Okay, if a gay cruise and a Disney cruise collided during the night, what would be the result (metaphorically speaking, of course)? Well, aside from a presumably gender-confused Mickey and the obvious epiphany for the seven dwarfs, you'd get a ship full of fun-loving gay families. And this is exactly what Rosie and Kellie O'Donnell had in mind when they partnered with Gregg Kaminsky in 2004 to launch R Family Vacations, the first-ever tour company dedicated exclusively to GLBT families.

Recently, HeSaidDenver caught up with Kellie O'Donnell to learn more about R Family Vacations and get the inside scoop on what's in store for passengers when the cruise disembarks on July 10th for its second voyage on the high seas.

HESAID: Gay travel often focuses on singles. What made you believe that R Family Vacations would succeed?

O'Donnell: As a mom in a gay family, I know that I am always looking for other gay families to share our experiences with. I know that if I am looking for these experiences, others must be also. I wanted to provide a travel opportunity for gay families to feel comfortable in inviting their straight family members and friends also.

HESAID: By all accounts, R Family Vacations' cruises have been a huge success. What was your personal highlight from the cruise?

O'Donnell: Stepping onto the stage the first night with Gregg and seeing all of the faces of the many voices that I had spoken to over the course of the year before. It was powerful to see it all come to life.

HESAID: The next cruise departs New York on July 10th for a seven-day cruise. Ports of call include Nova Scotia, Provincetown, Boston and Martha's Vineyard. Can you tell us what R Family Vacations has in store for guests this time around?

O'Donnell: We are hoping to provide just as an amazing of a vacation as last year and learn from our experiences from the inaugural cruise. The Norwegian Dawn has created this unique itinerary just for the R Family Vacations cruise, so I expect it to be a special experience for all.

HESAID: Numerous wedding ceremonies were performed during all your cruises. Will passengers have the opportunity to exchange vows on this cruise?

O'Donnell: Yes, passengers can get married onboard the ship by a pastor from Metropolitan Community Church (MCC). A justice of the peace will also be onboard to represent the amazing state of Massachusetts.

HESAID: Last year R Family Vacations had a star-studded line-up of entertainers. Can you give HeSaidDenver.com readers a sneak peek at who will grace the stage in 2005?

O'Donnell: Yes, on this summer's cruise, Rosie will host the opening night ceremonies and will be at all of the shows. She will also host the world premiere of "All Aboard: Rosie's Family Cruise," the HBO documentary that was filmed on last summer's cruise. Cyndi Lauper will perform a concert onboard the ship. Judy Gold will host a comedy showcase featuring the newest in comedy talent. Additionally, Rosie will screen "Queer As Folk" with a Q & A with Sharon Gless. Many Broadway and pop performers will showcase their talents, some include Liz Calloway, John Tartaglia, Suzanne Burirgay, Gavin Creel, Orfeh, Kinsey Sicks and Michael Arden. Susan Powter, a fitness guru, will be offering yoga and fitness classes throughout the week. Esera Tuaolo, a pro NFL player, will give a motivational speech. Oprah Winfrey's personal chef, Art Smith, will be offering an exclusive cooking class onboard. Themed parties, cabaret shows, dance parties and many more extravaganzas will take place.

For more information: 866.732.6822

rfamilyvacations.com

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