Straight Couple Sues For Being Put on Gay Cruise

A heterosexual Italian couple is suing a cruise line after finding out that they had been booked on a gay cruise.

The couple who has not been identified claim they didn't know they would be on a ship hosting Italy's first gay cruise, according to the Daily Mail . The Grimaldi Lines cruise sailed from Civitavecchia, Italy, to Barcelona, Spain last month. They are suing for reimbursement of their fare -- around $4,500.

The couple's attorney Antonio Francesconi said that his clients are not homophobic; rather no one told them that the ship would be hosting an all-gay cruise.

"They arrived at the port and saw the ship surrounded by media," Francesconi said. "They thought it was because someone famous was on board, but it was in fact due to the event."

Francesconi adds that the couple was further embarrassed when they encountered some of their friends on board the ship who they didn't know were gay, which was "uncomfortable for all parties."

Alessio De Giorgio of Gay.It, the organizer behind the gay cruise, commented, "This is a clear case of homophobia. Nothing scandalous happened. It's a clear example of how prevalent homophobia is in this country."

Themed cruises are gaining popularity worldwide. An international cougar cruise aimed at older women who like younger men will set sail in December. Miss Cougar America Gloria Navarro will be part of the event.