Belguim-based brand La Demence took to the high seas in July and QX went along to check out one of the hottest cruises around…
Departing Marseilles, the party had already started on the outside deck pool area on M/V Horizon with Paris-based DJ Ben Manson spinning the tunes at the first T dance of the cruise. Never a dull moment, the opening day gave you the choice of a randy show from porn star Stany Falcone, or alternatively, watching cabaret supreme, La Diva Live; a legend on the Brussels gay scene.
From midnight every evening, renowned international DJs worked a themed party. The first of which saw UK’s treasure Paul Heron and Steven Redant whip up a storm with a military donned crowd.
One thing was clear; organisers had certainly gone through a lot of trouble to ‘mix it up’ with over 63 nationalities on board – now that’s a shit load of seamen. (Forget ‘Around The World In 80 Days’, Around The World in 63 Gays is a voyage we’d much rather par-take in). As the captain hosted a ‘welcome’ cocktail party, the decking was almost invisible beneath a multitude of national flags.
On 23rd July, the crew elected Mr. La Demence. In three rounds; own wear, swimwear and “creative” – the bouys on board saw an eagerly fought competition, with the crown going to well deserved winner, Marc Sahin from Turkey.
Later that night, Oliver M and Fabio White packed out the underwear party, while Heidi Liscious proved that the current music scene in London could get pulses racing – even when half way across the globe. And it’s safe to say that even the ship’s Sapphire Disco wasn’t half as eye-catching as her towering platforms and colourful ensembles.
When the ship arrived in Naples on day three, guests could opt to stay on board and entertain themselves (get your mind out of the gutter!) or visit Pompeii. And to be honest, with a city full of hot Italians – why wouldn’t you ditch the cruise for a cruise?
That said, the vessel had more than enough activities to keep anyone occupied; a library for loners, and a gym for the Muscle Marys.
But the trip to Pompeii wasn’t just about eye candy along the way, it was also an informative visit to a historic monument. And to unwind, Tony Bruno played some relaxing tunes that perfectly complimented the chilled out vibe.
Drag hosts Koka and Nickie Nicole had the crowd in stitches as they pulled out their lucky balls (bingo balls that is). DJs Phil Romano and John Dixon had the sailors (and soldiers and coppers) on the dance floor at the uniform party, while Jordan Fox and Philippe Delvaux took off their uniforms and performed a live sex show (and there wasn’t a dry lap on ship – whether it was drool or an alternate bodily fluid, who can say…).
On the 25th, arriving in the scenic Sicily to an indescribable view of Mount Etna was as awe inspiring as watching Avatar for the first time. Watching the breathtaking sunrise, while all aboard were dressed in white, set an ethereal and magicial tone.
Things took a turn for the kinky on the 26th as guests got into the ‘swing’ of things for the Fetish party and Ladies T dance. After the leather-clad and rubber bound antics of the night before, we set off for Ibiza (the gay beach obviously, as if you’d catch us dead at San Antonio). The closing parties and live finalé in the grand theatre finished the week off with a bang, or two…
Factoring in food, drinks, taxes, and level of service, the only conclusion to arise is that La Demence is exceptional value for money, and well worth considering if you are thinking of taking a gay cruise.
*Ahoy sailor!
• La Demence will be celebrating their 23rd anniversary between the 31st October -4th November in Brussels with a series of parties featuring fantastic Flemish flair. More info at www.lademence.com
