cody581

As a Canadian I resent that ignorant, stereotype remark about Canada. Most of Canada has four distinct seasons and summers temps in some regions can reach over 100*. I happen to live on the west coast of Canada where we often go years without snow, winter temps are in the 40* and 50* and our summer temps run 75 to 80*

Thank you for speaking up, as a fellow Canadian from the West Coast, you could not have put it better !!

Hello, I would like to suggest you check out a fellow by the name of Dan OConnor on YouTube and his website He specializes in communication with people and he is terrific at doing it. I watched one of his videos speaking about such a topic "What to say when people ask a strange question' One of his responses was "That's an interesting question, why would you ask it?" Dan is very good at what he does and well worth a listen and you just may have that answer next time soneone asks.

As a solo cruiser at least once on every cruise I am asked if I am gay. I once read that coming out is a ongoing thing and not a once and done deal. I still have a discomfort with being asked even after this long a life. Couples have told me they are never asked since it is assumed two people

of the same gender traveling together are automatically gay/lesbian.....stereo typing once again.

I cannot think of a question that could be asked of a straight person that has the significance of being asked if you are gay, so I am at a loss for a return question . To not respond is a cop out in my mind, and to say it's none of your business seems to be saying yes. To ask why are youre asking is still backing down, but I can't see why I should have to answer or be put into a situation to have to answer. I find my self getting angry at myself for getting uncomfortable with the inquiry....and find myself saying, put your big boy pants on and answer the question. On my last cruise after socializing for three days with the same group of people at the Vibe on the NCL escape I was asked .....well are you or aren't you.......I was stopped dead in my tracks.

I hope I won't get flamed by responders who think this is a stupid question, but is there a comfortable way to handle a situation like this. I cant figure it out....some people say I had no idea, some say we wondered based on things you said and yet other say, honey as soon as you entered the room we all knew. I am a very social person at sea, but find myself dreading inquiries or how I will respond if asked.

Have any of you experienced these inquiries and how did you comfortably handle it. I might note on a few occasions when I answered the question yes, the other person got real ugly......so the idea of being questioned has put me on edge. Any thoughts as long as they are not nasty put downs would be appreciated. Ones life experiences in being gay can be so different by age, family background, upbringing etc, so ones sensitivity levels can be greatly different. But I wanted to raise this issue and see what others think, and how they may have handled si ilar situations. By the way, I once responded ( having had numerous Long Island ice teas ) why are you interested.....I got a drink in my face and security called by the bartender who defended me.....

Thanks

Tom

Are you guys going through Pied Piper or just on your own?

We booked on our own...Found a great rate through Cruise Compete and Cruises n More.

Myself (Jason) and my partner Robert will be on board with three other couples who we cruise with - once we check Solstice off the list we'll have done all the main ships in Celebrity's fleet.

 

Can't wait to get through the winter in frosty Nova Scotia. Maybe we'll see each other in the Martini Bar?

 

Jason :D

Jason, I thought Vancouver was hit with a bad winter until I saw the weather you guys had to endure this winter...Hawaii will certainly be a nice change and break from it all for all of us...:cool:

Hi Guys

We're two male friends from Vancouver and looking forward to a Sunny and warm Cruise. Coming from a place where Spring suddenly announces it's arrival March 1st, we can hardly wait to get away as Mother Nature really decided to throw a nasty winter our way that has gone on far too long and still going on!!

Are the FOD gatherings usually hosted at the Martini Bar?

Hi Guys

We are two male Friends (64 & 72) who travel well together and are trying Oceania for the first time. It is always nice to meet others when on the cruises, have a cocktail before dinner, or share a dinner table. Knowing Oceania doesn't have FOD parties we are trying to set up a group prior to sailing. Let me know if you are going to be on board...

Hi Guys

We are two male Friends (64 & 72) who travel well together and are trying Oceania for the first time. It is always nice to meet others when on the cruises, have a cocktail before dinner, or share a dinner table. Knowing Oceania doesn't have FOD parties we are trying to set up a group prior to sailing. Let me know if you are going to be on board...