Some people spend their 30th birthdays bemoaning the loss of their youth. In Touch For Men magazine is spending its on the high seas. In celebration of 30 years in the gay adult entertainment industry, the erotic magazine is planning a three-day cruise aboard Royal Caribbean ship Monarch of the Stars for a trip to Ensenada, Mexico. Models from past issues and adult film performers will be on hand to mingle with readers and fans who will have the opportunity to enjoy the amenities that a major commercial cruise line has to offer.
"Unlike other gay cruises, this one is geared for our readers to come and enjoy a weekend with a few of the models… and have a good time," said In Touch spokesperson Bob East in a recent press release, adding that the cruise would not be similar to a circuit party. "We are purposely using a major commercial line so that our guests can experience full service and amenities not usually offered on gay cruises," he said.
"We're actually doing it just to celebrate the fact that we've been around for thirty years," East told AVN.com. "No other gay erotic magazine has been around this long. The ship itself has so much going for it; that's why we're not doing a 'gay cruise,' per se. Our readers tend to be a little older, so we want to give them a mix of people so they won't feel intimidated."
East said the magazine hopes to attract between 200 and 300 people to join the cruise, which will be hosted by syndicated columnist Billy Masters, whose Filth2Go column often covers the gay adult industry. "If you have never spent anytime around Billy, you are in for a real treat!" East said. "He has more energy than any three people I know and is always fun to be with."
"I like the idea of the cruise," Masters told AVN.com. "It's a fun, relaxed atmosphere for fans to meet some of the models In Touch has featured over the years. This is a class operation all the way."
Masters added that he looks forward to the cruise, and promises that a good time will be had by all. "I'll be adding to that good time as best as possible," Masters said. "In fact, I guarantee that each and every person will leave satisfied—if I must satisfy them personally. I am willing to bend over backwards—and perhaps forwards—for In Touch… as long as there are no cameras around."
At press time, popular adult performer Tony Donovan is scheduled to participate in the event. The winner of back-to-back GAVYN Best Actor trophies (in 2001 and 2002) for his performances in Echoes and Carnal Intentions, Donovan also recently appeared in an issue of In Touch. In addition, the winner of a year-long talent search (sponsored in conjunction with Gay Chicago Magazine) to make an appearance in a forthcoming In Touch solo movie release will be on hand to entertain cruise guests.
"I'm very excited about the trip," East went on to say. "It's a great opportunity for us to get our name back out there and let people know that we're still around."
For more information, contact Tony at Custom Cruise Center at (800) 779-8001, or visit www.customcruisecenter.com.
