A question for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender community.

[cruisin' chick]

One more thing I should add: We've looked into gay cruises, but their prices generally are exorbitant -- 2 to 3 times what you might pay on a mainstream cruise. We don't like being exploited.

But Joey, aren't most special interest cruises extremely expensive compared to booking the same cruise (if not a charter) separately (not thru that group)? I remember maybe three or four years ago my MIL showed me an ad for a Kosherific cruise to Alaska on Celebrity. So I did some checking online for her and discovered the rates for very high (can't remember if it was two times or more) compared if she had just booked the same ship on her own and skipped the Jewish-oriented activities, such as entertainment. Also the pre-cruise hotel in Seattle, I think, was also offered at much higher rates (there were Kosher meals, but I can't remember now if those were included, maybe you had the ability to get them).

So if she had decided to go on a cruise while still alive, she probably just would have gone with a friend out of LA or LB and ordered Kosher meals or stuck with vegetarian meals for the cruise.

The only time I ever looked at a special cruise with any mere interest was the one for writers, but it seems like you have to pay more for spouses too, even if they're not interested in any of the planned activities (which hubby certainly wouldn't be).

[JoeyandDavid]

But Joey, aren't most special interest cruises extremely expensive compared to booking the same cruise (if not a charter) separately (not thru that group)?

Extremely is a relative term... but yes you are correct.. they typically are priced higher .. although as justification.. there is normally some value added incentive in order to try and justify the increase..as in the case of chartering gay cruises for example ...like mindedness of guests and gay "cultural themed events" justify for many the increase in cost.
And although the itineraries may be the same as non themed cruises..the over all experience is much different.

[Mikey1234]

'Gay' cruising ( I 'hate' that word conjures up some silly man prancing about on a stage!! - wish someone would find something better!!) to me it is segregation - and I believe in inclusion, but I suppose maybe some 'same sex' couples would enjoy this ---- so ---- it's down to choice I suppose.

Good points.

I have many friends in the gay, bisexual, transgender community, and regularly socialise with them. I see no reason or justification whatsoever for them to be treated any differently from any other person on a cruise or in life generally.

[JoeyandDavid]

Thanks for your support Mike!