Even my own family has teased me because of my "white" hobby of loving ocean liners/cruise ships. Oh well...

As for the gay couple, people should just leave them alone. Maybe the Bible says it's a sin (and the Bible is a rather interpretive piece of literature, as we all know), but it ain't a crime and they deserve to be treated with respect just like anyone else. As much as cruises cost, the last thing a person wants is to have to worry about being stared at because of their color, or sexual orientation, or anything else...

Rex said it best, and it's true that after spending hard earned money and precious time away from work it's awful to have to worry about what others will say or think. I will say that while on the cruise I did feel a little resentful that I did not feel that we could participate as a couple in some of the things that might make others feel uncomfortable, but that is no different than what is experienced every day.

Like Jeff I am lucky too. I'm 6ft 5ins tall and built like Arnie, with the looks of Brad Pitt, with an IQ of 300. Honest!

quote:

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Originally posted by JohnM:
Maybe it's a good thing we don't see the motley crew we're associating with here.

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JohnM, what do you mean - motley crew? We all look like movie stars

One year a fist fight broke out on the buffet line.

quote:

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Originally posted by sread:
Er, ...... I think many passengers might have just cause to be upset or embarrassed if ANY couple were necking or groping in the lounges, regardless of their sexuality. If passion's running that high, a brisk walk back to the cabin would be more appropriate? ;-)

......... I do hate the "I'm gay ... OKAY?" attitude of some, who want to force their sexuality down everyone's throat and who interpret the slightest criticism as gay-bashing. Standards of behaviour should apply to everyone, no matter what race/colour/orientation they are.

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My feelings exactly - race, regligion, colour or creed make no difference to me - but I dislike 'grandstanders' - as someone else said, "live and let live" - enjoy your cruise and allow others to do the same.

Happy cruisin'

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Originally posted by Green:

My feelings exactly - race, regligion, colour or creed make no difference to me - but I dislike 'grandstanders' - as someone else said, "live and let live" - enjoy your cruise and allow others to do the same.

Happy cruisin'

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Yes. Unless my own space is invaded, the best way to simply ignore it or make them look rediculous.

I spent time in Thailand. People do not lose their temper there, but get what they want out of you. Anyone who loses their temper or acts in an obstreporous way, gets looked at as if they are crazy. It works.

Example: When driving, if someone flips the middle finger, I have learned to laugh out loud, it puts them off balance and stops their rage.

A stern 5th grade teacher type will always have a student who will 'yank their chain" just to get a rise.

On a ship where there are many different types. People behave better. When any social setting is predominantly one type, they tend to 'act out' and grandstand.

When bullied, what are the consequences of fighting back?

[ 07-02-2002: Message edited by: ROTTERBRANDT ]

Many maritime enthusiasts, authors, lecturers and crew onboard ships are gay. I would suggest that there is a higher percentage of gay men in this field than the standard pattern of distribution.

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Originally posted by sread:
Er, jeff: can you define "affection other than holding hands"? I think many passengers might have just cause to be upset or embarrassed if ANY couple were necking or groping in the lounges, regardless of their sexuality. If passion's running that high, a brisk walk back to the cabin would be more appropriate? ;-)

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Green, Sread, and Dolphins,

I would be nauseated watching Onslow and Daisy french kissing, same with Phyllis Diller and Roseanne Barr.

Malcolm, cruising is a gay and lesbian thing, and cannot put a finger on the reasons.

Green, Sread, and Dolphins,

You will see more and more of Gay and Lesbian cruisers in the future.

Many mainstream cruisehips have dedicated gay and lesbian activities. Princess calls them the 'Friends of Dorothy" parties.

When this happens you will see less and less of outward affection in public.

When visiting Egypt, I noticed men walk the street arm in arm. Women walk the street arm in arm. It is customary, but men and women cannot walk the street arm in arm. Most of the tourists got used to it fast. I do not understand it.

Gay and Lesbian cruisers are the only growth market left in this industry where filling berths is a 0 sum game.

Whether it is individual passengers, partial ship charters, or full ship charters, Gays and Lesbians will take more and more cruises. The cruise lines want the business.

So, as you say, lets live and let live, be out of each other's faces, and enjoy the passengers we meet for who they are and not what genitalia turn them on.

[ 07-02-2002: Message edited by: desirod6 ]