I've been on 2 Olivia cruises.  My first cruise was as a guest on vacation and for the second, I went to the Caribbean as an Olivia photographer. They were both awesome trips.  My favorite part was the way people were so warm and friendly on the cruises.  It's so easy to meet people and if you take the time to listen to their stories it is so rewarding.  I feel so honored to have been let in to the lives of such incredible women.

My wife and I went on our first Olivia Cruise this year in January. We had gone on a couple of regular cruises before this one and when I compared the Olivia prices with other lines such as Carnival, the price was more than double for a balcony room on an identical cruise. We are both cheap and it took a few years before we finally decided to lay out the money and go for it. I mean, we were all for the idea of 1600 lesbians on a ship, but could not see why it had to cost us so much more.

Well, I can honestly say now that we "get" it. I think the experience affected both of us so profoundly and we weren't even expecting it. Now we can't imagine going back to a "regular" cruise. It's just not even possible for us anymore. We immediately booked another trip while still on the ship (Caribbean Treasures 2008) and can't wait. We had absolutely no gay or lesbian friends before the cruise and it made us realize what we were missing by not being true members of that community.

Also, we were so impressed with Olivia as a company. I mean, these people know what they are doing-- they had everything organized perfectly. They even had Judy Dlugacz (so sorry if I massacred that-- I think it's right) on the trip and she gave a personal "chat" at one point and talked all about the company- how it started and where it was going and answered questions. It really made us want to get involved in the community more. If I did not have a sick mom that I needed to stay fairly close to, I would be in San Francisco in a second, just begging Olivia for a job!! 

In other words, we had the best vacation ever!!! 

I third everything that has been mentioned. I go as a Solo, so I also have the added input from that perspective.  The roomate selection has been great for me everytime.  They have Solo coordinators that set up special events to meet and greet other solos.  There are special dining areas for solos, and there is always an open seat to meet more new people or dine with friends you make and keep forever.

I just finished my 4th cruise and signed up for my 5th while on the ship.  I am hooked and need to go every year.  I can't imagine vacationing any other way.

Right Mary, I second everything that you said. The freedom of being on a ship with only lesbians (Apart from ship staff of course) is incredible. Well, the ships staff/crew are always so pleasant too. They apparently enjoy the Olivia cruises because there's so much fun & laughter without some of the problems they have on regular cruises.

Olivia's entertainment is A-1. Well, look at the past: Concerts by Lily Tomlin, Melissa E, Whoopi. To name a few. Then there are the wonderful comedians & singers that sail & entertain us for the whole week: Lisa Koch, Vikki Shaw, Suede....the list is long. The staff that ensures that the whole vacation continues without any hitches. They are always there to listen & answer  any question or problem you might have.

An A-1 company with whom we have enjoyed 6 cruises & look forward to our 7th next year. 

We went on our first Olivia cruise last year, to Costa Rica. I kind of talked Susie into it. She had a great time, but said "well, we don't have to do this every year. Friends were over around Christmas who've done many Olivia trips and we got talking about the Greek cruise and talked ourselves into going. Recently Susie said we should start talking about which trip we want to do next year. We're both hooked now. It's hard to describe what it's like to be on a ship filled with lesbians and being able to walk around holding hands and having evryone know you're in a committed relationship. Everyone smiles at each other and says hi everywhere you go. Then, the entertainment is so good - lesbian comedians and singers. Dancing with your honey on the deck under the stars every night is unbeatable.The accommodations were terrific and the organizing they did made it pretty effortless. Staff had scouted out everything and were very knowledgable. Simply, it was the best vacation either of us has ever had. We're still in touch with some of the people we met. I recommend it without reservation.

Mary