First-ever 'O&AN' cruise sails on the Costa Mediterranean

For Brian Williamson and Christopher Mohnani, it was an adventure that couldn't be missed.

Neither of the Nashville Ballet dancers (who are also partners) had been on a cruise before, so when the winning entry was drawn for a free cruise at the Nashville GLBT Chamber Life and Business Expo last November, and the Nashville Ballet booth was announced as the winner, Mohnani jumped at the chance.

"I was working the booth with Randall Voit, director of the ballet's sales and marketing team," Mohnani said. "I of course said that Brian and I would love to go."

And so the two set sail in late February as part of the first-ever Out & About Newspaper and Inside Out Nashville cruise on the Costa Mediterranean. They were among the 2,700 guests on the ship, which was also hosting a country cruise and a large group from Europe

"It was a fantastic trip and won't be our last cruise," Williamson said. "My favorite part of the cruise was the food. There was always something to eat, something different, every night and really every minute of the day."

Williamson said he gained eight pounds on the trip.

That's not surprising - dinners on the ship were glamorous six-course events prepared by European chefs, who are members of the world-famous Chaine des Rotisseurs.

"If you didn't like something, you could easily ask for something else," Williamson said.

The seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise departed from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida on Sunday, February 25. Ports of call were San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands; Catalina Island, Dominican Republic; Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic and Nassau, Bahamas.

"My favorite stop was Catalina Island," Williamson said. "It was just so relaxing to be on the beach, people watch and enjoy the sun."

Mohnani said he was impressed at how much there was to do on the ship.

"The ship was very much like a city," Mohnani said. "There was just so much to do. We could swim, play sports, go to the casino, shop, enjoy a show in the theater and eat at any time. It was just surprising that you never run out of things to do or enjoy."

Both enjoyed the casino, where Williamson won more than $600 to bring back home.

Mohnani said his favorite stop was St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.

"It was just so beautiful there," he said. "But I enjoyed all the stops and seeing new places and new countries."

But both dancers were happy to return home after the trip, and have been busy preparing for the Nashville Ballet's "Swan Lake." The performance will be held at Andrew Jackson Hall at TPAC on Friday, April 27 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, April 28 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 29 at 2 p.m.

WhistlePig + Alfa Romeo F1

SHOREHAM, VT (September 13, 2023) — WhistlePig Whiskey, the leaders in independent craft whiskey, and Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake are waving the checkered flag on a legend-worthy release that’s taking whiskey to G-Force levels. The Limited Edition PiggyBack Legends Series: Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is a high Rye Whiskey selected by the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake drivers, with barrels trialed in their wind tunnel to ensure a thrilling taste in every sip.

The third iteration in WhistlePig’s Single Barrel PiggyBack Legends Series, the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is bottled at 96.77 proof, a nod to Valtteri Bottas’ racing number, 77, and the precision of racing. Inspired by Zhou Guanyu, the first Chinese F1 driver, this Rye Whiskey is finished with lychee and oolong tea. Herbal and floral notes of the oolong tea complement the herbaceous notes of WhistlePig’s signature PiggyBack 100% Rye, rounded out with a juicy tropical fruit finish and a touch of spice.

Keep readingShow less
by Spectrum Medical Care Center

Nurse Practitioner Ari Kravitz

When I started medical transition at 20 years old, it was very difficult to get the care I needed for hormone replacement therapy because there are very few providers trained in starting hormones for trans people, even though it’s very similar to the hormones that we prescribe to women in menopause or cisgender men with low testosterone.

I hope more providers get trained in LGBTQ+ healthcare, so they can support patients along their individual gender journey, and provide the info needed to make informed decisions about their body. I’ve personally seen my trans patients find hope and experience a better quality of life through hormone replacement therapy.

Keep readingShow less

Descanso Resort swimming pool and lounge area

Descanso Resort, Palm Springs' premier destination for gay men, just received Tripadvisor's highest honor, a Travelers' Choice "Best of the Best" award for 2023. Based on guests' reviews and ratings, fewer than 1% of Tripadvisor's 8 million listings around the world receive the coveted "Best of the Best" designation. Descanso ranked 12th in the top 25 small inns and hotels category in the United States. Quite an accomplishment!

Open less than two years, Descanso Resort offers gay men a relaxing and luxurious boutique hotel experience just minutes away from Palm Springs' buzziest restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping. Descanso has quickly established itself as a top destination for sophisticated gay travelers, earning hundreds of 5-star guest reviews and consistently ranking in Trapadvisor's top positions alongside brother properties Santiago Resort and Twin Palms Resort.

Keep readingShow less