Cruise ships host daily “Friends of Bill W.” and “Friends of Dorothy” meetings, supporting recovering alcoholics and the LGBTQ+ community. As Ashley Kosciolek of The Points Guy highlights, these gatherings are discreetly listed in the daily activities, offering a space for like-minded individuals to connect.

If you’ve ever sat scratching your head over the ‘Friends of Dorothy’ and ‘Friends of Bill W.’ get-togethers listed in your cruise ship’s daily newsletter, you’re not alone. Many people have asked, ‘Who is Bill W. on cruise ships?’ No, Bill’s not an avid cruiser, but many of his pals—and Dorothy’s—are. Bill W. refers to Bill Wilson, one of the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous. ‘Friends of Bill W.’ is code for AA meetings, inviting recovering alcoholics to meet during their sailings, especially if they find it difficult to be around others who are imbibing. The ‘Friends of Dorothy’ are members of the LGBTQ+ community, with Dorothy referring to the character from ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ a gay icon.