Istanbul to Athens
All-Gay Mediterranean Cruise 2016

September 3–10, 2016
Star ClippersS/V Royal Clipper

Brand g Vacations & Happy Gay Travel proud to offer a Mediterranean gay cruise unlike any you'll find on another cruise ship. The Royal Clipper is a five-masted true sailing ship, which takes you to some of the most important sites from antiquity on a voyage along the coast of Turkey and through the Greek Isles. Sail in the intimacy of 227 gay and lesbian friends.

This gay cruise departs from Istanbul where you may wish to arrive a few days early to experience this amazing city where east meets west. From Istanbul, visit Cannakale, where a reconstruction of the Wooden Horse of Troy stands on the waterfront and the site of the famous battle is nearby. Explore the charming town of Myrina on Lemos island, sail past the dramatic cliff-top monasteries of magnificent Mount Athos and visit the picturesque island of Skiathos with its whitewashed houses. Explore the iconic gay destination of Mykonos with its beautiful beaches. Discover the magnificent neo-classical buildings on the island of Poros, before cruising to the historic city of Athens where this fascinating voyage comes to an end.

Laugh. Dance. Smile. Relax on this unforgettable adventure of the senses.

The Ship

The Royal Clipper boasts state-of-the-art navigation systems and every comfort and luxury one could wish for. For connoisseurs of sail cruising, the 439 foot Royal Clipper offers the ultimate sea-going experience, balancing the grandeur, adventure and tradition of sailing with the superb service, amenities and accommodations of the finest modern yacht. Royal Clipper carries just 227 guests in luxurious style.

Find your secret hideaway on one of the hidden balconies on either side of the bow. Or climb the mast (with safety harness provided) to one of the passenger lookout crows-nests, thoughtfully furnished with a comfortable settee, where you'll have the grandest view of all!

Royal Clipper's interior spaces are just as dazzling. They include a three-deck atrium that funnels sunlight into the elegantly appointed, three-level dining room featuring open-seating dining, deliciously prepared cuisine and a no-tie dress code.

Your ship's accommodations are thoughtfully designed, featuring: private bathrooms, air conditioning, hair dryers, private safe, television, DVD player and nightly turn-down service. Cabins are equipped with 220-volt outlets, plus a 110-volt shaver outlet. Bring a converter if you need to use U.S. appliances which are not dual voltage.

At the top are two, 320-square foot Owner's Suites, each with a separate sitting area and free minibar. Next come the 14 Deluxe Verandah Suites at 255 square feet. The verandahs are furnished with a table and chairs. Two 175-square foot category 1 cabins situated behind the library open onto the public deck. These cabins all have a whirlpool tub/shower in the bathroom, as well as a minibar and bathrobes.

The Clipper also has 90 outside staterooms, measuring 148-square feet. Each of these has two portholes. Some feature a fixed double bed; most have twin beds that convert to a double. A third, pull down berth is available in a few cabins. Closet and drawer space is adequate for a casual, weeklong voyage. The smallest cabins are six, 100-square foot inside staterooms. Laundry and dry cleaning services are offered at an additional charge.

Highlights include:
• A full 19,000 square feet of open deck
• A marina platform for snorkeling & scuba diving
• Drop down sports deck
• Marble private baths
• Beautiful teak decks
• Three swimming pools

Dining & Facilities

The Royal Clipper offers a large number of activities to her guests. But, the real icing on the cake are all of the extra touches provided by Brand g along with the comfort you can only find in the environment of an all-gay and lesbian vacation.

DINING
The chefs aboard the Royal Clipper transform ordinary dining into an extraordinary treat. And you're free to dine when and with whomever you wish—including the sailors, which is also very appetizing.

Every morning you can nibble on a continental breakfast with delicious muffins and rolls or feast on a full breakfast with fruit, bacon and omelets made to order. For lunch there's a marvelous buffet of seafood, salads and grilled favorites. And when evening comes, our elegantly appointed dining room becomes the setting for the chef's finest culinary presentations, designed to please the eye and the palate, and complimented by a selection of equally fine wines.

SPORTS
• Scuba Diving and ocean swimming from the ship's Marina platform
• Beautiful fitness room for the resident gym-bots
• Snorkeling after a quick jaunt on one of the semi-flat bottom beach tenders/crafts

SPA
• Three swimming pools with salt or fresh water
• Jacuzzis to keep the muscles relaxed
• Hair salon, massage room and skin and body treatment center

SHOPS
• Several duty-free retail shops with beautiful merchandise for the discerning shopper.

BARS
• The Piano Lounge - A perfect place to listen to music, have a cocktail or do a little dancing.
• Tropical Bar - On the main deck this indoor-outdoor bar has a long marble and wooden counter ideal for a drink. There's also music before and after dinner.
• Captain Nemo Underwater Lounge - This underwater lounge is equipped with thick glass portholes allowing the observation of sea life and the ocean bottom when the ship is anchored.

CULTURE
• A library ideal for quiet conversation and reading
• A PC for passenger use
• Informative lectures

NAVAL OBSERVATION
• The Navigation Bridge is always open for watching the sailors work the winches
• Lookout stations that provides passengers with panoramic views of the ocean

Travel Itinerary

Day 1 - Saturday, September 3, 2016
Istanbul,Turkey
Throughout thousands of years Istanbul's geographical position has maintained its importance. Today Istanbul is a huge metropolis connecting continents, cultures and religions and is home to eleven million people and one of the greatest business and cultural centers of the region.

Day 2 - Sunday, September 4, 2016
Canakkale, Turkey
Facing squarely across the Dardanelles to confront the imposing mass of Kilitbahir Fortress, Canakkale reminds you that this area has been a place of conflict since the time of the Trojan War. Nearby Troy (Truva), uncovered by archeologist Heinrich Schliemann in 1871, was of course the site of the most famous siege in history. Time has eroded most of the 3,500 year-old ruins, but you can imagine what Priam felt as he faced Achilles' invading Greek army.

Day 3 - Monday, September 5, 2016
Myrina, Limnos, Greece
It was Zeus who hurled Hephaestus from Mt. Olympus to land on Limnos, leaving the god of metalworking with a permanent limp. Perhaps he was nursed to health by excellent red and white wines grown on Limnos volcanic soils. The town of Myrina sits under the winding white ramparts of the Kastro, built in 1186.

Day 4 - Tuesday, September 6, 2016
Ouranopolis, Greece
The picturesque village of Ouranoupolis, "City of the Heavens," lies at the threshold of the unique community of Mount Athos. Its imposing landmark, the fortified Byzantine tower that nests on the rocks at the seafront, is the largest monumental structure in Halkidiki. The beauty of Ouranoupolis is in its long sandy beaches, the lonesome coves and the deserted islets waiting to be discovered.

Day 5 - Tuesday, September 7, 2016
Skiathos, Greece
Skiathos is the most sophisticated of the Sporades, abounds with trendy shops where barely-clad visitors taking time off from the nearby beaches shop for expensive wisps of clothing and jewelry. Go a few blocks inland and you'll find charming flower-decked houses and gardens overflowing with fruit trees.

Day 6 - Wednesday, September 8, 2016
Mykonos, Greece
One of the most cosmopolitan of all the Greek Islands, gay friendly Mykonos is a contrast of rocky hills and beautiful beaches. Hora, the capital, spreads around a colorful harbour, in which fishing boats nestle side by side with luxury yachts.

Day 7 - Thursday, September 9, 2016
Poros, Greece
It's barely a hop, skip and a jump from the Argolid Peninsula to the island of Poros, sometimes called Kaválria. Greece's naval academy is here, and visitors can hear the cadets' marching band every morning. The views from the Temple of Poseidon are eternal, which may be why the doomed orator Demosthenes chose to end his life here. Take a water taxi to Galatas for excursions to the fragrant lemon groves of Lemonodhássos, or venture inland to ancient Troezen or Epidauros.

Day 8 - Friday, September 10, 2016
Piraeus (Port of Athens), Greece
Walking in the shadow of the Acropolis in the Agora, you can almost hear the voices of Plato, Socrates and Aristotle arguing about who was the greatest philosopher. Ancient Athens, the birthplace of democracy and epicenter of western civilization, is a city for all eternity.