My family-husband, 8 year old daughter and I took a Caribbean cruise on the Princess Star in October, 2005.  We found out 11 days prior to sailing that there were approximately 900 gay porn models, actors, and their fan club from "Bearvoyage.com" that would be joining us.

Not feeling like this would be a family vacation setting, we tried in vain to cancel the cruise or rebook it-anything!  Princess refused and  denied all knowledge of this large "affinity" group until we referred them to the website then stated the group would be "roped off" so our daughter wouldn't witness their planned "activities."  Those activities included a "boxer shorts" party, Halloween costume contest in which costumes and clothing were apparently optional, and the showing of a 2006 gay porn release film in the theater.

The things we witnessed, as well as our daughter despite our best attempts at shielding her, were totally inappropriate.  We have had to explain things to our 8 year old than no one should ever have to explain to their child!  The windows in the kids program area had to covered with black paper so the kids couldn't witness this group in the pool right outside the window!  The entire rear of the ship where the terrace pool is located was used by the "bears" and visible from multiple other areas.

Princess refuses to do anything-refund, credit, or anything!  The service was also horrendous.  The staff could have helped the situation but they were so obviously bored or mad and acted like people were bothering them whenever something was requested.  We felt like the unwelcome houseguest instead of customers!

We "escaped completely" as their slogan says!  Princess told us we could have "gotten off" if we witnessed things we were opposed to!  WHERE? In the middle of the ocean!  We didn't even port until 4 days into the cruise due to having to make a "humanitarian aid" stop in Cozumel.  I doubt Grand Cayman or Jamaica would have been feasible for us to fly home from.

We will never cruise Princess again!  We have been to funerals that had more life in the attendants than this staff did!  Wouldn't recommend Princess since they really don't care about their repeat customers or new ones for that matter.  A letter was sent to their CEO Ratcliffe and this is upper managements stand on the issue.

Kristi Ballance, keepitnballance@yahoo.com