Grand Mediterranean Cruise

July 9 – 16, 2011
Holland America Nieuw Amsterdam

RSVP returns to Europe this summer with a fantastic new cruise to the best of the Med. Four amazing countries, five beautiful cities, and 2000 RSVP guests!
It's been 4 years in the making, but RSVP is back in the Mediterranean on Holland America's newest ship: the sensational Nieuw Amsterdam! We're sailing from gay-friendly Barcelona to France, Italy, and the north coast of Africa on an all-gay cruise that truly can only be called "Grand Mediterranean"!

Our starting point in Barcelona is the perfect place to begin an all-gay cruise, inviting you to experience Gaudi's stunning architecture, traditional Spanish tapas, and exciting gay nightlife. It's definitely worth visiting a few days early, and RSVP will offer some excellent pre-cruise packages in mid-December.

After a relaxing day at sea, you'll arrive in Tunis, Tunisia on the coast of North Africa – where you can bargain at the markets in the ancient Arabic Media, explore the ruins of Carthage, or take an excursion to the seaside gem of Sidi Boud. Next up is Palermo, Sicily's cultural capital and the perfect place to explore the extraordinary island scenery and ancient architecture from the Roman Empire.

A full day in Rome offers you plenty of time to explore the city’s monumental history from the ruins of the Coliseum to the riches of the Vatican. Just leave some time for some of the world’s finest shopping, lunch on a scenic piazza, and some mouth-watering gelato. We'll then sail to Livorno, the gateway to the magic of Tuscany, the famed city of Pisa, and of course glorious Florence. Whether you spend your day wine-tasting, museum hopping, or simply taking in the magnificent street sights, you'll be enthralled by the endless beauty that surrounds you.

Finally, we'll arrive in the French port city of Marseilles where a vibrant modern port city of cafes, shops, and architectural wonders await.

Don't miss a chance to sample their unique gastronomic treats – bouillabaisse, tapenade or pistou, all specialties of the beautiful region of Provence. We'll compliment the excitement of the French and Italian Rivieras with the most extraordinary onboard experience RSVP has ever created. Our brand new ship offers the pampering luxury and exceptional service that has made Holland America the favorite for RSVP guests. With her spacious and well-appointed staterooms, elegant restaurants, full-service spa, two pool decks, and many other fine amenities we’re certain you'll fall in love all over again each day you return to the Nieuw Amsterdam.

As we continue to celebrate our 25th anniversary of gay and lesbian cruises, we invite you to relax and enjoy all that RSVP has to offer. Our signature entertainment includes everything from pool games and T-dances by day. And of course, there's always plenty of space just to relax, including our private cabanas.

Night brings more options than you ever imagined including our famous RSVP theme parties, intimate cabarets and friendly piano bar. RSVP main stage entertainment features the best in gay and lesbian performers, from comedians to singers, the freshest new talent to our favorite stars. And of course, there’s always action in the casino, a late-night show, or dancing under the stars to keep you entertained into the night. One thing we know is you’ll always find a place to relax that suits you perfectly.

Your Ship - Holland America's brand newNieuw Amsterdam

Sleek, sophisticated, and stylish - the Nieuw Amsterdam is the perfect ship to experience the Mediterranean with 2100 gay and lesbian friends. Built in the finest Italian shipyard - she will impress you with her modern design, panoramic ocean views, innovative dining options, large and well-appointed staterooms, and unique entertainment venues.

Bearing the original name of the City that Never Sleeps, the Nieuw Amsterdam updates the elegant tradition of the Holland American Line to reflect the glamour and history of New York. And she's as big as the Big Apple, with eleven passenger decks, a three-story Broadway-style theater, two pools, and six restaurants and cafes. Try your luck at the casino, meet up with friends at one of the many bars or the wine-tasting lounge, learn a new skill at the Culinary Arts Center, or take in a favorite movie, including the best of the recent gay cinema. Shop at the luxury jewelry boutique, or just relax in the three-story atrium. Need to stay connected? Check out Explorations Cafe where you can check email or surf the web, enjoy one of the largest libraries at sea, all while sipping a Cappuccino.

Looking for more relaxing options? Pamper yourself at the expanded Greenhouse Spa and Salon– featuring thermal suites and a hydro-pool. Lounge by one of the two outdoor pools, or soak in a Jacuzzi under the Caribbean sky. You can also stay in shape in the largest gymnasium ever built for the Holland America Line.

Whether you're looking for excitement, relaxation or anything in between, the Nieuw Amsterdam is the perfect ship for your RSVP cruise.

Dining

For some people, a cruise is all about the food. And dining is an integral part of your RSVP vacation. The exceptional Holland America culinary staff offers sophisticated menus for you to enjoy in a wide variety of venues. Whether you're looking for a casual meal poolside, a romantic elegant meal, or a relaxing dinner with friends, there's always something to appeal to your taste and style.

Formal Dining
The Manhattan Dining Room features one of the most extensive wine lists at sea, and is the perfect venue to enjoy a relaxing meal with your new friends. This formal dining room is located aft - with windows on three sides, a grand stairway, elegant atmosphere and multiple table arrangements for parties from two to groups of eight.

Specialty Restaurants
For a more elegant affair, The Pinnacle Grill offers intimate, reservations-only dining featuring Sterling Silver premium beef and fresh seafood. Located midship adjacent to the grand Atrium, the Grill and its stylish Bar provide a very special dining experience - with all the romance you and your special someone might expect from an up-market restaurant in any metropolitan city. The intimate Tamarind Pan-Asian Dining Room offers unique Asian fusion cuisine. The reaction to this one-of-a-kind experience has been overwhelming. Located on the highest point of the ship, with amazing panoramic views, the Tamarind is an experience unlike any other cruise ship.

Casual Dining
If you're looking for a more casual option, the indoor-outdoor Lido Restaurant has both an air-conditioned restaurant, as well as "al fresco" dining on deck. The buffet-style Lido changes daily, with freshly prepared dishes to suit any appetite. From grilled Paninis to Sushi, or BBQ chicken and ribs to fresh salad options, whatever you crave - the Lido is ready to please.

Swimsuits are always suitable dining attire at the Terrace Grill where you can get a freshly grilled hamburger with crispy French fries to go. No need to give up your Deck Chair - just stop by the Grill and pick up your order.

Something Different
Those looking for a bit of a proper experience can enjoy Royal Dutch High Tea in the afternoons. Set in the elegant Explorer's Lounge, this flashback to the Golden Days of Sailing features specialty Teas, gourmet pastries and canapés, and Classical music from the ships string quartet. You will feel like "Royalty" being served by your very own staff.

Still Hungry?
If an entire day of RSVP activities leaves you wanting something more relaxed, you can always order room service - complimentary 24 hours a day. For our guests with special dietary needs, RSVP and Holland America offer "Light and Healthy" menu items featuring meals low in sodium and cholesterol, Vegetarian (vegan available), gluten-free, fat-free, diabetic or other special dietary needs meals, as requested.

Please note that an extra charge applies for the Pinnacle Grill and Tamarind Restaurant.

Facilities

Every day offers a wealth of activities and indulgences, along with the freedom to enjoy as many – or as few – as you please.

Whether you want to workout, take a cooking class, join in our RSVP pool games, read in the library, or check your email, there's a perfect onboard activity for everyone. Of course these are just the beginning, since our endless schedule of RSVP signature events, entertainment, parties and activities await you. Take a look at these exciting offerings:

Sports
• Fully-equipped fitness center
• Classes in low-impact aerobics, yoga and Pilates
• Basketball, ping pong, tennis, volleyball, walk-a-mile

Spa Services
• The elegant Greenhouse Spa & Salon, which includes massage rooms, thermal suites, and a range of luxurious spa products
• Jacuzzi, two outdoor pools, classic teak deck chairs for reading, relaxing and sunning

Shopping
Duty-free shopping featuring international luxury brands such as Lladro®, Swarovski® , Waterford®, Gucci®, Givenchy®, and of course RSVP's specialty logo merchandise.

Bars & Lounges
• Crow's Nest, observation lounge by day and a hot nightclub featuring RSVP global DJs and live acts by night
• Ocean Bar for cocktails and dancing
• Explorer's Lounge for an intimate after-dinner coffee, hand-dipped chocolates and soft music
• Piano Bar featuring RSVP star cabaret entertainers and classic piano bar setting
• Lido and Sea View Bar for poolside fun
• Atrium Bar, the perfect pre excursion meeting place
• Pinnacle Bar, an intimate wine bar

Entertainment Venues
• The Mainstage featuring Broadway-style productions, talented vocalists, illusionists, comedians, and variety acts, along with RSVP signature gay and lesbian entertainers
• Northern Lights Disco, the swankiest night spot on board
• Casino action featuring blackjack, poker, craps, roulette, slots, and more
• Movies with all the new releases as well as delicious hot buttered popcorn at the door

Cultural Enrichment Programs
• Culinary Arts Center, a unique center for interactive cooking demonstrations and more, sponsored by Food & Wine Magazine
• Explorations Café, powered by The New York Times, offers more than 2,000 books, music listening stations, Internet access, puzzles and more
• Self-guided iPod® art tours of the ships' multi-million dollar art and antiques collections

On Board By Day

You'll experience more entertainment, in more places than any other RSVP cruise in our history. From our signature T-dances, outstanding entertainers, enriching lectures, and endless onboard amenities, you'll be tempted to never even look outside at the sparkling blue waters of the Caribbean.

Culture hounds can:
• Check out the Explorations Café, powered by The New York Times with over 2,000 books, music listening stations, Internet access, puzzles, and more
• Go on a self-guided iPod® art tour of the ships' multi-million dollar art and antiques collections
• Attend one of our special enrichment presentations, designed just for RSVP guests and our community
• Learn how to master a new cooking style at our Culinary Center

Fitness fans can:
• Work out in the fully-equipped Fitness Center
• Take a class in low-impact aerobics, spinning, yoga or Pilates
• Play a game of basketball, ping pong, tennis, volleyball
• Power walk around the ship – three laps is a mile!
• Swim in one of two outdoor pools

Hedonists can:
• Rejuvenate at the elegant Greenhouse Spa & Salon with services that include: exotic skin, body, and hair treatments ranging from hot stone massages and pedicures to hair styling and facials
• Take a soothing Jacuzzi
• Relax in the Thermal Suites
• Soak in the Hydro Pool

Shopaholics can:
• Purchase works of fine art at our art auctions and arrange for in-home delivery
• Go duty-free shopping for brand names such as Lladro®, Swarovski® , Waterford®, Gucci®, Givenchy®

On Board By Night

When the sun sets over the Caribbean, get ready for lights, cameras and all kinds of action. Just open your stateroom door and you're only steps away from adventure - whether it's a quiet romantic evening or a night of partying.

• Go to one of the famous RSVP theme parties
• Experience an RSVP headline entertainer on the main stage
• Thrill at the talents of our newest stars performing in the RSVP Cabaret series
• Take part in a sing along in the RSVP Piano Bar
• Party through the night
• Start or end the evening with drinks and dancing in the Ocean Bar
• Try your luck at the blackjack table or roulette wheel
• Take a gaming lesson from a professional card shark
• Watch a first-run movie, or the best of recent gay cinema
• Stop by the Crow's Nest for a highball or two (or three)
• Head to the Explorer's Lounge for an after-dinner drink or espresso, hand dipped chocolates and classical music

Entertainers

RSVP brings you today's best gay and lesbian entertainers. From the funniest comedians to hot musical acts on the main stage, to a variety of cabaret performers throughout the ship, we'll entertain you every day.

Our main stage features a wide variety of acts - from comedians like Michele Balan, the Kinsey Sicks, Kate Clinton, Margaret Cho, to Broadway stars like Cheyenne Jackson, Ann Hampton Callaway, Lorna Luft, and movie and television personalities like Leslie Jordan, Jennifer Coolidge, Nikki Blonsky and Debbie Reynolds. Each night is different, so there is something for everybody.

RSVP's Cabaret series features the hottest singers and musicians nightly. RSVP favorites like Amy Armstrong and Freddy Allen, Mia Dorr, Lori Dokken, Judy Donaghy, and Debbie Duncan fill our more intimate lounges with their music and witty banter until the late night hours. This is a "no holds barred" situation folks! Be prepared to laugh or cry - and everything in between.

Prefer an intimate Piano Bar? We've got it! Each night we offer performances and sing alongs with some of the most entertaining piano men and women around. Order a drink, pull up a stool and "sing out, Louise!" You and your fellow passengers will have the time of your lives singing the standards or Broadway favorites all night long. Do you have a special song? These folks take requests.

We're not just going back to Europe this summer, we're back in a big, big way! RSVP's Grand Mediterranean cruise offers you the perfect mix of endless exploration and total relaxation, in a style that you'll only find on a comfortable, welcoming gay and lesbian cruise. All at prices you can afford. Don't miss out on the best adventure of the year.