Tour Operator Spotlight: RSVP (UPDATED!)

Photos courtesy of RSVP Vacations
Story by: Olga Bas

RSVP Vacations
(1-800-328-RSVP, www.rsvpvacations.com, info@rsvpvacations.com)

About:  RSVP was the first company to offer “gay environment” travel and for the last 20 years RSVP has organized cruises for thousands of travelers. Every trip offers countless activities, both on board and on shore, a welcoming environment, and experienced staff. There is never dull moment, if you've got the energy for it, and nothing but relaxation, if you'd rather lounge in the sun all day. "RSVP is growing, and we're stronger than ever before," said Charlie Rounds, president of RSVP Vacations.  "In 2009, we're pleased to be offering five different all-gay and lesbian cruises on four different and exciting ships with an emphasis on variety, choice and value. Returning guests will find all the best elements of the RSVP vacations that they came to know and love, along with a few fun, new surprises," he said.

Clientele: 100% gay; 75-90% men; 50% couples; avg. age range: 35-45

Price range: $ 799-2,600

Upcoming trips: Departing from Los Angeles April 18th 2009, the upcoming Mexican Riviera cruise, seven days of relaxation, will be one of the company's signature "Freestyle Cruising." The Norwegian Star cruise liner (capacity: 2,240 passengers) will take you to the most popular beach cities of Mexico's Pacific Coast. With a late stay in the gay-friendly Puerto Vallarta, you can relax and enjoy the city's nightlife, while onboard, you can choose from ten diverse restaurants, swim in the pool, or sun on the large outdoor deck.

Deals and steals: The Mexican Riviera cruise has staterooms available for just $799 per person based on double occupancy, RSVP's lowest prices in years on this cruise. And the LA departure makes it a very cost effective trip.

They're both cruise operators, they're owned by the same company, so what's the difference (besides the name)? Well, we're glad you asked, here's the run-down:

"Atlantis and RSVP both provide high quality all-gay and lesbian vacation experiences with an emphasis on friendship, camaraderie, relaxation, entertainment, adventure and fun," said Oscar Yuan, Atlantis' Vice President of Sales & Marketing.

Read on...

"The differences between the two brands and the two experiences are really more stylistic differences, such as different signature entertainers, activities and parties that are unique to each brand.  The two companies work primarily with different cruise lines as well.  For example, an Atlantis cruise is more likely to take place on Celebrity or Royal Caribbean, while an RSVP cruise is more likely to sail on Holland America or NCL.

"Taken together, these small stylistic differences create two unique guest experiences, and we at both Atlantis and RSVP highly value those distinctions," said Yuan.

That's sorted then.