Postcard From The Golden Princess - First Cruise!

First cocktail aboard the Golden Princess

Currently out on the Pacific Ocean this week as Michael surprised me with a week long cruise for our 20th anniversary!

This is my very first cruise - ever. Apparently most folks who go on one cruise come back for more and more. I’ve spoken to passengers who this is their 17th, 25th, or 33rd cruise.

We are on the “Golden Princess” which is part of the Princess Cruise Line. The ship has been chartered, however, by Atlantis Events. Atlantis is the leading cruise line for the LGBT community. So, yes, I’m on a boat with about two thousand gay men. And eleven lesbians :)

(Don’t worry - lesbians have a whole cruise line unto themselves, too - Olivia Cruises.)

In that this is my first cruise, I’ll go ahead and share that it constantly crosses my mind that it’s “just like the Love Boat,” which makes me laugh. While everything is very comfortable and the crew uber-friendly, every time I walk on the deck or see a staircase, it reminds me of the late 70s TV show. The decor on the ship is a tad dated, but someone explained that most of the regular passengers are seniors who like a bit of “Golden Girls” design. Stll, very comfortable.

We have several friends from past vacations on the ship, but everyone says “hello” to everyone; very warm, easy atmosphere.

And then there’s the food thing. You’ll hear from people that all you do on cruises is eat and drink. And it’s true. We are out at sea for the first two and a half days, and so far it’s just sun, fun, food and drink.

The restaurants are great. And you really do eat all you want. If you want two entrees, three desserts, just ask. They bring it.

My one concern is the internet connection is slow and paid by the minute so I’ll be a bit truncated on The Randy Report this week. But I will be posting, especially in light of the yesterday’s SCOTUS decision on marriage equality.

Here’s a few pics from the first couple of days on the ship.

Happy Tuesday!

Just like on LOVE BOAT!!!

Just one of many pools - we like the bar here :)

Mandatory life-preserver class - "Never let go Jack..."

Michael and I start the adventure

First sunset. And, more wine!

Just part of the view here on Atlantis Cruises :)

More view. Says it all, doesn't it?

First afternoon at the pool. That's a whole lotta gays, you know?

First official party - the "Dog Tag T-Dance"
Lots of camouflage. Or rather, not so much :) 

First group selfie: Me, Michael, Kenny, Tim, Gordon, Alex, Craig and Rob