It was springtime in Paris! And what better way to celebrate than a cruise around the Seine River? That’s what I got to experience with OUTbound, a company that specializes in creating unique and memorable experiences for the LGBTQ+ community. It was my first LGBTQ cruise in 2 years and it reminded me why I like this kind of travel so much!
Our first city to visit during this adventure was of course the City of Lights – Paris. We took a sightseeing bus (our excursions were included with our cruise) which included seeing things like the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Élysées. We also had some free time on our own so I made use of that to explore Le Marais, the gaybourhood in Paris.
Our first stop after leaving Paris was the town of Honfleur. Exploring the beautiful harbour, Le Vieux Bassin, was great and the photo opportunities seemed endless. We discovered the port and centuries-old buildings that looked like something out of a painting. I also managed to find some delicious (and expensive) French chocolates that I thoroughly enjoyed after the stick shock wore off.
Other stops included Giverny, the home of Claude Monet, where the gardens there were filled with vibrant flowers a his house was filled with beautiful artwork; Normandy for a visit to the the D-Day beaches was a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during World War II; the Jumieges Abbey and the town of Rouen to check out some incredible architecture.
Returning to the ship after the excursions provided a chance to relax and enjoy my cabin before dinner. My stateroom had big windows which provided plenty of natural light and a chance to enjoy the scenic river views. We dined at the ship’s restaurant, where delicious meals were included in our cruise package. The lounge was another great gathering spot that had snacks and complimentary drinks where I could mingle with other passengers and enjoy the evening entertainment.
The theme nights on board were really fun part of the trip. The 80s night was an absolute blast, with everyone dressed in their best retro outfits and dancing to iconic hits. Other themed nights, such as Gay Paree, Wigs & Wine, Neon Nights, and the Pink Party all added to the overall fun. I brought my best friend with me and she had a great time as well as an ally to our community.
This was my first OUTbound cruise and I had a blast. I met so many great people, I saw so many incredible sights, I ate delicious food, and I enjoyed fantastic entertainment. If you’d like go on one of their future cruises with a discount check out their website and use promo code JoshRimerTV when you book to get 10% off!
This experience was provided by OUTbound, but they had no input on my writing.
It was such a good time, I can’t wait for Italy!