"All Aboard" with Rosie O'Donnell

[cheezedoodle]

Posted: 4/1/06 at 3:19am

If you have HBO - You MUST make the time to sit and watch this new documentary. It starts on HBO April 6th, and is one of the most heartwarming films I have ever sat through.

For those who are not aware, Kelli and Rosie were having dinner with a friend and lamented that there are no truly queer friendly vacation options for gay and lesbian parents with kids. So - their dinner partner said "Why don't we just rent a ship" - and the R Family Cruise line was born.

The cruises are open to anyone - gay, straight, single, with family - and the link below gives info on the upcoming events. Kelli Odonnell was at this screening, and said the next cruise out of Seattle in July is sold out - but it has become SO popular, that next year they have already planned two cruises during the year, and there is also a trip to the Gallapagos Islands coming up.

I don't want to say too much more, except PLEASE watch. After it airs we can all talk - but this is the stuff that changes lives. My only fear is that the people that need to see this - most likely will not be tuning in. And for that - I am truly sorry. This film completely shows what family values, and what America is really about.

If you are not into the concept of queer family's, at least watch it for the Broadway stuff...there is a lot of it...especially Billy Porter, and Gavin Creel. Gavin as one of the Dreamette's is not to be missed, and they show almost the entire number.





All abord!

Updated On: 4/1/06 at 03:19 AM

[NYadgal]

Posted: 4/1/06 at 7:20am

I was just reading an article about this.

I loved this quote from Kelli:

"Most travelers are from the middle of the country, where there are no other gay families in their city. For them to feel that safety and have their children see other families like theirs is tremendous."

Adds O'Donnell:

"There were a lot of emotions for people being fed a meal when they were used to getting by on crumbs."


I can only imagine what a life-affirming experience it is for those families - especially the children.

[cheezedoodle]

Posted: 4/1/06 at 11:16am

It is incredible Addy! There are even grandparents of some of the families that have never been on a vacation because gay families are not usually welcome in the mainstream that took this opportunity to be with their families.

There is a couple who has adopted FIVE of the most beautiful children I have ever seen, there are a group of teens that bond in such a way that it is truly inspiring to everyone around them,and there is one family that went on the cruise because their son is gay - the parents are straight - and they wanted to have a positive experince and just enjoy each other.

I can't say enough about this documentary - I am so blown away.

I also was able to talk to Kelli O'Donnell briefly at the party afterward, and she is a doll.

Updated On: 4/1/06 at 11:16 AM

[CapnHook]

Posted: 4/1/06 at 12:47pm

I will definitely be tuning in!!! Been waiting for this ever since Rosie mentioned it on her website.

I would go on this cruise in a heartbeat - alone - being a single, straight, 20 year old - however the only thing stopping me is the cost. Being a poor college student sucks.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 4/1/06 at 12:51pm

Can't wait. I have the TIVO set!

[Calvin]

Posted: 4/1/06 at 1:40pm

I happened to be in Provincetown last summer when the cruise had docked there. It was a lot of fun seeing all the different families around. I think I saw Gavin Creel among the crowd, but I didn't approach him. It also happened to be "Bear Week" (unbeknownst to my friend and I) so it made for a very interesting mix of crowds.

Sadly, I don't get HBO. I imagine there will be a DVD eventually?

[cheezedoodle]

Posted: 4/1/06 at 2:22pm

I would imagine so Calvin. My friend Kristin asked an HBO exec at the party about a DVD and he said he was unaware of anything in the works, but I can't imagine they would not do it considering how well recieved it has been so far. Even if Rosie picks up the DVD rights herself - that would be a smart thing and then donate the profits to one of her organizations.

The other thing that people were commenting on and even asked the producer about was the music that was used. One local news commentator asked if there would be a CD release and from the womans reaction you could tell they had not thought of CD's or DVD's yet. It was like a light went on over her head. It was funny.

Updated On: 4/6/06 at 02:22 PM

[CapnHook]

Posted: 4/1/06 at 2:54pm

Rosie has mentioned on her website that a DVD is in the works.

[fflagg]

Posted: 4/1/06 at 3:43pm

God, enough of Rosie. Why her nice, intelligent, and pretty g/f stays with her is beyond reason. . .

[TheatreDiva90016]

Posted: 4/1/06 at 3:59pm

This is the boat that I'm currently working on.

My contract only goes through June 18. I still don't know if I'm extending or not, but I was told that last years cruise was filled with Lesbians and kids, so if that's your sort of thing, go for it.

[cheezedoodle]

Posted: 4/1/06 at 4:04pm

Diva - what a stupid statement. Of course that's someones thing - the point is that there is no outlet for it until now. It's all about queer families. How many families do you know plan a vacation and leave the kids at home? And from the looks of the documentary there is a mixed crowd of 2000 people, Men, Women, kids, gay, lesbian and straight.

[TheatreDiva90016]

Posted: 4/1/06 at 4:08pm

Well, thanks for calling my post "stupid".

I'm just repeating what I heard on the boat from folks (gay and straight) that worked it.

The Lesbians were upset that Gays were there, and most of the kids ran around like wild animals.

If you have a more intelligent way of putting down my posts, feel free, as "stupid is as stupid does".

[cheezedoodle]

Posted: 4/1/06 at 4:36pm

I said the statement was stupid - not your post. I see floating around the sea entertaining the breeders has done a lot for your personality.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 4/1/06 at 4:44pm

I applaud Rosie and this cruise.

[TheatreDiva90016]

Posted: 4/1/06 at 4:48pm

I'm glad she's doing it also. There needs to be alternatives for the LGBT community. But FACTS are FACTS. There were some very outspoken Lesbians that were upset at the fact that Gays were on board also. And the kids WERE running around unattended.

Cheesedoodle, the boat has made the the unofficial LGBT liason. I run the "Friends of Dorthy" meetings, so I haven't been "entertaining the breeders".

Don't speak about something that you have no clue about.

[cheezedoodle]

Posted: 4/2/06 at 12:11pm

I know enough - I have been a passenger on NCL three times thank you. And I believe you said you were told these things - does that mean "FACTS are FACTS" or - were you actually on this cruise. I have a hard time considering information from someone that has not personally witnessed it - but - that's just me.

Considering the whole point of the program is "Family" cruises, I feel that if indeed there were lesbian "seperatists" on board that had those feelings, then that was thier own fault for booking in the first place. Maybe what they should do is petition Olivia Cruise Lines to have a all women's family cruise, and then there would not be such a problem for them.

As for kids running around - well, there is no excuse for parents who can't or won't control their children. However - as a staff member of a family freindly cruise line, you are being paid for having to endure these uncomfortable conditions - and it's only a one week cruise. NCL advertises and prides themselves as being one of the leading family vacation options, and it's a highly competitive market. Being they are in this market I would assume that the employees would be aware of the possibility of this type of occurance. Maybe your friends would be happier working on a higher end cruise line where children are not as present such as Princess or Crystal cruises. I have done two Crystal Cruises and on both occasions - not one child on board.

But - then again, I don't know what I am talking about.

Updated On: 4/2/06 at 12:11 PM

[cheezedoodle]

Posted: 4/6/06 at 11:06am

Bump - The maiden voyage is tonight! 8:00 pm on HBO.

Updated On: 4/6/06 at 11:06 AM

[cheezedoodle]

Posted: 4/6/06 at 8:16pm

One more time - anyone watching? lol Her daughter with the make-up is cracking me up. Watch closely at the end when the passengers are disembarking - pay attention to the Gatto family - there is a sad end to the trip that is not captured on the documentary.

Updated On: 4/6/06 at 08:16 PM

[bdwaygirl]

Posted: 4/6/06 at 8:50pm

Dang, I wish I had HBO.

[Glebb]

Posted: 4/6/06 at 8:52pm

What a blast!
The kids are so adorable.

[CapnHook]

Posted: 4/6/06 at 8:55pm

Awwwww!! The worker at the Jewelry Shoppe asked the boy if his mommy and daddy would let him have a lollie pop. He said "I don't have a mommy, I have this!" and he hugs his two dads.

The worker didn't get it that the two men in his store were a couple.

[Glebb]

Posted: 4/6/06 at 8:56pm

Little boy and father holding him were gorgeous!
Dang I want to go on that cruise to meet the middle Dreamgirl.

[cheezedoodle]

Posted: 4/6/06 at 9:05pm

The young lady who has the two dads and is going off to college was one of the subjects of a documentary of gay's with teens on Logo. That doc is also very good.

[Glebb]

Posted: 4/6/06 at 9:20pm

Rosie forgive me.
I love you.

[CapnHook]

Posted: 4/6/06 at 9:29pm

Seemed like it was very short. 90 mins...wonder if it was edited at all for TV? Of course they shot like everything, but was this the intentional complete film?