Vacaya set sail on the primary all-LGBTQIA expedition cruise in Antarctica aboard Ponant’s Le Boreal.
The expedition departed from Ushuaia, Argentina on December 7, 2022, and commenced the two-and-a-half-day crossing of the Drake Passage, in accordance with a press launch.
The co-founder of Vacaya, Randle Roper stated: “It’s taken over 200 years of Antarctic exploration to get right here, however with Vacaya, the LGBTQIA+ group has now formally left their mark on the seventh continent! The unbelievable work of the Vacaya group, our Expedition Leaders, and our fearless Captain made this journey doable.”
On December 10, the vacationers, often known as The Vacayans (those that journey with Vacaya ) stepped foot on “The Ice” in Neko Harbor, Antarctica.
“I thank Vacaya for such an open-minded and enjoyable crusing. I’m proud to be part of this history-making expedition,” stated Le Boreal Captain Florian Richard.
Other than being the primary all-LGBTQIA+ expedition cruise to Antarctica, Vacaya additionally disembarked a gaggle of drag queens onto the continent: Sister Helen Holy (Paul J. Williams), The Liquor Mini (Danny Cabrera), Pissi Myles (Joseph D’Angio), Mini Extra (Stephen Harms), and Dixie Longate (Kris Andersson) planted the delight flag onto the continent to mark the event.
“Phrases don’t do Antarctica justice. To be a part of this historic expedition with Vacaya and my queer household is past my wildest goals,” stated Jacob Carson, a Vacaya explorer from Orlando, Florida.
Added: Vacaya’s Cruise Director Paul J. Williams of Dallas, Texas: “Touring to Antarctica has been a life-long dream. Merely the chance to do that was overwhelming, and to do it with Vacaya and my LGBT+ siblings? Merely indescribable. Upon my first sighting of the seventh continent, I wept with awe as this dream grew to become a actuality. From a strictly private perspective, I’ve had a fascination with penguins since early maturity, and my dwelling is filled with penguin collectibles. To lastly see them up shut and private of their pure habitat has introduced me infinite penguin pleasure.”
