New to this

[Jake112]

hey all.

Well I am a 30 year old gay who is still in the closet :( and sadly i am stilla virgin.

i have held myself back for so long now its not fun.

 

Anyway i think i would like to try a gay cruise where I can just be myself. Also I go with the hope of you know getting some action lol.

Anyway no idea what to expect but will do a forum search in a bit. I will be traveling on my own. Is this ok do you think?

 

Not sure where i want to go for the cruise, and i need to book one without too many of my family and friends asking me for details where i am going..

 

Anyway as I said I am 30 and but fed up of hiding who i am, and my hand has becom tired of solo action :D

 

Anyway any tips would be great.

 

TY

[02143]

Hey. Welcome to cruisecritic.

 

I haven't been on an all-gay cruise, but it could be intimidating for the first time going out. You'd be committing for a whole week to something which would be new in every respect, and what if it doesn't work out? Do you live in or near a city where you could meet some people first, like at a bar or through the web, and see how that goes before making the leap to a cruise?

[Gunther1]

If anybody (sounds like everybody, in your case) knows where/when/what ship you will be on, all it takes is a couple minutes to find out, via the net, that you'll be on a gay cruise. FYI.

 

As an example, just key "July 9 Nieuw Amsterdam" to see what I mean.

 

 

 

My advise to you:

 

-Either come out of the closet (the obvious first choice) or you will have to lie/change details in what you tell your "friends" and family.

[Boytjie]

hey all.

Well I am a 30 year old gay who is still in the closet :( and sadly i am stilla virgin.

i have held myself back for so long now its not fun.

 

Anyway i think i would like to try a gay cruise where I can just be myself. Also I go with the hope of you know getting some action lol.

Anyway no idea what to expect but will do a forum search in a bit. I will be traveling on my own. Is this ok do you think?

 

Not sure where i want to go for the cruise, and i need to book one without too many of my family and friends asking me for details where i am going..

 

Anyway as I said I am 30 and but fed up of hiding who i am, and my hand has becom tired of solo action :D

 

Anyway any tips would be great.

 

TY

 

Welcome to Cruise Critic!

 

Where to start... without sounding preachy?! :D

 

The best antidote for being tired of hiding is not to hide anymore. ;)

 

As for going on a gay cruise a virgin... the cruise may resolve that issue but it may be not the best place to break that barrier! You could be like a kid in a candy store or freaked out about the experience. Just be careful.

 

My partner and I did our first cruise on RSVP and learnt a lot prior to the cruise on Cruise Critic; through the thread for that cruise we got to know a few people before we even got on the ship - which made it easier. Someone compiled a directory of Cruise Critic members on that cruise with some basic info and most often with a picture. We recognized some Cruise Critic guys while boarding and when first walking around the ship. It was easy to go over and say hi to someone who was not a complete stranger. Also, we always arrange a Cruise Critic meet-and-greet early in the cruise which gives you the opportunity to meet teh gan in real life. People can end up having drinke or dinners together or go on excursions together.

 

Traveling alone on any cruise is a lot more expensive; if you want a cabin by yourself you will pay double the fare. Atlantis and RSVP do offer cabin-shares where they will match singles to share a cabin and I have heard both good stoies as well as some nightmares about that.

 

How much do the family usually ask about where you are vacationing? I don't know if a European cruise would work out better (and there are less of those in general) or whether you can get away with telling them you are going to Florida, meanwhile you go on a Caribbean cruise. Just be careful with the vacation pictures you show them. ;)

[Kenito]

Hello Jake... welcome!

 

I have a suggestion for you to consider. For the past two years, I have been a group leader of 30-40 gay men who go on a cruise. It is a mainstream cruise: Carnival Spirit. So you can go on a cruise without hiding that fact... it is just a regular cruise. You can come up with some excuse about it being something special, you were invited, something that your family will not wonder why you did not invite them to go along with you.

 

Actually, I really think some of the members of our group are still closeted too, but most of us are out and/or coupled. I match up the solo cruisers with another solo cruiser so they can share a room.

 

On a cruise, you don't have to hang out with only one person or even a group of people. You can do your own thing... to develop a friendship if it happens. The alert cruisers will figure out that we all are gay, but for most of the time, we are just fellow passengers.

 

This sort of thing might be a good option for you. I see you are in the UK, so flying all the way to San Diego, CA is probably not an option for you. But I encourage you to ask around all the gay organizations in your area... attend pride events, glbt community centers. In our case, we always welcome a new solo cruiser... they are helping me fill out the cruise, and you find a new group of friends.

 

It would be a "light" introduction for you.

 

I agree with some others that going on an all gay cruise, while a great experience for some, may not be the best for someone in your situation.

 

Besides this cruising suggestion, I bet if you get involved volunteering with some of the organizations mentioned above, you will begin the process of meeting new gay men, and you will be meeting them in a good environment... better than public "cruising", internet cruising, the bars, or public sex.

 

However, do something. You must act. To be honest, I have developed some long-term friendships with guys I met cruising public places... so it can be done. Just keep your boundaries and be willing to walk away if it does not seem right for you. Admittedly, you may have to kiss a few frogs to find your prince!

 

I hope this provides a little opening in your closet door, and if I can help in any other way, write. Being honest enough to discuss it here is a good step forward... continue your journey. :)

 

~K

[sfgoguy]

hey all.

i think i would like to try a gay cruise where I can just be myself. Also I go with the hope of you know getting some action lol.

Anyway no idea what to expect but will do a forum search in a bit. I will be traveling on my own. Is this ok do you think?

 

Not sure where i want to go for the cruise, and i need to book one without too many of my family and friends asking me for details where i am going..

 

TY

 

Jake, you can "split the difference" and try Pied Piper cruises. That company does not charter entire ships (and therefore not an all-gay cruise open to public scrutiny on the internet), but buys blocks of rooms on "main stream" cruises for their gay clientele. Depending on the cruise and time of year, there can be 25 Pied Piper cruisers on a ship or several hundred. But, it is still a "mixed" cruise.

 

I'd suggest you check out their website: www.piedpipertravel.com for more info. They're based in New York City.

 

There may be other vendors with similar products, but you can get an idea of what's available.

 

Good luck.

[mavis2222]

Im thinking of taking a Gay cruise in near future, for 2 reasons..NO KIDS and nobody under 18 on the ship, and its also "speedo friendly". You wont belive all the stares and attention I get just wearing a speedo around the pool deck on mainstream cruises. If you want to empty a hot tub, get in wearing a speedo. Other people think you have some kind of desease. By now you probably think Im out of shape and dont have body for one..Well that is a complete oppisate...Im 6-3, 155. 35 chest, 30 waist, toned up, smooth, tanned, with a swimmers build. And all my speedos are 2 inch sides and full back. There are women who are wearing less that look allot worse running around, but that is perfectly ok. Im fed up with society in this country that mocks a guy that chooses to wear less then other guys.

[Gunther1]

I think you need to add a recent picture in your Speedo so we can decide :).

[COMBOY]

hey all.

Well I am a 30 year old gay who is still in the closet :( and sadly i am stilla virgin.

i have held myself back for so long now its not fun.

 

Anyway i think i would like to try a gay cruise where I can just be myself. Also I go with the hope of you know getting some action lol.

Anyway no idea what to expect but will do a forum search in a bit. I will be traveling on my own. Is this ok do you think?

 

Not sure where i want to go for the cruise, and i need to book one without too many of my family and friends asking me for details where i am going..

 

Anyway as I said I am 30 and but fed up of hiding who i am, and my hand has becom tired of solo action :D

 

Anyway any tips would be great.

 

TY

 

It's never too late to start living and cruising (on a ship that is...LOL). I've met a few guys "just coming out" and even some closeted guys in the military on these all-gay charters. Yes, it's a very homosexually charged atmosphere and yes a bit overwhelming at times, but you’ve still on a mainstream cruise line with all the typical cruise line activities, spa, shops, shows, casino, etc. You find all types of guys, ages, body types, professions, etc., and yes plenty of eye-candy around pool. It’s about 50/50 singles/couples. Some singles will be traveling with friends and some just by themselves so there will be plenty of other singles onboard. These cruises are perfect for solo cruisers; however, you have to get out of your comfort zone and mix and mingle, but in generally I’ve found everyone to be very friendly and easy going on these cruises. There are single’s cocktail parties and there are two singles dinners and the rest of the nights you are seated with others so you’ll never dine alone. Both RSVP and Atlantis have room share programs for singles (matched by smoking preference) or you can book the room to yourself @ 2X the per person rate if you want complete privacy. The share program is perfect if you want to save money and will use your cabin just to sleep, nap and change. As far as getting some action...3000 men on a cruise ship - OMG! Certainly the odds in favor of getting some “action;” however, no, it's not a floating bath house or orgy; however, the steam room can get pretty "steamy" at times. I’m sure you can find whatever you’ve looking for in terms of “action”; however, I’d keep my expectations low and realistic. Also, go to Youtube.com and search Atlantis or RSVP cruises and see all the fun you're missing. :) There are tons of videos people have posted showing their cruise vacation on the gay charters. As far as telling your friends/family - just tell them you’re going on a cruise vacation. How would they know if it gay charter or straight?

[Kenito]

Actually, we had a few guys in our group wear Speedos on the cruise last year and it passed almost unnoticed.

 

Well, almost unnoticed! :cool: I watched the other men in the area to sniff out another friendly face! ;)

 

With all the things to worry about in the world, I say wear what you want to wear and don't worry! I live on the beach... there are a lot of Mexicans and Gringos here... a few speedos on the beach or around the pool, never much more than an admiring glance.

 

Jump into a hot tub while I'm around and I hope someone gets out... so I can sidle up next to you! :D

[mavis2222]

I think you need to add a recent picture in your Speedo so we can decide :).

OK..You asked for it..This one was taken a couple weeks ago.

[FLSpaGuy]

I see nothing but "right" in that pic. A hot guy is always welcome in my book! Too bad you won't be on the Imagination out of Miami on the 15th :( . Sorry that you don't get any respect when you wear your Speedo, so freakin' hot David ;)

[Bloom9]

I was kind of in the same situation only i'm 41, I was concerned about being on a ship full of men for a week, would it be a non stop circuit party?

 

after the initial shock of getting on board and seeing all the different types of people, it was like a transformation took place, such a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere not worring about being who you are. The atlantis crew was superb and very friendly all week.

 

It turned out to be an awesome week and I can't wait for the next one. I did sail solo - did not wish to play the room mate lottery. I often travel solo so this was not a big deal to me.

 

While I am still in the closet This experience has brought me closer to coming out, I did not tell my family or friends it was a charter cruise, I did take some pictures and they could very easily find out... but i could care less what other people think at this point. My only regret is not starting this journey sooner in life.

 

It was hard to make the decision to pay the premium for the charter, I have been getting Atlantis brochures in the mail for over a decade, never thinking I would ever go on a cruise, well my 5th cruise was on an Atlantis charter, and was worth the money I paid. can't wait for the Allure cruise!!

[Jake112]

hello guys

Thank you for all your messages they were a great help!!

I will take a bit of time to digest all that info :)

 

Thanks again!

[mavis2222]

I Was in St Lucia Nov 2009 off the Miracle. I wore one of my Kilts to the beach and had on a speedo under it. After being there awile I decided to take a walk along the shore and back just in the speedo. One of the locals that worked at the beach yelled out to me to "put some shorts on". I looked over waved, sayed "whatever" then kept walking, ignoring him. I was the only guy there wearing a speedo. Not to mention all the groosly overweight women in "brief style" one pieces and some on large 2 peices. Nothing sayed about them..The beach had mosty americans and other tourests from other places. Probably 8-900 people there. Anyhow, despite what others say I wear speedos anyhow. Been doing it for about 25 yrs.

Im just saying that someday Im going to try a gay cruise for the adult atmosphere and dress code as compared to a normal cruise. Not that im interested in guys. That dosent bother me being around other guys, At least I wont be the only one there in a speedo. Usually on a typical cruise I will see 2 other guys in speedos on a ship of 2500-3000 people, and those are guys who just lay out on a remote deck corner away from other people.

[mavis2222]

I see nothing but "right" in that pic. A hot guy is always welcome in my book! Too bad you won't be on the Imagination out of Miami on the 15th :( . Sorry that you don't get any respect when you wear your Speedo, so freakin' hot David ;)

Its a shame that I get compliments from "gay" people about my body all time, but never from women and other straight men. Anyhow, thanks.

[Gunther1]

If I were in a hot tub and you joined, I would somehow manage to find room for you :).

[FLSpaGuy]

Its a shame that I get compliments from "gay" people about my body all time, but never from women and other straight men. Anyhow, thanks.

 

I'm sorry, I thought I was on the GLBT area of the site...I wouldn't think it a shame at anytime to get compliments from anyone, people first then orientation in my book. If you were getting comments on your body from "straight" guys they wouldn't be so straight would they be? :cool:

[mavis2222]

I'm sorry, I thought I was on the GLBT area of the site...I wouldn't think it a shame at anytime to get compliments from anyone, people first then orientation in my book. If you were getting comments on your body from "straight" guys they wouldn't be so straight would they be? :cool:

 

A straight guy would say somthing like.."Just wanted to say, Im not gay but you have a geat body"..That would cover there intentions. Now..Females...There just stuck up on themselves..Most dont even like a guy in a speedo..They must have a serious probem in that case..Thats like me saying "I dont like women in bikinis and short skirts" Which I do.

[SanDiegoSteven]

Hey there! Check out http://www.GaySailAway.com for lot's of info to help you decide. I'm sure you'll have a very memorable vacation. Bon Voyage! Steve

[puggo63]

Well don't feel bad I am 47, single and never been on a cruise! I am not in the closet though but in my personal life, I rarely met anyone who didn't accept me but, again, I do not force my sexuality on anyone nor I want a str8 person forcing it on me! Basically I get along with almost everyone as long as there is mutual respect.

 

I am planning to take a cruise sometime in 2011 so I am on this site taking in all the information I can. I am no pretty boy, nor have a gym bunny/gay porn star body so I am very hesitant about booking on the Atlantis cruises cause I know how vicious some gay men can be about looks and the last thing I need is to be given attitude on my vacation!!!!:mad:

 

I have a few gay friends who have been on various cruise lines and except for HAL - which they report is an older and rather homophobic crowd - they never had any problems. I think it all comes down to your attitude as well - a positive friendly one will win you both gay and str8 friends on your vacation!

Personally I am looking to go on the RCCL Oasis or Allure mega ships.

[Boytjie]

I am planning to take a cruise sometime in 2011 so I am on this site taking in all the information I can. I am no pretty boy, nor have a gym bunny/gay porn star body so I am very hesitant about booking on the Atlantis cruises cause I know how vicious some gay men can be about looks and the last thing I need is to be given attitude on my vacation!!!!:mad:

 

I can't speak for Atlantis cruises (though I have had friends on it and they have not mentioned that kind of attitudes) but it is not an issue on RSVP cruises. You will find all shapes, sizes, ages and backgrounds and I have not come accross any negativity regarding loosk (or any attidues in general, its a very easy, happy crowd). Take a look at some pictuers of RSVP cruises at www.gaycruisepictures.com and you will see it is not all pretty gym bunnies.

 

I have a few gay friends who have been on various cruise lines and except for HAL - which they report is an older and rather homophobic crowd - they never had any problems. I think it all comes down to your attitude as well - a positive friendly one will win you both gay and str8 friends on your vacation!

 

That's surprising to hear about HAL, I have not heard that much (here on CC or in conversatiosn with people). They have charted many RSVP cruises and the staff should not be an issue. The passengers are older and supposed to be a bit more upscale (and assumedly more tolerant).

[Gunther1]

We've been on four HAL cruises (including one that was charted with RSVP) and while not flamers, we're not afraid to hold hands, dance, etc, in public.

 

We've never had a problem with any HAL employees or other guests. On the contrary, we've had a great time each cruise.

 

Do you have any first-hand experience with HAL being homophobic ? I suspect the people telling you this are just passing on another rumor , unfortunately.

[MiamiSpartan]

Hey. Welcome to cruisecritic.

 

I haven't been on an all-gay cruise, but it could be intimidating for the first time going out. You'd be committing for a whole week to something which would be new in every respect, and what if it doesn't work out? Do you live in or near a city where you could meet some people first, like at a bar or through the web, and see how that goes before making the leap to a cruise?

 

Good advise...

I've seen too many people going on these trips to "hook up" and then get sorely disappointed with the whole trip if they don't....

These trips are amazing, but go only if you want to have a nice time with other gay people and possibly meet some new friends....

If you end up getting "action", then it's a plus...

Good luck.

[rnmikey]

We've been on four HAL cruises (including one that was charted with RSVP) and while not flamers, we're not afraid to hold hands, dance, etc, in public.

 

We've never had a problem with any HAL employees or other guests. On the contrary, we've had a great time each cruise.

 

Glad to hear that. We're taking our first non RSVP cruise next year with HAL. We always been pleased with size of their ships, cabins and service but were a bit concerned since we are pretty reserved, but we do enjoy taking a stroll on deck holding hands or maybe even an occasional dance.