Anteros Setting Sail as First LGBT Cruise Line

Anteros Cruises, a new cruise line dedicated to LGBT guests, will begin operations in 2017 aboard a 400-passenger ship offering year-round voyages in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. We asked Marc Baron, the line’s director of business development, to reveal his vision of the niche product.

TMR: Why does the industry need a cruise line like Anteros?
Marc Baron: It is no secret that there is an issue of gay prejudice alive in the world today – unfortunately recent news speaks to the lack of true LGBT acceptance and understanding found in some mainstream hospitality venues.

There are many individuals within the mass market that are less accepting and make negative comments or even gestures toward members of the LGBT community that can cause discomfort or even ruin the travel experience for LGBT travelers.

We are creating an environment where all members of the community and their loved ones will feel comfortable. Our number-one priority is making our guests feel relaxed and open, so they can be themselves while exploring amazing destinations and experiences, making new friends and enjoying their vacation time every step of the way.

TMR: How will the company reach out to the retail trade?
MB: Anteros Cruises will be very active in the travel industry and with the travel agent community. We will certainly participate in industry trade shows, conferences, and events. To further support the sales efforts of the travel-agent community, we will introduce a dedicated travel-agent portal on our website as well as travel agent resources, marketing tools, training, and more.

Beyond traditional cruise product training we will also bring agents invaluable training and research on understanding the various LGBT consumer segments. Many agents would like to reach the LGBT travel market but do not know where to start.  

We are eager to help all travel professionals build a LGBT travel practice; we are here to share our insights and knowledge. We will hold a hand, if need be, to help agents learn about the LGBT market, teach agents how to find inroads into the LGBT community, and offer insight on best serving LGBT sub-communities to build their businesses.

TMR: What will agent commission be?
MB: Anteros Cruises is committed to developing solid business relationships with traditional and home-based travel agents and will offer compensation/commissions that are competitive in the marketplace.

TMR: Have fares been set?
MB: Anteros will offer distinctive itineraries and service across a wide range of price points to deliver on its promise of inclusivity.

TMR: Will the Anteros web site enable consumers to book direct?
MB: There will be functionality to book direct, however, to be clear, we consider the relationship and the role played by the travel professional to be essential, as we anticipate that the majority of our bookings will be made by agents.

Our live support team will be on hand, not only to assist in the booking of a cruise vacation, but also to provide real-time answers to questions that may pop up during the sales process.

Only the largest travel groups have the resources to staff a dedicated LGBT department – we are happy to serve as any travel professional’s behind-the-scenes expert, providing insight and helping them to provide their clients with the best service and experience possible.

TMR: Do you know yet which ship Anteros will charter or purchase?
MB: We are contractually restricted from disclosing the ship’s identity at this time. Details about the ship will be released in the upcoming weeks.

TMR: Will Anteros be a luxury-level line?
MB: A classy and refined ambiance will greet guests, along with outstanding personalized service, high-quality accommodations, celebrity-designer inspired public rooms and accents, world-class cuisine and wine selections, and experiential shore excursions and event options designed with the LGBT community in mind, such as PRIDE celebrations, to help our guests make the most of their Anteros Cruises experience.

TMR: Can you give a few specific examples of amenities or services that will be different with Anteros?
MB: What makes Anteros Cruises unique in the world is our distinctive dedication to and focus on making all members of the LGBT community as well as their friends, family, and allies feel welcome. Celebrating diversity within the LGBT community, we have designed every aspect of the Anteros Cruises experience so that LGBT travelers can be their authentic self, without concern or judgment. Itineraries are additionally being coordinated with PRIDE, CSD, and other LGBT-oriented events.