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®
• Stock up on all-new RSVP logo merchandise

• 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
• 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

Danny Williams

Danny discovered his love of performing at an early age. Despite attempts at being a romantic lead, he was instead consistently cast in the comic roles. In college he found that he had a knack for improvisation.

In 1981, he wrote the lyrics and performed the vocals for the cult favorite song “Castro Boy”. Despite its age, it is still played on college radio stations and has a large following. In fact, in 2007 it was a top hit in Amsterdam.

He began doing stand-up at the legendary Valencia Rose in San Francisco in 1982. As the years went by he won the Gay Community Award for Top Male Entertainer five times, the Cabaret Gold Award for Top Male Comic three times and the Cable Car Award for Entertainer of the Year.

He was also given both the Harvey Milk Award and the John L. Wasserman Award for his humanitarian works. Danny has made a lifelong commitment to performing at benefits with no remuneration. He has also served on the Board of Directors for four non-profit organizations.

Danny has performed with some of the top names in live performance. He has done his comedy in Canada, Europe and throughout the United States.

Danny is the playwright of “1970” which was about his years on the streets and the his show “P.S. Bette Davis”. He was part of The Happy-Go-Luckys with Marga Gomez and Monica Palacios.

Besides doing benefits, his greatest performing love has been on RSVP cruises. He has performed on around 200 RSVP travel events. This year marks his 21st season with RSVP. Danny is delighted to know that there will be passengers on board who were born after he started with RSVP. Being part of RSVP has allowed Danny to meet amazing people, make lifelong friendships, travel the world and, hopefully, bring laughter to our incredible passengers.

Danny is lucky enough to have an amazing life partner, Brian Moser, who he met on an RSVP cruise. They are married under California law (pending court rulings). Danny is truly blessed to have this amazing man in his life.

www.myspace.com/psdannywilliams

Gert Crawford

Gert Crawford started her career in the early 90's when she realized having an alter ego as a gin drunk, blue eye shadow, big hair, diner waitress with a smart answer for everything could be conceived as funny. Gert joined forces with RSVP in 2007 on the Caribbean Princess and delighted the crowd with her day to day humor of life down at the diner. In 2008, Gert sailed on the Zuiderdam and continued making lasting impressions with RSVP cruisers. In 2009, Gert sailed the Eurodam and tried posing as Captain Gert, but ended up back at the Lido Restaurant serving coffee with Maude (Paul J. Williams). And now she is headed to Alaska on the Westerdam. She is not the prettiest girl, but will definitely bring a smile to your face and will look great in your scrap book when you look back at the fun times you shared with RSVP.

Leslie Jordan

In 1982, Leslie Jordan stepped off a Greyhound bus from the hills of Tennessee, said “hello” to Hollywood and has never looked back. With hundreds of television shows, films and commercials to his credit, he has become a familiar face on the entertainment scene.

Leslie is the 2006 Emmy Award Winner for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his delicious portrayal of “Beverley Leslie” on “Will and Grace.” Television audiences will also remember him for his recurring roles on “Privileged,” “Ugly Betty,” “Boston Legal,” and “Reba.”

Feature film audiences will recognize Leslie from his performance as “Brother Boy” in Del Shores’ adaptation of his play “Sordid Lives’” with Olivia Newton-John, Delta Burke and Beau Bridges. He is reprising the role in the television series based on the play and film for the cable network Logo. Other upcoming feature film appearances include “Love Ranch” in a wonderful scene with Helen Mirren directed by Taylor Hackford.

On stage, Mr. Jordan won the Ovation Award, The Garland Award and The Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award for his portrayal of “Preston Leroy,” the aging, sodden barfly in Del Shores hit play “Southern Baptist Sissies.”

Mr. Jordan has enjoyed considerable success as a writer. His book My Trip Down the Pink Carpet for Simon and Schuster is currently in bookstores. Material from the book formed the basis of a 90-minute one-man show, which had a successful 45 city book-signing/performance tour in 2008 and is looking forward to an Off-Broadway run in New York in the Fall of ‘09. A dvd of the show shot during performances in Atlanta will be released.

Leslie’s autobiographical one-man show “Like a Dog on Linoleum” performed to sold-out audiences at the Elephant Asylum Theater in Los Angeles, the Annenberg Theater in Palm Springs, the Bailiwick Theater in Chicago, the 14th Street Playhouse in Atlanta and the Lorraine Hansberry Theater in San Francisco.

Mr. Jordan’s play “Hysterical Blindness and Other Southern Tragedies That Have Plagued My Life Thus Far” ran to sold-out houses in Los Angeles and had a successful seven month run Off-Broadway at the Playhouse on Van Dam in New York City. His screenplay “Lost in the Pershing Point Hotel” won the Los Angeles Independent Film Festival’s Production Grant Award, winning the competition from over 600 other scripts. Subsequently, it was made into an independent feature film distributed by Northern Arts Entertainment.

Amy Armstrong & Freddy Allen

Of all the entertainers performing today, Amy Armstrong and Freddy Allen are the ones standing out above the rest. This Chicago-based “Dynamic Duo” has been captivating audiences for fourteen years.

Amy and Freddy have performed in cities coast to coast, including Los Angeles, New York, Dallas, Provincetown, Key West, St. Louis, San Francisco, St. Paul, Seattle, Oregon, Detroit, Saugatuck, Denver, Ft. Lauderdale, Grand Rapids and Chicago. In 1998, their travels took them to Denmark where they were the featured artists at Copenhagen’s New Year’s Concert. They have been the opening act for several familiar names including Mary Wilson and the Supremes, Phyllis Diller, Bea Arthur, Jennifer Holiday, Judy Tenuta, Lois Bromfeld, and Judy Gold. Amy and Freddy have been performing for RSVP Vacations since 1999, and are considered to be one of the most popular main stage and cabaret acts with RSVP Vacations. They are favorite entertainers with Alternative-Holiday European Vacations and Winter Rendezvous Gay Ski Week.

Amy and Freddy were headline entertainers for the National HRC Black-tie event in Dallas, 2007. They proudly served as Grand Marshals for the Gay Pride Parade in Washington, D.C. in 2006, and were headliners on the main stage in front of the U.S. Capitol.

Amy and Freddy are constantly performing for various organizations and special events all over the United States and Europe. They also enjoy entertaining at many corporate events and private functions, straight and gay. When they are not on tour, they are headlining in Chicago at the Lakeshore Theater.

Originally from Detroit, Amy has been a professional entertainer since she was a young child. Her powerful and soulful voice mesmerizes listeners while her hilarious and risqué humor keeps them doubled over in laughter. Amy made her home in Chicago in 1995 and quickly became one of the Windy City’s hottest talents.

Freddy, Amy’s pianist and music director, has been a professional musician for over twenty-five years. After moving from St. Louis in 1995, Freddy successfully made his name as one of Chicago’s most well known pianists. When he’s not performing with Amy, Freddy works as a free-lance musician and teaches piano and voice.

Amy and Freddy have produced four very successful albums; Amy and Freddy- the debut, Life is a Cabaret, Naturally Flawless and Feeling Good. All of the recordings have been recognized nationally, and have received rave reviews.

Amy’s beautiful voice, edgy humor and quick wit, combined with Freddy’s impeccable musical arrangements and sly repartee, create an evening of the most enjoyable and unforgettable entertainment.

Michele Balan

Michele Balan is a brash, New York stand-up comedian who has appeared on TV, Radio and has been headlining all over the country... in all the top comedy clubs, theaters, Cruises, Festivals, Country Clubs, Private Events, you name it! Her career has taken her from the Montreal Just For Laughs Festival to The Improv in Los Angeles to Caroline’s on Broadway in NYC to being a finalist on NBC’s Last Comic Standing 4!

Her credits include: Opening for the Smothers Brothers in their 50th anniversary tour!Interviewed the cast of The 39 Steps at the Helen Hayes Theater on Broadway! Appears in the movie Stand-UP 360, which played in theaters across the country. FINALIST on NBC’s Last Comic Standing Season 4 (She was the Last WOMAN comic Standing!) Her own OUTLAUGH special on LOGO. She appeared on Byron Allen’s Comics Unleashed Voted one of the top 10 comics in Backstage Magazine in 2005!

www.michellebalan.com

Robbie Leslie

Widely recognized as one of the top disc jockeys in the country, Robbie Leslie has been performing on the international circuit for over 30 years. Leslie is the prototype of the modern Circuit DJ, and pioneered the concept of extravagant theme parties, fundraisers, and benefits created for one night in anything from abandoned warehouses to famous museums. Circuit gigs of note include The March on Washington, The Columbus Red Party and Tropicana, Universal Backlot Blowout, LA 54, Pines 2000, Boston Pride, San Francisco Pride, SF Remember the Party, and countless others.

Leslie started his career on Fire Island at the legendary Sandpiper (now the Pavilion) in the Pines. From there he moved on to New York City, where the list of clubs at which he regularly performed reads like a “Who’s Who” of Big Apple nightspots: The Saint (subsequently the Saint-At-Large), Studio 54, Underground, Private Eyes, Palladium, the Red Parrot, 12 West and the Ice Palace. Appearances: Trocadero Transfer and Dreamland in San Francisco; Paramount in Provincetown; Axis, Probe and Studio 1 in Los Angeles; Numbers and Heaven in Houston; Club St. John in San Jose; the Pavilion, Botel, Ice Palace and Island Club on Fire Island; Roxy and Octagon in New York; Heaven in London, and clubs in Moscow, Sydney, Copenhagen, Toronto and San Juan. In 1988, he had the honor of playing the final set at The Saint’s forty-hour closing party.

Robbie celebrates 15 years as RSVP's popular resident DJ.

www.robbieleslie.com

Randy Bettis

From mega-events of thousands to intimate house parties, DJ/Producer Randy Bettis is among the most sought-after mixmasters in the dance-music industry. Recently voted DJ of the Year by JustCircuit subscribers, the buzz about his dancer-centered style continues to grow.

Bettis broke through the clutter in 2005 with back-to-back acclaimed performances at 3 of the largest dance parties in the world: Saint-at-Large New Years Day Event, The Black Party and the Heritage of Pride Pier Dance in New York City. Since that time, he has been a featured DJ at events and clubs across America and abroad.

For four years running, Randy's GayDayS Tour has brought the spirit of the legendary celebration to cities nationwide. The GayDayS Tour has become an annual summer phenomenon, voted Circuit Tour of the Year by members of JustCircuit.com in each of its first two years. This past summer, Randy continued the magic, celebrating the release of his Party Groove: GayDayS Volume 5 (Centaur Music) with another nationwide award-winning GayDayS Tour. He is proud to be a resident DJ for RSVP Vacations and the official DJ for the New York City Anti-Violence Project.

2008 saw the expansion of Bettis's discography with the release of two new mixed compilations. In addition to Party Groove: GayDayS Volume 5, Randy mixed In An Absolut World, the centerpiece of Absolut Vodka's “Absolut Disco” gift pack.

Randy Bettis and composer/arranger David Boyd form the artistic force behind BetBoyz, who broke into the Billboard Top Ten for the first time in 2008 as part of the remix package of Ari Gold's “Where the Music Takes You,” named Song of the Year by Logo. BetBoyz has created remixes for a number of other exciting artists such as Taylor Dayne, Jason Walker, Sarah Atereth, Ari Gold, Erin Hamilton, Andrea McArdle, and Brian Kent. Plans are already underway for original and remix productions with Inaya Day, Simone Denny, Amber Dirks and more.

Having played in some of New York’s most legendary clubs (Limelight, Sound Factory, Stereo), Randy can be heard frequently at clubs such as Splash in New York, Pavilion in Fire Island Pines, Town DanceBoutique in DC, Pure in Philadelphia and Steel in Fort Lauderdale.

Randy produces a weekly mixshow that can be heard Monday evenings & Saturday nights on G.I.R.L. (GayInternetRadioLive.com).

For more information log on to www.djrandybettis.com

Red Richard

From night clubs and pool parties to fashion shows and MTV, DJ Red Richard entertains music lovers around the world. Unique among DJs as a classically trained pianist, he skillfully fuses house, tribal and underground beats with soulful lyrics to create a distinctive musical sound. Recent acclaimed performances include the New Year Masked Ball and MCQP, the notorious circuit party, both in South Africa. In the United States, DJ Red Richard has played special events, festivals and gay cruises. He is thrilled to be back with RSVP on the Alaskan Adventure Cruise and looks forward to meeting everyone.

Sundance Saloon, San Francisco

The Sundance Association for Country-Western Dancing is an all-volunteer community-based nonprofit organization that promotes and produces country-western dance events for the LGBT community in San Francisco and beyond. It's major project, Sundance Saloon, is San Francisco's acclaimed venue for country-western dancing, with big crowds filling its capacious dance hall every Sunday and Thursday. The Sundance Stompede is its huge 4-day country-western dance weekend in October, attracting hundreds of aficionados from all over North America. Sundance Saloon is pleased to present an expanded program of country-western dancing and dance lessons aboard RSVP's Alaska Adventure Cruise. Ingu Yun, president and founder of the Sundance Association, is a regular DJ at Sundance Saloon and is a frequent DJ and instructor aboard RSVP cruises. John Hoffman is also a regular DJ at Sundance Saloon, and is the treasurer for the organization. Randy Pocius DJs at Sundance Saloon, and also serves as a director of the organization. Troy Inman hails from Atlanta and is a regular instructor at the Sundance Stompede. Troy has numerous dance and choreography credits to his name, and teaches from beginning to advanced levels. He is the co-founder and Artistic Director for Contact Dance Theatre - UNstrictly Ballroom.

James Mellon

James Mellon is the Spiritual Leader of The NoHo Arts Center for New Thought, a Center for Spiritual Living in North Hollywood, California. He is an award winning playwright and director and has starred on Broadway in such musicals as “West Side Story,” “A Chorus Line,” and “42nd Street.” He is the Artistic Director of the Los Angeles based theatre company, “NoHo ACE,” where his newest musical, “Insanity,” just received its World Premiere. He is legally married to his husband of twenty-two years and they are most proud of their ten-year-old twins, William and Nora. You truly can “have it all.”

Mellon’s MENTAL MUSCLE is a no-nonsense approach to getting into shape - mentally speaking! Recognizing that our B.S. (Belief System) is creating our life experience, Mellon designed a course to build Mental Muscle in just 16 weeks. Since then, hundreds of Spiritual Boot Campers have gone through rigorous training to uproot core beliefs and break free of negative thought patterns and behaviors keeping them stuck in lack and limitation. Weekly assignments provide clarity and accountability to help participants fill their mental gym bags with strategies and techniques proven to change lives.

On the heels of a successful Broadway career, Mellon combines his intense training as a New Thought Leader, with his unique gifts as a best-selling author and master teacher to bring his vision to the global marketplace. MENTAL MUSCLE allows participants to experience change from the inside out, not because of who they are or what they do but because of what they believe.

“WERE THE WORLD MINE” Screening

Tanner Cohen stars as the adorable teen Timothy who turns his narrow-minded town gay while capturing the heart of Jonathon (buff Nathaniel David Becker), the rugby jock of his dreams. This critically acclaimed, multi-award winning comedy uses vibrant imagery, a first-rate cast, and innovative music to push modern gay cinema and musical film beyond expectation. Were The World Mine also stars Wendy Robie (Twin Peaks), Broadway star Judy McLane (Mamma Mia), Zelda Williams (House of D), and Jill Larson (Opal on All My Children). Click to see the trailer or buy the DVD from Wolfe or ask for Were The World Mine at fine retailers and video stores everywhere.

http://www.wolfevideo.com/products.asp?id=1477

Tanner Cohen

Tanner has appeared on TV's As The World Turns as well as in the films The Life Before Her Eyes and Were The World Mine for which he won several awards including best Actor at The Tampa Int'l Gay+Lesbian Film Festival. Between making films and playing shows with his New York based band The Guts, he has been completing studies at UCLA.

David Dyer

Pianist David Dyer has been working in the field of musical theatre and cabaret as a musical director, arranger and collaborative pianist for over 30 years, as well as in numerous solo piano situations. He holds a degree in music from The University of Northern Colorado. In his home base of Aspen, CO, he was the pianist and arranger at the renowned Crystal Palace Theatre Restaurant for nearly twenty-five years.

Splitting his time between solo piano engagements and the theatre world, David has been the Musical Director in various summer stock, regional and community theatres over the years. His arranging credits are diverse, including arrangements for solo singers, secular and sacred choral groups as well as full orchestrations for small and large instrumental ensembles.

As an accompanist, his musical talents have taken him to many places in the world, including the Wexford Festival in Ireland, concert cabaret tours of Germany and Switzerland, and as a pianist on the maiden voyage of the Renaissance R-7 in Europe.

He has spends a fair amount of time performing on the island of Mykonos, Greece, where he happened upon “MONTPARNASSE: THE PIANO BAR” by accident while on vacation there in the summer of 1987. He is thrilled to have returned there numerous times to share his solo piano stylings and cabaret offerings with various singers and “guest artistes”.

He has performed in concert with Bernadette Peters, Kitty Carlisle Hart, Little Anthony and the Imperials, and many others. He loves to play “the standards” the 30’s, 40’s, 50’s and 60’s as well as a wide variety of show and film music.

Events and Parties

We know how to keep you entertained, and have been doing it strong for 20 years. Here are some of the events and parties we're planning for you.

RSVP “Bon Voyage” Party
Lido Pool Deck 9 Midship

RSVP “Sailing Solo” Singles Party
Crow’s Nest Observation Deck 10 Forward

RSVP “Women’s” Cocktail Hour
Piano Bar Deck 2 Forward

BearCruise.com Meet & Greet
Northern Lights Night Club Deck 2

Midship Captain’s “Champagne” Reception
Lido Pool Deck 9 Midship

RSVP “Long Johns Underwear” Party
Vista Lounge Decks 1, 2 & 3 Forward

RSVP “Stuck in the ‘80s” Retro T-Dance
Vista Lounge Decks 1, 2 & 3 Forward

RSVP “Costume” Contest
Vista Lounge Decks 1, 2 & 3 Forward

RSVP “Cowboy Country” Dance Party
Vista Lounge Decks 1, 2 & 3 Forward

RSVP “Leather” Party
Vista Lounge Decks 1, 2 & 3 Forward

RSVP “Purple Plaid” T-Dance
Crow’s Nest Observation Deck 10 Forward

*subject to change