Chumley's Bear Cruise Caribbean Princess 11/2/2008

[bbenson]

Anyone else going on this cruise?

[JerseyGuys]

Partner and I are considering this cruise. Have you been on the Chumley;s cruise before? 50 and 34 here

[bbenson]

No, this is my first one but I'm extremely excited. But, its a cruise and it's with a couple hundred (maybe more?) bear type fellas....so, to me it'd be hard to get messed up. Plus I decided to arrive early and check out Halloween in San Juan....now I just have to find a costume.

So, what I know about Chumley's (from talking to past cruisers)...they have a good time but don't get wild and crazy, they keep the wild and crazy behind closed doors (which I can understand since there are 2000+ straight passengers). They do plan their own excursions and their own events.

[JerseyGuys]

Sounds like a good time....email us at aes2jack@aol.com and lets chat

[Cruisin' Ron VA]

Which bear group was it that caused an uproar on the RCI cruise a while back?

 

Most of you can imagine what I am talking about.

 

I thought about a bear cruise but I would prefer a full charter and not a mixed crowd. Even if I dont do anything wrong the actions of others can cause me trouble the whole week. Sad hu?

[bbenson]

The one that had the problems a couple years ago was a group with bearfilms or **********.....this is not that group. and while a full charter would be preferable, neither group can fill a ship 1/4 full now so I doubt they could fill a large ship....maybe a smaller ship like Norwegian Dream or Majesty...or RCCL's Empress OTS though all three are being or have been transfered out of those fleets. Of course...the only way to get to a full charter one day is for people who are interested to join a cruise now.......show some support / enthusiasm! That might eventually get the ball rolling.

[beartraprr]

That other group that caused all that uproar was Bear Voyage, and the cruise line was NCL.

The person who ran it is the same person and t/a of that group in the article below. (Strap on your seat belt before reading)

http://www.expressgaynews.com/2008/5-22/news/localnews/

 

BAD BEAR...

 

That being said, I did Chumley's several years and it was wonderful. He and his T/A are top notch people. If you are lucky enough to be going on their cruise this year you have a real treat coming.

[bbenson]

yea, I read that story already...seems shady...it really is too bad there doesn't seem to be a full ship bear charter....would be fun. But Chumley's sounds like fun and I've already paid for everything so now I'm definitely ready to go! The only thing I didn't like was the airlines flying times..I chose continental because of the price but I don't leave SJ till like 6:30 p.m. coming back so I'll have most of a day to kill.

[BearCruise]

Chumley here, of Chumley's BearCruises. Thanks for the nice comments guys, I appreciate them - and am glad to see that you guys realize that Chumley's BearCruises and Bear Voyage have absolutely nothing to do with each other...

 

Although I know many guys would like to do a full all-bear charter, we designed our sailings to be large groups within a regularly schedule cruise for quite a few reasons. We really liked the value we could offer by being a big group on a regular sailing, and most of our guys feel just as if not more comfortable sailing with a variety of passengers, most straight yes, but - remember it is the cruise industry - plenty of other gay and lesbian guests and staff.

 

We looked at the all-gay industry many years ago [back when they wouldn't even talk to anyone who identified as a 'bear'! - and judging by their advertising it's still pretty clear who they are marketing to] and decided that we didn't want to have to charge 2-3x as much for the exact same product, and find that many in the bear community appreciate vacationing in a mixed, realistic crowd.

 

Each year as we depart our ship it amazes me how many of the straight passengers are our new best friends - and I'm proud to see them head back to their hometowns across America with a new 'bear' friend, and stories to tell their hairdresser!

 

While I will always leave options open, the ships just keep getting bigger and bigger, and we all want the casinos and theaters that they offer... even if we could still find a smaller classic ship, it wouldn't have anywhere near the amount of balcony cabins that you want - and you know you do!

 

For 2008 we depart San Juan November 2nd for a 7-day cruise aboard the Caribbean Princess bound for St Thomas, Dominica, Grenada, Bonaire and Aruba... as of early May we have over 200 guests signed up and expect this to be our largest group ever... I for one am ready to go right now!

 

Hugs,

 

Chumley, Chumley's BearCruises

[bbenson]

Well, you're definitely right on the price being better.... the ships definitely keep getting bigger and bigger...I can't wait for "Oasis of the Seas" to finally launch! With that said I've actually been thinking of doing more cruises on the older/smaller ships because in another couple years that won't be an option anymore, unless they go to a new line. In this day and age its easy to forget that ships even 15 years old have very few balcony rooms.

Although if a high number of balconys on a small ship was needed, these ships might work, Pacific Princess, Tahitian Princess, Royal Princess, Maasdam, Amsterdam, Prisdendam, Ryndam, Statendam, Veendam, are a few that might work...most of those have less than 1200 passengers but alot of balcony rooms. Of course that would mean finding 1200 bears to go and that definitely could be an issue.

I guess the big question there is, is it the cruise line that bumps the price up to triple or is it the travel company like Atlantis or RSVP that knocks up the price?

Of course, with all that said...if it aint broke...don't fix it!

[BearCruise]

Keep in mind that the all-gay sailings have to charter the entire ship and crew, set itinerary/excursions, book the entertainment, etc; all of which increase the sale price - then they add a hefty fee to cover all of that marketing [featuring the young buff clones ONLY!], add a nice chunk of change to make a profit, and pass all of that on to their guests. I'm not knocking their product, just saying that we are usually able to charge less than half as much for the exact same product - well except for the gay gay gay 24/7 atmosphere - something I'm glad to say our guys don't seem to be seeking on their vacation anyway.

 

As for the cruise lines, there are definitely those who like to market themselves as being very 'gay friendly' because they take those charters [and make a ton of money from them], but the fact is that there are some - I won't mentioNCL names - that have made it very clear that they do not want gay bears on their ships...

[Boytjie]

We looked at the all-gay industry many years ago [back when they wouldn't even talk to anyone who identified as a 'bear'! - and judging by their advertising it's still pretty clear who they are marketing to] and decided that we didn't want to have to charge 2-3x as much for the exact same product, and find that many in the bear community appreciate vacationing in a mixed, realistic crowd.

 

RSVP seems to be very bear-friendly. On the last 2 cruises we were on - and especially on the Alaska cruise - there were a few bear groups that had a group-on-a-charter thing going.

 

As for "2-3x as much for the exact same product", the gay charters are not quite "the exact same product". The parties and entertainment are all arranged by the charter copmpany. There are also changes that can be made for the charter such as a variation on the dining options (e.g. open seating at 2 sittings) or a clothing optional deck.

 

Charters are more expensive, it is a question of whether the different experince it is worth the money.

[bbenson]

wow, didn't realize they didn't include all the standard events/ entertainment / excursions for a charter....well, I don't know about wanting a gay gay gay atmosphere because after about a day of that I'm over it.

Yea, I read the other posts about NCL, which is very disappointing. I've only been on one of their cruises about ten years ago and it was sort of a let down anyway so I haven't been back.

I've heard some and seen that RSVP has a bear contingent but, the ads always show the little buff twink clones and that actually discourages me from going since thats not my type of fella.

Now a clothing optional bear deck might make for some fun watching! Although I will say sometimes its more fun with clothes because it leaves you wondering whats under the wrapping!

[Boytjie]

wow, didn't realize they didn't include all the standard events/ entertainment / excursions for a charter....well, I don't know about wanting a gay gay gay atmosphere because after about a day of that I'm over it.

 

There is usually dancing every night and depending on the itinerary and time of year that would be outdoors. They bring their own sound systems, lighting and DJs. There's a costume party and about 2-3 tea dances on a 7 day cruise. Special entertainers etc. Extra male massage therapists are brought on board. :)

 

It is gay gay gay 24 hours a day, but not in a bad way. Actually it is a very fun atmosphere and there is usually not much attitude to deal with.

 

And on a regular cruise you won't play Church Bingo with Sister Helen Holy. :)

 

I've heard some and seen that RSVP has a bear contingent but, the ads always show the little buff twink clones and that actually discourages me from going since thats not my type of fella.

 

And regular cruises have young, sexy people in the ads. :) Does it match the real experience?

 

Now a clothing optional bear deck might make for some fun watching! Although I will say sometimes its more fun with clothes because it leaves you wondering whats under the wrapping!

 

It's probably less about watching that just getting an overall tan. ;)

[bbenson]

There is usually dancing every night and depending on the itinerary and time of year that would be outdoors. They bring their own sound systems, lighting and DJs. There's a costume party and about 2-3 tea dances on a 7 day cruise. Special entertainers etc. Extra male massage therapists are brought on board. :)

 

Well and I see nothing wrong with the regular entertainers...most of them are wonderful!

 

It is gay gay gay 24 hours a day, but not in a bad way. Actually it is a very fun atmosphere and there is usually not much attitude to deal with.

 

Well, sounds a bit like mardi gras on the seas and I've done mardi gras / decadence enough...I would like something a little more low key...although everything has a place and time...

 

And on a regular cruise you won't play Church Bingo with Sister Helen Holy. :)

 

And regular cruises have young, sexy people in the ads. :) Does it match the real experience?

 

Now that you mention it...no...not at all.......although some......but thats any vacation..

 

It's probably less about watching that just getting an overall tan. ;)

 

Not so much about the tan here...I can get darker in a half hour than most people do in a week...gotta love genetics...its kind of funny because my current web picture was taken in low light and I look totally white.... besides...overall tanning can lead to overall burning...OUCH!! On the other hand, and I'm sure chumley already does this.....a private party or two for the bears would be awesome, can anyone say Costume Party!!! OR Maybe an "Adult" after party in someones suite.

 

Really I think the most exciting thing for me on this cruise is that with my other cruises I'm with friends and family and although I love them there are very few of "my people" on the ship...judging from the FOD meetings I've been to on my trips....so its going to be Fantastic having a couple hundred of "my people" on the ship. Although if I really enjoy this one I may pony up the extra dough to do an all gay one next spring or over the summer, if there is one and see how those are done.

[BearCruise]

As for "2-3x as much for the exact same product", the gay charters are not quite "the exact same product". The parties and entertainment are all arranged by the charter copmpany.

 

We also do our own entertainment, parties and excursions exclusively for our group, and have our own section of the dining room, group activities and photos etc - so yes, it is pretty much the exact same product - except of course that our guests can get away from it if and when they choose to.

 

Charters are more expensive, it is a question of whether the different experince it is worth the money.

 

Again, if that is what you are looking for than I am sure it is worth the extra cost.

[bbenson]

Well, I'm sure there are pro's and con's to both a group cruise and a charter cruise,....and actually both are probably a ton of fun if ya go with the right mindset. Kind a like bear runs....some of the most fun have just been hanging out and partying without being naughty.....and some...were more naughty but both were great depending on state of mind.

[djzack67]

Anyone else going on this cruise?

 

Less then 5 months. We are ready

[djzack67]

Partner and I are considering this cruise. Have you been on the Chumley;s cruise before? 50 and 34 here

 

This will be our 1st Chumley Cruise, but we have several couples that have been cruising with Clumley for years and say its a great time.

 

One of the best things about the clumley cruise is that it is very versatile. They have there own BEAR only activities that you can join in on or if you want to get away from the group you can utilize princess cruise lines options. There are group only cocktail parties and dances. Along with several shore executions.

 

And the PRICE. Can’t beet the price.

[JerseyGuys]

Drop us an email at aol aes2jack tell us about your self. We're now considering to the b2b on November 9th along with the Chumleys cruise

[bbenson]

welcome djzack! I know I can't wait to go! Am definitely looking forward to it...wish it was tomorrow...ok, I'm kinda glad I have time...gotta lose some weight so I can afford to gain my "cruise weight" <EG>

[amy417]

Hi everyone!

Please come over to our Princess Roll call for this cruise. We would love to have you. The more the merrier. We are also planning a meet and greet once on the ship.

Cya there!

[djzack67]

welcome djzack! I know I can't wait to go! Am definitely looking forward to it...wish it was tomorrow...ok, I'm kinda glad I have time...gotta lose some weight so I can afford to gain my "cruise weight" <EG>

 

 

Looks to be a great time. Can't wait. In the last few years Cruising has become the one thing I really look forward to every year.

[djzack67]

Hi everyone!

Please come over to our Princess Roll call for this cruise. We would love to have you. The more the merrier. We are also planning a meet and greet once on the ship.

Cya there!

 

 

Thanks Amy

[JerseyGuys]

It's been awfully quiet on the thread........