What was billed as Italy’s first gay cruise took place last month, and by all accounts it was a resounding success. There was just one small hitch: Somehow a heterosexual couple ended up on board — and they weren’t at all happy about it.

News outlets in Europe this week are all atwitter over the story of the Italian couple, who now are suing the cruise line after reportedly being flummoxed by the experience.

The UK’s Daily Mail today reports the middle-aged husband and wife, who have not been named, said they booked the trip directly with the line and claim they were never told of the gay theme. The couple’s lawyer tells the news outlet all 1,500 passengers on the ship were gay and events on board were gay-focused.

The Daily Mail reports the couple’s lawyer says they were embarrassed after spotting people they knew but had not realized were gay on the ship.

From:  USA Today, Cruise Log at http://bit.ly/UgYQI

Costa Rica beach

As the local people of Costa Rica, particularly in Jaco Beach, (Playa Jaco) are aware and tourists find out, there is no lifeguards service readily available on the beaches of Costa Rica should someone run into danger while enjoying a day on the beach.

Certain hotels are doing their part to recognize this danger. The CopaCabana Desire Hotel in Jaco Beach is placing a Jet Ski just off the beach to be used for rescuing those that need help … within the last year hotel staff have rescued over 50 lives by coming to the rescue of this that were in trouble! More recently in June of this year, 6 people were saved.

The hotel is not compensated for this unique service, and sometimes local police will contact the hotel’s staff to assist. Congratulations to the staff of The CopaCabana Hotel and Suites for their assistance to the community and town of Jaco Beach.

The CopaCabana Desire Hotel is a Lifestyles-Friendly hotel that may be contacted at 011-506-2643-1005 or 011-506-2643-3131, or their website at http://www.copacabanadesirehotel.com/