September 26, 1997 GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE 19

TRAVEL AND LEISURE

On a women's cruise, live the ad that ABC rejected

by Doreen Cudnik

Contrary to what those market research surveys may say, gay men aren't the only ones with disposable income. Lesbians want sunkissed beaches, turquoise waters and spectacular sunsets too, and Olivia Cruises has been giving it to them since 1990.

Prior to branching out into the travel business, the name "Olivia" was synonymous with women's music. Founded by Judy Dlugacz in 1973 as a record company for women, Olivia Records grew to become one of the largest independent record labels in the 1970s and 80s, with sales in the millions. They also produced hundreds of women's concerts, including three sold-out events at Carnegie Hall.

Dlugacz saw the expansion of Olivia in 1990 into what is now a women's travel company as just another way to increase visibility for the lesbian community. Today, Olivia Cruises and Resorts is the largest out-lesbian business in the country.

Olivia produced a commercial to air on the coming-out episode of Ellen which, in typical travel-ad fashion, showed two women having a quiet moment on the deck of a cruise ship. But ABC rejected the ad, saying, “It is our position that discussion about same-sex lifestyles is more appropriate in programming.”

When Olivia responded asking if there were any content changes that would affect their decision, ABC replied, "We cannot think of any... that would make the commercial appropriate." They plan to approach the network again, and if they are rejected, to air the commercial through local affiliate stations.

Olivia's destination line-up each year offers something for everyone's tastes and price range. Since 1990, Olivia has chartered over 30 cruises and resorts for over 20,000 women to Alaska, Hawaii, Greece, the Caribbean, Mexico, the Mediterranean, Galapolis, Canada,

Costa Rica and Tahiti. Women who have traveled with Olivia speak of the relief they feel not having to look over their shoulder to see if anyone is watching before they kiss or hold hands with their same-sex sweetie.

"It wasn't until my first Olivia cruise that I realized I unconsciously looked around me to make sure it was safe to be romantic," said Karen Kallmaker, who has been on four Olivia cruises. "On this cruise, I had the freedom to do whatever I wanted and be who I was every minute of every day."

Once they've experienced vacationing the Olivia way, many women come back again and again. Ninety-nine percent of women that have taken an Olivia cruise said they would do it again. They depart on 4 to 6 trips each year, with seven days being the average length of a trip.

Kallmaker added, “After my first taste of this wonderful freedom in the Bahamas, I wanted more of it. After a second repast in Alaska, I couldn't wait for the next trip. And after my third feast in the Western Caribbean, I can't imagine vacationing any other way. I've been so pleased with every vacation that it almost didn't matter where we went."

While there are certainly a lot of couples that travel with Olivia, there is a rising number of single women on each trip. Assistant cruise director Kathleen Hill said between 10 and 20 percent of Olivia travelers are singles. To help create a no-pressure opportunity for singles to meet, one of the daily outings will be designated just for singles on trips where scuba and snorkeling excursions are part of the package.

"I was a little nervous initially about traveling alone," said an Olivia traveler who went with them to Playa Blanca in 1994. "I needn't have worried. I met other singles on the plane ride down and we became part of a large group that partied and played all week long.”

Ages on Olivia cruises range from 22 to 80.

Hill added, "We make every effort to accommodate persons with different abilities." There are even 12-step meetings on board ships and at resorts to accommodate women in a program.

In honor of their 25th year, Olivia is making it easier than ever for women to travel with them. Hill said that women can book a trip with a deposit of only $250, and spread the payments out over 12 months. Best of all, payments are interest-free. Prices range from $1,095 for an all-inclusive Club Med resort in

Huatulco, Mexico to $3,195 for deluxe accommodations on their most requested vacation, a cruise that takes visitors to five ports on four of the Hawaiian islands: Oahu, Kauai, Maui, and the Big Island of Hawaii.

But for Kallmaker, who has been on four "flawless trips" with her partner, the money was well worth it.

"The end results for me have been rich, romantic, caring and care-free vacations where I got to be myself. How often has a vacation changed your life permanently?"

First black gay and lesbian cruise sets sail next year

by Lincoln Pettaway

The first voluntary African-American cruise is about to set sail in June 1998. On Monday June 29, through Friday July 3, 1998, a ship chartered by Carnival Cruise line will be the location for a big, floating party specifically for gays and lesbians of color. With an anticipated 1,500 black gay people on board, no one should have any problem filling up their dance card.

People of color worldwide have expressed interest in this floating event, which will return to Los Angeles in time for the annual beach party there.

This fantastic voyage has two stops along the way. The first is on Catalina Island off Los Angeles, and the second is in Ensenada, Mexico.

Catalina, once the playground for

Hollywood's rich and famous, still manages to maintain much of its earlier glamor and glitter. The cliff-side tour of the island's hills is nothing short of exhilarating. There is also a glassbottom boat ride, which should not be missed. Ensenada, about 80 miles south of Tijuana, is filled with little shops and affordable prices. There is also a natural geyser that sprays fifty feet in the air. All of this is eclipsed by a picturesque landscape that will make you think twice about returning home.

The cruise accommodations are comparable to those of a five-star hotel. Special menus are available, there is also the Game Club Casino, live entertainment, a library, child care facility and a world class spa all at your disposal while on board.

Deposits are being accepted until December 1. For more information, call 888922-2916.

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