Cruising Melissa Etheridge
A week in Caribbean waters with the lesbian rocker! In 2016, when Melissa Etheridge launched her first fan cruise, she was surprised at what she got out of it. “It was actually more of an experience for me,” she told Out Traveler earlier this year. “I think my fans had a great time, but just being there, realizing that there’s actually 3,500 people that really want to spend a week with you on a boat. And how freeing it was just to do all the songs I wanted.” That gave Etheridge the opportunity to have different interactions with fans than she does performing at stadiums on tours. And it’s what’s brought her back for what will be her fourth cruise. Produced by Sixthman, Melissa Etheridge Cruise IV sets sails aboard the Norwegian Jewel November 12-18, 2021, traveling from Miami to Great Stirrup Cay, Ocho Rios, and Nassau. This year, Etheridge has something special planned, with special guest star multi-platinum singer-songwriter Jewel co-headlining the cruise. In addition to promised Melissa-Jewel duets, passengers will also be serenaded by Dorothy, Shawn Colvin, Lucy Spraggan, Wendy Moten, Sonia Leigh, Antigone Rising, and many others. (themelissaetheridgecruise.com) —JACOB A NDERSON-MINSH A LL
COMING ATTRACTIONS
Bucket List. Check. Next year take a once-in-a-lifetime safari, cruise, or adventure.
A Gay Winter Wonderland Aspen’s original LGTBQ+ ski week returns to queer the slopes for its 45th anniversary. Go on safari with your chosen family on Olivia’s 11-day/10night South Africa Adventure. This exciting adventure starts in Cape Town and visits Franschhoek, Cape Winelands, the Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, Kruger National Park, and more before ending in Johannesburg. You’ll see the natural wonders of South Africa, while also enjoying wine tastings and visiting cultural sites with primarily lesbian travelers. The tour departs April 17, 2022, and includes all accommodations, group transfers, most meals, some alcoholic beverages, gratuities, and more. (olivia.com)
If you’re tired of the stress of daily life, then head to the 5-star Oasis at Andaz Papagayo resort on VACAYA’s 8-day/7night Costa Rica tour (June 5-12, 2022). The resort sits on 1,400 acres of lush tropical rainforest with stunning views of Culebra Bay. Whether you join the LGBTQ+ vacation to learn to paddleboard and surf, relax by one of the resort’s four pools with a book and cocktail, pamper yourself at the spa, or party into the night with friends and family at one of the multiple bars and lounges, this amazing oasis on Costa Rica’s north Pacific coast just might be the escape you crave. (myvacaya.com)
Break out your speedo, sunscreen, and copy of Homer’s Odyssey for an epic adventure cruising the Mediterranean Sea on the Atlantis Odyssey Med Cruise. This absolutely gay cruise sets sail August 21-30, 2022, onboard the brandnew 4,200-guest Odyssey of the Sea. Starting in Rome with stops in Naples, the Greek Isles, Sicily, and Corsica (the birthplace of Napoleon), the cruise has just the right mix of destinations and onboard activities and promises to be your own epic voyage of discovery. (atlantisevents.com)
Windstar Cruises’ The Grand European Bucket List Adventure, is an exclusive, 79-day cruise from Stockholm to Istanbul onboard their newest yacht, the all-suite Star Legend. With only 312 guests onboard this smaller luxury vessel, you’re certain to receive top-notch service and attention with little problem practicing responsible social distancing while onboard. The cruise visits 71 ports in 22 countries with multiple overnights when it sets sail on July 25, 2023. (windstarcruises.com)
Wax up your Pride rainbow skis and start making plans now because Aspen’s Gay Ski Week is just around the corner. The nation’s longest running LGBTQ-themed ski week runs January 17-24, 2022 — and promises plenty of fun on and off the slopes. The 45th edition will feature some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the country. Still a snow sports virgin? No problem! There will be plenty of parties and live music, not to mention mountaintop yoga, history hikes, art exhibits, and drag queen bingo. You can also sample some of the country’s best dining and spirits at Aspen, Colorado’s 80 restaurants and drinking establishments. Best of all, Aspen Gay Ski Week raises funds for AspenOUT (aspenout.org), a local nonprofit group that promotes tolerance and combats bullying. So, you’ll be doing your part to help the queer community while having an amazing time with great friends. What could be better? (gayskiweek.com)—DP
COURTESY MELISSA ETHERIDGE CRUISE; TAMARA MALESEVIC/GETTY IMAGES (SOUTH AFRICA); JOHN COLETTI/GETTY IMAGES (COSTA RICA); JOSE LUIS PELAEZ/GETTY IMAGES (ATLANTIS); COURTESY WINDSOR CRUISES; LUKAS (ASPEN GAY SKI WEEK)
By Donald Padgett
OUT TRAVELER 14
14-15_OT25_Fall_Coming Attractions_FINAL.indd 14
9/4/21 11:15 AM
