Sweet, the lesbian travel company, is again taking to the high seas. July 31-August 7, the “Sweeties” as they have become known, will tour the Hawaiian Islands aboard the Norwegian Cruise Lines Pride of America. Unlike last year’s Western Caribbean cruise, they will be sharing the ship for seven days with main stream cruise passengers, something Shannon Wentworth, Sweet founding partner and CEO, thinks will be a positive experience.
“Most of our guests are out in their everyday lives,” Wentworth said. “While they want to travel with kindred spirits, time of year, price and destination trump an exclusive cruise experience. On our Hawaiian Islands Cruise, we’ll enjoy the best of both worlds. We’ll feature a lot of special treats and exclusive experiences for our guests, in addition to parties with the local lesbian communities in our overnight ports and community service projects in select ports.”
The Sweet group is traveling aboard the Americana-themed Pride of America, which features 11 dining options (including fresh sushi and tapas), a three-story Hollywood Theatre, two pools, a spa, a full-service gym, golf driving range and basketball court.
“Part of Sweet’s mission is to increase lesbian visibility, which is completely compatible with taking a large group on a mainstream cruise,” Wentworth said. “We’ll enjoy the connection of traveling in community, while also meeting mainstream passengers from all over the United States who might one day be called upon to vote on LGBT equal rights. It’s a wonderful win-win.”
The cruise starts in Honolulu, Oahu; overnights in Kahului, Maui; spends full days in Hilo and Kona, Hawaii; and then overnights in Nawiliwili, Kauai, before returning to Honolulu. The ship will spend 100 hours in port during the week.
The Sweet group will have a number of special perks, including a bottle of wine, amuse-bouche treats, Sweet cocktail party with hors d’oevres, premium Sweet seating for the shows and dining area, special shore excursions and parties in port, and more.
For more information, visit the Sweet’s website.
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