RSVP Vacations travel offerings are totally unique, select niche market offerings in that they cater to gay men and women specialize in travel aboard cruise ships. The real hit is that they do not merely book you on as a group but instead charter the entire ship so that, rest assured, all of the passengers are gay. As such it really couldn't be better. I recently took their cruise out of Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades aboard the Koningsdam, the newest and best ship of the Holland America Lines, and what a ship it was. It was totally knock out beautiful, had fresh orchids everywhere along with an excellent crew and service staff. Now there are a few things different about an all gay cruise than a mixed one. First, the crew is all volunteer, so you know they wanted to be there. If you speak with them, the reasons are that they make more money, tips are much better and the passengers generally more fun and friendly. Another is that the bars are more stocked with more bartenders on duty. The well know reason for that being is that as gay people tend to party more, they drink more. My inside source tells me something like five times as much as the average straight Holland America passenger, but then Holland America does have the reputation of being the geriatric ward of the seas. Then, of course there is the music and lighting necessary for a good party. With RSVP you don't have to worry about that because they bring their own, set it all up, wire it in and it's gay party time. I confess that prior to my trip, I was concerned that RSVP would have Holland cut back on the food, but that didn't happen. I've been on Holland America as well as other cruise liners and here, their food in the main dining room was right up there with the best of them. And though I tried several of their specialty restaurants, the main dining was so good it made booking into them seem somewhat of a waste. For what it is, an all gay cruise, it's about as good as it gets. read more

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Atlantis is a sinking ship. We are under a travel advisory to not leave Canada, making it difficult to find international health insurance. We also bought cancellation insurance, but it excludes government travel advisories. Atlantis refuses to do anything and directly states that I should go against the Canadian government. They deflect the problem to the cruise line stating, "their hands are tied until the cruise line cancels." The cruise line and Atlantis contract have nothing to do with me, and I am not the one that chartered the ship; Atlantis was. Full stop. They are at liberty to provide refunds or, at the very least, travel credits without waiting for the cruise line to cancel the cruise. They just want to protect their corporate bank accounts. There was a significant outbreak of covid on the ship scheduled for; Atlantis has said absolutely nothing. Their communication and customer service are garbage. Instead, they sent us a list of parties they plan on continuing to host and stated they've only had 5 covid positive cases. Yet, they left out the part about the Norwegian Pearl cancelling their current voyage 1 day into an 11-day cruise because over 50 crew members had become sick. Atlantis is an event organizer who is responsible for ensuring the health and safety of its attendees. Many of us want to cancel because cruising is no longer safe. Several other events companies have accepted responsibility for their customer's health and offered flexible cancellation. Instead of dealing with the situation, Atlantis has asked us to come to Facebook and sell our rooms. They accept 0 risks of profit loss or any responsibility for chartering a cruise ship in the middle of a pandemic. These ships will sail empty. Yet they list their cruises on their sales pages as "Sold out" because of their terms and conditions, which only protect their own interests. Corporate greed at its finest. STAY AWAY FROM THIS COMPANY. read more

This was my first ever cruise and it was fun. Pros: Fun themed dances. Contracted entertainers were, overall, entertaining. A few of the RSVP staff were delightful. I liked having the clothing-optional sundeck. Boarding procedures seemed fairly efficient. Some of the HAL staff joined in the festivities and had fun with the guests. Being with other gay and gay friendly people made me feel comfortable. The passengers were friendly and I had a great time meeting folks from around the world. We even organized a kilted dinner! Improvement Areas: It was confusing what processes and procedures were RSVP's and which where HAL's. There were some service lapses and I couldn't tell if that was how HAL operated or if it was something to do with the charter contract specifications. One example, I took a tour of the spa and it was just one HUGE hard sell to another. I had booked a massage before the trip, (the massage was good), but I didn't book anything else because the hard-selling made the environment tense. Another example is how alcoholic beverages are sold. I'm told that HAL normally has alcoholic beverage packages for purchase, on this cruise it was cash per drink. I went through a travel agent for my booking, so it was easy for me. However, when it came to re-booking on the ship, the process was confusing and it was on paper. I had heard you could book your same room while onboard, but this time I couldn't as the room was already booked as were all the rooms in my category (upper level, just shy of the big suites). I didn't end up booking the 2019 cruise because I didn't want to wait in lines to spend another couple grand with RSVP, that's why I have an amazing travel agent - that's what he does. The owner of RSVP (Rich) gave a Q&A about RSVP and its future. I honestly don't know if he cares much about the brand. (Hearsay) I was told by another passenger that Rich owns and loves Atlantis, and that is where he spends his energy. The branding for RSVP doesn't really represent who was onboard - ads feature primarily white, buff, gym bunnies with only some other body and ethnicity types. My travel agent insisted it was a great, mixed group and not circuit partiers. He said I'd fit in with the other bear types - turned out to be true. I wouldn't have booked if it weren't for my agent's knowledge. What I found was, HAL Koningsdam was a lovely ship and I would cruise on them again. RSVP Vacations was good but I won't enthusiastically recommend them. I will likely try RSVP again to see if a second trip would be better. I will also try other LGBT vacation companies. read more

I had one of the best time of my life on a RSVP Puerto Vallarta. They made a lot of available things to do and was never bored at all... A lot of activities to enjoy and participate in... I'll never forget it... read more

Unfortunately RSVP was bought by Atlantis and service has completely gone down hill. The lack of communication is unprecedented. Timelines for communication is never followed and excuse after excuse gets old very fast. Once the cruise starts however I have a very good time and onboard its a blast. Im writing this review on NYE of 2020 and as of yet have had absolutely no contact about a March cruise that was supposed to take place, yes...less than 3 months away and have heard nothing about a cancellation or rescheduling. I think its time to try Vacaya. read more

RSVP has consistently provided an amazing vacation. Every year we say we will skip the next one but every year we find ourselves in line booking another fabulous cruise for the following year. Can you cruise the Caribbean cheaper? Yes, but RSVP is not your grandmother's shuffleboard cruise! Every day is packed with events from themed T-Dances, amazing entertainment brought onboard by RSVP and nightly themed parties and dances that take over the outside deck. If you are in your cabin, you are missing something. And despite what the advertising photos may seem to portray, not everyone is a gym bunny. No matter who, what or how you are made, RSVP is an amazing gaycation and you will feel welcome. read more

We just got back Feb. 18, 2018 from the 7- Caribbean cruise on the HAT Koningsdam. It was our 5th cruise in two years and the least enjoyable. We missed the spectacular Las Vegas style entertainment on the Royal Caribbean and the Celebrity cruises. We went to all the shows in the main theater. The Holland American in-house song and dance crew were better than marvelous. But only two one-hour shows during the entire week. The other shows were not worth the walk from the Dining Room to the theater. The live music throughout the week in that theater were two generations removed from the music I used to listen to, play, and sing. I couldn't have been the only one; half the passengers were apparently retirerees. The bar/theater devoted to live performances of classical music was a great idea. The only two one-hour performances during the entire cruise. In the main Dining Room one evening I had lobster ravioli that was garbage. As was the so-called chocolate soufflé. I've eaten foie gras all over France and elsewhere, but it never tasted like the sliver of so-called "foie gras" I had one evening in the Dining Room. I asked two people including an RSVP rep what it really was. They didn't know. The stateroom we had was nicely designed. James L. Riedy, Oakland Park, FL read more

RSVP Vacations offers all GAY and Lesbian Cruises and Land Tours. With offices in both Minneapolis and London England. We have chartered the Queen Mary 2 for the first ever "All Gay Transatlantic crossing". Also, Check out the Mexican Riviera Cruise 28 October 2006. www.rsvpvacations.com in the States and www.rsvpvacations.co.uk in Europe. UK phone number (011 44 0) 7968 962 882 - Call Tony Mason for more information on RSVP's cruises and land tours... in London 07968 962 882 Or write to me - Tony@RSVPVacations.com read more

I took my first RSVP Cruise in 1988 and I can say they have come a long way since then. I took my husband on his first cruise in 1998 and we've now taken 17 cruises with RSVP. We've been to Mexico, the Eastern Caribbean, Western Caribbean, Central America, New Orleans and Key West, FL. No matter where we've gone, RSVP has provided a fantastic vacation and value for the money spent. They charter quality ships and provide great entertainment. The ships are always top notch, many times almost new, with great crews. Their Cruise Director Brad Loekle will keep you in stitches. "Sisters" Helen Holy and Elenor Rosefelt will have you rolling on the ground with Church Bingo and the 701 Club. Team RSVP is always handy and able to answer any questions you might have. Randle Roper, the president of RSVP goes out of his way to make sure you feel at home and are having a good time. There is always lots to do, but you can do as little or as much as you want. We have met some wonderful people on the cruises that we keep in contact with all year and look forward to seeing each year. I'll admit that we spend a fair amount of money on the cruise and hotels and airfare, but it is worth every penny, there is NO better vacation! The few years we have not been able to take our "yearly" cruise, we seem like we've missed something big. If you are looking for fun, meeting good people and really enjoying yourself, look into RSVP, you will not be disappointed. read more

We have gone on a Mexico, Alaska and two Caribbean cruises with RSVP over the years. And currently we have scheduled three more within the next ten months. RSVP has always shown us a great time. Depending on what you are looking for from a Charter event, we say this organization stands a MILE high above the company they are owned by. The show top notch customer service from start to end. Yes, that includes while on the cruise, you will be acknowledged. In recent years at the helm is their new president Randle Roper. He is truly their beacon. When every we have a question or comment he is always there to help. If you have not sailed with them, you must give them a try, you will not be disappointed. Thank you RSVP for all the adventures!!!! read more

This will be my 10th RSVP Cruise and it just keeps getting better and better. I have enjoyed meeting people from all around the world on past cruises. After awhile the wonderful people you met become like family and you look forward to seeing them on future cruises. One thing I love about RSVP is the inviting atmosphere on the cruises, everyone seems to accept each others differences without judgement. No matter whether you are male, female, transgender, young, old, a muscle boy, or a bear you will be made to feel welcome. Just imagine a week where we are the majority and the cruise is entirely tailored to us as a community to be ourselves and celebrate together. A great way to meet people and enjoy conversation is to make sure when you go to dinner, ask for a share table where you will be seated with entire table of new faces who will love to get to know you. read more

I recently went on the RSVP Eastern Caribbean Cruise, my first cruise ever. IT WAS SIMPLY LIFE CHANGING!!! I am addicted to the cruise life and have made the decision now to go on at least one RSVP cruise every year. Before I went I said "who spends $2000 for a one week vacation?" By day two that was no longer a question, I'm hooked on RSVP for a lifetime. Brad the cruise director was amazing and just constantly making me laugh, all of the performers onboard were amazing, the parties were incredible and I absolutely did not want it to end. I started counting down the days to next year the second I got off the boat. I'm going to assume that social media has changed the way people cruise, on a boat, I was connected to my specific cruises Facebook group well in advance of the cruise making it all the more fun to get excited with all 2000 guys on the cruise. My only complaint is that there are not more "warm weather" RSVP cruises for me to take during the year! RSVP is amazing and I am a lifelong customer! read more