Island paradise recovery beckons
Early in 2007, All Gay Cruises took a huge gamble by chartering a complete P&O cruise ship exclusively for the LGBT community.
It was seen as a bold move as never before had an Australian company attempted anything like it. After all, a whole cruise ship full of all-gay passengers running riot complete with their perceived reputation for wild partying was surely a recipe for disaster.
However, the gamble paid off and NaviGAYtion was a huge success. The cruise, complete with several huge open-deck dance parties, laser shows, live entertainment and nightly cabaret performances, proved very popular with both passengers and crew, leaving many to comment on the genuinely friendly -“ almost family -“ atmosphere created on-board.
In fact, after only four days at sea, NaviGAYtion was praised as the first party cruise holiday to return to dock without a violent or illegal incident.
AllGayCruises.com.au was founded in 2002 by Peter Oxford, who has worked tirelessly with the global travel industry to cater exclusively for the LGBT market.
The company has become an Australian industry leader, creating unique holiday experiences and unforgettable harbour dance parties around Sydney.
Encouraged by the success of NaviGAYtion and determined to continue breaking new ground, the All Gay Cruises team have announced a new project -“ one island, five nights and no limits. Are you ready to get Shipwrecked?
For one week in March 2008, just two days after Sydney celebrates its 30th Mardi Gras, All Gay Cruises will join forces with industry giant Club Med to present Shipwrecked. The chosen resort of Lindeman Island, part of Queensland’s Whitsundays, will become an exclusive, all-inclusive gay and lesbian utopia filled with entertainment, secluded beaches, sports, activities and dance parties.
We are taking over the whole resort and island, creating a completely private and unique event to relax, meet new people and party in a fun and safe environment, All Gay Cruises director Peter Oxford said.
And best of all, it’s a full-board holiday so all drinks, meals, snacks, entertainment and island activities are included in the package price, so you can take advantage of everything on offer and not be hit with a big bill at the end.
Shipwrecked will feature seven huge themed dance parties: Jungle Fever & Tiger Heat; White; Homo Aquatic; Beach Ball; Retro Disco T Dance; Leather and Starry, Starry Night, as well as a Girls of Lindeman Island party.
An impressive list of big-name DJs from Sydney’s LGBT community, including Dan Murphy, Jason Forbes, Jimmy Dee, Justin Scott, Kitty Glitter, Mark Alsop, Ruby, Ryan Murphy and Sandi Hotrod, are already confirmed for the holiday, with more to be announced soon.
The inhabitants of Shipwrecked will also be able to enjoy a rich variety of Club Med resort activities, all included in the low package price. These include a wide range of water sports, a nine-hole golf course, four tennis courts, tropical rainforest bush walks and even a circus school. The resort also houses several pools and restaurants, not to mention three secluded beaches -“ one clothing optional.
There will also be two heats of an Australia-wide swimwear model contest held on the island, sponsored by Canadian giant PriapeWear, with a prize package valued at over $10,000.
Other Shipwrecked events include drag racing, comedy nights, cabaret, Gaylimpics, and a whole lot more.
Shipwrecked! (Lost on Lindeman Island) runs from 4 to 9 March 2008. Tickets prices start at $1,299pp. Reservations require a $450 deposit. Flights from Sydney to Hamilton Island start at $99. Details: www.allgaycruises.com.au or call 1300 88 0419.
