DeweySki

> We did meet a couple on our last cruise by going to the meetup. > Wish we had met more. I have met some very nice people on cruises, and even a hookup or two (hehehehe) My best experience was just about a year ago when I was on a cruise and went to the meetup. There were about a dozen guys there and we all had fun and got to know each other. We all hung out together during the cruise and ran around like a pack of teenagers! hehehe Most of the guys I am still friends with and keep in touch online. And many I have cruised with again since then! > What sort of conversations do you have with newbies? I like to put them at ease and not make them feel pressured. They are usually nervous enough as it is. So I talk to them and ask them about their experience, their interest, the curiosities. And strike up conversations around that. And most of all LISTEN to their questions and give caring and sincere answers. I remember when I was young and learning about being gay and WISHED I had someone to talk to like me. So I enjoy being that person, as well as helping them to experience new things ins a safe and caring manner.

I do like that most ships will have an LGBTQ+ Meetup scheduled, most daily. Unfortunately the majority are poorly attended. But at least they are posted on the schedule and available for anyone looking. I enjoy sort of being a mentor to "newbies" and "curious" types. So I try to go to every meetup just in case there is someone new looking so they don't get disappointed.

That is a very wise observation! One of the things I enjoy being a solo cruiser is the ease of striking up a conversation. You all like travel AND cruising. With a GAY cruise you would not have to be careful of the topic matter! hehehehe

I have yet to find someone special to cruise WITH so I can not totally relate. But as a solo gay traveler I have found HAL to be very accepting, passengers and crew alike. I am not exactly a quite and reserved person, but I seem to make a lot of friends on HAL cruises that last past the cruise itself. And many of those friends are older than I am (nearly 64 for me!) So it definitely can vary from cruise to cruise.

Looking forward to another Virgin experience with friends old and new alike!