Exclusives: Set Sail with Kellie O'Donnell

Quiz time.

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. 

HSD: 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.

HSD: 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. 

HSD: 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.

HSD: 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. 

HSD: 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.