Atlantis Events Turns 20

Not too many 20-year-olds can say they have cruised on six of the seven continents, or that they have explored a range of destinations like the sun-kissed beaches of Mexico, the historic ruins in Egypt, the astonishing imperial architecture of St. Petersburg, the endless party that is Rio's Carnival and the most exotic ports of Asia. And all that with a couple thousand of one's closest friends. But that is exactly what Atlantis Events has been doing for the past two decades.

It all started with an idea to host a gay week at a Club Med. It sold out and the guest feedback was so positive they decided to do it again. For the next seven years that was the focus of the company. But Atlantis CEO Rich Campbell and his team have been and always will be open to new experiences. So after seven years of being on land they chartered a small cruise ship. Things, as they say, just took off from there. Today they charter some of the best ships available on the high seas to take revelers to a variety of outstanding and unusual destinations.

One of the primary reasons Atlantis has been able to wow its guests over the years is that they consider themselves more of an event production company than just a cruise ship line. This focus shows in more ways than one. On any given cruise, their guests are treated to such a wide variety of activities many never bother to visit any of the the ports of call! Whether it is poolside "Project Runway," Drag Queen Bingo, cabaret performances, comedy shows, theater productions, or headliners that have included Jennifer Hudson, Patti LuPone, Margaret Cho, and Joan Rivers, the Atlantis guest always has multiple entertainment options at any given moment.

For many travelers, however, their favorite part of an Atlantis experience - as essential as salt water and seagulls - is the over-the-top, themed dance parties. The Atlantis team always brings some of the hottest DJs on the scene, including Manny Lehman, Abel, Wayne G, Brett Henrichsen, Warren Gluck and more. The production is better than most Circuit parties with mind-blowing lights and lasers run by the best in the business. Most of the events, especially the tea dances, are held outdoors on the pool deck creating a unique experience that has led one promoter to comment, "Well they took away some of my business, but I have to hand it to them, they earned it!"

The Allure of a Floating Mega-Party

In honor of its 20th anniversary, Atlantis is now tackling their biggest challenge yet, chartering Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas. The Allure is the largest cruise ship in the business, holding 5,500 passengers. In what is a true testament to the fact that this is one Atlantis Event not to be missed, every last room was snatched up in less than a month. The 1,000-person wait list was filled soon after.

Rich Campbell and his team are working very hard to pull out all the stops and still match the right type of entertainment and parties to fit the logistics of a ship this size. The trip will be a truly unique experience even for the most jaded Atlantis guest. They have already reserved the ship for 2012. Check their website soon after the 2011 cruise. But don't hesitate: It, too, will most likely sell out in a short period of time.

Is Rich Campbell daunted by the challenge of entertaining 5,500 people? Nah! "We will be using all three of the ship's venues with one or two shows each night," he says. "You may not see the same show as all your friends, but there will always be an event that will appeal to you."

There will also be multiple dance parties each night, with different themes and musical styles to handle the crowds.

Despite once again taking the gay vacation experience to a higher level, Atlantis has not forgotten their roots. After a hiatus from land-based excursions they started doing the Club Med events again a few years ago. This year they are bringing the Atlantis touch back to Cancun where it all began.

A Sense of Community

An Atlantis experience is more than the sum of its parts, however. Sure the parties need to be fabulous, the entertainers top notch and offer something for everyone, but there is also a connection and sense of community seldom found anywhere else. Despite the hot models on the website, the passenger list is as diverse as our gay culture. (Not that there aren't plenty of model-handsome guys.)

For some, this is one of the few times a year they get to commune with so many of their gay brothers and sisters. Even those coming from the most jaded gay ghettos find themselves spending time with a wider variety of people than they would in the local clubs, bars and community groups - and loving the interaction. This creates something we rarely see, an experience completely free of attitude where everyone gets to "do their thing" free of judgment. Guys in their 70s rediscover the joy of dancing. Younger guys get to hear something other than Lady Gaga - even jazz standards. Most importantly, people connect. Countless lifelong friendships (and loves!) have found their start at an Atlantis event.

Beyond the Allure of the Seas cruise and the Cancun and Puerto Vallarta events, there are three other cruises this year. In March they head to the Southern Caribbean. In August they cruise the blue waters of the Mediterranean. In October they will put on the last party of the summer on their Mexican Riviera Cruise. Atlantis promises to make all of these events stand out in honor of their 20th anniversary. They will sell out well in advance so sign up early so you don't miss out on that fabulous Atlantis experience.