[Amalu]

Taiwan and Peru, Pakistan and Luxembourg - like, who were they? I wanna meet them all HAHA

Well both me and my cousin (and roommate) hold a Luxembourgish Passport. So you've read from at least one of them.

[mooyagi]

Random scattered thoughts, not a full list:

Had a good time on the cruise. Given the lineup, it was a very laid back vacation. Not much running to and from venues to catch more sets, lots of downtime to just hang out or enjoy a nice full service meal. I would've liked a better lineup since this one had a bit too much downtime. Hopefully the Skipper will make up for it next year.

We did the Shredder's Brunch, which was well worth it in my opinion. There was a lot of food and my steak and eggs was quite nice. I'd still prefer some breakfast offering in the main dining room but I do recommend to try the brunch once on a sailing.

The food was pretty good this time. Didn't use the Windjammer too much but everything was passable and there seemed to be a decent variety. Didn't notice the food being as salty as past years. The tacos were an easy meal. Those were a bit salty but cutting that with lime juice certainly helped. Wasn't expecting anything amazing and they did surpass what I thought they would be. Even Sorrento's was a step up from previous sailings. Each time I grabbed a couple of slices it was off a fresh pie that had just been put out. We ate dinner in the main dining room twice. Other than some confusion over who at the table ordered what when the dishes came out it was a good experience as usual.

Bimini was nice and relaxed. It was a cute little neighborhood to walk around. Too hot though, yikes. I would prefer going to a port that we actually have to sail to though. The full cruise ship at sea experience isn't quite there as we just spin around in the water.

Drinks didn't seem to be more expensive than previous years though there was some difference in price for the same cocktails depending on the bar.

The boat certainly felt empty. There were no issues finding a spot at any show I attended and the bars were all walk ups when I needed a drink. Don't do the main merch but the festival merch took almost no waiting. Please change t-shirt vendors next time. The fabric quality is shit this year.

Our cabin steward was good (3 towel animals!) and maintenance promptly took care of our toilet when it decided to stop working.

The shows were mostly good. There were some technical issues that pissed me off (too many time overruns, Melechesh in the ice rink and especially the temperature level in the venues). Overall I didn't notice too many sound issues from where I was standing/sitting. Hypocrisy on the pool deck was one of the best shows I've seen on any cruise.

All in all, I was a bit worried going into this once with a weak (for me) lineup but ended up having a good time. It's on the lower end out of the 12 cruises mostly due to not having enough on the music end. I'm glad the team was able to pull it off after a 3 year absence and the world catching on fire and I'll see you all on broad in 2024.

[BoltThrower]

I had fun but I always do. Not as much doom and thrash as I would have liked but caught a lot of other bands and was pleasantly surprised by some like He’ain and Internal Bleeding. I’m shot around 10:00pm so missed some of the few thrash bands that had late time slots. Warbringer had two bad slots. Tried to like all the hot chick power metal but just can’t do it.

I really hate the one venue where you can’t see anything. It’s almost not worth bothering with it but still liked Deathless Legacy there.

Did the Clevelander thing for the first time this year. It was fun but Miami is extremely expensive. Won’t ever stay there again. Hollywood and Ft Lauderdale are much better. I don’t know why the Clevelander is the goto for so many.

Can’t wait for next year.

[cegr80]

Thank you Andy for once more delivering what you always promise: a metalhead vacation!

So this was my personal round 5 (halfway to black!) and I felt it was as good as ever! For me it was crucial to rekindle my love with the boat after 3 years of COVID bullshit.

The lineup was GOOD, I truly do not understand why some people felt it was subpar. It was as great as any other year. There's ALWAYS some amazing bands to see and new bands worth checking out. There's something for everybody.

I had 4 wishlist bands, 2 of them (Nightwish & Keep Of Kalessin) I managed to catch both sets. Completely amazed by all of them sets. The other 2 wishlist bands (Melechesh & Novembre) I could only catch one set of each for different reasons: With Melechesh there was a nasty set clash with Amorphis, and although I had never seen Melechesh I could not resist to see one of my favorite metal bands of all time playing The Moon on the pool deck on a moonlit clear night - how can you compete with such beauty?). With Novembre it was such a drag to see them so early in the morning, I got to the theater but was so drunk I fell asleep. Yes, there are shameful pictures.

I decided to give a chance to newer bands and was totally surprised with the quality of their live performances. For me it was almost non-stop shows, with very little free time and several unpleasant set clashes but overall I think I managed to do the best in the end. I had a blast with what I ended up seeing.

I was amazed to see how easy it was to embark/disembark. The food was OK for me, as expected. LOVED the tex-mex place on the pool deck - saved my life once. Sorrento's was as delicious as ever, they even had caribbean pizza with pineapple, I was bold enough to try it a couple of times. The Bull & Bear had one of my favorite beers of all time (Pilsner Urquell) but I found out too late and they ran out quickly. At least I drank 3 or 4 cans of that delicious brew.

I managed to grab my usual boat t-shirt and a baseball cap, but they did not have the size for the color I wanted so I ended up with another color. Better than nothing, I suppose.

Bimini was all I needed - a tropical island with clear waters and white sands. We may laugh at how close it was to Miami, but it worked out perfectly well for our vacation needs.

Man, this is the reason why I keep coming back. This year did not fail, it was fun as usual. Cannot wait to return in 2024 for personal round 6.

ANDY GIVE US BE'LAKOR FOR 2024!

[Downvod]

I had fun but I always do. Not as much doom and thrash as I would have liked but caught a lot of other bands and was pleasantly surprised by some like He’ain and Internal Bleeding. I’m shot around 10:00pm so missed some of the few thrash bands that had late time slots. Warbringer had two bad slots. Tried to like all the hot chick power metal but just can’t do it.

I really hate the one venue where you can’t see anything. It’s almost not worth bothering with it but still liked Deathless Legacy there.

Did the Clevelander thing for the first time this year. It was fun but Miami is extremely expensive. Won’t ever stay there again. Hollywood and Ft Lauderdale are much better. I don’t know why the Clevelander is the goto for so many.

Can’t wait for next year.

My understanding is that it did not go well when they attempted to have the official party at Hollywood beach in the past. It’s not a party beach like Miami is, and that sized party was getting the wrong kind of attention.

[Downvod]

And.....just like that cruise is over!
That went fast!

The anticipation, the waiting, the mood and vibes, the chats. Always so interesting.
Then the build up, the codes, the booking. I hate not going.
I spoke to one good friend who was on 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 said he has zero interest in ever going back on broad again.
When I see the pics, the reports and hear about the experience, I wonder how some cruisers just give up on it.
It is way, way different to the first few boats, back when we had 2,000 fans. I get that bit.

Anyway, glad to hear the cruiser who was hospitalized is recovering.
I'm hearing different reports on that.
Whatever happened, just glad he's getting back to health.

Also, this:
Thank you to all of our Sailors and Survivors from across the globe! We welcomed Sailors from 71 Countries from across the Globe on board Round 11! All you Survivors from ARGENTINA, AUSTRALIA, AUSTRIA, BELARUS, BELGIUM, BOLIVIA, BRAZIL, BULGARIA, CANADA, CHILE, CHINA, COLOMBIA, COSTA RICA, CUBA, CYPRUS, CZECH REPUBLIC, DENMARK, ECUADOR, EGYPT, EL SALVADOR, ESTONIA, FINLAND, FRANCE, GERMANY, GREECE, GUATEMALA, HONG KONG, HUNGARY, INDIA, INDONESIA, IRELAND, ISRAEL, ITALY, JAPAN, LITHUANIA, LUXEMBOURG, MALTA, MEXICO, NETHERLANDS, NEW ZEALAND, NICARAGUA, NORWAY, PAKISTAN, PALAU, PERU, PHILIPPINES, POLAND, PORTUGAL, PUERTO RICO, ROMANIA, RUSSIA, SAUDI ARABIA, SINGAPORE, SLOVAKIA, SLOVENIA, SOUTH AFRICA, SOUTH KOREA, SPAIN, SRI LANKA, SWEDEN, SWITZERLAND, TAIWAN, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, TURKEY, UKRAINE, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, UNITED KINGDOM, URUGUAY, USA, VENEZUELA, VIETNAM made 70000TONS OF METAL 2023 once again truly feel like the United Nations Of Heavy Metal At Sea!

When I see that list of countries, like Sri Lanka and Sth Korea...New Zealand, Trinidad & Tobago...I wanna know WHO came from those countries and WHY do I not know who they are yet!!?!?

HA!

It's awesome!

Taiwan and Peru, Pakistan and Luxembourg - like, who were they? I wanna meet them all HAHA

One thing I love about this cruise is that it really is a coming together from right around the globe.
And I think back to what I said up top earlier, if you have zero interest in ever going back, I gotta say that every year, the cruise is different. If you had a shitty time, the next one could be your BEST ever!

2024 anyone?


Survivor:
2012
2013
2014
2015
2020

Sri Lanka is Dulip, who is quite well known on the cruise. He’s the one who hosts the Hollywood Beach party.

[toby]

I had fun but I always do. Not as much doom and thrash as I would have liked but caught a lot of other bands and was pleasantly surprised by some like He’ain and Internal Bleeding. I’m shot around 10:00pm so missed some of the few thrash bands that had late time slots. Warbringer had two bad slots. Tried to like all the hot chick power metal but just can’t do it.

I really hate the one venue where you can’t see anything. It’s almost not worth bothering with it but still liked Deathless Legacy there.

Did the Clevelander thing for the first time this year. It was fun but Miami is extremely expensive. Won’t ever stay there again. Hollywood and Ft Lauderdale are much better. I don’t know why the Clevelander is the goto for so many.

Can’t wait for next year.

My understanding is that it did not go well when they attempted to have the official party at Hollywood beach in the past. It’s not a party beach like Miami is, and that sized party was getting the wrong kind of attention.

From what I heard from a early survivor, having it at the Riptide took up too much of the Broadwalk and was blocking regular foot traffic. Hollywood Beach also tends to "shut down" earlier than South Beach.

[slayergeek]

I had fun but I always do. Not as much doom and thrash as I would have liked but caught a lot of other bands and was pleasantly surprised by some like He’ain and Internal Bleeding. I’m shot around 10:00pm so missed some of the few thrash bands that had late time slots. Warbringer had two bad slots. Tried to like all the hot chick power metal but just can’t do it.

I really hate the one venue where you can’t see anything. It’s almost not worth bothering with it but still liked Deathless Legacy there.

Did the Clevelander thing for the first time this year. It was fun but Miami is extremely expensive. Won’t ever stay there again. Hollywood and Ft Lauderdale are much better. I don’t know why the Clevelander is the goto for so many.

Can’t wait for next year.

My understanding is that it did not go well when they attempted to have the official party at Hollywood beach in the past. It’s not a party beach like Miami is, and that sized party was getting the wrong kind of attention.

From what I heard from a early survivor, having it at the Riptide took up too much of the Broadwalk and was blocking regular foot traffic. Hollywood Beach also tends to "shut down" earlier than South Beach.

Yea the riptide was great in 2015, but Doro spent WAY too much time talking with the cops to try and prevent them from breaking up the party and arresting people. They had issues with blocked sidewalks, public drinking, etc. It works well for the much smaller after party, but the pre party is too big.

[Pellaz]

My understanding is that it did not go well when they attempted to have the official party at Hollywood beach in the past. It’s not a party beach like Miami is, and that sized party was getting the wrong kind of attention.

From what I heard from a early survivor, having it at the Riptide took up too much of the Broadwalk and was blocking regular foot traffic. Hollywood Beach also tends to "shut down" earlier than South Beach.

Yep, that was it. We were blocking the boardwalk (which is used by a lot of joggers) plus that area is actually somewhat residential, including a lot of Canadian snowbirds who fly south to winter there. Miami South Beach is a tourist hotspot and is (mostly) not residential.

I will probably skip the beach party next year (sorry, Doro!). The walk from our hotel, 7 blocks north and west, and the shifty beach sand was murder on my feet since I have plantar fasciitis. I had to take it really easy on Monday and Tuesday and sit down for all of the shows I saw. Finally felt better Wednesday night. (It didn't help that our room was at the very back of the ship with a looong walk to the nearest elevators. Awesome extended balcony and a great view at no extra charge, but I won't ask for that room again.)

[acidbasement]

Thanks again, Skipper and crew! Logistical issues aside, it was a fantastic event.

I didn't think we were going to come this year. Too much money, stuff with family etc.

I am so glad we decided to come. Reconnecting with friends and making new ones, enjoying great music with the best crowd... it was wonderful.

I gotta say though, hearing stories that women are getting groped on our ship really stinks. Men, we need to do better and not let this shit happen. Creeps need to go to the brig or worse.

Andy, please give thought to this, because a lot of women are having bad experiences with shitty men. You're not responsible for their behaviour, but it would be nice to hear you address it in some way, to know that it's on your radar.

[toby]

I gotta say though, hearing stories that women are getting groped on our ship really stinks. Men, we need to do better and not let this shit happen. Creeps need to go to the brig or worse.

Andy, please give thought to this, because a lot of women are having bad experiences with shitty men. You're not responsible for their behaviour, but it would be nice to hear you address it in some way, to know that it's on your radar.

Hear! Hear! Espeically ridiculous considering the number of female fronted bands on this round. WTAF!

Also, I'm putting together my wishlist for 2024 already!

[BoltThrower]

I think I saw a groping instance. I saw one man walking out several feet away from me and then saw a woman in daisy dukes with a sour look on her face talking to her husband/boyfriend and they started looking around. He then appeared to ask her if it was an unintentional backhand or an intentional grab as he demonstrated on her. By the time I pieced together what it all may have been about, the perp was gone. I don’t remember what he looked like.

[Pellaz]

I gotta say though, hearing stories that women are getting groped on our ship really stinks. Men, we need to do better and not let this shit happen. Creeps need to go to the brig or worse.

Agreed, but according to the current "hot" post on Facebook, the male miscreant was minimizing the abuse committed by promoter John Finberg and/or defending him; there wasn't any physical abuse involved.

As I noted there, any actual physical abuse (of anyone, male or female), especially any caught on camera, results in a ban from the cruise line and either stateroom confinement or confinement in the brig, plus likely criminal charges. As it should be.

[acidbasement]

Agreed, but according to the current "hot" post on Facebook, the male miscreant was minimizing the abuse committed by promoter John Finberg and/or defending him; there wasn't any physical abuse involved.

As I noted there, any actual physical abuse (of anyone, male or female), especially any caught on camera, results in a ban from the cruise line and either stateroom confinement or confinement in the brig, plus likely criminal charges. As it should be.

I wasn't referring to that post, I'm not in the FB group much. I've had people close to me tell me they were groped onboard, and I accompanied a friend because a guy she didn't know was trying to follow her to her stateroom.

I'm glad RC has that policy and I think it should be highlighted going forward. It would be a start.

[mooyagi]

This conversation is disheartening to read. I just can't understand how individuals can do that. Ugh.

[Andy]

I gotta say though, hearing stories that women are getting groped on our ship really stinks. Men, we need to do better and not let this shit happen. Creeps need to go to the brig or worse.

Andy, please give thought to this, because a lot of women are having bad experiences with shitty men. You're not responsible for their behaviour, but it would be nice to hear you address it in some way, to know that it's on your radar.

I am aware of such unacceptable behaviour and the issue has already been discussed internally with my event security. While we may be able to mitigate such incidences by having more floaters around, security cannot be everywhere at all times and we also don't want the ship turn into a police state. Therefore we need everyone's active participation. If you see anything that's not right, don't take it up on yourself to intervene, approach one of my security staff and they will handle it professionally.

[MuzakMaker]

I gotta say though, hearing stories that women are getting groped on our ship really stinks. Men, we need to do better and not let this shit happen. Creeps need to go to the brig or worse.

Andy, please give thought to this, because a lot of women are having bad experiences with shitty men. You're not responsible for their behaviour, but it would be nice to hear you address it in some way, to know that it's on your radar.

I am aware of such unacceptable behaviour and the issue has already been discussed internally with my event security. While we may be able to mitigate such incidences by having more floaters around, security cannot be everywhere at all times and we also don't want the ship turn into a police state. Therefore we need everyone's active participation. If you see anything that's not right, don't take it up on yourself to intervene, approach one of my security staff and they will handle it professionally.

I do very much appreciate the response. Agreed on not wanting the ship to turn in to a police state and even having more floaters in the crowd feels like it could harsh the feel of the boat.

That being said I feel like this year was more rough than in years past, I'm hoping Tidewater comes back next year as I know they were very responsive to take care of the few things that I saw being pointed out to them in the moment and having an official course of action for these incidents will go a long way in helping curb the bad behaviour.

[acidbasement]

Thanks for the response, Andy. I don't know how best to proceed, but maybe a focus group with security staff and women attendees while the experience is still fresh could give you some direction for planning next year.
I really appreciate that you're thinking about it.

[toby]

Another thing to consider is looking up Code of Conduct policies for Comic-con type events. With all the cosplayers at those, their culture is used to having people of all sorts of stages of (un)dress.

[cowboy71]

Yes I believe an official Code of Conduct would be a great idea.

"No unsavoury behaviour towards ANYONE or your arse (ass) is banned for life".

I've had reports made to me not only of unsavoury behaviour towards female cruisers but also unacceptable behaviour towards RC staff.

That's just not on, boat fam. We are better than that.

[EvilDan]

Thank you everyone for a beautiful trip!

Thanks to Andy for the black card and putting on an amazing cruise, as he always does...

Thanks to everyone on the ship that made it incredible. I know I missed out on meeting up with some of y'all. We'll make up for it next time!

Thanks to Royal Caribbean for offering pitchers and buckets! That saved me so much money, while making sure I could share with anyone, anywhere, at anytime.

Thanks to everyone I didn't want to see. You were invisible to me.

Thanks to everyone who didn't make it. The people who were missed know it, but this was terrific for fans with all the extra space and being able to easily get to almost any spot in any venue at any time. (Yes, even the Star Lounge.) Felt like more people than Barge, but less than 2013. It was perfect.

Extraordinary bands, wishlist sets, unique merch, barely a conflict and still plenty of off time, and those ubiquitous unexpected moments... What's not to love?

This cruise really highlighted how much I have to be thankful for. "I didn't know how empty was my soul until it was filled."

[cowboy71]

Thank you everyone for a beautiful trip!

So incredibly great to see you again man!!

Cannot wait for next round. More details....SOOOON

[lampropelma]

I hope that some people with unacceptable behavior will be found thanks to the cameras.
If so, they should be banned from cruising for life.
I also heard rumors that some people defecated on the bridges. It's a total shame if that's true.

[slayergeek]

Yes I believe an official Code of Conduct would be a great idea.

"No unsavoury behaviour towards ANYONE or your arse (ass) is banned for life".

I've had reports made to me not only of unsavoury behaviour towards female cruisers but also unacceptable behaviour towards RC staff.

That's just not on, boat fam. We are better than that.

Royal Caribbean already has an official code of conduct

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/content/ ... policy.pdf

Some of which we regularly flaunt in ways that people don't have an issue with (mainly around Alcohol and things like edibles) But I agree a dedicated 70,000 Tons conduct policy might not be a bad idea. That being said, legally it is already there, and morally will the people doing this even read it or care. I guess you do what you can, and this is something that can be done.

Things that I think might work

Raising the profile of the issue, making sure people know that they can kicked off if they cross lines
Calling people out on bad behavior, using ships security if warranted

To guys that are just trying to 'meet chicks'

Here is how you do it. You talk to them about the things that you would ANY OTHER CRUISER. How many times have you been on. What bands are you into. Where are you from. If she engages with you and you're having a good time take it from there slowly. If she seems disinterested then go away, no judgement. I have those conversations all the time, often with the boyfriend/husband right there joining the conversation. It's called hanging out with your fellow cruisers. Granted I am married and not trying to get laid, so that helps me not come off as a creep, but if your trying to get laid and coming off as a creep...that does not help you out, and ruins the event for the people you are bothering.

[DrinkMoxie]

What bands are you into

just fyi: women on the internet have been very vocal that this is not acceptable. No form of "name bands/songs/whatnot" is accepted. It is considered male condescension

[slayergeek]

What bands are you into

just fyi: women on the internet have been very vocal that this is not acceptable. No form of "name bands/songs/whatnot" is accepted. It is considered male condescension

?? That depends on the context. If it's meant as a 'test' of if you are a true metal fan or not...then I get it. But in the context of "What bands on the boat are you most interesting in seeing" this is a standard 70K question and more than appropriate. If it's "I see your wearing a Cradle Of Filth shirt, name 5 songs...then you're just being an asshole.

I would not assume that it is off limits subject on a music cruise, but context and tone matter...that I would agree with

I think no matter who you are talking to on the cruise "Don't be an condescending asshole" is a rule that should always apply, and I acknowledge that women get subjected to this far more then men do.

[bodomdragon]

What bands are you into

just fyi: women on the internet have been very vocal that this is not acceptable. No form of "name bands/songs/whatnot" is accepted. It is considered male condescension

You are getting this totally out of context.

It is perfectly fine to ask any person on the boat which bands they are into. It is a normal question considering you are at a music festival. You can refuse to answer, of course, but if anyone takes this particular question as any sort of test, aggression or condescension, this person has issues that probably need professional help.

[DrinkMoxie]

but if anyone takes this particular question as any sort of test, aggression or condescension, this person has issues that probably need professional help.

I wouldn't recommend telling a woman they need professional help for any reason, ever

[slayergeek]

What bands are you into

just fyi: women on the internet have been very vocal that this is not acceptable. No form of "name bands/songs/whatnot" is accepted. It is considered male condescension

You are getting this totally out of context.

It is perfectly fine to ask any person on the boat which bands they are into. It is a normal question considering you are at a music festival. You can refuse to answer, of course, but if anyone takes this particular question as any sort of test, aggression or condescension, this person has issues that probably need professional help.

Phrasing and context matter, and there are ways to ask questions around this topic that ARE condensing and demeaning.

My only point was questions regarding this can and should be made without being condensing and demeaning.

Your point seems to be that there is no way that a question of this nature can be condensing and demeaning, and that I 100% disagree with.

You can’t be into Archspire, aren’t they too brtual for you? Name 2 songs and I will believe you. Aren’t you more of an Epica gal

.

That would be an example of gatekeeping, and being condescending as well as being an asshole. The above quote is for examples purposes only.

[bodomdragon]

You can’t be into Archspire, aren’t they too brtual for you? Name 2 songs and I will believe you. Aren’t you more of an Epica gal

.

That would be an example of gatekeeping, and being condescending as well as being an asshole. The above quote is for examples purposes only.

Well, there is a MASSIVE difference between your example and simply asking "what bands do you like?". I don't even see the similarities to be honest... Needless to say that using that Archspire example is definitely an asshole move.

I don't know, maybe I'm too innocent, but I really don't see how such an open question (THAT VERY QUESTION, no any other versions) can be harmful in any way to anyone, man, woman, old, young or whatever.

EDIT: please read above, I specifically said "this particular question". Not other variants including specifics.

[Phoenix]

What bands are you into

just fyi: women on the internet have been very vocal that this is not acceptable. No form of "name bands/songs/whatnot" is accepted. It is considered male condescension

You are getting this totally out of context.

It is perfectly fine to ask any person on the boat which bands they are into. It is a normal question considering you are at a music festival. You can refuse to answer, of course, but if anyone takes this particular question as any sort of test, aggression or condescension, this person has issues that probably need professional help.

Okay so

As a woman, let me step in here.

I've heard that there are a special kind of asshole that try to gatekeep women out of music (this shit doesn't work on me, I actually know more about the bands than they do). So for a lot of women, as soon as we hear "what bands are you into" we automatically go into defense mode because we're sick of being quizzed by assholes on the things we like because women aren't allowed to like metal or some shit.

So if you're talking to someone, of any gender, and they bristle when you ask "what bands are you into", no, they don't need professional help. You just need to listen and say "wow that's awesome!" Because that person has dealt with MUCH WORSE REACTIONS in the past and doesn't want more of that shit.

[bodomdragon]

just fyi: women on the internet have been very vocal that this is not acceptable. No form of "name bands/songs/whatnot" is accepted. It is considered male condescension

You are getting this totally out of context.

It is perfectly fine to ask any person on the boat which bands they are into. It is a normal question considering you are at a music festival. You can refuse to answer, of course, but if anyone takes this particular question as any sort of test, aggression or condescension, this person has issues that probably need professional help.

Okay so

As a woman, let me step in here.

I've heard that there are a special kind of asshole that try to gatekeep women out of music (this shit doesn't work on me, I actually know more about the bands than they do). So for a lot of women, as soon as we hear "what bands are you into" we automatically go into defense mode because we're sick of being quizzed by assholes on the things we like because women aren't allowed to like metal or some shit.

So if you're talking to someone, of any gender, and they bristle when you ask "what bands are you into", no, they don't need professional help. You just need to listen and say "wow that's awesome!" Because that person has dealt with MUCH WORSE REACTIONS in the past and doesn't want more of that shit.

Then can we at least agree that the potential problem may come AFTER her answer (when there may be room for douchebaggery), not by simply asking an innocent, extremely open question? Or should we just not ask that simple thing to anyone whatsoever because it is potentially offensive / demeaning / gatekeeping / whatever?

I mean, honestly, I don't give a damn because I am happily married and I have no need at all to meet women, but if this question is offensive, ALL questions can be offensive and then the only solution is men not talking to women whatsoever.

[Phoenix]

You are getting this totally out of context.

It is perfectly fine to ask any person on the boat which bands they are into. It is a normal question considering you are at a music festival. You can refuse to answer, of course, but if anyone takes this particular question as any sort of test, aggression or condescension, this person has issues that probably need professional help.

Okay so

As a woman, let me step in here.

I've heard that there are a special kind of asshole that try to gatekeep women out of music (this shit doesn't work on me, I actually know more about the bands than they do). So for a lot of women, as soon as we hear "what bands are you into" we automatically go into defense mode because we're sick of being quizzed by assholes on the things we like because women aren't allowed to like metal or some shit.

So if you're talking to someone, of any gender, and they bristle when you ask "what bands are you into", no, they don't need professional help. You just need to listen and say "wow that's awesome!" Because that person has dealt with MUCH WORSE REACTIONS in the past and doesn't want more of that shit.

Then can we at least agree that the potential problem may come AFTER her answer (when there may be room for douchebaggery), not by simply asking an innocent, extremely open question? Or should we just not ask that simple thing to anyone whatsoever because it is potentially offensive / demeaning / gatekeeping / whatever?

Oh we can definitely agree on that, yes. That said, I also agree that it's unfortunately a question that holds negative connotations for a lot of people, because it is a lead-in to the more shitty follow up more often than not.

In short, in the broad terms, people suck. Let's try to make the boat be a place full of people that don't suck by just being better people. I'm saddened to hear there was sexual assault that took place, but glad that the Skipper is already working on some changes.

[bodomdragon]

Okay so

As a woman, let me step in here.

I've heard that there are a special kind of asshole that try to gatekeep women out of music (this shit doesn't work on me, I actually know more about the bands than they do). So for a lot of women, as soon as we hear "what bands are you into" we automatically go into defense mode because we're sick of being quizzed by assholes on the things we like because women aren't allowed to like metal or some shit.

So if you're talking to someone, of any gender, and they bristle when you ask "what bands are you into", no, they don't need professional help. You just need to listen and say "wow that's awesome!" Because that person has dealt with MUCH WORSE REACTIONS in the past and doesn't want more of that shit.

Then can we at least agree that the potential problem may come AFTER her answer (when there may be room for douchebaggery), not by simply asking an innocent, extremely open question? Or should we just not ask that simple thing to anyone whatsoever because it is potentially offensive / demeaning / gatekeeping / whatever?

Oh we can definitely agree on that, yes. That said, I also agree that it's unfortunately a question that holds negative connotations for a lot of people, because it is a lead-in to the more shitty follow up more often than not.

In short, in the broad terms, people suck. Let's try to make the boat be a place full of people that don't suck by just being better people. I'm saddened to hear there was sexual assault that took place, but glad that the Skipper is already working on some changes.

Good. I see your point and hopefully we're all on the same page now.

Hope to see you back on future cruises btw.

[Phoenix]

Good. I see your point and hopefully we're all on the same page now.

Hope to see you back on future cruises btw.

Same! I should be all good for 2024 - even already have roommates in mind! But I just started calling realtors to buy a house, so this year was going to be impossible timing

[cowboy71]

I know I let ya down Phoenix by caving in and attending this year but I promise to be back in 2024 guaranteed if only to see you

[Phoenix]

I know I let ya down Phoenix by caving in and attending this year but I promise to be back in 2024 guaranteed if only to see you

Well that's one familiar face for the forum meetup in 2024 then!

[cegr80]

Well that's one familiar face for the forum meetup in 2024 then!

I will be another familiar face

[Pellaz]

Another thing to consider is looking up Code of Conduct policies for Comic-con type events. With all the cosplayers at those, their culture is used to having people of all sorts of stages of (un)dress.

Absolutely. I helped craft the policies for Dragon*Con here in Atlanta (80,000 attendance). "Cosplay is NOT consent" is one of the guidelines.

[Pellaz]

Well that's one familiar face for the forum meetup in 2024 then!

I will be another familiar face

Me, too!


As was mentioned before, Royal Caribbean themselves have a Code of Conduct or Guest Conduct policy that we come close to stepping on at times, since we are a charter...but not even a full-boat charter would be exempt or immune from sexual harassment or assault. There are reports of one of us harassing a ship crew-member; that "Survivor" was then banned from Royal.
The ship has a brig for a REASON.