Chumley's BearCruises'
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this an all-gay cruise?No, we book our group on a regularly scheduled sailing, which allows us to offer much better pricing than large 'all-gay' charters - we also find that our guests are generally more interested in this relaxed diverse environment as opposed to feeling like they are trapped in a circuit party for a week!
Are Chumley’s BearCruises for ‘Bears’ only?Without a doubt the secret to our success has been the wonderful diversity of our group. While of course we are mostly hairy beefy ‘bear’ types, we always are a great mix of young and old, singles and couples, bears/cubs/otters/chubs/chasers and just about anyone else you can think of! We encourage you to consider booking your straight friends and/or family as well… many of our guests sail with family members – one of the nice things about being on a ‘regular’ sailing is that you can enjoy the Chumley’s BearCruise functions with our group but then join your straight friends and family in-port, or for meals, etc. When we say “all are welcome”, we mean ALL are welcome!
What is the Chumley's BearCruise 'vibe'?Chumley's BearCruises were designed and continue to be an opportunity for our guests to have the time to relax, enjoy and make cherished friendships for years to come. While we may be a considerable percentage of the ship's passengers, we still share our time with others who we respect and whose respect we are given. What you do in your cabin is of course between you and your cabin boy, but in public areas our guests understand that we are all here to have fun and keep our pants on! After a week together, most of our fellow passengers who may have had no concept of what the bear culture is return to their hometowns with stories of their new 'bear friends'
Is our entire group located in the same area of the ship?Most of our group is located in certain areas of the ship, depending upon what type of cabin you book. The earlier you book the more likely it is that you will have neighbors from within our group nearby.
Must I bring/wear formal wear on the cruise?While it remains traditional for most 7-day sailings to include one or two 'formal' evenings, you always have the option of alternative dining options, including a casual buffet or even in-cabin room service. Most of our guests actually seem to love the 'dress-up' opportunity, and many bring (or rent from the line) formal wear, or just a simple suit and tie, but like most aspects of our group - it's entirely up to you to make it what you want. As our group's size now affords us an entire Dining Room to ourselves, we can be a bit more casual than the norm.
Are there any additional costs or fees?The price we advertise is for your cruise, which includes your cabin, amenities, travel, ports of call, on-board meals, taxes etc. Airfare is additional and can be booked on your own, through the cruise line or though our travel agent. Also, liquor is additional (for soda drinkers, you can usually purchase a soda-card for the week, which usually run about $25 and allow you unlimited soft drinks). Complimentary coffee and tea as well as iced tea and iced water are available at all times for no fee. Items such as souvenirs, casino play, certain spa packages and treatments, optional excursions/activities and in-port purchases are also not included.
How does tipping work on-board?Most cruise lines automatically deduct a set fee (generally around $11.50/day) which is added to your bill at the end of the sailing, and is used to cover all of your gratuities (i.e. maitre'd, porters, waiters, cabin steward etc). If you feel the amount should be adjusted up or down, you certainly have the option to do so. For exceptional service from a particular member of the staff, you may also wish to provide a gratuity to them directly.
Can I rent formal wear on the ship?Yes, if you choose to you can reserve a tuxedo or dinner jacket/accessories from an online vendor, the price is about what you would usually pay at home and will be in your cabin upon arrival. If anything does not fit correctly you will be able to have them changed prior to the first formal evening. Onboard rentals must be set up at least 3 weeks prior to sailing.
Is it possible for me to bring my own liquor aboard the ship?Each cruise line has it's own policy regarding personal alcohol, but it can be assumed that they would prefer you purchase cocktails from them whenever possible. Our guests are very creative and educated with regard to what can be improvised, and are always happy to share their knowledge!
Does the Chumley’s BearCruise group dine together each night?Due to the size of our group, we actually are able to reserve an entire dining room just for us! The first night at sea, we all move from our cocktail party directly to our dining room – which is generally an 8-8:30pm seating time. This way everyone knows where our dining room is located and we encourage you to sit wherever and with whomever you wish. Each night thereafter, you can opt to join us in that same dining room at that same start time, or you can choose to eat at other dining rooms and other times, or any of the many other dining options. This is your vacation, and while we always have an option for you to be with 'the group' - how, when, where and with who you eat is entirely up to you.
What if I don’t have anyone to go on the cruise with me?Since cabins are booked double-occupancy, most guests do sail with a partner or a friend, but we are also happy to match single guests with a cabin mate as well. Most single guests actually match themselves through our private online group, but if necessary, we can match you with someone based on cabin type and if you are a smoker or not. Another option is to travel as a solo passenger, for a fee that may be as little as +50% or as much as +100%, depending on the line, cabin types and the particular sailing.
Will I be comfortable sailing alone?While it is very difficult to determine exactly who is 'coupled' (or even what that means these days!), we estimate about 50 - 60% of our guests consider themselves to be couples. It is our diverse mix of guys that makes our cruises the amazing experience that they are… you are sure to meet wonderful guys from all over and chances are you will make friends for life. Our guests are very warm and friendly, and we do our best to make sure you have many opportunities to meet new friends before as well as during our sailings, including our 'Singles Mixers' cocktail parties held on board.
Can I bring valuables on-board?All cabins have a complimentary self-activated safe in which you can secure items, and very valuable items can also be checked with the ship’s Purser. As our cruises are very casual, we suggest you only bring those valuable that are completely necessary, the less you have to worry about the more likely you are to be able to relax and enjoy your hard-earned vacation!
What are typical cabin amenities like?Staterooms almost always feature self-controlled air conditioning; a telephone and TV; high-quality soaps, shampoos and lotions; music channel system; and 24-hour complimentary room service.
Can I book my Chumley’s BearCruise though my own travel agent?
We can only consider those who book with our group as members of our group, as we must pay for our private events and plan for dinners, excursions etc. We strive to provide the most affordable option, and have many guests who are themselves travel agents yet agree that booking through us is still their best option. Our on board events and in port excursions are private and only for members of our group.
Click here to download the registration form.
Yes, in addition to the year round online groups and chatroom opportunities, these generally start with a Bon Voyage event in the departure city, and continue with our traditional Opening Night Chumley's BearCruise Cocktail Party, where you will meet us and get all of the information you need for your week (this is the only mandatory event of the week, we feel strongly that this is your vacation, and you can make it exactly what you want it to be.) In addition, there will be private Chumley's BearCruise Singles Mixers, fun shows and dance parties and other private functions throughout the week..
I’ve never cruised before - will I get seasick?Although everybody is different, it is very rare that guests get seasick on modern cruise ships. Due to the size, systems and stabilizers of these ships, and the ability to sail away from rough waters, most guests tend to forget they are even at sea for the most part. Of course there is always the slight chance of high seas, in which case Dramamine is readily available!
I’ve never cruised before - will I be bored on the ship?It is far more likely that you will find yourself having to decide between what activities you would prefer to do, as there are so many to choose from. Modern cruise ships are very similar to modern land-based resorts - gyms, pools, spas, lectures, classes, games, theater, movies, live performances, shopping and ships tours are sure to compete for your time, as well as our private Chumley’s BearCruise options. Of course, if your idea of vacation is simply soaking up the sun by the pool, having a cocktail at a lounge, or filling up at the buffet… those are certainly options as well!
I’ve never cruised before - how will I know what to pack and what to expect?Part of the Chumley’s BearCruise experience is the unique amount of assistance and information we provide to our guests. Our goal is to provide you with the very best vacation experience possible, and we work very hard to anticipate and answer all of your questions. Once under deposit you will be invited into a private online group – it is through this group that specific information is distributed, and you will have the ability to ask questions, post messages, and meet fellow guests. As a Chumley’s BearCruise ‘virgin’, you will find that not only Chumley and Paul but also our returning guests will go out of their way to help make your vacation an enjoyable one.
Do I need Cruise Insurance?As with all types of insurance, there is never any way to be certain if it will be needed – and in fact in almost all cases it is not. However, for the small cost involved, it is generally considered a good idea to have the peace of mind in the event of an emergency. Our travel agents can advise you about what options might work best for you, feel free to ask them any questions you may have.
Do I need to have a passport?As of 2009 a passport is required of US citizens; please check with our travel agents or the cruise line for information on specific requirements pertaining to your nationality and the ports we are currently visiting.
How do I sign up?
Download from this site (or request of Chumley at BearCruise@aol.com) the current Chumley's BearCruise Reservation Form. Simply fill it out and fax or mail it in as soon as possible to reserve your cabin!.
Click here to download the registration form.