swingers will be on our family cruise

[brazilgirl]

Sort of like "lipstick lesbians"....

 

There is a very active gay population in my town (here in Brazil) and I don´t think the "bear" trend has caught on here in the Southern hemisphere.

Once again , thanks for the explaination.Your description was quite vivid !

Kim

[farler05]

Wow. Is this the board where I've seen a bunch of people angry about 'kid haters'? Funny how it's okay to denounce an entire group of other people though.

 

To the person who thought swingers must not respect themselves or others, you have no idea what you are talking about. Not only do we respect ourselves, but we are completely open and honest with our partners, unlike most of the liars, cheaters, and secret keepers we meet in our 'straight lives'.

 

For those who think a suite would have to be 'disinfected' after a group of swingers has been socializing in it, you also have no idea what you're talking about. Do you really think people are going to spend a week exchanging fluids in a hot tub that will have the same water in it all week? Yuck. At every lifestyle party I have ever attended that has a hot tub, there has been a rule about sexual activity in the hot tub, for a good reason. I would expect that same rule in this situation.

 

For those who think swingers would engage in lewd behaviour in public areas, again, you have no idea what you're talking about. Swingers tend to be married/committed professionals, many of whom have children. As I noted on the Norwegian board, when friends ask us about the lifestyle parties we attend, we tell them that they are just like 'regular' parties, only people are more respectful. I've had all kinds of things happen in bars and at dances like being grabbed or groped, not to mention some of the things I've heard people say, but that doesn't happen with lifestylers because they have rules regarding respect and behavior.

 

I'm really sorry to see how negative people have been about a lifestyle they obviously know nothing about. I would trust my children with swingers in a heartbeat... a priest on the other hand I might think twice about. That is a joke, but if you think about it, priests have had more bad press than swingers, haven't they? Does that mean I get to assume that a group of priests on a cruise would be a danger to children? Think about it.

 

I'm glad that you posted on this. I have a very good friend who is involved in the swinger lifestyle. She & her DH have many friends who are swingers & non-swingers (me). I've attended parties at her house & never been hit on or approached in an offensive way. There's basically a "normal" party time & then swinger activities start later. We simply leave before that time, because it's not our deal. BUT my friends have a great marriage, great self-esteem & are not the lewd freaks others would like to portray them as. Don't make ASSumptions about things you've never personally experienced. I would cruise with these folks in a heartbeat.

[LifestylersOnTheSea]

How very refreshing!! I have to admit I was really worried about posting thinking I might get flamed or attacked. I apologize for that, as everyone here has really responded well to my posts. I'm very happy that I chose to poke my head out of my shell and post. :)

 

Farler, we have straight friends that we trust enough to have told about our lifestyle as well, and many of them have been to parties at our house as well. Obviously you're good friends and they know they can trust you with something that could have serious ramifications in their lives if you chose to talk about it with the 'wrong' people.

 

Brazilgirl, thank you for your post. I am very happy that I could help you to understand a little better. There are all kinds of people in the world who have made all kinds of different personal choices, some of which I don't understand myself. As long as everyone involved is an informed, consenting adult though, I'm happy that they can find others to enjoy their interests with, no matter how strange. For example, big hairy men definately don't 'do it' for me, but I'm happy there are men and women in the world who love them so that they can find love too. :)

[CanadianTwosome]

Lifestylers I'm with you on that one! Hairy isn't my thing either. Another one that baffles me is adult babies. Goodness knows the day my daughter was out of diapers, eating solid food, and talking I was ecstatic. I can't imagine doing it for fun for a grown person!! :eek:

[Crusin6]

OK, before I "judge" I research. And I'm sorry but if it was my cruise, I would be rescheduling. I don't like to cruise with ANY large group...I don't care who it is because with groups they have a tendency to close off areas for the group only. (sometimes the adult pools will be closed to group members)

 

But in this case, the naked sunbathing and hot tub parties with "play places" would would worry me. Get some drunk people whose only goal is to hook up for some non-commital sex...and there is no way it will be all kept in private.

 

Here's the group's site.

http://mitchspartyswingerscruise.com/

 

Taken from that site...

 

As always, this is only a backdrop for your own erotic adventure in our elegant on-premise swingers club. Mitch's Party Swingers Cruise not only brings you 7 days of exciting cruising with an excellent cruise line, NCL, but also an elegant private Lifestyle Club floating right along with you. Think of it, a club for swinging couples and single females with hot tub, play spaces, nude sun decks, lounge areas, dancing, parties and the best views on the ship. You will be traveling with other like-minded couples in the Swinging Lifestyle.

I would reschedule this cruise, these people are out of there mind and I doubt that based on the above info that they will keep to themselves. However, it might be interesting to watch them in action:D but still I would reschedule and expect NCL to give me a very good price on my next cruise. Doesn't NCL run those "alternative family" type cruises as well? Just a question not a political statement.

[Zaniac]

IMO, I don't think the issue for me would be what type of group was sailing with me. My biggest concern would be that public areas, which I have paid for, were unavailable to me because of the group. That would tick me off beyond belief. We traveled with an "Alternative Lifestyle" group last year and the only time we saw them was boarding the ship as they were right behind us, after that, we never saw them again. (Maybe we did and just didn't notice), which is why I say that the type of group should'nt be deciding factor on your cruise as you most likely will not even know they are there.

 

As long as the group is mindful of the other passengers and does not use the "greater in numbers" philosophy to take over areas, then all should be well. I have read on these forums however about groups just taking over areas because they travel around in their group. Think about it, if 50 people from this group just came down to the pool and/or hottubs, they could easily take it over with little effort. This would be my only fear and I am sure the Cruiseline would not be able to anything as there is nothing to stop them from using the same facilities, even if it is in greater numbers.

[CanadianTwosome]

I would reschedule this cruise, these people are out of there mind and I doubt that based on the above info that they will keep to themselves. However, it might be interesting to watch them in action:D but still I would reschedule and expect NCL to give me a very good price on my next cruise. Doesn't NCL run those "alternative family" type cruises as well? Just a question not a political statement.

 

Interesting. I've now read quite a few posts from someone who is a member of this lifestyle and she appears to be quite sane and intelligent and has assured the OP (and all of us) that they are discreet and respectful. Your post, on the other hand (in my opinion), shows ignorance and a clear refusal to accept what people with actual experience (both Lifestylers as a member and Preds having been on a cruise with the same group last year) have said. As for 'those "alternative family" type cruises', it wouldn't have occurred to me that your question was a 'political statement', simply an affirmation that you have an issue with people who are not 'straight'. Nobody else would ask a question like that, and they certainly wouldn't assume that people would think the reference was 'political'.

[CanadianTwosome]

IMO, I don't think the issue for me would be what type of group was sailing with me. My biggest concern would be that public areas, which I have paid for, were unavailable to me because of the group. That would tick me off beyond belief. We traveled with an "Alternative Lifestyle" group last year and the only time we saw them was boarding the ship as they were right behind us, after that, we never saw them again. (Maybe we did and just didn't notice), which is why I say that the type of group should'nt be deciding factor on your cruise as you most likely will not even know they are there.

 

As long as the group is mindful of the other passengers and does not use the "greater in numbers" philosophy to take over areas, then all should be well. I have read on these forums however about groups just taking over areas because they travel around in their group. Think about it, if 50 people from this group just came down to the pool and/or hottubs, they could easily take it over with little effort. This would be my only fear and I am sure the Cruiseline would not be able to anything as there is nothing to stop them from using the same facilities, even if it is in greater numbers.

 

I agree completely. As I said earlier, we had a B&B convention on our last cruise. I have no idea if they 'took over' any of the public areas because they weren't wearing name tags or any other identifiers (they didn't go around fluffing pillows or anything like that!). :p My understanding is that this group is not so much travelling together as they are meeting up on the ship, so aside from the private meeting areas they have said they are booking, they may not congregate as a large group. Preds said that on his cruise with the same group aboard, they never noticed them, so hopefully that is what the OP will find as well. :)

[emjsea]

I would reschedule this cruise, these people are out of there mind and I doubt that based on the above info that they will keep to themselves. However, it might be interesting to watch them in action:D but still I would reschedule and expect NCL to give me a very good price on my next cruise. Doesn't NCL run those "alternative family" type cruises as well? Just a question not a political statement.

 

Yeah, sorry, your use of "sneer quotes" really are a political statement. Usually the kind of of political statement used by right-wing "Christians" who are too cowardly to express their bigotry out loud.

 

NCL doesn't run anything. They allow large groups who have enough people to charter the entire ship for a period of time. All cruise lines allow this. I'd say I'm sorry that whatever group you belong to doesn't have enough people to do the same, but actually I'm kind of glad.

[wabender@cfaith.com]

OK, before I "judge" I research. And I'm sorry but if it was my cruise, I would be rescheduling. I don't like to cruise with ANY large group...I don't care who it is because with groups they have a tendency to close off areas for the group only. (sometimes the adult pools will be closed to group members)

 

After going to this group's webpage, it almost appears as if they are telling their members they have the run of the ship for their private use. I totally agree; I'd be rebooking immediately. I was on a Windstar cruise with a large group of "alternative lifestyle" people and they took over a lot of the ship; and those are small ships! I could care less about their lifestyle and did not find it offensive, but I hated the fact they could take over areas and the rest of the passengers could not use what they paid for. No way would I do this again.

 

You mush not have looked at thier page. It was obvious to me that the have a LARGE PRIVATE SUITE on an upper deck with a view, complete with hot tub and baths.

Many of you will be participating in the same activity, I'm sure, only on a much smaller scale. Should everyone re-book?

[brazilgirl]

Touche wabender!

 

What goes on in my cabin is my business if I am not infringing on other´s rights or privacy.

[twopugs]

I don't know that much about this lifestyle, but I would guess that it pales in comparison to being on a cruise with a ton of spring break college kids.

As a prior (well-mannered) college kid that took multiple spring break cruises with there was plenty of bad/lewd/drunk behavior and on more than one occasion some of my fellow travelers were escorted to their cabins and kept company by one of the ships security after their poor public behavior. In college, most of the cruises were planned through the dorms,fraterntiy/sorority, or sports club so I doubt there was any mention of them on a group cruise site.

Just a thought, but I would have to guess that this is an example of type of group that would be much worse than adults with particular sexual preferences who would probably be much more private about it.

[yeahbaby]

i would be concerned,, some people have no class and might try to hit on your grandkid. those people are all about sex w/ different people,, they tried to pick me up in vegas one time, i told them to ***k off.. hopefully your grandson will do the same.

[Crusin6]

PRIVATE is the important word though. The "PRIVATE Garden Villas" are available for this cruise. I just checked and 1400 and 1450 are available.

 

So where would this group have their "private" hot tub and sunbathing deck?

Good catch, Michelle!:)

[Crusin6]

Yeah, sorry, your use of "sneer quotes" really are a political statement. Usually the kind of of political statement used by right-wing "Christians" who are too cowardly to express their bigotry out loud.

 

NCL doesn't run anything. They allow large groups who have enough people to charter the entire ship for a period of time. All cruise lines allow this. I'd say I'm sorry that whatever group you belong to doesn't have enough people to do the same, but actually I'm kind of glad.

I have no problem with lifestyle choices, but I prefer the mainstream for myself, thanks!;)

[ChBoxers800]

You know, it's issues like these that bring to mind the old army adage of "don't ask, don't tell". It has been analized and criticized to death, but honestly, it is a good idea. What you don't know won't hurt you.

 

I have quite a few gay/lesbian friends. Some live a very quiet lifestyle, are in long term relationships, and are no different then anyone else. Other's are the complete opposite. One friend in particular is in a relationship with 2 other men. All 3 live together and seem very happy. They are wonderful men that would go to the ends of the earth to help you and would never do anyone any harm. Do I agree with their lifestyle? No, I don't and in fact, don't think too much about it because it honestly gives me the "ick" factor. But who am I to judge what they do privately? It's none of my business. I judge them on how they treat me and others and I am proud to call them my dear friends.

 

Bottom line is that those that are fearful that those with alternative lifestyles are going to cause you embarrassment on your cruise, or make you feel uncomfortable are wrong. No doubt if you "don't ask" they "won't tell"

[6rugrats]

You mush not have looked at thier page. It was obvious to me that the have a LARGE PRIVATE SUITE on an upper deck with a view, complete with hot tub and baths.

Many of you will be participating in the same activity, I'm sure, only on a much smaller scale. Should everyone re-book?

 

You make it appear as if I wrote everything you are quoting in your post, which is not true. The highlighted words are not mine.

 

That said, of course I mush [sic] have looked at thier [sic] web page before I made any comment.

 

This is what their webpage states:

 

As always, this is only a backdrop for your own erotic adventure in our elegant on-premise swingers club. Mitch's Party Swingers Cruise not only brings you 7 days of exciting cruising with an excellent cruise line, NCL, but also an elegant private Lifestyle Club floating right along with you. Think of it, a club for swinging couples and single females with hot tub, play spaces, nude sun decks, lounge areas, dancing, parties and the best views on the ship. You will be traveling with other like-minded couples in the Swinging Lifestyle. NCL has provided activities and amenities to keep the most discriminating traveler happy. We offer you that and more.

 

 

It goes on to offer the choice of balcony staterooms, oceanview staterooms and inside staterooms; how do you understand this to mean they have a large private suite complete with hot tubs and baths? This is not obvious merely from perusing the web page.

 

I question exactly where these play spaces, nude sun decks and lounge areas are. And no, I will not be participating in any "swinging" activities in my home or anywhere else. If people want to have sex with strangers, that's their choice, but I think it's wrong, and no, I'm not going to be doing it in my home or my cabin.

 

I however, could care less what you or anyone else does as long as it's not in my face, in my house, or taking over an area on a ship where I have booked a cruise. Again, if I was booked on this cruise, I would cancel and rebook. In the past, I paid a lot of money for a cruise where I was unable to use all the facilities, because a small group of people somehow had more rights then the majority, and I won't do that again.

[CanadianTwosome]

I understand that they will be booking one of the villas or owner's suites because they use the phrase 'private lifestyle club'. The use of the word 'private' means, to me, that they will be providing these amenities away from the public areas. The only way they can do that is by booking one of the large suites that includes the amenities they're advertising.

 

We've had two 'experts' post in this thread. One is someone with experience in this lifestyle who has assured us that swingers are well behaved in public. The other is someone with FIRST HAND experience on the EXACT same ship with the EXACT same group who has assured us that they aren't even noticable. Why are people still coming up with reasons to not trust the group or worry about them 'taking over the ship'?

 

The OP's questions have been answered. It's time to let it go. :)

[KerCar]

I understand that they will be booking one of the villas or owner's suites because they use the phrase 'private lifestyle club'. The use of the word 'private' means, to me, that they will be providing these amenities away from the public areas. The only way they can do that is by booking one of the large suites that includes the amenities they're advertising

 

How does this work??? From what I read on the NCL board, only people who are actually booked in the villas and certain suites can use the ammenities in the courtyards. For example, if DH and I are booked in a villa and other family members are booked in an inside cabin, according to what I have read, only DH and I can access the courtyard. So if this charter group only books one of the villas, is the ENTIRE group allowed to access the villa and courtyard??? I'm not sure how it works on the Star, but on some ships you need a special elevator key just to get up to the villas.

[crusinmama06]

You mush not have looked at thier page. It was obvious to me that the have a LARGE PRIVATE SUITE on an upper deck with a view, complete with hot tub and baths.

Many of you will be participating in the same activity, I'm sure, only on a much smaller scale. Should everyone re-book?

 

 

Not that obvious when those suites are still available.

 

But that's beside the point. Mitch has answered the concerns of the OP through an email. He intends to keep the activities private. I have seen on other sites that he has stated that NCL has requested that they keep the acitivities away from the public pool, which means to me they won't be shutting it down. Which is good. And it will still be available to all passengers.

 

To me, this was never about the lifestyle. I don't believe in the theory that someone could "indoctrinate" my children...lol. On my 1st anniversary cruise, I sailed with our best friends Don and MITCHELL. Yes, both guys. ;)

 

All of the OP's concerns have been addressed. The group will not infringe on the public areas and shut them down.

[CanadianTwosome]

How does this work??? From what I read on the NCL board, only people who are actually booked in the villas and certain suites can use the ammenities in the courtyards. For example, if DH and I are booked in a villa and other family members are booked in an inside cabin, according to what I have read, only DH and I can access the courtyard. So if this charter group only books one of the villas, is the ENTIRE group allowed to access the villa and courtyard??? I'm not sure how it works on the Star, but on some ships you need a special elevator key just to get up to the villas.

 

I can't answer this because I have nothing to do with it. What I can tell you is that if you take a moment to go back to the first page of this thread, you will find a post from Preds, who was on the exact same ship with the exact same group just last year, and has confirmed that the group keeps to themselves and are pretty much invisible. So obviously, they've found a way to make it work. :)

[CanadianTwosome]

Not that obvious when those suites are still available.

 

But that's beside the point. Mitch has answered the concerns of the OP through an email. He intends to keep the activities private. I have seen on other sites that he has stated that NCL has requested that they keep the acitivities away from the public pool, which means to me they won't be shutting it down. Which is good. And it will still be available to all passengers.

 

To me, this was never about the lifestyle. I don't believe in the theory that someone could "indoctrinate" my children...lol. On my 1st anniversary cruise, I sailed with our best friends Don and MITCHELL. Yes, both guys. ;)

 

All of the OP's concerns have been addressed. The group will not infringe on the public areas and shut them down.

 

I guess the reason it's obvious to me is that the host has said it and I have no reason to doubt him. I also think Preds has given us all the best information available regarding this group's effect on other cruisers, which is no effect at all. :)

 

I'm totally with you on the whole 'indoctrinating my kids' thing! I always laugh when people are worried about their kids (or them) being exposed to someone in an alternative lifestyle - whether it is by choice or by nature - like it's 'catching' or something. I make my own decisions and I consider my husband and I to be the most influential people in our daughter's life. While I hope it never happens :rolleyes: at some point, some rotten little brats (not mine of course! :p ) will provide other influences in her life, and I will have to do my best to trust her and trust that we gave her the best foundation possible to make wise choices. :)

[Krbncruz]

Is it bad that my wife and I pretend that we are on our honeymoon everytime we cruise? Dirty dancing in the disco, waring dresses that may be more reveling than normal, (her, not me) sneaking a kiss on the deck under the night sky, and haveing "nookie" during the afternoon and after dinner every night? (well trying to anyway). It has helped our 20+ marrige to go on cruise and get away from everything and recharge our "feelings" for each other.

[Ula]

All please note this thread is from March 2008.

[crusinmama06]

All please note this thread is from March 2008.

 

Yep, back from the dead. :D

 

I wonder how "Mitch's" party went? I didn't see any screaming irate posts on the NCL board so it must have gone off without a hitch. :)