Even though cruise companies are actively trying to capture the millennial dollar, which is sort of working, cruises still aren’t exactly a popular travel option for my peer group we tend to favor more “ authentic” travel experiences (whatever that means). And were it not for this story, there’s no way I would have voluntarily set foot on a cruise ship again.
I’d been on one cruise before, also to the Caribbean, but I was too little at the time to really remember it. What I didn’t expect was everything else that would happen to me - and is still happening to me - thanks to this one little week in my otherwise pleasantly uneventful life.įor one thing, I didn’t expect to have nearly so much fun. I generally expected to meet some nice older ladies with interesting life stories, to explore the tensions of intergenerational lesbian culture and the fraught future of lesbian spaces, to laze about on a beach in the Virgin Islands and get to say I was swimming and sunbathing “for work.” When I reached out to Olivia, the company offered me a press ticket for one of its Celebrity-partnered cruises so that I could get a sense of how it's become one of the most successful lesbian companies of all time. Olivia, a groundbreaking women’s record label turned lesbian travel company, named for the hero of a Dorothy Bussy novel, has catered specifically to lesbian vacationers since its maiden voyage in 1990. I had only a vague idea of what to expect when I boarded the Celebrity Summit in April for a weeklong excursion to the Caribbean. Sure, I say, why not, thinking all the while: If any other 27-year-old lesbians could use a self-esteem boost, all they need to do, clearly, is get themselves on an Olivia cruise. I’m loose and light and a little sleepy from my second Corona and a blossoming sunburn. One of them tells me her friend thinks I’m really cute, and could she buy me a drink? I settle for some Kelly Clarkson, and after my screechy but enthusiastic rendition of “Since U Been Gone,” five (!) different women approach me, complimenting my performance. So far, she’s more than delivered, but the weak karaoke selection - not Dana’s fault! - is a rare low point on a trip that, four days in, has already slowly but surely begun to change my life. She’s technically my press handler, tasked with making sure I see the best that the tour operator, Olivia Travel, has to offer. “These choices are homophobic,” I tell my new friend Dana. I’m determined to do something showstopping, but our offerings are comically limited. Kitts they’re cheering for their new friends they’re here to have a good time.
They’re mostly middle-aged or older they’re wearing brightly colored tourist T-shirts purchased on our excursion earlier today to St. The second dinner session has just let out, and the Rendezvous Lounge (which is as tacky as it sounds) is overflowing with lesbians. So I decide to wake the place up a little. To access this site you must agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.It’s night four of the cruise - karaoke night - and everybody’s been picking slow, sad songs.
We consider the data we process through cookies anonymous, since this information does not relate to an identified or identifiable natural person. You must also be informed that this website uses cookies to analyse web traffic and enhance site features. Knowing what your children are doing online. Turning on safe search settings while using Search Engines like Google, Bing or Yahoo Ĭonnecting addition filters on internet service provider side Using parental control filters of your device, operating systems and/or browsers More information about the RTA Label and compatible services can be found here: Īnyone with a minor in their household or under their supervision should implement basic parental control protections, including:
Parental tools that are compatible with the RTA label will block access to this site. Protect your children from adult content and block access to this site by using parental controls. One of our core goals is to help parents restrict access to for minors, so we have ensured that is, and remains, fully compliant with the RTA (Restricted to Adults) code. Furthermore, you represent and warrant that you will not allow any minor access to this site or services. This website should only be accessed if you are at least 18 years old or of legal age to view such material in your local jurisdiction, whichever is greater. You are about to enter website that contains content of an adult nature.