|
 Onboard Olivia at 35
To mark the 35th anniversary of the company, San Francisco-based Olivia is pulling out all the stops, offering everything thing from the launch of a broader more holistic approach to its vacations that they describe as 'traveltainment' to a massive 35th anniversary party cruise around the Caribbean featuring entertainment by Belinda Carlisle and Sick of Sarah.
 |
Onboard Olivia at 35
Written By Duane Wells
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Category: | Travel |
Story brought to us by
Olivia, the independent women’s record label that grew into what has become the leading lesbian travel and entertainment brand in America, this year celebrates its 35th anniversary. To mark the occasion ,the San Francisco-based company is pulling out all the stops, offering everything thing from the launch of a broader more holistic approach to its vacations that they describe as “traveltainment” to a massive 35th anniversary party cruise around the Caribbean featuring entertainment by Belinda Carlisle and Sick of Sarah.
Reflecting on what the company has become since its launch more than three and half decades ago, Olivia President and Founder Judy Dlugacz, appears somewhat awed.
“Olivia was created to serve a lesbian market that ranges from women who must live quietly in suburbia, to women who have the freedom to walk the streets holding hands. I am extremely blessed to have been part of this amazing experience. When the company launched 35 years ago, I never dreamed Olivia would become the company that it is today,” said Dlugacz in a press release.
“When we started the travel division, no one wanted to charter ships to us, now we are one of the largest charterers of the Holland America Line,” she continued.
 And the milestones don’t just end there. Laurels aside, Olivia continues to grow and make history despite its comfortable position atop the lesbian travel game. Just this past January, Olivia announced a groundbreaking new partnership with Logo designed to expand the company’s reach in the lesbian community while simultaneously providing new entertainment opportunities for its cruise and vacation packages.
Moreover, Olivia kicked off 2008 with one of its most ambitious list of itineraries ever. With two Caribbean cruises in January and March, intimate riverboat adventures in Russia and along the Danube, as well as vacations in Hawaii, the Mexican Riviera and Australi and resort destinations to Cancun and Turkquiose, Olivia has something for just about every lesbian taste and budget. And true to form, the company is expecting each event to surpass expectation.
“Historically, when we have called on the community to celebrate significant milestones with us, we sell out every trip and event we offer—we hope this year long celebration will be no exception,” said Dlugacz.
With that clarion call in mind, here’s a preview of what Olivia has on tap for the rest of 2008:
March 30 – April 6, 2008: Cruise For Our Cause
Kicking off with a special one-night performance by Heart in Fort Lauderdale, this seven-night excursion aboard the Ms. Westerdam includes, among its arc of activities, visits to the jungles and coral reefs of Cozumel, snorkeling in Grand Turk and sailing, windsurfing as well as a plethora of other adventures along Seven Mile Beach in Georgetown, Grand Cayman.
Along the way entertainment will be provided by Michele Balan, Rene Hicks, Vickie Shaw, Lisa Koch, Suede, and Julie Wolf on this luxe cruise for a cause which benefits the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation (DSLRF).
July 1 – July 8, 2008: Discovering Provence and Burgundy 1
Offering a decidedly more European flair, this package allows guests to explore the French countryside as only a real riverboat queen can.
138 women will join Ellen’s mom, Betty Degeneres, for travels through Provence and Burgundy aboard the brand new Avalon Scenery, a luxurious riverboat with over-the-top amenities, including floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open to look out directly onto the river.
By day explore historical sites as well as the art and culture of places like Chalons sur-Saone along with some of the most talked about wines from the world-renowned Beaujolais region, otherwise known as the gastronomic capital of France. And then by night, enjoy performances by Lisa Koch and Roxanna Ward.
You can even start your journey with an optional romantic 2-night stay in Paris where you can slowly stroll Boulevard St. Michel on your way to the breathtaking Notre Dame. C’est tres romantique, n’est ce pas?
August 3 -10: Cruising the Romantic Danube II
Seven days on the Danube River, the imperial architecture of Vienna, the cathedrals of Germany, the best of both sides of Hungary’s capital, Buda and Pest…how bad can that be?
Throw in sampling authentic wines and cuisine aboard an intimate riverboat and you’ve got Olivia’s world class ‘Cruising The Romantic Danube II” excursion.
October 25 – November 1: Laugh Out Loud! Turks Resort
 Funny women Elvira Kurt, Lisa Koch, Dana Goldberg, Michele Balan, Julie Goldman, Amy Boyd, the Wau Wau Sisters and Jessica Kirson are all set to perform at Olivia's Laugh Out Loud comedy extravaganza this year.
When not laughing their asses off guests will be free to enjoy tennis, water aerobics, sailing, soccer, body building, basketball, and volleyball as well as activities as diverse as diving in waters off Turks and Caicos Island and learning the art of flying trapeze with a little help from the colorful Club Med resort staff.
November 23 – 30: 35th Birthday Bash Carribean
It is being touted as the biggest lesbian celebration ever. Capping the company’s 35th year anniversary celebration, this all out Olivia bash aboard the Ms. Westerdam will not only feature entertainment by Belinda Carlisle, Suzanne Westenhoefer, Karen Williams, Vickie Shaw, Suede and Sick of Sarah, but also a surprise superstar headliner chosen by the lesbian community.
Party on the beaches and lagoons of Grand Turk, live it up in St. Thomas and St. Maarten, and then kick back on the exclusive private paradise Half Moon Cay to finish off this landmark journey with 1,800 women. Expect a lot of surprises and an explosive end to another milestone year for Olivia.
For more information about Olivia, including a complete list of all Olivia 2008 itineraries go to: www.olivia.com.
 |
Subscribe to this comment's feed
