Pop star Cyndi Lauper will perform aboard the R Family Vacation's second annual
cruise on the Norwegian Dawn, which sets sail from New York on July 10,
with Ports-of-Call to Halifax, Nova Scotia, Provincetown, Boston and
Martha's Vineyard. In addition, a number of Broadway performers (whose names are unavailable as of this writing) are slated to perform on the cruiseline, which seeks to "provide a vacation option where everyone is welcome-gay and
lesbian travelers, their families (kids included) and their friends."
Rosie O'Donnell, along with partner Kelli O'Donnell and travel
entrepreneur Gregg Kaminsky have announced that award-winning furniture designer Mitchell Gold will sponsor Lauper's concert. Mitchell Gold "will give away a beautiful leather chair and ottoman to a lucky audience member at Ms.
Lauper's concert. Mitchell Gold's company was one of the first to
portray gay families in a national, mainstream advertising campaign.
Gold will also surprise passengers with a turn-down gift during the
week at sea. Volvo, another company that has included gay families in
their national advertising campaign, has offered every family a chance
to win a one-year lease for a Volvo V50, a very stylish, fun and
attainable activity sportswagon," as states a press article. In addition to Lauper's concert, Mitchell Gold's furniture
giveaways and the Volvo grand prize, the R Family Vacations cruise, will
boast performances by some of Broadway's hottest singers. Sharon Gless
and O'Donnell will host a Q&A following a screening of Showtime's
"Queer as Folk," cooking lessons will be offered from Oprah's chef, and yoga and fitness
classes will be given by the renowned exercise guru, Susan Powter; other surprises
will also be in store for passengers. Guests on this summer's cruise will
also have an opportunity to book the early bird special for next
summer's cruise on the Norwegian Star, which will depart from Seattle to
Alaska on July 2, 2006.
Best known for her flamboyant style and carefree pop hits such as "Girls Just Want to Have Fun," Lauper's albums include She's So Unusual, Hey Now!, True Colors, Shine and an album of standards called At Last. Recently, Lauper was brought up as a candidate for the role of Mrs. Lovett in the upcoming revival of Sweeney Todd; the part ultimately went to Patti LuPone.Reservations are still being accepted for this summer's cruise. To
make a reservation, call (866)-732-6822 or visit http://www.rfamilyvacations.com/ .