Paul Leone organizes gay group cruises for 2005

By Jackson Reeves

Paul Leone in San Fransisco

February 2005 - Paul Leone used to think that cruises were not for him. But two and a half years ago, he finally went on one and loved it — so much so that you can hardly keep him off a cruise liner now. However, while he was looking for a cruise for his honeymoon, he was discouraged to find that most cruise franchises were not sensitive to
the gay community.

As a result Leone began to search for an open-minded company to plan his cruise, which is what he found in Cruise Planners, a highly reputable company that boasts 85 years in the business. Leone even went so far as to open his own branch of the Cruise Planners franchise in Worcester. Since then, he has been organizing cruises for a diverse clientele. He has set up all-inclusive packages, group packages, land packages and many others for both large groups and individual parties.

Leone has two seven-day, New England-based, gay group cruises in the works — one set for May 7 on the Caribbean Princess and the other planned for late-fall/early-winter. Both cruises will depart from Florida and sail around the Caribbean islands. He’s kept the price low at about $1,000 per person and also organized free cocktail hours, free excursions and free group pictures.

Leone emphasizes that although he caters to the gay community, he offers cruises that appeal to everyone. And as the peak cruise season for the Worcester area has arrived, Leone’s got the perfect solution to escape the snow and the cold. Leone tries to make his clients happy and goes the distance (sometimes literally) so that his clients can enjoy their vacations. He gives his customers the low-down about cruise packages — the little secrets, such as where to go and not to go, the best deals to work with their budgets and insider information about the ships. He says that he gives the story that most agents refuse to divulge, because, when it comes to his customers, he’s an advocate before he’s an agent.

“I’m selling fun,” Leone emphasizes.

To arrange a cruise package, including the New England gay group packages, contact Paul Leone at (508) 853-7817, toll free at (800) 760-7817 or via email at pleone@cruiseplanners.com. For more information, check out www.leonecruises.com.