So how did the idea of travel come up and why travel with Olivia?
After spending 15 years in the record business creating music for women I had no idea what to do next. But as we set out to do a series of 15th Anniversary concerts with most of the Olivia recording artists it became crystal clear to me after a concert in Seattle what was next. At a brunch the day after the concert a woman said, "Wouldn't it be great to have a concert on the water?"
I began to think...Concert on the water, cruise...vacations for women...I can do that! And within a few weeks I had rented a ship (didn't know it was called chartering) and Olivia Travel was born.
What happened to me is exactly what happens to entrepreneurs when the right idea strikes...there was no question in my mind that vacations for women would work. I was growing up with my market and when I vacationed with Rachel, we never felt comfortable being "out" on vacation. We were out everywhere in our lives except on vacation. Who wants to be the focus of negative attention or curiosity. Just holding hands on the beach was a risk. So I knew if we had that experience, creating vacations for women that were all-inclusive ship charters or resorts would be something most lesbians would want. Kind of a no-brainer...one worthy of risking everything we had.
I chartered a ship for February of 1990. A 4-night trip to the Bahamas on the Dolphin IV. I put the deposit down and sent a letter to our mailing list. I needed 600 women to sign up and pay right away or lose the deposit and pretty much all the money we had. Within 3 months 600 women signed up. So I added a second trip and that too sold out. Olivia's inaugural cruises sailed with 1200 unbelievably thrilled passengers.
Now, almost 17 years and 100 trips later (Mexican Riviera makes 100!) I look back at that decision to put the money down before we knew anyone would join us...It was absolutely clear to me that it would work and I didn't question the risk for a moment.
From the very first cruise, we did what we knew how to do best...a 4- night music and comedy production. The same thread that made Olivia Records so successful was brought onboard our trips -- the best entertainers and music our community had to offer were hired and today we remain driven to bring the very best women entertainers in the world...k.d. lang, Melissa Etheridge, Lily Tomlin, Heart, Indigo Girls, Marga Gomez, Margaret Cho, Suede, Karen WIlliams, Vicki Shaw, Rene Hicks....and on and on. We also bring 30-40 of our own staff to assure the trip of a lifetime.
The magic ingredient remains the same. A vacation to great places creating a space where women can be free to be ourselves every minute of everyday, redesigning the activities and the entertainment to completely gear the experience to women. And what happens on the ships and resorts is something almost inexplicable...there is a sense of everyone being part of the same experience --an atmosphere where everyone feels totally comfortable and has a great time. You can't go on these trips, whether you are 25 or 75, even if you are out all the time or in the closet your entire life, and not have an amazing experience. I've been on about 80 of the 100 trips and it happens to me every time. We make you laugh, we pamper you and we create a sense of freedom while you play and dance and kiss and meet new friends. Not a bad formula for vacations.
And the entertainment has been such an important part of the experience as well. The comedians and musicians set the tone for the week from their own shows to the Newlywed Old Wed game...to Olivia Idol...even Bingo is unlike any Bingo you've ever seen.
One of my favorite things to witness has been the metamorphosis of the crew...they love us! We are the best guests...more fun, so appreciative of the service, so happy it becomes truly infectious. Just imagine 1800 lesbians being served by 400 men!
Lifelong friendships are made, sometimes a whole new group of vacation buddies are created that see each other only when they travel with Olivia. Okay...it's a cult.
I wish I could truly explain the experience...imagine a place where no one is other...imagine the feeling of being free...completely free for a week. I know...many of you feel that way now...and I know many of you are still in the closet somewhere -- at work, to family, or all the time. Whatever...this vacation takes you one more step out. Something will shift, just by enjoying your vacation. I guarantee you will go home a little lighter, a little stronger, and a little happier. But I warn you...these vacations kind of ruin other types of vacations...so be prepared to come with us over and over again.
We've come a long way since that first trip. We are now the top charterer for Holland America and have an extraordinary reputation in an industry that was initially afraid of our business quite frankly. We now travel all over the world, from Antarctica to an Africa, from Australia to Europe. We now use 4-6 star ships, riverboats, beautiful Caribbean and Mexican resorts, Eco cruises to the Galapagos, and 1800 passenger ships to beautiful tropical islands.
So if you've never been on an Olivia trip...just take that first giant leap of faith and join us. You will never regret it...I promise.
And I know, I know...it seems a little pricey sometimes...but if you're wondering if it's worth it...just ask anyone whose gone on an Olivia trip or call me or any of our folks at Olivia with any questions...we're here for you. Actually that's our only reason for existing as a company.
So...I hope I've described the experience without being too enthusiastic. I just think every lesbian should travel with us..
Judy