April 2008

Start-up Compay Plans a Sexually-charged Swingers Cruises

The cruises comprise of a sexually-charged voyage that is sure to raise eyebrows in the industry. Yolo has rented a Carnival vessel for sailing seven nights. The vessel is due to leave Tampa on the 26th of April. The Western Carribbean schedule includes stops at ports in Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Belize and Roatan, Honduras. Marlene Brustle, president of Yolo Cruises states that the idea is to offer swingers – people who support non-monogamous sexual experiences. A chance to get together with like-minded people. In her words, ”an open erotic atmosphere. It will feature full nudity at the pools, daytime pool parties and specially planned sexually themed parties in the evening.” Brustle adds that, designated playrooms will also be available ”for the voyeurs and the more adventurous on board.” Evening parties shall include themes like ”naughty schoolgirl” and ”masquerade”. ”Think Tom Cruise's Eyes Wide Shut” points Brustle.
Using sex as a selling strategy for mass-market vacations has become increasingly popular lately. Many land based resorts like the Hedonism properties in Jamaica have been hosting swingers' escapes for years but comparatively, the conservative cruise industry has been slow to welcome this trend. However, with the cruise trend exploding and with the industry catering to the needs of more and more niche groups, it was probably just a matter of time before someone started pushing the idea, no matter how controversial it appeared. Brustle, who has been a travel indusry veteran and who has managed a travel agency for nearly twenty years, points out that swining has been growing in recent years and has begun getting more accepted by the mainstream. She further points out that, for evidence of it's popularity, one does not need to look further than CBS, one of the major TV networks, airing a show called ”Swingtown” in prime time. According to Brustle, the company's research shows that there are about four million swingers living currently in USA, which is definitely a huge untapped market for cruising. Brustle adds that the company aspires to offer three or four swingers cruises a year with a variety of itenaries and ships. Prices for April cruise starts at $ 949 per person for an inside cabin.