Last autumn I flew across country from San Francisco to Ft. Lauderdale and began one of the best journeys of my life, the annual Poz Cruise Retreat. It was also my very 1st time to Florida, and I was lucky to be able to stay at the host hotel for the cruise so that I got to meet other "cruisers" right away. The weather was a little stormy, but in a wonderfully unique tropical way. Rain in the Bay Area is almost never "warm"!
Paul, the travel agent who created this one of a kind experience, led the "Meet & Greet" party with the other social hosts for the cruise. There were over 140 other poz gay men, who would be traveling together with another contingent of 40 heterosexuals also living with HIV/AIDS. Guys mixed and mingled, and I had the fortune of meeting a very handsome young latin guy who was taking his 1st cruise as well. He was nervous and yet excited to be going on the trip and spending time with other poz guys since he rarely had even after testing positive. We bonded immediately, and I felt comforted that I could help deal with my own social anxieties (and yes, I can get pretty shy at times in new situations) by helping someone else face and conquer his own.
Then guys went in large groups of fast new friends to cab off to local gay restaurants and bars, and we danced our butts off before enjoying the hot men in the hot October evening at the Ramrod (a legendary Florida leather den of lust). Sunday morning we boarded a stunning Princess Cruise liner, and my stress level disappeared entirely for some reason. Probably because this was a floating resort where my room was just a quick elevator ride from several large swimming pools and a quick walk to luxurious dining rooms. I also love the sea (no jokes about sea men please) having grown up boating in Seattle, but here the air was balmy and comforting.
For the next week I was surrounded and empowered by other people also living with HIV/AIDS. It was a fantastic experience where I learned so much about these other amazing men and women, and even more importantly, I learned about myself. I also learned that I love to snorkel (which I hadn't done since being a kid on vacation in Hawaii). In St. Thomas, huge sea turtles glided below us during a relaxing sail over to an island reef. Even an unexpected tour to the far side of the main island turned into a group singing contest of theme songs to campy 70's TV shows (led by David and Greg from SIN NYC). Speaking of the boys of New York, they burned the dance floor every night and wowed us with spectacular Halloween costumes (Larry as "Batman Beyond" should have won a Tony).
Even outshining the stunning hillsides covered with palm trees and the sapphire blue seas, my favorite time on the cruise was stealing away to their on board spa and laying down on one of the heated tiled recliners. The gentle rocking of the ship only enhanced the effects of the warm stone, letting me fall into an extreme deep sleep. Fully relaxed, I would venture off to our nightly group dinners to enjoy full course meals, huge desserts, and best of all, hour after hour of conversation and laughs with other guys just like me.
We really bonded after that week, and I know that many of us will remain life-long friends. Times are not easy right now, I know in my own hardships and that of my family. The good thing about a cruise is that I found it to be the most affordable vacation I've ever taken. Almost all of my food during the trip was covered as part of my cruise price, and checking my daily on board spending total helped me keep my extra costs well under control. I'm writing this letter because I really think these HIV/poz cruise retreats are amazing experiences, as much for the soul as they are for the body & mind. I really want these retreats to continue to grow and prosper, fully understanding that right now some of us will not be able to afford this. But when we can, and I know our economy will bounce back, then this type of very special adventure we get to enjoy with others living with HIV/AIDS will be there bigger and better than ever before.
You can see photos of my cruise at:
Please email Paul directly about this cruise.
Paul@...
The SIN Cruise to Mexico (from Long Beach) still has affordable spaces but they're going fast.
Bon voyage,
Bryan Levinson
Founder, Strength In Numbers
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: RE: Updated
From: "Paul Stalbaum" <Paul@...>
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Gay Men’s HIV Cruise Retreat: October 10–18, 2009
Our mission is providing to our travelers the most unique memorable travel experience for people living with HIV. We offer the perfect balance of laugh-out-loud social events as well as informative lectures from top HIV specialists. Reaction from past passengers confirms how successful we have been in meeting our goal! The sense of community and camaraderie we offer is exceptional.
We sail for eight nights on the new Carnival Freedom from Fort Lauderdale October 10–18, 2009 with stops in San Juan, St. Thomas, Antigua , Tortola and Nassau. Low rates starting at only $489 per person (plus taxes) includes all meals, entertainment as well as private cocktail parties and fun and games. We also offer customized shore excursions exclusively designed for our group. We also include a $100 per cabin ship board credit to spend in any fashion you want on the ship.
Through our many private parties, lectures, games and private dining room seating we provide great socialization, camaraderie, and a true sense of community. Ours is a truly emotional and bonding travel experience. After all “we are all in the same boat”!
Each year we contribute a portion of our proceeds to various HIV organizations. To date, over $35,000 has been donated. Please visit www.hivcruise.com for details. |
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Paul B. Stalbaum
Universal Travel/American Express
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