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Namaste at Sea — Introduction with Chris Caputo & Jeffrey Roach

Transcript · 6:08 · Speakers: Chris Caputo (founder, GayCruiseList & Seamen) and Jeffrey Roach (yoga teacher, Wilton Manors)

Chris Caputo [0:00]
Hi, I'm Chris Caputo, founder of GayCruiseList, and the Seamen app, and I've got something really fun to share with you today. When I'm home in Wilton Manors, one of the things I love doing is yoga with Jeffrey Roach. Jeffrey teaches classes throughout Wilton Manors, and they're welcoming, funny, social, and never overly serious. So when the idea of creating a yoga cruise with Jeffrey came up, I was all in, and I've got Jeffrey here with me now.

Jeffrey Roach [0:22]
Hi guys, I'm really happy to be here, Chris, and I am so excited about this cruise.

Chris Caputo [0:27]
We're going to talk about the yoga, the group, and everything that makes this trip special. But first, let me give you the basics. Namaste at Sea is a four-night gay men's yoga cruise, March 4th through March 8th, 2027. We sail round trip from Miami aboard Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady, visiting Key West and the Beach Club at Bimini, with a full sea day in between. One important thing to know is that we're a gay group traveling together within a traditional Virgin adults-only cruise. Virgin is already so gay-friendly, but with all of us on board, it's going to be even gayer than normal, and I love that. Brilliant Lady is Virgin's newest adults-only Lady Ship, with more than 20 places to eat, smart cabins, fantastic outdoor spaces, original entertainment, and Virgin's signature nightlife. There's also Rojo by Razzle Dazzle, a Spanish-inspired restaurant created especially for the ship. And here's another thing I love about Virgin. The standard fare includes restaurant dining, basic Wi-Fi, essential drinks like soda, water, regular coffee and tea, group fitness, and entertainment. Now for the part everybody asks about, pricing. A Sea Terrace balcony room is currently $1,590 total for two people. That's $795 per person, including the applicable taxes and port fees. Solo Insider cabins start at $900 for the room, and solo Sea View cabins are around $1,150. Those solo rooms are moving quickly, and prices and availability must be confirmed when you inquire. All right, Jeffrey, let's start with you. People see you teaching yoga all over Wilton Manors now, but yoga wasn't always your thing. How did you get into it?

Jeffrey Roach [1:51]
My gosh, not at all. I was always lifting weights and going to the gym. My sister and my husband kept saying, yoga, yoga, yoga, and I thought, I don't have time for that. Then COVID disrupted my workouts, and yoga at home became one of my only options. I assumed it wouldn't be hard or athletic, and that turned out to be completely wrong.

Chris Caputo [2:11]
So most of the classes you teach are actually nude. Tell us about how you got going with that.

Jeffrey Roach [2:15]
When classes returned, I found nude yoga. I was super nervous the first time, but once class started, the nakedness became incidental. I cared about the movement and the community. Now, after years of being pretty rough on my joints, yoga is how I take care of my whole body.

Chris Caputo [2:32]
I love that. And now you're taking that experience to sea. What are some of the special Namaste at Sea activities people can look forward to?

Jeffrey Roach [2:40]
You know what? We're gonna have such a good time. We begin with welcome drinks and a group dinner, so everybody can meet right away. We'll have casual group breakfasts where you just show up as you are. In Key West, there's sunrise yoga aboard the ship. Then our nude yoga session at New Orleans House and a post-yoga social. Later, there's an optional get together for bites and beverages at Island House. On our sea day, we'll have sunrise yoga, my signature Namaste at Sea workshop, and a Mrs. Roper Romp drag brunch. So bring a caftan or a muumuu and do with that information what you will. In Bimini, there's beach yoga, two pools, food, music, and time to relax. There's enough structure to bring us together with plenty of room to enjoy your own vacation.

Chris Caputo [3:25]
Some listeners may like the social part, but they're worried about the words yoga retreat. They picture a group where everybody else is younger, more flexible, or far more experienced. Who is this cruise actually for?

Jeffrey Roach [3:36]
That's a normal concern, but this cruise is for all levels. If you've never taken yoga, you're welcome. If you haven't practiced in years, you're welcome. If you want something challenging, you're welcome too. It's my job to give complicated options to people who want them and accessible alternatives to anyone who's new or returning. You don't have to prove anything. Do the yoga to the best of your ability, and I promise you'll be okay. This is also a very social retreat. We're there to move, but also to laugh, eat together, sit by the pool, and meet people. You don't have to be intensely spiritual or look a certain way. You just have to show up.

Chris Caputo [4:21]
That sounds like so much fun. And what does it mean that this is a gay group cruise? How is that different from simply booking the same sailing on your own?

Jeffrey Roach [4:28]
It means you arrive with a community waiting for you. There are other gay men to meet at dinner, breakfast, yoga, and around the ship. That's especially nice for solo travelers because you don't have to wonder how you'll meet people. But it isn't high pressure. The group gives you built-in connections while you keep the freedom to do as much or as little as you want. Come to every class, come mainly for the social events, or simply enjoy an adults-only Virgin cruise with like-minded guys. Whatever brings you, I'm happy to see you.

Chris Caputo [5:00]
You already loved Virgin before we planned this, and I know how excited you are. What makes Brilliant Lady such a good home for the group?

Jeffrey Roach [5:07]
Hey, here's the thing. A Virgin cruise is phenomenal, even without yoga. I love the adults-only atmosphere, the food, the shows, the pool, and being social without a rigid schedule. Every time I sail with Virgin, I look for a good place to practice. This time, we get to practice together, surrounded by the ocean with room to move. We'll show people what yoga looks like with a fun group of guys. I'm pretty excited about it.

Chris Caputo [5:34]
Jeffrey, I am too. Honestly, I can't wait. So here's the final reminder. Sea Terrace balcony rooms are currently $1,590 total for two, including the applicable taxes and port fees. Solo Insider rooms start at $900, and solo Sea View rooms are around $1,150, but those solo cabins are moving quickly. They may be gone by the time some people hear this. For current availability and a confirmed quote, visit namasteatsea.com. That's namasteatsea.com. We really hope to see you aboard Brilliant Lady in March, 2027.

Jeffrey Roach [6:03]
Come join us. I promise you, you'll be okay, and we're going to have a fantastic time.