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First LGBT Getaways Cruise planned for Celebrity ship in April

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From left, Trapper Martin, Capt. Kate McCue of Celebrity Cruises and Shane Smartt
Home-based travel agencies Cruises Inc., CruiseOne and Dream Vacations are hosting their first LGBT Getaways group cruise, planned to become an annual event.

This lifestyle cruise will gather a group of like-minded individuals aboard Celebrity Silhouette to sail the eastern Caribbean for a week in April. The ship departs April 8 from Port Everglades.

'We decided to launch the LGBT Getaways Cruise to respond to the demand from consumers and our travel agents for this niche group that wants a lifestyle vacation experience in a more traditional and sophisticated atmosphere,' said Drew Daly, general manager of network engagement and performance for Cruises Inc., Cruise One and Dream Vacations. 'Celebrity Cruises has always been an advocate for the LGBT community so it was a no-brainer to partner with them on this group cruise, which has already been met with positive response.'

The Dream Vacations corporate office worked closely with Celebrity to identify the optimal itinerary and ship and to secure the group space. The LGBT Getaways Cruise will visit San Juan, St. Thomas and St. Maarten. The group will experience an exclusive shore excursion with Resort for a Day, and participate in a wine tasting and themed cocktail parties throughout the week.

'I am extremely excited that Dream Vacations listened to franchisee feedback and organized the LGBT group cruise, providing a fantastic option for a casual get-together on board a great ship,' said Trapper Martin, Dream Vacations franchise owner and member of the organization’s Advisory Council. 'So many people want an experience that isn’t mass market, but rather smaller groups of people traveling together, and we hope to start something the market can be proud of in the coming years.'

Agents within the Cruises Inc., CruiseOne and Dream Vacations network have the option to book into this group cruise. To ensure their success, they are being provided marketing assets and access to the network’s group concierge.

Cruises Inc., CruiseOne and Dream Vacations said they are committed to being 'rich in diversity' and empowering all owners, agents and employees to reach their highest potential by leveraging their broad range of talent, experiences, personalities, viewpoints and ideas to generate business growth.