Fort Lauderdale – Three years ago, an idea was planted on the high seas that eventually turned into a drag revolution. In 2013, it has morphed into the largest drag-themed fundraiser in the state, according to organizers.
Pillage & Plunder, held by Legendary Journeys in conjunction with a Drag at Sea cruise, will feature more than 20 cast members from RuPaul’s Drag Race while benefitting a number of charities. It’s all scheduled for Thanksgiving Weekend.
“It’s a unique experience,” Legendary Journeys owner Al Ferguson says of Drag at Sea. “It started with 10 RuPaul’s Drag Race girls on a cruise and it’s grown significantly each year.”
The first year brought 300 guests to the high seas. In 2012, that number jumped significantly. This year’s cruise is already booked full with 1,600 guests on board!
But that doesn’t mean there’s not a chance to get involved in the dragapalooza.
“We decided that even though we’re doing a significant fundraising event on the ship, we wanted to allocate seats where people on a VIP basis can donate and it was important that we didn’t bypass the local community,” Ferguson explains. “We didn’t want people to just fly in and get on board.”
So Legendary Journeys planned Pillage & Plunder as an inter-community event designed to bring cruise guests into town at least a day earlier to see local sites and spend money with other, local LGBT and LGBT-friendly businesses.
“We already have more than 2,000 room nights booked,” Ferguson says, adding that every performer participating in Pillage & Plunder has donated their time and talents.
Three charities will benefit from that generosity: Equality Florida’s Get Engaged program, J Flag – Jamaica’s LGBT equality organization – and several AIDS service organizations throughout the state.
“We hope to raise at least $50,000,” Ferguson says, adding that totals are already 85% of the way to that goal. “We’re hoping that the people of Tampa Bay and Orlando take advantage of the Thanksgiving holiday and come support this fundraiser and have a great time.”
Tickets are only $18 for general admission, but those wanting a true VIP experience with the veteran Drag Race stars can pay $149 for the “Illusions Lounge” experience, which will actually feature a replica of the popular set where queens dish during the LOGO show.
“Guests who really want to rub elbows with the stars and meet them personally – outside of the typical photo op – can spend time with them in the lounge,” Ferguson says, adding that the VIP package includes an open bar. “All of the talent, when not performing, will be there.”
The Manor can hold 3,000 people, and with an impressive lineup of entertainers slated to begin at 10 p.m., that space will be needed.
A long list of Drag Race veterans are scheduled, including Jinx Monsoon, Chad Michaels. Shannel, Sharon Needles, Pandora Boxx, Manila Luzon, Alaska, Morgan McMichaels, Roxxxy Andrews, Latrice Royale, Shangela, Alyssa Edwards, Vivienne Pinay, Alexis Mateo, Detox, Honey Mahogany, Jade Sotomayor, Lineysha Sparx, Mariah, Mystique Summers, Ongina, Penny Tration, Serena ChaCha, Stacy Layne Matthews, and Yara Sofia.
Also scheduled to appear are several popular DJs, including Chi Chi Larue.
“Nearly 30 drag stars will be there and there will be a performance on multiple stages every 30 minutes,” Ferguson says. “It will all be hosted by popular Drag Race judge Michelle Visage.”
Besides landing on Thanksgiving Weekend, Pillage & Plunder also conveniently lines up with South Florida’s White Party Weekend.
“This is the biggest drag event in the world,” Ferguson says.
The Drag Stars at Sea cruise could also set records. The 1,600-plus booked guests will be on board a brand new MSC Cruise Ship perfectly dubbed “Divina.”
“This is a cruise within a cruise,” Ferguson says. “Our events have always mixed well with other passengers. In fact, last year people were worried over an international incident because no one knew how other passengers would react to a large drag contingent on board. But guests that were with the general cruise guests wanted to take part in the Drag Stars at Sea events. They wanted to come and watch some of the shows. The world is changing in many ways and we don’t get the eyebrow raise like we would have so many years ago.”
The cruise is eight days and will stop in Jamaica, Ferguson adds. And while it is booked solid, there will be a chance to participate in another drag-themed cruise in 2014. But Ferguson won’t give details just yet.
“We contractually can’t make an announcement until Nov. 27 on the 2014 event,” Ferguson says. “But it will be major news.”
In the meantime, Legendary Journeys and ALandCHUCK.TRAVEL will focus on Pillage & Plunder and this year’s cruise.
“From my standpoint, besides the charity and the cruise and the party, the most interesting aspects of this is that we’re combining businesses for support,” Ferguson says. “It’s one gay business supporting another gay business. We’ve been trying for the last few years of selling the collaborative work. It’s difficult at best. But we’re more proud of that aspect of this project than anything else.”
For tickets to Pillage and Plunder, visit DragStarsAtSea.com.
MORE INFO:
WHAT: Pillage & Plunder
WHEN: 10 p.m., Friday, Nov. 29
WHERE: The Manor, Wilton Manors
TICKETS: $18 general admission; $149 VIP at DragStarsAtSea.com
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