Zaandam - Gay Friendly?

[apollobeach]

We just returned from a cruise aboard The Zaandam to Hawaii. While most of the crew were welcoming and friendly to myself and my Partner, the overall distinct feeling we got from the majority of passengers was abject negativity.

 

The passenger average age on The Zaandam is quite older, so that may be a reason for the looks; stares; and underhanded comments. At times we felt other passengers were going out of their way to make us feel uncomfortable and unwelcome.

 

Again, it may be the average age of the passengers, but we feel much more welcome and accepted on other cruise lines.

 

HAL also had a comedian that saw fit to use an anti-gay joke to close out his performance.

[High Seas Texan]

Hummmmmmmm, and in this day and age. My partner and I are booked on the Zaandam in March, hope we do not experience the same treatment.

[Boytjie]

That's not good. HAL is RSVP's cruiseline of choice so I believe its more tge passengers than the cruiseline. Comedians with anti-gay jokes seem to be not that uncommon on ships.

[Hal San Diego]

:)HAL ON HAL !!!

Neal and I have been on many HAL cruises over the years...Hawaii, Mexico, Alaska, Caribbean...and we have had a lot of great times due to the welcoming and friendly (family) crew members...but we can also tell you that the length of the Hawaii cruises does draw an older then usual crowd since most working people can't take vacations over two weeks. That said, we have had two wonderful cruises to Hawaii, but the first had a more fun crew and passengers on board then the second which was a much quieter (and older) group. We have endured the occasional comment from people throughout the years, but they have been few and far between and we always have a quick come back that leaves their mouths open...keep smiling and have fun, life is way too short to deal with other peoples problems when you're on vacation!!!!

HUGS,

HAL :)