Early 2020 AD. Danny and I embark on a 21st century Odyssey. On the Majestic Princess from Sydney to New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Fiji. Back to Sydney, then to Melbourne and flying back home.
We did this cruise before the coronavirus epidemic became a pandemic. We are very aware the travel industry and in particular the cruising industry is hit hard by the consequences of the pandemic. Travelling and cruising may never be the same again. But this is how we experienced cruising on the Majestic Princess in January and February 2020.
After a flop on Royal Caribbean and the concept being non-existing at MSC, Danny and I tried the LGBTQ+ get-together on Majestic Princess. Sven of Touristico Gay has announced MSC will start such meet-ups.
You’d think us gays are good at small talk and starting conversations. Quod non. We arrived at the Seaview Bar, the venue of the first meet-up. We approached a couple but they declined. We weren’t what they expected, I suppose. But I had others on my radar. After harnessing some courage I talked them: Nigel and Michael.
Small steps
It was a timid start.
Later Aaron, Willy and Don joined.
It took the second meet-up to attract more LGBT’s. Gay and bi men, I should specify. Maybe lesbian, bi and queer women and trans* and non-binary people weren’t interested in meeting other LGBT’s? Or maybe the concept is too men-oriented?
On day 3 the usual group met up. It seemed to younger guys were interested, but no-one made a move. So maybe gay people need a formal and outspoken context such as a gay bar, a pride event or other LGBTQ+ activity to start a conversation? I can also imagine the sight of quite vocal guys of 30 didn’t motivate the tweens.
The get-together wasn’t every day on the schedule, but we met up anyway. Chatting about our day, our plans, talking about life at home and cultural differences. Having a good time in general.
We still have a WhatsApp group.
Next time I will be or try to be less timid and talk to those I think want to join. I can only be rejected.
Going to strangers and offering them to join an LGBTQ+ activity equals a coming out. Maybe I’m not as out and proud as I think I am…
That’s a thought on the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Transphobia and Intersexphobia (IDAHOT or IDAHOBIT).
A proposed referendum in Lithuania that would constitutionally define a family exclusively as a marriage between a man and a woman has sparked concern among…
Niger has enacted one of the harshest homophobic laws in West Africa, introducing prison sentences of up to 10 years for consensual same-sex relations and…
A new enlargement review published by the LGBTQIA+ advocacy organisation ILGA-Europe and regional network ERA – LGBTI Equal Rights Association for Western Balkans and Turkey…
A new enlargement review published by the LGBTQIA+ advocacy organisation ILGA-Europe and regional network ERA – LGBTI Equal Rights Association for Western Balkans and Turkey…
I visited the Principality of Monaco past Sunday. At the start of Pride Month, which is mostly an American affair, I wondered if Monaco has…
I visited the Principality of Monaco past Sunday. At the start of Pride Month, which is mostly an American affair, I wondered if Monaco has…
Europe‘s Pride movement is expanding despite increasing hostility, financial pressures, and growing concerns about volunteer burnout, according to a landmark new report that offers the…
The number of countries where consensual same-sex sexual relations are illegal has risen to 66 following the adoption of a new anti-LGBTQ law in Niger…
The number of countries where consensual same-sex sexual relations are illegal has risen to 66 following the adoption of a new anti-LGBTQ law in Niger…
Turkish authorities have barred an American gay cruise from calling at the ports of Kuşadası (Kusadasi) and Istanbul, forcing the ship to alter its Mediterranean…
Turkish authorities have barred an American gay cruise from calling at the ports of Kuşadası (Kusadasi) and Istanbul, forcing the ship to alter its Mediterranean…
Turkish authorities have barred an American gay cruise from calling at the ports of Kuşadası (Kusadasi) and Istanbul, forcing the ship to alter its Mediterranean…
The gay cruise that attracted international attention after being denied permission to dock in Turkey (Türkiye) has now also been refused entry to Egypt. According…
The gay cruise that attracted international attention after being denied permission to dock in Turkey (Türkiye) has now also been refused entry to Egypt. According…
More than 120 Romanian, European and international civil society organisations have called on the authorities in the Romanian city of Oradea to allow this year‘s…