it was wonderful especially the food. Pied Piper been doing gay groups for while now so they must to doing something right. We had about 35 of us mostly men and a few women. They had two hosted cocktail parties and everyone is seated together in the dining room. They organized a few shore tours (extra cost) for the group which was nice. Everyone met for pre-dinner cocktails every night. We did a group photo together in the lobby. Everyone hung out in the ship's disco in the evening. I estimate the ages ranged from late 30's to over 60's. Very nice mixed of people and everyone seemed to get along whatever their ages. We had both singles and couples - wasn't an issue. It's hard to know how many other 20 somethings will be on the ship. I don't think age should be an issue. As far as gayness - it's a straight cruise and most of the passengers will be heterosexual; however, we did tend to take over a large portion of the disco at night since Alaska attracts an older crowd who tends to go bed early. Bermuda doesn't offer much in gay nightlife; however, I'm sure the Pied Piper group will go into town for some pub hopping. It sounds like a great cruise.

 

This is the FAQ's sheet from the Pied Piper web page:

 

How many people will be in the group?!

It's not possible to know beforehand how many people will be in our groups as we still take reservations for each cruise up until the sailing date as long as there is still space available. Our groups in the past have ranged in size from fifteen passengers to as many as over nine hundred passengers!

 

What is the average age of the group members?!

As we do not ask our group members ages, we can not provide an average age for our group members for each cruise. Also, we do not feel that past experience will necessarily predict what the average age will be for a future gay group. We have found that our group members find friendship with each other no matter what their ages are!

 

Will the group be hosted?

As long as the group minimum space requirements (usually 16 passengers) are met, then an onboard PIED PIPER tour host will be assigned.

 

What activities are offered for the group?

Our escorted sailings include our private group parties, arranged private dining tables, complimentary group photo (or photo CD for the very large groups), optional group shore excursions (for a small additional cost), and other private group functions. Warm weather cruises also include an outdoor party! All PIED PIPER events are optional.

[squidward]

We live in Ft. Greene, Brooklyn. It's a great neighborhood.

 

Great neighborhood? It's the best! My DH Jon and I, and our baby Franklin, also live in Ft. Greene and will be on this cruise.

 

We've been on many PP cruises, starting back when Jon was in his 20's and I was in my 30's. We were usually the youngest couple in the group, but that didn't matter to us. We always had a great time. At home we only hung out with people our age, so it was a nice break.

 

We've also been on 10+ Celebrity cruises. We like Celebrity for its laid back days and dressy nights. It's a nice mix, and a real change from the every day.

 

Let me know if you have any questions about cruising (on ships or Celebrity) and I'll be happy to answer.

 

Ed (AKA Squidward)

[Daleed77]

Great neighborhood? It's the best! My DH Jon and I, and our baby Franklin, also live in Ft. Greene and will be on this cruise.

 

We've been on many PP cruises, starting back when Jon was in his 20's and I was in my 30's. We were usually the youngest couple in the group, but that didn't matter to us. We always had a great time. At home we only hung out with people our age, so it was a nice break.

 

We've also been on 10+ Celebrity cruises. We like Celebrity for its laid back days and dressy nights. It's a nice mix, and a real change from the every day.

 

Let me know if you have any questions about cruising (on ships or Celebrity) and I'll be happy to answer.

 

Ed (AKA Squidward)

 

 

Ed,

We actually live on the border of FG and Clinton Hill (Clinton Ave). And I agree, it's the best!

 

Can't wait to see everyone on the cruise!

 

Dale

[pennywaltz]

Wow small world.. all of us in the new england area...

 

I'll probably will have a tons of questions when May gets closer. I haven't thought much about the trip yet or what to do on the boat etc....

 

so Squidward... what type of entertainment have you seen for PP? I heard about PP through a gay comedy podcast (ben and dave six pack... ben is in brooklyn too!). they were on it doing comedy shows not long ago.

 

Age doesn't really matter to me much... I have friends of all ages. but I was just curious on it.

 

Are the drink packages on celebrity worth it? How expensive are drinks usually on the ship? I was thinking maybe get trash only one night.. so buying a one day drink package...

 

This is my first time on a cruise ever.. so I don't really know what to expect.. what to bring.. etc. I was told to dress up for dinner.. so dress shirt and dress pants? maybe a blazer over it?

 

-tan

[bobby1119]

Just booked this cruise solo. First time with Celebrity.

From the posts so far, looks like we will have a nice mix.

[squidward]

Wow small world.. all of us in the new england area...

 

I'll probably will have a tons of questions when May gets closer. I haven't thought much about the trip yet or what to do on the boat etc....

 

so Squidward... what type of entertainment have you seen for PP? I heard about PP through a gay comedy podcast (ben and dave six pack... ben is in brooklyn too!). they were on it doing comedy shows not long ago.

 

Age doesn't really matter to me much... I have friends of all ages. but I was just curious on it.

 

Are the drink packages on celebrity worth it? How expensive are drinks usually on the ship? I was thinking maybe get trash only one night.. so buying a one day drink package...

 

This is my first time on a cruise ever.. so I don't really know what to expect.. what to bring.. etc. I was told to dress up for dinner.. so dress shirt and dress pants? maybe a blazer over it?

 

-tan

 

Here are answers to your questions:

 

ENTERTAINMENT

 

PP does not bring their own entertainers on board like they do on Atlantis and RSVP. There will be shows every night on the ship, including Broadway "style" musicals, a comedian or magician, a Vegas style singer, and Cirque de Soleil type acts. From my experience, the musicals are amateurish and a little embarrassing for the performers. The comedians are hit or miss, but usually worth a look. The Vegas singers are usually pretty good, and I like the circus acts. Celebrity is not known for entertainment, but sometimes you can get lucky and get a good show or two.

 

PP will schedule cocktail parties for us. On the bigger group cruises, they do beach games and things like the Newlywed Game. It all depends on how big the group is.

 

DRINK PACKAGES

 

This is a new option to me, but from what I can tell you would have to drink a lot throughout the day or really go out on a binge at night to make it worth the price. Jon and I usually have a couple or three :p martinis before dinner, and they run about $12 each. Drinks are priced similar to NY bars, so while passengers from far flung parts of the country find them expensive you probably won't. On at least one night we'll get a free cocktail party sponsored by PP.

 

I don't know if you can buy a package for just one day, or if you have to buy it for the entire cruise.

 

DRESS CODES

 

Celebrity is one of the few traditional cruise lines left where dress codes are maintained. It only applies at night; during the day you can wear whatever you want. Two nights will be formal - tuxedo or dark suit. The other nights will be smart casual or semi-formal. That's anywhere from khakis and a button down to dress slacks with a blazer. Jeans or shorts :eek: are not allowed in the main dining room at any time.

 

There are no fashion police on board, and you will see violations galore. On any night you can go to a casual dining venue and wear whatever you want. But I think dressing up is one of the most charming aspects of cruising.

 

Remember also that Bermuda has a dress code, and unless you are on the beach you should dress conservatively. :cool:

 

Ed

[Valerian]

This is great info! Thanks!

[FSNYC]

Hi, I've never been on a cruise before, but have always wanted to do one. I'm a single 35 yo guy, broke up with my bf about a year ago, so would be traveling solo and the Pied Piper things sounds great, as I wouldn't want to be alone.

 

From what I read, sounds like the group idea would be a lot of fun.

 

Everyone who's weighed in on here still going on this cruise? Anyone else going on it?

[pennywaltz]

Great to see more users on the tread! Valerian (see posting above) and I are going still with 2 other friends. We've already signed up and paid for it in full.

 

Hope to see ya on the cruise!!!

 

Hi, I've never been on a cruise before, but have always wanted to do one. I'm a single 35 yo guy, broke up with my bf about a year ago, so would be traveling solo and the Pied Piper things sounds great, as I wouldn't want to be alone.

 

From what I read, sounds like the group idea would be a lot of fun.

 

Everyone who's weighed in on here still going on this cruise? Anyone else going on it?

[pennywaltz]

Gotta love NYC prices.. I got used to those. I'm not much of a drinker (used to be).. I would be happy with 1-2 jack/coke per night max. or maybe a class of wine.

 

I just find it sad that bottle water package cost more than the fountain soda package *sigh* I might pay the $40 for soda for the week... expensive soda :) and a step closer to diabetes!!!

 

Here are answers to your questions:

 

ENTERTAINMENT

 

PP does not bring their own entertainers on board like they do on Atlantis and RSVP. There will be shows every night on the ship, including Broadway "style" musicals, a comedian or magician, a Vegas style singer, and Cirque de Soleil type acts. From my experience, the musicals are amateurish and a little embarrassing for the performers. The comedians are hit or miss, but usually worth a look. The Vegas singers are usually pretty good, and I like the circus acts. Celebrity is not known for entertainment, but sometimes you can get lucky and get a good show or two.

 

PP will schedule cocktail parties for us. On the bigger group cruises, they do beach games and things like the Newlywed Game. It all depends on how big the group is.

 

DRINK PACKAGES

 

This is a new option to me, but from what I can tell you would have to drink a lot throughout the day or really go out on a binge at night to make it worth the price. Jon and I usually have a couple or three :p martinis before dinner, and they run about $12 each. Drinks are priced similar to NY bars, so while passengers from far flung parts of the country find them expensive you probably won't. On at least one night we'll get a free cocktail party sponsored by PP.

 

I don't know if you can buy a package for just one day, or if you have to buy it for the entire cruise.

 

DRESS CODES

 

Celebrity is one of the few traditional cruise lines left where dress codes are maintained. It only applies at night; during the day you can wear whatever you want. Two nights will be formal - tuxedo or dark suit. The other nights will be smart casual or semi-formal. That's anywhere from khakis and a button down to dress slacks with a blazer. Jeans or shorts :eek: are not allowed in the main dining room at any time.

 

There are no fashion police on board, and you will see violations galore. On any night you can go to a casual dining venue and wear whatever you want. But I think dressing up is one of the most charming aspects of cruising.

 

Remember also that Bermuda has a dress code, and unless you are on the beach you should dress conservatively. :cool:

 

Ed

[Daleed77]

We are paid in full too! All set to go!

[02143]

The discussions on the Celebrity board are that the beverage packages generally aren't worth it.

[FSNYC]

Hi Pennywaltz & Valerian, I see you guys are in CT. I'm originally from CT. Moved to NYC from New Haven about 3 years ago. Grew up in Guilford. Would be cool to learn more about you all. Maybe we've even crossed paths. In any case, sounds like a fun cruise....any idea how many people end up in these types of groups?

[ChesaPBay]

Partner and I (50ish gals) are registered and excited for trip. We've been with Pied Piper a few times and have always had a blast. Should be fun times and we're excited to meet everyone. The next two months will fly by and will be sailing before we know it.

[pennywaltz]

Hi Pennywaltz & Valerian, I see you guys are in CT. I'm originally from CT. Moved to NYC from New Haven about 3 years ago. Grew up in Guilford. Would be cool to learn more about you all. Maybe we've even crossed paths. In any case, sounds like a fun cruise....any idea how many people end up in these types of groups?

 

 

Valerian is a Californian.. I'm a CT person.. maybe we have... the gay community is quite small. I'm actually moving down to New Haven right after the cruise.

[Daleed77]

Welcome ChesaPBay! I wonder how many people that we will end up with? I asked Derek at PP how many people were booked, but he wouldn't tell me. I thought that was really strange since the final payment has been made.

[ChesaPBay]

Hi Daleed. Same thing here -- I asked Derek how many we're going and he said he didn't have a final number yet, but it was a "nice group." I guess people could still sign on right up until days before we leave as long as space is available, but we were thinking he could have said something like "right now we have 50" or something. Don't judge by the number of people on this thread; most people who go with PP probably aren't even aware of Cruise Critic. Looking forward to meeting you at the first night cocktail party!

[pennywaltz]

Is anyone doing Celebrity's Shore Excursions? I saw a few that might sound fun, the caves or biking.. but debating if it is worth it or is it a rip off? Was thinking of doing that the last day..

 

Also I have checked in.. do we automatically receive luggage tags in the mail? or are we suppose to call and request them?

[Chicago Boy]

We have sailed with "gay" groups a couple of times and to be honest that doesn't guarantee amicable dinner companions. It's the luck of the draw. Go have a good time and make your own party. Our next cruise is with a friend on a straight cruise. It will be fun.:)

[squidward]

Is anyone doing Celebrity's Shore Excursions? I saw a few that might sound fun, the caves or biking.. but debating if it is worth it or is it a rip off? Was thinking of doing that the last day..

 

Also I have checked in.. do we automatically receive luggage tags in the mail? or are we suppose to call and request them?

 

We're planning on doing the biking along the railway trail excursion. The guidebooks highly recommend it, and it's one thing we haven't done in Bermuda.

 

We've done the caves before, and really enjoyed it. If you rent a scooter, you can do almost all of the touristy things on your own. That's what we did last time. Now that we have a baby, we're much more risk-averse so we won't be renting this time. If you don't rent a scooter, you can take a taxi or go with the ship's excursion, which will be cheaper than a taxi but you'll be herded with a group.

 

Re luggage tags: You do have to request them on the site where you do the on-line registration. Or you can get them at the pier.

 

Ed

[Daleed77]

We're planning on doing the biking along the railway trail excursion. The guidebooks highly recommend it, and it's one thing we haven't done in Bermuda.

 

We've done the caves before, and really enjoyed it. If you rent a scooter, you can do almost all of the touristy things on your own. That's what we did last time. Now that we have a baby, we're much more risk-averse so we won't be renting this time. If you don't rent a scooter, you can take a taxi or go with the ship's excursion, which will be cheaper than a taxi but you'll be herded with a group.

 

Re luggage tags: You do have to request them on the site where you do the on-line registration. Or you can get them at the pier.

 

Ed

 

 

The biking sounds fun, but I'm still trying to figure out what to do in Bermuda. Hopefully the water will be warm enough to snorkel! Right now we are thinking:

1. Caves

2. Biking

3. Snorkeling/Beach

 

I got an email from Piped Piper saying they were going to plan an informal beach day. Did you get that? If not, I can forward it along. More info is supposed to be given on the ship.

 

Also, I finally booked a reservation at Normandie for Tuesday night. We were debating on whether to try it or not, but what the heck!