Caribbean Cruise?

[HannaBelle]

My DS20 is gay and we are looking at booking a Disney family cruise next summer, but I am concerned about some of the destinations in the Caribbean. The Caribbean is not known to be a gay friendly place and I am a bit on the nervous side about being in the wrong place / wrong time, KWIM?

I am leaning heavily towards Itinerary A which stops at St Maarten and St Thomas/ St John versus the Itinerary C which stops at Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Falmouth, Jamaica. Both stop at Castaway Cay and the aquaduck which is of #1 importance for both of my kiddos!

Has anyone experienced any issues with discrimination (or worse) on the shore excursions?

 

[julmops]

Hello! Jamaica is known to be quite closed with that... My partner and I did the Eastern Carribbean on the Fantasy and no problems... Mexico is quite fine too... Can't tell for Grand Cayman though... We will be there in January so will see it first hand...

 

[jeanigor]

In October of last year, I did an Eastern Caribbean itinerary aboard the Disney Fantasy. (St Marteen, St Thomas, no Castaway due to Hurricane Sandy )
Completely without incident or concern.

This past April, I did a Western Caribbean itinerary aboard the Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas. (Labadee, Haiti; Falmouth, Jamaica; Cozumel, Mexico) I was concerned about Jamaica (especially after reading some of the thing people have said on Cruise Critic).

I am of the opinion that there are people anywhere in the world that may not like you for some reason; whether it be your sexual orientation, religion, race, style of dress, etc. I feel it is important as a traveler to do your best to be respectful when you go somewhere. I don't think public displays of affection, lewd t-shirts or inappropriate language are acceptable from anyone.

Do I walk along the beach and hold my boyfriend's hand? State-side, usually. Outside of the US, usually not. I don't need to be grasping his hand to enjoy the moment with him.

That being said, I won't actively be seeking out Russia as a destination, as they have very publicly enacted laws that target GLTB people. There are others too...but with the upcoming Olympics, Russia seems to be getting the most press. Which is a shame, because my ancestors immigrated from the region and I would one day like to visit.

 

[Madhattr]

Jamaica is particularly bad. Just in the news this week. I personally would never travel there if on principle alone. Jmho.

 

[HannaBelle]

Jamaica is particularly bad. Just in the news this week. I personally would never travel there if on principle alone. Jmho.

I think this is what has me freaked at the moment in addition to the coverage of the upcoming Olympic games in Russian.

TY for all of your responses!

 

[glenpreece]

my self and my BFF who are both gay went to St Maarten/St Thomas and had no problems at all. We did a tour of St Maarten and went shopping and never felt any hostility or ill will. You'll love the cruise have an amazing trip!!!

 

[glenpreece]

In October of last year, I did an Eastern Caribbean itinerary aboard the Disney Fantasy. (St Marteen, St Thomas, no Castaway due to Hurricane Sandy )
Completely without incident or concern.

This past April, I did a Western Caribbean itinerary aboard the Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas. (Labadee, Haiti; Falmouth, Jamaica; Cozumel, Mexico) I was concerned about Jamaica (especially after reading some of the thing people have said on Cruise Critic).

I am of the opinion that there are people anywhere in the world that may not like you for some reason; whether it be your sexual orientation, religion, race, style of dress, etc. I feel it is important as a traveler to do your best to be respectful when you go somewhere. I don't think public displays of affection, lewd t-shirts or inappropriate language are acceptable from anyone.

Do I walk along the beach and hold my boyfriend's hand? State-side, usually. Outside of the US, usually not. I don't need to be grasping his hand to enjoy the moment with him.

That being said, I won't actively be seeking out Russia as a destination, as they have very publicly enacted laws that target GLTB people. There are others too...but with the upcoming Olympics, Russia seems to be getting the most press. Which is a shame, because my ancestors immigrated from the region and I would one day like to visit.

OMG I forgot you were on the same cruise as us.