Are you in a travel rut, always going to the same old places? Try something new! Variety is the spice of your travel life.
Atlantis Events
Nothing like seven nights of parties to celebrate the Gay High Holy Day of Halloween! Atlantis Vacations is offering a Los Angeles-to-Mexico cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line’s stunning 2400-guest Jewel for the ultimate Halloween celebration, sailing the azure seas of the Pacific in October.
After a multi-million-dollar upgrade, NCL’s Jewel is smartly designed with great open spaces for dancing under the sun and stars. Retrofitted ships have a modern look, new restaurants, full-service spa and spectacular performance venues but, are geared toward a more intimate crowd. Cruises start under $1,000. Check out atlantisevents.com for more information.
R Family Vacations
The Broadway Cruise is back for a third sailing on Aug. 22, starting at $849 per person for the week (plus other charges). For fans of Broadway entertainment and those looking for a gay-friendly alternative to the all-gay vacations, R Family Vacations is the perfect cruise at a great all-inclusive price.
Gregg Kaminsky is among the most experienced producers of cruise events for our community. He and his partner Kelli Carpenter pay attention to every single detail and create a memorable experience in every way. For more information, visit rfamilyvacations.com.
Source Events
One of my new favorite “finds” is Source Events. Led by Craig Smith, this tour company offers a highly catered experience to some of the most exotic destinations in the world.
Smith describes his company as “an invitation to dream, to become a part of the family and share in the extraordinary intimacy that defines Source Events. We believe the world is full of beauty, surprises and unforgettable experiences. I’d like to personally invite you to live your dream, and join us on one of our Source Events.”
On Source, you will find wellness programs, interesting speakers and a party or two. If you are shopping for a new adventure, visit sourceevents.com.
Zoom Vacations
Readers of this column know that Rio is a must in 2016. Rio’s Carnival is perhaps the world’s most famous celebration. Experience the unmatched beauty and charm of this famous city, as well as its friendly, captivating people, known as Cariocas.
Located between the mountains and sea, Rio de Janeiro is a tropical urban resort that offers delicious cuisine, terrific shopping and stunning scenery. The beaches are loaded with eye candy as far as the eye can see, and the night scene explodes with some of the best venues and music in the world.
During Carnival, Zoom promises gay pool parties, large dance events, street festivals and parades all over the city. Visit zoomvacations.com.
Puerto Vallarta Pride
If you are not a cruise lover, stay by the sea. Puerto Vallarta has staked its claim as Mexico’s leading destination for LGBT visitors for decades. Puerto Vallarta has its own gayborhood with gay bars and nightclubs, gay-owned restaurants, hotels, stores, services and entertainment.
Vallarta Pride is a 10-day celebration of LGBT culture that kicks off the international Pride season on Memorial Day Weekend. This year, actor Lea DeLaria of “Orange is the New Black” will be the grand marshal and appearances have also been confirmed by famed underwear designer Andrew Christian and trans Spanish pop star La Prohibida.
Jeff Guaracino is the author of “Gay and Lesbian Tourism: The Essential Guide for Marketing.”