On the first trip with a Sisters at Sea program, there were 15-20 lesbians of color, on a 2,000 women cruise. Now Olivia sees up to 40% women of color on its vacations. Originally the Sisters at Sea program was a part of one to two trips a year, now it is a part of every Olivia vacation.
Olivia is clear that the program is about welcoming all lesbian travelers. Shands says, "Everything that Sisters at Sea is about is inclusion. Everyone is welcome. It’s for all women of all colors. It’s not segregation or separatism of any type. It’s really to celebrate the diversity that we have on these trips. We work really hard to put it out so that people know it’s for everybody."
As the clientele got more diverse, Olivia changed some of its programing too. There are more diverse artists, DJ's play more variety of music and hold mixers on topics like women in business. Shands also says since the Sisters at Sea program started, the average age of Olivia travelers has come down.
Shands says, "Judy is adamant about making sure this is a safe space for all women. She doesn’t pay me to say that."
As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary cruise for the purpose of reviewing those services. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our Ethics Policy.
