Your input please!

[Mulljac]

Hey Rick,
We've only cruised one time on DCL two years ago. We have 2 kids, a boy and girl. We sat with with a couple that had one girl. After the first night we never saw the wife again at any of the meals because she was always drunk and couldn't make it to eat. The husband was a total bore and the little girl hardly said a word. I would love to eat with you and your partner than have to eat with people like them again. It doesn't matter what your sexual preference is as long as you are cordial and can hold a decent conversation. We would have been happier just eating by ourselves. We going on the Aug 21-28th cruise in case you change your plans. Look us up.

 

[ohanafamily]

OK RickinNYC, I just called DCL and asked them. They told me that if you felt uncomfortable then they will put you at another table, or if you resquested, they could put you as a couple.

WRT The Captain marrying you, well, DCL said that FairyTale weddings might be able to arrange it, it depends on Bahamian law. The ships are registered to Castaway Cay which is in the Bahamas.

DCL - (800) 511-1333
FTW - (407) 828-3400

OK, Now When are we going on this cruise???

 

[RickinNYC]

Quick update for you all:

I had been pestering Joe about Disney cruises and kept telling him about this particular link and all the great comments. Last night, we watched yet another of a billion cruise specials on Travel Channel. He kept mentioning that he wanted to go on another cruise and MAYBE a Disney one might be fun.

Anyway, he finally looked at this link, saw the numerous supportive words.

Guess who wants to go on a Disney cruise now! Woo hoo!

We won't be booking until next year but I thought you all might like to know that your words haven't fallen on deaf (mouse) ears!

 

[ohanafamily]

Woo-Hooo

Let us know when you are going.....maybe we can make it a RickinNYC friendly cruise...

 

[Melynny]

Go! Have a great time! You guys can sit/Hang with us!
This thread has reminded me of an interesting situation that happend to my DH and I at Pop Century last Christmas. We were waiting for the bus for AK and we just happend to be there with another "couple" of younger guys. We struck up a converstaion, found out that we have LOADS of stuff in common: DVC, love of the attractions and just had a great time, taking , laughing etc. Now, I would have labled DH a "Homophobe" and I am as opend minded as can be...but he certainly surprised me when we left the bus, by saying " those guys were really nice, too bad we did not get their email so we could meet up with them again.... I though he did not get that they were a couple so I told him. He just said "uh yeah... but they were much nicer and we had more in common with them than most others.. I liked them" That lead into a whole conversation between us and I think that just meeting those 2 guys really made a big difference in DH perceptions. Go ahead, have fun, you may be surprised like me!!

 

[RickinNYC]

RickinNYC friendly cruise?! Well, I think THAT might be a stretch!

Melynny, thanks for sharing that story. It's funny but I've often heard a LOT of similar instances from folks who are now good friends. In fact, quite a few folks have told either Joe or I that we're the ones that taught them a thing or two!

We've often heard, "Gay? I would never have guessed." To, "Wow! You aren't what I would have thought of." Quick story, my old college roommate from years ago dropped out. When I helped him move his things, he gave me a big hug when he was leaving and told me that he appreciated how patient I was and allowed him to get accustomed to learning that homosexuality was no big deal. He went on to say that he had preconceived notions that I proved completely wrong.

 

[val2001]

if you want to take a cruise at the same time that we do, you can have my children for the length of the cruise and I'll sit in the adult areas.. . Also we would be very happy to have you join us at the dinner table..

I totally agree.

Actually my girls would have a ton of fun being dinner mates with you. They are 4 and 7 and both know what gay means and we would not be put off by sharing a table with a gay couple.

 

[ohanafamily]

Originally posted by Melynny
Go! Have a great time! You guys can sit/Hang with us!
This thread has reminded me of an interesting situation that happened to my DH and I at Pop Century last Christmas. We were waiting for the bus for AK and we just happened to be there with another "couple" of younger guys. We struck up a conversation, found out that we have LOADS of stuff in common: DVC, love of the attractions and just had a great time, taking , laughing etc. Now, I would have labeled DH a "Homophobe" and I am as open minded as can be...but he certainly surprised me when we left the bus, by saying " those guys were really nice, too bad we did not get their email so we could meet up with them again.... I though he did not get that they were a couple so I told him. He just said "uh yeah... but they were much nicer and we had more in common with them than most others.. I liked them" That lead into a whole conversation between us and I think that just meeting those 2 guys really made a big difference in DH perceptions. Go ahead, have fun, you may be surprised like me!!

Uh, just a thought (and I really don't mean this as a flame, just an observation) maybe your dear husband has always been a little more open minded about this and other things than you previously suspected.

 

[RickinNYC]

Originally posted by ohanafamily
Uh, just a thought (and I really don't mean this as a flame, just an observation) maybe your dear husband has always been a little more open minded about this and other things than you previously suspected.

Oh Ohanafamily, I don't know that that's a fair statement. I mean, she is his wife afterall and I'm sure he said, did or behaved in manner that led her to believe that perhaps he might not be quite so accepting. She knows!

 

[RickinNYC]

By the way, speaking to all those folks who offered to let us "babysit." How generous of you (said sarcastically). LOL!

Actually, anyone out there have any kids they'd like to loan us for a character breakfast in WDW? We want to go but think we'd look a tad strange. Picture it. Two mid 30's guys, sitting at breakfast, gleefully pointing out the characters, not a child at the table. So any loaners out there???

 

[jrabbit]

Last night, we watched yet another of a billion cruise specials on Travel Channel. He kept mentioning that he wanted to go on another cruise and MAYBE a Disney one might be fun.

Remember that tonight (Tuesday, April 13) the Travel channel is focusing on Disney and the cruise starting at 1pm eastern/pacific and the cruise specific show is at 5 and 8pm.

 

[ericamanda01]

Not only do I say YES, go and enjoy, but if you cruise in Sept. we, DH-2-be and I would love to have you at our table. Reguardless of what is considered a traditional family, ie. wife husband kids, you should go and enjoy. We have no children and are often asked why we would chose Disney for a childless couple.

Our response is always in the form of a question, Why haven't you gone?! Unfortunatly there may be those who are not open to a gay couple. However I believe that you are a great example of a loving and commited couple and should have a wonderful vacation the same as anyone else.

I am sure that if anything or anyone onboard were to make you unhappy that the CM's would be willing to help change that in anyway they can. So I say cruise!

 

[Rence]

I am one half of a gay couple. We've done two Disney Cruises and had a wonderful experience both times.

First time it was just the two of us, four day cruise on the Magic (this was a few months before the 7-day cruises started).

We sat at a table with two other families. One couple with a 4 year old, one couple with a 9 year old. No problems at all, we all had a great time.

We toured the spa together and the person giving the tour picked up that we were a couple right away. She made it clear that we were free to enjoy any of the couple experiences in the spa. My partner is a spa person and I'm not so we didn't, but the option was there.

Second trip was last December, it was a family trip, it was my folks 50th wedding anniversary. So it was my folks, my sister and two kids, other sister, brother-in-law and three kids, my partner and myself. Of course on this trip we ate with the family, so dinner wasn't an issue.

On the first trip we had not really gone in for having our portraits taken, but we didn't have a good picture of the two of us so that was a goal for this trip. We also bought Tuxes with Mickey vests etc

The photographers picked up on us right away. On several occasions while we were being posed we were asked very discretely if we would be comfortable putting our arms around each other (not a hug, but clearly a pose that two straight men would not be comfortable with). It made for several nice pictures and it was subtle enough that it would not have bothered anyone passing by.

The only, even slightly awkward moment on the whole trip involved a photographer. It was at dinner one night and he came over to the table to snap some pictures. He said let's get one of each of the couples. I was sitting next to my divorced sister, so he assumed that we were a couple so he started to pose us, my sister said, "no he's with him" and pointed to my partner. The photographer looked very confused and my sister started going around the table "She's with him, he's with her and he's with him". The photographer wasn't getting it so my sister said "This is my brother, and that's his boyfriend, they're a couple" Finally it clicked and the photographer took the photos. No problems once he figured out what was going on, I think his English was a bit weak and it just didn't register.

No problems at all with anyone, anyplace on either cruise.

Go, have a wonderful time.

 

[tde1969]

Well this has been our experience. I've done the Atlantis Gay cruise before i met my partner. It just wasn't my thing. Lot of drugs and people were very shallow. I clearly don't have a perfect body and that seemed to be a big issue on a all gay cruise. However, my partner of three years and I did a disney cruise last year with our ds5 and as you see below, are leaving again in less than three weeks. On the Disney ship, we fit in. We both love disney, not to mention how ds, now 6 feels about mickey. At dinner, we were at a table of four, so no issue with tablemates. I liked it because it gave us some family time, pun intended. However, at the clubs, the excursions, the pools and everywhere on board, people just opened up and befriend us. We exchanged emails with other disney familys, because we did enjoy each others company so much. At palo's, no one seemed to notice when i lightly touched my partners hand and at the spa for the suriel bath and the couples massage, no one seemed to care. That's why we are going back the end of this month. If your on the boat, come hang out with us.
Rick, if your like me, and I think you are, you'll find that the Disney family is a lot more inclusive than even an all gay ship!!!!

 

[debster812]

Originally posted by RickinNYC
By the way, speaking to all those folks who offered to let us "babysit." How generous of you (said sarcastically). LOL!

Actually, anyone out there have any kids they'd like to loan us for a character breakfast in WDW? We want to go but think we'd look a tad strange. Picture it. Two mid 30's guys, sitting at breakfast, gleefully pointing out the characters, not a child at the table. So any loaners out there???

Rick--you can take your little Pin Pal to any character brekkie you want!!!!!! He loves them, and would be happy to accompany you guys.

I too am working with DH on a Disney Cruise. He does not think there will 'be enough to do' Good Lord, the man has no idea of what he speaks.

And I know it goes without saying but we would be THRILLED and DELIGHTED to have you and Joe hang with us anywhere, anytime.

hugs

D

 

[two4ruff]

Joining this thread late but...

Do you chew with your mouth open? Do you hog deck chairs? Do you push all the buttons on the elevator and jump off? Do you slam dance against ajoining room doors? Do you trample small children to get to Mickey?

If you have answered no to all these questions, most everyone on this board would love to have you on their cruise!!

Most are there to enjoy themselves, loved ones, and escape reality - at least I know my family is and being around others who are doing the same makes magical memories for all. All the rest doesn't matter.

 

[RickinNYC]

Hi once again! You guys are the best!

Rence, your story is hysterical! Joe and I have experience similar instances where someone had no clue we were together. I certainly can't fault anyone for it though, and it's certainly not rude as far as I'm concerned. In fact, our last trip to WDW in October, we were checking in to the Boardwalk. The young lady who was checking us in said, "Oh! We have you in a room with a king size bed!" She laughed and then said, "I know you guys wouldn't want that, I'll just change it for you!"

I immediately asked her to keep it the way it was and that we'd prefer a king. She blinked, blinked again, then got a bit flustered. We did everything we could to assure her that it was an honest mistake and that we were used to it. Laughs were had by all!

tde1969, I couldn't agree with you more about gay cruises. I've heard "good" things from friends. "Lots of parties, lots of booze, lots of men..." NOT our style. Plus, we live in NYC. If we wanted to spend out time partying, drinking and oggling, why go on a cruise for cryin' out loud?! And we've been together for more than 13 years now. We want to enjoy each other's company, make each other laugh (for some reason, after all this time, we still crack each other up tremendously), have a nice time, and meet new people, see new places and make new friends. 'Nuff said.

Debster812, if you are ever in WDW with my little pal, you KNOW I'm gonna take him pin shopping. We'd buy him all the pins his lanyard can hold!

two4ruff, nope, we have impeccable manners, swallow before speaking, only use chairs that we're currently sitting in, never play on elevators, only slam dance in an appropriate dance club, and never trample little ones (but we will pick them up and hoist them at a character if said character doesn't see 'em!).

But if you wanna talk about using outdated Port Orleans resorts mugs while saving half a dozen seats by the Yacht Club pool as we're pool hopping at the neighboring Board Walk resort while dropping foul language in front of strangers who we've cut in front of while chainsmoking, that's a different story altogether!

 

[Melynny]

OH Ohana family, that just means that I am finally getting him to understand!..

And, let me clairify.. When I said
"B]He just said "uh yeah... but they were much nicer and we had more in common with them than most others.. [/B] Others was ment to refer to other people in general....

And again Rick, you guys can hang with us any time!!!!

 

[kasar]

You will have a great time, no worries. Maybe I'm just clueless, but I really don't think I'd even notice what you were doing or who you were with (no offense! LOL). When we cruise, I feel like I'm in a bubble - I'm having so much fun with my family that I don't notice anyone else. But then again, I don't care if people come to Palo in their bathing suits or bedroom slippers - the chocolate souffle is just as good no matter who's next to us (was there someone next to us???).

I think 95% of the people (hopefully even more) would have no problems. Let's hope you don't find that other 5%.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Originally posted by RickinNYC
But if you wanna talk about using outdated Port Orleans resorts mugs while saving half a dozen seats by the Yacht Club pool as we're pool hopping at the neighboring Board Walk resort while dropping foul language in front of strangers who we've cut in front of while chainsmoking, that's a different story altogether!