So you've done the typical biker rallies-the Daytonas, Myrtle, and maybe even Sturgis-and now you're looking for something different, something motorcycle related but out of the ordinary, a change of scenery. Such was the case for Dean and Debbie Anderson, founders of the Hogs on the High Seas Rally (HOHS). The Andersons had been to a bunch of rallies, and were burned out on the "typical" motorcycle rally. Then, while hiding from the rain at a rally, the thought came to Dean: "Why not have a rally on a cruise ship, traveling to lush, tropical locations?" And since the first Western Caribbean Rally back in 2003, the HOHS rally has become one of the top 10 motorcycle events in the U.S., ranking right up there with Daytona and Sturgis.
Sure, we know what you're thinking: "What the heck does a seven day cruise have to do with motorcycles, or a rally?" The short answer: parts and accessories vendors, leather, tattoos, poker walks, parties, giveaways of cash and prizes, and the one thing bikers like to do most (but receive the least recognition for)-raise money for a charity. Dean and Debbie wanted to make their rally stand apart from the rest, but they also wanted to create a rally where they could not only raise money for a good cause but also actually be able to invite the very people they were helping to partake in the rally fun.
Vendor area, Kuryakyn |  |  Cozy quarters in the Balcony...  Cozy quarters in the Balcony Stateroom |
They accomplished this by setting up a dialysis program in which they invite up to 14 dialysis patients aboard the cruise. HOHS pays for the patient's half of the cabin, medical staff and equipment-so the patients can have their treatments during the week-as well as round-trip airfare, and give the patients $400 spending money. The best part is for one week these patients get to enjoy life without the worry of paying for travel expenses or medical assistance and be a part of something many of them never thought would be possible-to take a cruise. Dean and Debbie set it up so rally attendees can help raise money for the dialysis fund while having fun themselves through raffles, games, contests, and auctions.
Another way in which the HOHS rally stands apart from other rallies is that every night there is a giveaway show where thousands of dollars in cash, cabins for future cruises, motorcycle parts, and even custom motorcycles are given away for free.
We snuck aboard Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas to attend the '07 HOHS seven day Western Caribbean Cruise this past November, and from the moment we boarded the ship it was evident this was going to be something special and one hell of a week. Here's what we can recall (things are still a little hazy) of how the week went.
Saturday: 11/3:
Arrived in Orlando, FL, and took a taxi to the Radisson at the Port in Cape Canaveral. The party was already underway on the hotel's pool deck lined with bikes and bikers. Tried to take things slow and ease our way into party mode.
Sunday: 11/4
Boarded the Mariner of the Seas. Checked into our stateroom. Very nice room, excellent balcony and view (note to self-keep door locked after more than four Mai Tais). Wandered the 15 levels of the 1,020-foot, 3,000-plus guest capacity ship and tried to figure out a plan to hit every amenity offered: bars, night clubs, lounges, stores, pools, spas, health club, restaurants, theatres, rock climbing, casino, basketball court, but most importantly-sit in the Captain's seat and drive this sucker.
 Vendor area, Dragonfly Cycle...  Vendor area, Dragonfly Cycle Concepts | 
Labdee, Haiti |  |
 The Flying Nun in the Belly...  The Flying Nun in the Belly Smacker contest |  Capt'n Johnny cruising his...  Capt'n Johnny cruising his canary RK |  Seven Mile Beach, Grand C...  Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman |