About RSVP Vacations

Established in 1985, RSVP Vacations is the originator of the gay and lesbian cruise concept.  Our founder, Kevin J. Mossier, had a bold, new idea – to provide a safe, tailor-made vacation environment for gay men and lesbians.  Unable, at the time, to find a resort that would open its doors to the concept, he found an understanding cruise line and RSVP was born.  Our first cruise - “A Cruise To Remember” - sailed out of New Orleans, February 15, 1986 with 750 guests ready to create and enjoy the overwhelming experience that only can happen on an all gay vacation.  Since then, RSVP has offered cruise and land vacations in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas.  In 1992 RSVP introduced the Sea Spirit, the first gay-owned gay operated cruise ship in the world.  For three years she proudly flew the Rainbow flag in the Caribbean, New England and Alaska.

Since its inception, RSVP has stuck to one of our core principles: to appeal to a broad spectrum of the community.  From age 25 to 85, from Buenos Aires to Boston, single or coupled, thousands have joined in celebrating our diversity.  And although RSVP primarily focuses on fun, we are proud to have partnered with many national and international organizations, as well as prominent individuals, to offer RSVP guests a diverse range of informational seminars, special guest speakers, authors, experts in various fields of interest, community leaders, politicians and other enrichment opportunities that make our trips unique.

RSVP has also led the way in gay business philanthropy in 1986 by establishing a unique giving program to GLBT organizations both locally and nationally.  Recipient organizations include the HRC Foundation, The Names Project, Project Inform, the Minnesota Aids Project, as well as many others.  RSVP is also a proud member of the National Gay Lesbian Chamber of Commerce as well as Quorum in the Twin Cities and the Greater Seattle Business Association.  This year RSVP is partnering with NGLCC to offer Business on the High Seas – a chance for gay business owners to improve their companies while enjoying an exceptional vacation.

Over the years RSVP has welcomed some of our community’s most amazing luminaries.  We’ve had High Tea with Quentin Crisp, film presentations with Vito Russo, Q & A with Armistead Maupin, a look at Broadway with Harvey Fierstein and Anthony Rapp, GLBT history with David Mixner, and many more.  Our entertainment has included some of the industry’s hottest talent including: Ann Hampton Callaway, Lorna Luft, Roslyn Kind, Dianne Schuur, Sam Harris, ANT, Suzanne Westenhoefer, Michelle Balan, …  and we have introduced some of the brightest and best up and coming acts like Amy Armstrong & Freddy Allen, Peter Donnelly, Michael Holland & Karen Mack, and Levi Kreis.

Every RSVP vacation has its own unique flavor, driven by the wide variety of gay focused activities provided.  Whether it is our outstanding entertainers, creative pool games, famous T-dances, raucous Bingo sessions, hot leather and underwear parties, infamous costume contest - there is always something for everyone, even if it means just being yourself for a week with 200 to 2000 like-minded people in a completely welcoming and comfortable environment.

Over 35,000 guests have travelled with RSVP in almost 30 years.  We invite you to become part of our global community.  

RSVP Guests

Over 35,000 people have traveled with RSVP since our historic first cruise in 1986.  Although the vast majority of our guests are from North America, we have welcomed men and women from over 30 countries, and our international presence is growing with each sailing. Just one look at the guests grooving at a T-dance will show you that they are anywhere from 25 to 85, of every body shape and size, from all over the country and all over the world – and ready to join in the fun. Whether our guests come to party or relax, stay up ‘til dawn or get up for the sunrise, they all share in the warmth and community that can only come from the welcoming environment of an all gay vacation.

We are proud of the fact that many long lasting relationships began on an RSVP cruise and continue to be celebrated.  It is truly a place to meet new friends and reconnect old acquaintances.  If you are single or coupled, travelling alone or with a group of friends – you will find a home at RSVP

RSVP Guys & Gals?

There are some people who think RSVP Vacations is all about the men.  They see our advertisements and think that women are not a part of the RSVP cruise experience.  They would be surprised!

Women have been a very important part of RSVP since the very beginning.  Typically our cruises are about 10% women, but they are a BIG part of the fun and festivities aboard.  Our gal pals are welcome to participate in all our activities and events, and we program special “women’s” events such as the “Women’s Cocktail Hour”, so women can meet other women on board.  So, whether you are a “solo” traveler or a couple, RSVP welcomes you to enjoy your vacation with all of us.

Just take a look at our entertainment lineup and you can see we love having our female friends with us.  Over the years we have featured some of the hottest female entertainers, special guest speakers and luminaries.  And we will continue to expand our programs in the future to include women and everyone in our community.