What’s A Black Man Doing On A “Golden Girls” Cruise?

I would have probably been the last person in the world most would have thought would have gone on the Golden Girls Cruise – an epic voyage filled with nostalgia and cheesecake to the Western Caribbean.

After all, I’m a 56-year-old divorced black man. I stand 6-4. And most of my life is consumed by sports. I’m a sports analyst for FS1 and have a national sports-talk radio show on Fox Sports Radio. Plus, I have nothing – and I mean nothing – in common with the four old women from the late 80s NBC sitcom that dominated the Saturday night TV ratings back then.

But there I was, with almost 1,000 other fans, boarding the “Golden Fans at Sea” Cruise from Miami Feb. 29th. The first group left February 24 from the same spot and on a sold-out ship with 600 guests.

It’s a cruise I will not soon forget.

I fell in love with the writing on the show. It was just plain funny. The show starred Bea Arthur, Betty White, Rue McClanahan and Estelle Getty. Currently, as we speak, it’s running 17 times a day in reruns all around the world. And fans from all over came to celebrate the show and each other’s passion for it. Many dressed up as one of the characters. There were fun activities – including  a costume and dance party – and shows – including a Broadway-like drag show – to highlight the mark this show left in many lives.

And although the coronavirus was lurking, it didn’t ruin the trip. People kept washing and sanitizing their hands throughout the many events, including stops in Cozumel, Mexico and Key West, Florida.

The best part was simply sharing time with others who got the Golden Girls and appreciate it. Even if we all looked different and came from many places. It was impossible not to make new friends.

Don’t fret if you missed this fun cruise. You have another chance next April. Get details at: goldenfansatsea.com.