Atlantis Events

I’ve been on eleven Atlantis Cruises through the years, and after just returning from a «straight» cruise I felt compelled to write a review regarding Atlantis vacations. If you’re looking for a non-​stop dance party then Atlantis is probably the place for you. There are sometimes three dances or more a night and along with that comes everything you would expect from a rave type culture. I mean everything.
If you want to go some place where you won’t feel judged, Atlantis isn’t the place for you. Sure you might feel safe holding your partner’s hand but there’s plenty of nasty bitter queens on board that don’t say hello in the hallways, roll their eyes at you, talk loudly about what they did the night before during breakfast and make fun of the Bears. Sometimes being judged by your own peers is a lot harder than ignorant outsiders.
Taking a stroll along the pool decks and you’ll see the divide of muscled circuit boys at the main pool and the Bears in the back. I always preferred the more down-​to-​Earth, less judgemental kindness of the smaller pools and it’s also a way to get away from the non-​stop dance music.
The Atlantis staff is based out of West Hollywood and some of the stereo typical LA attitude comes right along with it. There are some really nice folks of course and then there’s not. Like the pretentious Atlantis photographer that asked his co-​worker if his friends were hot because he couldn’t find anyone to photograph for the Atlantis brochure. This conversation went on as I lay in my lounge chair on the beach in Labadee. Five minutes later I opened my eyes as water was dripping on me from the swimsuits of men they had arranged to hang off the lifeguard stand next to my chair. I was ultimately asked to move so they could take pictures for the brochure. I couldn’t believe my $ 5K vacation was being interrupted without so much as an apology from the photographer. I made this known to the staff member organizing everyone and again the photographer just stood there, waiting for me to finish.
The entertainment on board and light shows are pretty awesome but also pretty predictable. I really loved Miss Richfield and Dixie Longate, probably the only thing I truly miss about Atalntis.
So why did I do eleven cruises with Atlantis? Probably because when I experienced my first cruise it was 2001 and times were different. You wanted an option like Atlantis where you could feel accepted at least to some extent. You get wrapped up in this «box» of Gaydom and don’t realize the world is changing and you’re being left behind. You’re also not helping the change move faster since you’re excluding yourself from the population that would otherwise have the pleasure of knowing that we’re just like everyone else.
Two weeks ago I sailed a «straight» cruise with NCL and was blown away by the experience. The overwhelming acceptance and acknowledgement by passengers and staff was incredible. An Evangelical Pastor from NC actually approached my partner and I, sharing his experience regarding his Lesbian daughter and his desires to start a new inclusive Church. It was an extremely powerful and touching moment. We made friends with a group of «Golden Girls» from Georgia that want to see us again when they visit South Beach in the near future. I would have missed out on all of this had I not stepped out of the box and my own comfort zone.
Finally if you still think straight cruises are too straight, you might be surprised that many cruise lines offer a «Friends of Dorothy» event which is code for GLBTQ meet and greet. NCL had one every night and we couldn’t believe how many other gay people and couples were on board! Out of 4,200 passengers you know we’re out there!
Times are changing. Step out of the box and enjoy the freedoms and acceptance we have worked so hard to achieve. Let others know we’re not that different after all.

Well the Atlantis pathetic attempt at good service strikes again and we haven’t even sailed yet. We leave for the Tahiti cruise in less than 2 weeks and we still don’t have seat assignments on the plane they forced us to charter and take. We don’t have excursions identified yet so we can sign up for them. We don’t have our cruise documentation. This is extremely horrible service. And what do they do? They blame the cruise line Oceania. Take responsibility and be accountable Atlantis queens. I’ve talked with Oceania and it isn’t their fault. Step up, do your jobs, be accountable, do the right thing, and provide the service you are ethically and morally obligated to provide given the prices you charge!

bad customer service, anti social owner in the cruise, can’t communicate with guests, very snob, very expensive for that service what they have. non organized and not professional, never go back. and i dont recommend anybody.

I went Atlantis cruise
did the room share program ended up with somebody that was 66 when I am 29 they do not match you up to the same age range be careful when doing the room share program you could end up with a female I heard as well Atlantis needs to match up its occupants to the same age range and personalities like most large entertainment companies

First, it is an absolute lie that only the best cruise liners are rented by Atlantis. The Sydney Austraian cruis 2015 utilized a dog, washed out, in badly need of renovations and update vessel owned by Holland America. Such a dog. Motel 6 grade. Second, the entertainment was very good. The food, well, it was food. I hear the specialty restaurants that command a hefty additional fee are very good. I didn’t get around to dining in any. Third, the cost is exorbitant and don’t expect to get anything back if things go wrong. We were promised breakfast for three of the post cruise days. The management accidentally signed a contract for the wrong three days and had to absorb the cost of one of the days they failed to sign the contract for so instead of absorbing that cost, like a honest business would, we were told at the last minute that there would be no breakfast on one day of the post cruise stay. Nice going. Just take it back after promising. Fortunately, I am not a breakfast person anyway; however, it was completely wrong to not provide what was promised to paying customers. No money was returned. They (Atlantis) kept it. Last, the photos are of people who I can say I never saw during my two plus week journey with Atlantis. Ages: 40 – 75 is more like it and that is okay. I just want you to know that for the more expensive cruises, this is the norm. Who can afford these but retirees, and if not for the cost, just the sheer time one has to take off of work to attend. Maybe the shorter cruises are different with Atlantis?
Me, first cruise with Atlantis and last one too. If you decide to go, please remember that what is described on the marketing sites is not what you will end up getting. There may be deletions at the last moment and it will be your problem; not, theirs.
Disorganized to a new high as well.
Other than the entertainment, it was a mess!

Have been on two cruises with them.
Positive: no kids! All gay. Mostly men!
Negative: price. Way too much compared to straight cruises. Guests do have attitude as in gay bar, and there are many clicks. poor customer service…
They do not have Alist shows.
Don’t think I will go back again.

I’ve been on 9 Atlantis cruises and all have been just beyond wonderful. Atlantis fully charters the ship and bring on their own entertainers and DJ. Don’t expect A list stars, but I’ve yet to be disappointed with the entertainment. Sure, the marketing picture shows buff gym boys, but the reality is much more varied from 18 to 80 in all shapes and sizes and all types from twinks to bears with about ⁵⁰⁄₅₀ singles to couples. Don’t worry you will find plenty of eye candy around the pool. No, it’s not a float bathhouse and although the nightly pool deck circuit themed parties go until late; you will also find Broadway shows, Karaōke, piano bar sing a-​longs, Martini bar, etc. for those into the more traditional cruise stuff. Most guys are from US/​Canada, but I’ve met guys from all over the world & a few lesbians and straights traveling with gay friends. Pros: All-​gay — no kids or families, great entertainment, specialized ports and itinerary for the charter & everyone is really friendly (no attitudes– as you are ask to leave it at the pier. LOL They really do make the announcement. Atlantis offers solo travelers a cabin share option and you only pay the per person rate. Con) Pricey — Atlantis rarely discount these cruises from full price, yet most sell out so they don’t need to discount. Only 5 – 6 sailings per year with both domestic and international sailings. Overall, Atlantis tries hard to produce a great and high energy product. It still offers all the traditional cruise activities with an added benefit of an all gay environment. No, It’s not for everyone taste as it pretty homo-​charged for the week; yet it’s as fun as a cruise could ever get.

I have been on 2 sea trips and will be going on a 3^rd this fall. I have a partner and going on the trips has never been an issue. The trip is what you make it out to be. We always find like minded people… go out have a good time and enjoy. People of all ages and walks of life! Recommend a trip. Have done the Caribbean, New Zealand /​Australia, and headed to Mexico this fall. The reason for the higher cost… the great entertainment they bring on the ship! Try it once and you will be sold.

Just got back from the Venice to Rome cruise, truly amazing on every level! I have to admit that I had a ton of preconceived ideas thinking that it was going to be a circuit muscle men floating bath house and I could not have been more mistaken as everyone was super nice and there really is something for all. The ship and crew were wonderful and the Atlantis staff had everything very well planned out from the incredible itinerary to the on board festivities. I met some incredible people from around the world and have new friends out of it. It really is what you make of it from tame to wild and everything in between. I honestly have never had such a fantastic vacation and without question plan on taking more asap!

Buckle up for a great time! Just back from a cruise in the Med. Wow! Very nicely done boys. Everything from a quality ship, to quality escursions to quality people. We’ll definitely book again.

I have done 3 land vacations and 3 cruises. Booked for oct mex cruise and now march cruise from san juan. I love atlantis. i think they do an outstanding job. Can’t please all the people all the time, but they try. My hubby is Sober and i am a heart patient (41 and 46), we don’t do the all night party, but we enjoy the tea dance’s, dinners, piano bar, dixie, ms richfield, tours and wonderful food on celebrity and holland america. and all our regular people. Rich is great and the hosts are wonderful. Thanks Randall Roper for being a real guy and so approachable too. Even remembers me on the each time with all the people there, says «hey mike how are you»? i look for my name tag and he laughs.
Give it a shot. Maybe expensive, but hey, we are mostly DINKs… right. The price cuts out the riff raff. The best part too for me is not one damn kid around. love it.

First Atlantis cruise = last Atlantis cruise.
Disappointing and pretty obnoxious passengers did it in for me. I was shocked to hear that the Caribbean cruise I went on was considered to be «tame» compared to previous Atlantis cruises. Lotsa older men prancing around wearing speedos/​age inappropriate Abercrombie graphic tees (depicting sports these guys have never watched nor played in their entire lives)…trying to recapture their youth (who SHOULD be old enough to know better)…not a good sign when, the first night you are there, you witness a 70 year old + man stumbling towards you when you get out of the elevator and he has crapped himself because he took some type of drug… and it was all over the floor… Feel bad for the poor staff who had to subjected to «crap» such as this… Stereotypes everywhere. To be fair, I am not sure that I am a «cruise person», let alone a «gay cruise person», but I found the parties in the evening to be depressingly/​numbingly too circuit partyish. And just little things that IRKED me… such as, converting the sports bar into a video lounge that played only «GLEE» episodes round the clock… REALLY??? Lots of the guys seemed to never leave the ship (how pathetic is that?). They just hole themselves up for the week and party. Just not what I was hopng for but unfortunately, got in the end. BUT… the highlight (by far) was Miss Richfield 1981… I do not find most drag queens funny (most of them are not very funny and rely on their costumes to create the yucks) but Miss R. is quick witted and very «on the ball», especially with the «off the cuff» comments she would make to people when she would talk to them. Loved every one of her shows and I plan to see her when she performs in Rehoboth Beach this summer.

i love this team! i have been on numerous atlantis events and they were all such a great time. it is certainly worth your time and money to relax and spend your vacation as you want to. WELL worth it!

I give Atlantis gay cruises a clear two stars, although with better and more customer-​oriented management it could be a five star experience. I have traveled as a passenger on five different Atlantis gay cruises over the past several years. I originally was a huge fan of Atlantis, but over time the Atlantis experience has significantly deteriorated for me as the company has focused more on becoming, in the words of Atlantis’ own Chief Executive Officer, «a floating bar.»
Atlantis gay cruises are VERY expensive for the quality of the product that is delivered. Atlantis charters cruise ships from large firms such as Royal Caribbean and Celebrity, and then markets these cruises to gay customers by marking up the prices of staterooms to as much as 300% of their regular cost. But even after these heady price markups, Atlantis still nickels and dimes customers for a whole host of basic amenities (for example: $ 3 for a latte with your dessert). The nickel and diming gets annoying.
Although Atlantis markets itself as providing high quality special guest entertainers on its cruises, I personally have found many of them to be disappointing. The special guests are in my opinion, more often than not, «has-​beens» or «one-​hit-​wonders» in the waning days of their careers such as Charo, Deborah Cox, or Rita Moreno. Atlantis cruises also provide a significant number of drag queen entertainers and shows. Such a large emphasis on drag queen shows is not my personal taste, but the drag queens are hugely popular with the majority of Atlantis’ customers (for example: an aging drag queen who plays the saw got the largest standing ovation of all the entertainers on my most recent Atlantis cruise).
To be fair, every once in a while Atlantis does shell out enough money to hire an A-​List entertainer: for example, Wanda Sykes. I was very excited to hear that Wanda would be headlining one of my Atlantis cruises. Unfortunately, because of the «floating bar» atmosphere that Atlantis encourages, members of the audience kept sending alcoholic drinks up to the stage to Wanda during her performance, which unfortunately she downed with the skill of a pre-​rehab Britney Spears. Eventually, Wanda got so blotto drunk during her performance that she completely lost her concentration, forgot her lines and stopped talking altogether, and then incoherently staggered back and forth across the stage for nearly ten minutes. It was a true Judy Garland moment. Thank God that Wanda at least did not projectile vomit into the audience. It was disappointing to see an A-​list entertainer behave this way during a performance.
I understand that many gay men love a good circuit party, even though that is not my personal taste. Over time, unfortunately, the focuses of an Atlantis cruise vacation have become the nightly circuit parties, which begin at 11pm and last until sunrise. Nowhere is this more evident than upon your checking into an Atlantis cruise, where U.S. customs and immigration officers now subject all Atlantis passengers to inspection by a group of drug sniffing dogs (though they are really cute yellow Labradors). Even though I had nothing to hide, it was a bit creepy and humiliating to be subjected to this sort of profile-​driven searching. On my most recent Atlantis cruise, the searching went even further with the cruise ship opening and going through each and every piece of checked luggage for nearly every passenger. In the process, literally hundreds of bottles of alcohol were seized from passengers’ luggage. Passengers grumbled about the profile-​driven searches and seizures for the entire weeklong cruise.
Unfortunately over time Atlantis cruises have become fairly rampant with casual and anonymous sex. Atlantis designates a certain part of the cruise ship as «Deck 13,» which is Atlantis’ code word for «sex club.» If the ship has a steam room or sauna, Atlantis has co-​opted them into sex cruise areas. You may be invited to an underwear party or naked party by one of your fellow passengers. Or, a fellow unknown passenger may simply drop by your stateroom unannounced, ring your doorbell, and ask to have sex with you and your partner, as I experienced on my most recent Atlantis cruise (we didn’t). This sort of activity cheapens the Atlantis vacation experience in my opinion. Enough said on this topic. You have been forewarned.
One final note: if you do book an Atlantis cruise, do NOT book your reservation early or you will significantly overpay for your vacation. The longer that you can wait to book your reservation, the lower the price you will pay because Atlantis discounts its vacations over time to fill the ship. Keep in mind that today’s bad economy has hit the cruise vacation industry quite hard, including Atlantis, and the ships are rarely filled to their capacity so time is on your side if you want a good deal.

Since so many people have asked me where is Unilocal!profile picture is from it occurred to me to write about it.
First off, I never ever thought of myself as a cruise guy. To me cruise meant two things:
Straight Cruise: old people, honeymooners, buffets
Gay Cruise: party boys, A-​gays, buffets
Since I am none of the above and don’t like buffets the thought of a cruise was never on my mind. However, when I got a cruise for my boyfriend and I as a gift for doing some consultant work, I couldn’t turn it down.
We were lucky enough to go to Alaska with Atlantis Events. I can’t really think of a better way to see Alaska and this cruise was amazing. The people at Atlantis events go out of their way to make you feel right at home whether you are old, young, coupled, single — whatever. We really had the best time. We say things that took our breath away like Hubbard Glacier and did things like take a helicopter to a glacier and trek across it. We also made friends that will last a lifetime. To top it off, we met Charo! — now how Love Boat is that!!!
Seriously, though, I can’t recommend this cruise or Atlantis event enough. It was so good, that we signed up for the Mediterranean cruise the next year!!! Now, while that was also amazing, it was not nearly as relaxing as Alaska. (Rome in a day was a challenge.) However, we once again had an amazing time and the folks at Atlantis couldn’t be better.
I highly recommend Atlantis events for your next vacation. And, you know what? Even the buffets were good.