One of my highlights of my last year’s pride celebrations was the “Sip and Sail Pride Cruise” by Mariposa Cruises. Great music, great scenery, dancing and laughter, and many smiling faces from our community, made the couple of so hour on the water very enjoyable. 

It’s happening again, so needless to say I got my tickets for this year, and I am looking forward for the repeat of all the fun next Friday June 21st.

I had a chance to chat with Sylvia Murarotto Why don’t you start Sylvia by telling us all about Mariposa ?

Operating since 1987, Mariposa Cruises is Toronto’s largest hospitality cruise operator with a fleet of six unique vessels. We offer a variety of experiences that include private events, sightseeing tours and scenic dining cruises on Toronto’s beautiful waterfront and Lake Ontario. Over the years, we have hosted millions of guests from Canada and around the world, and we are truly passionate about creating unforgettable experiences for them to enjoy our fabulous city!

As I mentioned this is the second year Mariposa Cruises is hosting a Pride Event. What’s your take on last year’s?

We have been proud to welcome many guests attending Toronto Pride, and last year, decided to launch our first Pride on The Water Sip & Sail cruise. We owe the initiative in part to our long-standing Restaurant Manager, and Pride Toronto volunteer, Amar Al-sbayi, who played an integral part in organizing the event. I’m delighted to say the cruise was received with great enthusiasm. Our guests came ready to dance, celebrate and enjoy an amazing evening on the Toronto Harbour. We were thrilled by the response, and decided we should make this an annual event.

What are we to expect at this year’s Sip & Sail Pride Cruise?

Pride on the Water is a cocktail style-event, like our regular Sip & Sail Cruise program though dare I say much more festive! Guests will enjoy 2-hours of sailing through the Toronto Harbour & Island waterways on what is likely the best outdoor patio experience in the city!

This year, Pride on the Water will be hosted on the Oriole on Friday June 21st. A live DJ will spin all the latest hits and more, while light appetizers will be available for pre-order or purchase on onboard, along with a fully licensed cash bar. I can promise games, maybe a contest or two, and even a special Taste the Rainbow cocktail to celebrate Toronto Pride. Guests will be able to board at 6:15pm from our berth in the heart of the downtown core, at Queen’s Quay terminal on Toronto’s waterfront. The Oriole cruises between 6:45pm and 8:45pm.
Expect an evening of good music, tasty light bites, great atmosphere and all-around good vibes.

Why is it important to you to welcome the LGBTQ community to Mariposa Cruises?

Diversity and inclusion are the cornerstones of our company, and we are committed to valuing, celebrating and supporting our shipmates equally, not just during Pride, but throughout the year. We appreciate that the LGBTQ community reflects the guests we welcome, the members of our team, and the city we operate in. We are truly proud to be part of Toronto’s vibrant tapestry. Mariposa Cruises offers a unique experience in this wonderful city and all are welcome aboard to experience it with us.

For more info and tickets 
https://mariposacruises.com/public-cruises/special-event-cruises/prideto-sip-sail-cruise/

About the Author

Antoine has on numerous occasions said that everything he does is "a love letter to the LGBTQ community". and he truly loves this community. A 29 years' media and marketing leader, Antoine is the publisher of theBUZZ, The Pink Pages Directory, PinkPlayMags, and a magazine for Durham Region families The Local Biz Magazine, and is the host of talk show "On the Couch". On his off time he is usually involved in community organizations and causes.