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For those of you who have ever thought about dressing up on vacation; here you go. I booked a solo cruise and decided to bring some of my girl clothing along. I had everything I needed: a wig, shoes, makeup, and all the accessories.
The cruise was surprisingly only 40 present full. I got all dressed up, and at nine I decided to go out for an adventure. I hadn’t gotten very far when I came across three teenage girls, all around age 15 or so. I thought I looked pretty convincing, but after I passed them I could hear a lot of giggling. I hurried back to the room and sat there embarrassed.
I decided not to let it bother me and try again, going back out. I headed to one of the cocktail bars and found a seat in a corner. It was a little bit darker, so I felt I wouldn’t be as noticed. The waitress was amazing, she referred to me as Miss right from the start and didn’t even blink an eye. I guess they are used to serving some of us on their ships and they are trained in how to handle it.
It felt amazing, so I went outside for a nice long walk in the ocean breeze, in a really nice dress, and I felt amazing. The light breeze and the ship’s movement made the chiffon flow so nice. For one of the first times, I knew that dressing up was meant for me. There were only a few adults who took a quick glance at me and then looked away. One woman made a comment to her husband and the other couple. The others didn’t seem to care.
The following night, I decided to wear a little more feminine-style dress, more fancy. I didn’t hesitate and went out with confidence. I walked around for hours; my only regret was that I hadn’t asked the waitress to take my picture. On the third night, I met a woman and stayed in guy mode. In hindsight, I wished I stayed En Femme the entire time, as I had brought several other very lovely dresses and some new sexy shoes that I didn’t get a chance to wear.
I’m making plans for another vacation soon. As for my advice; I would say go for it. If you’re not in your neighborhood then why care who sees you!
Before I was married, I told my partner of my love for lingerie and pretty things. She said it was no big deal. After we got married it became a problem. We all know that we need to dress. So now, I go on vacations, and I am working up to going out in public more often. I believe it is healthier to be yourself. I hope this helps all of the girls who have doubts and fears.
Sophia
@sophiaklien75 I've just come back from a three week holiday in beautiful, sunny Romania - and wish I had taken a few outfits along! Everyone was so friendly - and I really got the impression that no-one would have even taken a second glance at me in a mini-skirt. I'm off again in August - Slovakia this time - and I've just got to make my mind up which high heels I'm going to be taking; who knows - maybe I can even post a few selfies after I get back? Holly XXX
Holly,
i does feel good when you feel you can be who you want to be. Bring several pairs off shoes girl. Have fun and let the rest of know how you make out.
xxx
Sophia
Shoes? Nothing less than a 4" heel - I just hope that Eastern Europe is as tolerant as it seems to be at the moment. I'll let you all know how it went - and if I'm lucky, there may even be a piccie or two! Love you: Holly XXX
@sophiaklien75 I did a photoshoot the other end of the country a while back. We were await for a few days and my femme suitcase was larger than the rest of our luggage combined.
That is so funny because I can relate to it. I had to buy another suitcase for my cruise.
Sophia
I gave up trying to carry bags for two sides. I now travel en femme from the time I leave home until the time I return. Male clothes are not really necessary. But on the upcoming cruise I might be forced to travel as a guy, since I won't likely have time to visit a nail salon to get a mani-pedi and brow wax and get made up and dressed properly before catching a flight. Still, if I have to go as a guy I wont pack any men's clothes to change into upon arrival. I may just dispose of the clothes I am wearing at first opportunity so as to make more room in my luggage for the important stuff.
@rhondalee I like your thinking. I present most of the time in drab, Anna gets a day a week on average, with outside trips very rare
I used to attend a weekend every month with the support group members. I'd host a dinner on Thursday eve, find fun things to do with others on Friday and Saturday, and play piano for the welcoming members of the MCC congregation I met with. So that was 4 solid days every month jam-packed with fun events. At home I'd also attend church en femme every Sunday and usually go out for lunch afterwards, attended study groups during the week, and usually went out to dinner or shopping or some fun thing at least once a week. I'd attend the occasional convention or cruise where I could dress fully for a week or so. Altogether I suppose that is being Rhonda 30% of the time, and I enjoyed every moment. But life has gotten in the way. I hope to get past a lot of my problems and perhaps next year start getting out again. But I say that every year. As I age I am less organized and everything I don't enjoy takes longer, crowding out the fun Rhonda times. I'm building a home and hope by next year to take my sailboat out on the lake, become active in chess tournaments, and other things I gave up because I could not see my path clearly. Girls just wanna have fun! (That's the name of the annual cruise some of us enjoy together.)
Those were good times, and I remember them well.
Too bad that group lost its sense of direction.
@sophiaklien75 It sounds like you had a really enjoyable cruise, Sophia and your dress in the photo is very pretty. I wouldn't worry about the teenage girls as girls of that age are giggling all the time about one thing or another. I would say that teenage girls and teenagers in general are too wrapped up in their own world to really notice what the older generations are doing. I'm sure that I was the same at that age. The main thing is to do what you are doing, be yourself and enjoy your vacations.
Lynne
this sounds like a great work-around for the problem with your partner. Maybe someday she’ll realized how much this means to you and decide to join you on a future vacation.
I know that feeling, my Eve is a definite no for my wife so has to stay hidden from her unfortunately.
Love your story and I have a similar one regarding a music festival I may share when if I feel comfortable opening up more 🤷♂️
@sophiaklien75 Congratulations Sophia. It is always good to get out as yourself. Don’t give up on a female accepting you for who you are. I’m sorry your wife changed her mind after marriage. The same happened to me and my first wife. I was in two long term relationships that didn’t work out and I told my current wife about the way I feel and she accepted it and now we go on trips together as a couple of girls having fun and seeing new places. Sending y’all lots of love.
@kimmiejo Kimmie you are a very lucky girl to have such an excepting partner. I am very happy for you.
Sophia
@sophiaklien75 Thanks for sharing!
I have been on many crises as Rhonda, but none alone. I might find that difficult. My SO and I will be taking a cruise departing for Alaska from Vancouver late August, meeting up with about 10 other CDs and their wives/SOs, or some traveling alone but usually with a bunkmate. I have had great fun on the cruises. I now leave home without any drab clothing, as there is no room or need for it. On one cruise I left the ship en drab for an excursion. I had a terrible time getting off, since my photo pictured Rhonda. Once I convinced them I was the same person they wanted to take another photo, but I did not want a photo of my male side as that would create more issues as I was on board.
Upon returning we plan to go to Victoria to visit Victoria University, which has a trans research department and library, donated by Dallas Denny, a Tgirl. I want to see what the university is doing, maybe give a presentation on crossdressing, and spend time perusing materials in the library. My SO is an avid gardener, so I want to show her Buchart Gardens. I am hoping to meet up with any girls who may be in that area.Maybe some will want to join the cruise.
I would love to go on that cruise! I don't know if I will be able to. I'm in NY and it would be quite a trip. My wife would never go. If you can send me the info I would greatly appreciate it.
@terrim I tried to send a link to the page where I advertised the cruise in a Pretty TGirls newsletter. That didn't work. I'll see if I can pull one out of my Tri-ess chapter's newsletter. Failing that, I can just describe it. I live in NC so it is quite a distance for us also. Getting back is the hard part. You probably have an airport closer to you than I do. It takes me 2 hours to get to Charlotte. Allowing for getting there 2 hours before the flight, and the time it takes me to dress makes the trip pretty long. I'll probably just go en drab, although I usually like to leave those clothes at home where I don't have to think about them.
Hopefully you got the info. I have not booked flights yet. But I did book a room in Victoria at the Inn on Laurel Point, which faces the water and has a terrace with chairs and furniture so you can relax and view the ocean. I discovered there are sea planes that leave from the port where the ship arrives, so am hoping to book a flight that will save me a few hours rather than take a ferry and still get a view of the channel as I cross. The ferry sounded more interesting than going to the airport for a short flight, but the seaplane even better. I hear that it is a 45-minute $65 taxi ride from the docks to the ferry, about 1.5 hours to cross the channel and another long taxi ride upon arrival, but if we fly over from an area next to the terminal where we arrive I would hope we could get to the hotel in time to do something more fun during the day than riding in taxis.
I am really hoping you find a way to join our cruisers. It is a really great group. We eat dinners together and meet up with others as folks are inclined on shore excursions, evening entertainment, on board, and such. There are no finer people in my life than the crossdressers and spouses/SOs I have come to know. It is especially gratifying to see couples support each other. They are truly bonded and demonstrate what it means to love their spouses. Clothes should not make or break a marriage, and those who learn this can really find ways to enjoy their experiences with each other in ways others cannot. They learn what really matters and appreciate what they have!
@rhondalee I will keep in touch. I have a lot of family responsibilities. That cruise sounds like a dream. This year I had to cancel going to Keystone because of family issues. It would have been my 10th year there. Hugs Terri
@rhondalee Hi Rhonda, you're going to be right here in my own stomping grounds! I am a member of the archive group that meets monthly up at the University of Victoria. Lets try to get together girl!
Hugs,
Ms. Lauren M
@sophiaklien75 Sophia, so happy to hear you had fun on your cruise. Teenagers! My first real outing was to a shopping mall, dress pants, sweater, heels, hair and makeup. I was parked about a hundred feet from the entrance. Just before reaching the doors, four teenage girls nearby began whistling, cheering and giggling over me. That was enough for me to b line it back to my car, sweating, panting. Omg, lol Thanks for the trip down memory lane. Girls pickup on us easily and aren’t afraid to share their thoughts.
Don't let a few silly girls ruin your fun. The vast majority of people don't care or notice. The few that do don't matter as long as you are in a safe place, and a curies ship sounds like a great place to enjoy yourself. I would be careful in foriegn ports, but onboard, let your hair down and enjoy yourself.
As I have said here many times, and a mantra I try to live by..." If others have a problem with it, it is their provlem, not yours."
My personal.attitude when I am in public is I hope to be passable, but I do not care in the least if people know. I assume that up close anybody will know I am en femme, but I do not care and carry on a convsersation as if dressing en femme is perfectly fine...which it is.
Hello Sophia, I am so pleased that you ventured out on board ship & enjoyed it. The more time you go out the more confident you will get. As others have said, most people just ignore you as they get on with what ever they are doing, so you just ignore them. Many people will be happy to talk to you as well & are happy about your dressing, people no a days are more excepting of us CD. Go out & enjoy your new freedom. love Helenmarie
@helenmariehayley I think the best thing about the ship was the politeness of all the crew members, they are obviously trained in how to deal with the situation’s. And I agree getting off the ship could be risky, depending on where you’re at.
love,
Sophia
Sophia, you go girl! I'm glad you took that cruise. I guess convincing ourselves is the toughest part. I too fear the stearing through your backbone idiot's. For the most part most people are self absorbed in their own world. I just would like to hang out with other girls like us. It must be the reble in me to push the boundaries of my comfort zone and explore the world around me. Love the picture! 🥰
Fran
@gafran Fran thank you for the positive comments. I am hoping to hear from other girls that are planning cruises or vacations as I am definitely in.
xxx
Sophia
I hadn’t gotten very far when I came across three teenage girls, all around age 15 or so. I thought I looked pretty convincing, but after I passed them I could hear a lot of giggling. I hurried back to the room and sat there embarrassed.
Fifteen year olds can barely wipe their own noses girl and giggle at things to alleviate their own discomfort. Don't let that bother you. Their reaction says everything about them and nothing about you. 🙂 Good on ya for getting out!
@melodeescarlet Melodee,
The second night was so much easier. I can’t wait for my next vacation.
xxx
Sophia
Too be honest, I find most 15 year old very tolerant, it is the gaggle of them that is the probem. Once they get together they have to act tough to each other and has little or nothing to do with us.
Sophia, Thanks for telling us about your experience. You said, "I believe it is healthier to be yourself." So true, so very true.
I don't get out that much but when I do it is a wonderful feeling. Yes I have gotten a few stares and giggles from young kids, but those are the few exceptions.
We only have this one life to live and living it to be yourself is true happiness.
Have fun, enjoy your Sophia time. Staci...
PS I love that cute dress too!!!
@sf Staci Gal It truly was a remarkable feeling. I felt a little bad as I had so many nice clothes with me, and only got to wear a few of the dresses. Thank you for the compliment about my dress selection. I can’t wait for my next outing.
xxx
Sophia
What a perfect vacation for a girl who likes to dress elegantly! Well done you, honey 🙂 That must have been a wonderful feeling out on the deck in the breeze, truly free to be you 😊
@finallyfiona Fiona it was amazing to be outside in the breeze dressed up. It’s almost hard to describe how wonderful it felt.
Sophia,
Wow, such an exciting experience and solo too! I could imagine myself in all those scenarios. I hope to get out there someday myself, whether for a long beach walk, through a park, or even graduating to a busy boardwalk. Thanks for sharing!
Tamiya
@tamiya4u Tamiya It truly was an amazing vacation. The staff did not blink an eye.
Sophia
There is always that problem but you didn't let it stop you. Well done and thankyou for an inspiring story.
Rhonda Lee, a CDH member and frequent cruiser, can probably better relate
her experiences first hand, but I do recall her cautioning problems with ship's
security on your first day of arrival on board when they take your ID photo be it
en femme or as a male. If you leave the ship at the next port and attempt to
reboard, ship security may expect to see a male or a female, depending on
how you presented on your day of arrival. Thus, all your shore excursions
may have to be done en femme or as a male. As mentioned, I have no
experience in this area, as all my cruises were taken as a male.
Different subject. Rhonda Lee is also putting together a cruise package in
late August of this year for CDs.
I would love to get in touch with Rhonda Lee. I solved that problem going en femme only on the ship. When I went a shore I presented male.
Sophia
@sophiaklien75 Wish granted!
My SO and I depart for Vancouver the last week in August, for a one-week cruise to the Inside Passage, something I have always heard is one of the most spectacular cruises available. My SO is buying a whole wardrobe for me, believing that none of my dresses and skirts will fit that climate. We will be meeting about 10 other CDs, some traveling alone and others with their wives. If you have interest, let me know. I'd be happy to provide details. I think I published an article on the cruise in this site a few months ago... don't know if it is still available or not. I'm sure we can find room on the ship for more. I think a few are traveling alone or looking for roommates, should that matter.
I have had some interesting experiences. Aside from my difficulties de-boarding the ship I also had trouble when I booked dining reservations for Valentine's Day. I had ordered a cake and other surprised. I made reservations well in advance, so was surprised when it was not listed. They saw our room assigned to two women and presumed I had cancelled. I had a few other gender-related experiences. At one point I wanted to use the zip line, but they told me I could not do that in a skort or bathing suit. I needed to wear jeans. Alas, that was not on my packing list, nor was any other male clothing. I felt I was being discriminated against, but I'm sure that is a common female experience.
Upon debarking we intend to visit Victoria for a few days to see the gardens and visit Victoria University's trans studies staff and library, which has one of the most extensive collection of materials on crossdressing anywhere, from what I gather . They may provide an opportunity to do a presentation on crossdressing.
PM me if you'd like more details.
Rhonda,
what is the date of the cruise and the ship. I will see if they have availability. Thank you.
Sophia
I do agree with you totally, however agreeing and having the courage to do something it a different story.
I am very happy you enjoyed yourself though and it was a very good story and also very encouraging
I wear a kilt were in guy mode and when l first started wearing a kilt l felt bashful, worried about other people's opinions and now l don't care about their opinions and l have been wearing a kilt now for quite a few years, l get the occasional negative comment and a few good comments, so really it's not about what others think
@candycross wow now a days I would not think anyone would be opposed to a kilt.
Sophia
@sophiaklien75 l just think it's more to do with kilts are not commonly worn , not like they were once in scotland, l believe even in scotland they are not worn day to day, just on special occasions.
Do you know the difference between a man with the flu and a Scottsman at the North Pole?...One's kilt with a cold and the other is cold with a kilt.
Thanks, Sophia, for your inspiring article. I can tell you have had a good time which is the important thing about your cruise. Holidays en femme are a wonderful experience.
Sometimes I don't understand why there are people as slimy as the three girls on your cruise, when it is so beautiful and simple to be able to make others feel good. Other times I tell myself it's so I can better enjoy nice people. I have been lucky enough to come across very friendly and fun young American ladies. They don't just accept you. They flatter you. Your cruise's girls have a problem, not you.
Gisela
Gisela it was hard at first but like I said the second night was way easier. I am hoping some other girls get in touch with me that are planning on a cruise. I would certainly go. Safety in numbers.
Sophia
Sophia =
What a wonderful story, thank you for sharing your experience.
I can only imagine the feeling of walking on deck with the ocean breeze swirling around your legs. As for the girls you encountered, that is something you will run into no matter where you go.
I hope you get to have more adventures like that soon.
XOXO
Suzanne
Suzanne thank you for your comments. And yes a chiffon dress in the breeze was amazing feeling. I felt like such a women.
Sophia
Sophia--
Your account of the three teenage girls made me smile with recognition.
You may remember these paragraphs from my long multi-part description of a weekend I spent in New York as a woman (with a man!).
If you don't, it refers to the first time we walked down a hall together toward a hotel elevator. Here's the abstract...
We walked out into the hotel hallway toward the elevators. He jabbered away, totally casual. I was nervous. As we approached the elevators, I saw the worse thing imaginable—teenage girls. Three of them waiting for the elevator. They were talking and giggling with one another. Teenage girls in a group are the hardest audience. They see everything. And they have no graciousness.
This worse potential audience, waiting to get on the elevator with Edward and me. I couldn’t help but focus intently on them as their eyes flicked over us as we approached. Edward talked on without a care.
Nothing. The girls gave us just a second of attention and went on with their business. They let us pass and enter the elevator first, standing in front of us facing forward, talking away, never once looking back at us, at me.
I loved it. Only a nervous tg-woman can know how good it can feel to be invisible, to be so unremarkably normal as to be barely noticed, to be a middle-aged woman, on the arm of a middle-aged man, on her way out to dinner with him.
After that, the crowded lobby and the doorman holding the door open for us were easy.
If you haven't read the whole account, you should; you'll probably get kick out of it. Just search for an article called AND WHAT I WORE.
Cheryl Ann. Thank you. I will look up your article. You must have looked and felt amazing.
Sophia
