la demence gay cruise 2023

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La Demence gay cruise 2025: the complete guide.

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The next La Demence Cruise will take place in 2025. Sadly the 2024 Cruise will not be taking place.

Gay guys have always loved cruising – although it wasn’t always as elegant as this type of cruising.

Gay men of all ages, sizes, and nationalities spread out across a sunny deck, overlooking the blindingly blue Mediterranean Sea, whilst being pampered by a dedicated team of staff.

Fruity cocktails, gossiping with strangers by the poolside, and getting dressed up for nightly parties are all to be expected on a La Demence cruise. After years of dying to see what all the fuss was about, we joined our first-ever gay cruise with La Demence in 2022 and loved it so much that we went again in 2023. We were instantly enthralled! We had such a blast and vowed we would go every year.

The name ‘la démence’ means ‘madness’ in French . There is truly no better word to capture the atmosphere on board. Men of all ages, body types, and nationalities all come together for a week of travel, parties, and fun. We set out below what a La Demence cruise is all about, the fun activities, facilities, and of course, the infamous parties to look forward to.

We’d love you to join us!

Check back here from November 2024 when details of the 2025 Cruise will be confirmed.

What is The Cruise by La Demence?

La Demence, best known for its exhilarating monthly gay parties in Brussels, has found soaring success with its annual gay cruise. After all, what could be better than a dreamboat of gorgeous gay guys sailing around some of the most beautiful destinations in the Mediterranean?

The La Demence gay cruise happens every summer and lasts for 1 week.

Guests have plenty of time to explore each city, town, and island, soaking up the wonderful beaches and local life. Or, you could just as well stay on the ship, relishing in the peace and quiet whilst everyone's out exploring. But when everyone’s back on board, that's when the party spirit really takes hold.

Find out more and connect with other like-minded gay guys by joining the La Demence Facebook group .

When is the next La Demence gay cruise?

The next La Demence gay cruise will take place in 2025. Dates will be confirmed in November 2024.

What is the cruise itinerary?

Whilst the next La Demence cruise itinerary will be confirmed in due course, we can tell you about the 2023 itinerary, which was on board Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas ship.

The ship started and finished in Ravenna in Italy and sailed through the Ionian Sea. The full itinerary was as follows:

• Sunday 9 July : departed from Ravenna in Italy
• Monday 10 July : at sea
• Tuesday 11 July : Sarandë in Albania
• Wednesday 12 July : Argostoli on Kefalonia island in Greece
• Thursday 13 July : Malta
• Friday 14 July : Catania in Sicily (Italy)
• Saturday 15 July : at sea
• Sunday 16 July : returned to Ravenna.

Previous itineraries included: Rome to Athens (via Dubrovnik, Korčula, Kotor, and good old gay Mykonos ), a Barcelona return trip (via Palermo, Catania, Malta , and Palma de Mallorca), and Lisbon to the oh-so-gay Gran Canaria (La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife, and Lanzarote).

In short, all destinations are carefully selected so that they are gay friendly, and most importantly, beautiful!

We can attest that you will be wowed by each stopover as we were.

Life on board a La Demence gay cruise

The cruise takes place on a very large cruise ship that has a capacity of over 5,000, which is comprised of around 3,500 gays and 1,500 staff.

There are plenty of amenities on board to keep you preoccupied in between all the onboard events and travel pitstops. There’s a relaxing spa where you can expect an array of rejuvenating treatments, everything you could desire, from couple’s massages to mani-pedis.

There are several pools: the large main one is where most hang out during the day and has a nightly fountain show. This is the beating heart and soul of the cruise where everyone comes to see and be seen! All the main parties are also based in and around the main pool area.

When it comes to food, all meals are included. There is a dining area open 24/7 with a different range of cuisines on offer including Indian, Thai, Italian…

Other important amenities include a theater featuring nightly shows, a nudist sun deck, hot tubs, duty-free shops, lounges, and, of course, a gym!

Oh – and there's the 24-hour darkroom…where you can go to experience a (w)hole new fantasy …

For more information about the 2023 cruise ship, check out the Royal Caribbean website about the Explorer of the Sea ship .

What sort of gay parties will there be?

Every night, passengers meet on the deck for a succession of glamorously messy, highly energetic, and entertaining events. With the open sea air, pumping pop music, and an even more pumped-up crowd, there ain’t no gay party, like a gay cruise party.

A classy Sunset Tea Dance starts things off, where people can wind down from a day of sunbathing and land exploring. Passengers can admire the sunset against the backdrop of lowkey music, whilst enjoying some hot tea (both beverage and gossip-wise).

Things turn up a notch with the Night Party, where heavy dance music blares across the deck. Get into the groove! The F3tish party is usually the most popular one…

And things don’t just end there – there’s a fun After Party in the ship’s disco for the passengers who aren’t ready to head to bed.

Themed parties for the 2023 departure included Venetian Carnival , Where Are You From, Red, Uniforms, Neon, Ladies T-Dance, A Space Odyssey, Disco, and White Party .

If you aren’t much of a party animal but are still keen to get involved with the shenanigans on board, then why not get enter one of several competitions?

They have all sorts of challenges planned to test your charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent. There’s the death-defying high heel run, the hunkalicious Mister The Cruise competition, and the ultra-savage drag bingo (forget about the handbag throwing tournament, this is where someone could really lose their head!).

We also need to talk about the Ladies T-Dance party. Another personal favorite of ours. Some of these gays go ALL OUT for their outfits and we LIVE for each and every one!

Book your tickets and join us…in 2025!

Whilst there is no cruise taking place in 2024, check back here in November 2024 when the 2025 Cruise is formally announced.

For more inspiration:

• Read what we think are the best upcoming gay cruises .
• Traveling solo? You'll do good to read up on our guide to the best gay cruises for solo travelers .
• Check in with our guide to the best gay adventure cruises .
• With the Speedos to hand, these are the best gay beaches in the world to check out.
• Read what we rate to be the most gay friendly countries in the world .

Stefan Arestis

Hey everyone, I'm Stefan, the curly-haired Greek flavor behind the gay travel blog Nomadic Boys. Together with my other half , I have explored more than 90 countries across 5 continents. What I love most about traveling is discovering the local gay scene, making new friends, learning new cultures. I've written about LGBTQ travel in numerous online publications such as Gaycation Magazine, Gaycities, Gay Times and Pink News as well as for other non-gay-specific publications including Lonely Planet, The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Huffington Post. Check my full bio here .

Justo Quiñones

Friday 16th of February 2024

send me information about cruises in 2025

Saturday 17th of February 2024

I think they will release information about it in September/October.

Thomas Schmögner

Wednesday 3rd of May 2023

Please send me your price list!

Here you go - it's all here: https://www.the-cruise.eu/book-now

Protect Your Trip »

The 9 best gay cruises for 2024 (+ planning tips).

Dance parties, drag queen performances and fun destinations await on these LGBTQ voyages.

The Best Gay Cruises

Courtesy of The Cruise with La Demence

Embark on an all-gay or LGBTQ-friendly cruise for excellent entertainment, food and excursions.

Whether you are looking to hop aboard a Pride Week cruise with a major line or sail away with a smaller company that specializes in LGBTQ voyages, the following cruise operators promise a fun, safe and memorable vacation.

(Note: While many of these cruise lines sail to LGBTQ-friendly ports of call, travelers should research destinations to learn more about cultures, customs and safety in each location and determine what's right for them.)

Virgin Voyages

Atlantis events, brand g vacations, celebrity cruises, royal caribbean international, the cruise with la demence, source journeys.

Gabriel Goldberg | Courtesy of VACAYA

Founded by avid travelers Randle Roper, Patrick Gunn and John Finen, VACAYA bills itself as the first all-LGBT travel company in the full-ship charter/resort buyout sector of the travel industry to launch in more than 25 years.

"[VACAYA] was sparked by our own vacations, where we all had encountered two very different experiences," says Gunn. "The all-gay cruises were liberating, empowering and fun, but limited to a small spectrum of people. And while everyone loves a good time, there's more to a memorable vacation than just parties. Mainstream vacations offered more activities and destinations, and were accessible to a diverse set of people, but didn't always feel like a friendly, judgment-free environment."

As such, VACAYA set out to bring LGBTQ travelers from across the spectrum together in a welcoming, inclusive setting, while offering varied onboard activities and immersive itinerary options. Cruisers will enjoy traveling to ports around the world, in the Caribbean , the Galápagos, Europe , Antarctica and more. You can participate in shipwide events ranging from themed deck parties to performances by LGBTQ entertainers to rejuvenating yoga classes. Note that VACAYA's cruises are for adults only.

Previous cruisers had abundant praise for VACAYA's voyages, highlighting the company's responsiveness when booking and the kindhearted staff, as well as the genuine connections they made with other passengers on board. Many were also impressed by the events and entertainment options throughout their sailings.

In 2024, VACAYA will offer a number of voyages worldwide. The seven-night Caribbean Cruise on Celebrity Apex in February will sail round-trip from Fort Lauderdale, with several fun-filled days at sea in addition to stops in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Antigua. In August, VACAYA has a 12-night river cruise in Northern Europe on board Advance by Transcend Cruises; this sailing includes the Amsterdam Pride event. The 11-night Antarctica expedition on Atlas Ocean Voyages' World Navigator in December 2024 is sold out, but you can join the waitlist.

Courtesy of Virgin Voyages

The Virgin brand has long been known for its celebration of the LGBTQ community, and cruise line Virgin Voyages is no different. The strictly adults-only cruise operator aims to provide a unique experience, with onboard tattoo parlors, impressive live entertainment, and dining options that include more than 20 eateries and menus created by Michelin star chefs. This line gets the stamp of approval from previous LGBTQ cruisers, who praise the ships' gender-neutral bathrooms, diverse staff and onboard shows with resident drag queens.

Virgin Voyages offers gay-specific sailings through travel companies like Atlantis Events, but its more mainstream itineraries still offer a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere that attracts LGBTQ cruisers year-round. Virgin hosts a number of events during Pride Month each year, including deck parties and interactive social media campaigns.

"Each June here at Virgin Voyages, we like to go big for Pride Month with larger-than-life events … all monthlong," the cruise line says in a statement on its website. "It's an important time for us – both internally within our crew and for our sailors – to honor and celebrate the LGBTQ community; who for so long has had to continually fight for equality and the right to be seen, heard and included."

Virgin Voyages sails to a variety of LGBTQ-friendly countries, including New Zealand, Greece and Spain. In June 2024, consider a seven-night sailing aboard Scarlet Lady departing from Barcelona with stops in Marseille and Cannes in France as well as Spain's Palma de Mallorca and Ibiza.

Read: The Best Cruise Lines for the Money

The world's largest gay and lesbian travel brand, Atlantis Events was founded in 1991 and welcomes more than 20,000 travelers annually on LGBTQ vacations. For its all-gay cruises, Atlantis charters megaships from popular lines like Royal Caribbean International , Norwegian Cruise Line and Virgin Voyages in addition to smaller vessels with companies like Oceania Cruises so cruisers will have a fully immersive experience.

On board, travelers can enjoy all the perks these ships have to offer (think: pools, hot tubs, sports courts and plenty of dining choices), plus special events like drag performances, motivational speakers, LGBTQ movies on demand in each cabin and high-energy circuit parties across the ship.

"As an LGBTQ cruiser, you're looking for a ship with lots of entertainment, including dance parties and events," says Marcos Martinez, founder of Men Who Brunch, a Black gay lifestyle blog. "One of the best cruise [lines] for gay cruising is Atlantis, since you'll be able to meet hundreds of attractive men and party all day and night on the ship."

Atlantis hosts primarily gay men; women make up about 5% to 10% of bookings, according to the Atlantis website. Previous cruisers said the atmosphere on board was fun, friendly and welcoming, though some noted that the company's customer service could be better, especially when it comes to details about the cruise.

Due to the company's popularity, its three 2024 cruises are already sold out.

Read: The Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean

Courtesy of Brand G Vacations

Specializing in all-gay river cruises – and now luxury ocean liners – Brand g Vacations was founded in 2011 and explores destinations all over the world. Chartered river cruises typically welcome between 40 and 200 LGBTQ passengers (and their straight allies), which allows cruisers to get to know one another in a smaller setting. Guests tend to skew more mature (think: 40 and older), and the line attracts both men and women.

Onboard entertainment differs slightly from larger ocean voyages: Expect more cabaret-style entertainment than massive all-night dance parties. Cruisers will also enjoy performances by drag queens, gay Broadway stars and more, on top of typical river cruise perks like sightseeing and lavish meals. Past guests recommend choosing Brand g if you're looking for a well-planned, relaxed and luxurious experience over a busier, more party-heavy vacation.

Brand g aims to provide a nearly all-inclusive cruise experience , with Mercedes or small van airport transfers, upscale hotel stays prior to embarkation, and unlimited alcoholic beverages as well as meals included in the fare. As such, prices tend to be on the high end. Plus, cruisers can feel good about their trip knowing that Brand g donates to causes in the U.S. and around the world that assist LGBTQ refugees, AIDS organizations, LGBTQ centers and more.

In 2024, Brand g sails through unique waterways around the world, including the Amazon, the Loire, the Danube, the Mekong, and the Columbia and Snake rivers in the Pacific Northwest. The line's small cruise ship charters also take guests to Iceland, Spain, Morocco, Italy, Croatia and other European destinations.

Read: The Top River Cruise Lines

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Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises sets the scene for an excellent vacation for gay travelers, from its extravagant annual Pride parties to its daily LGBTQ programming throughout the year. The mainstream line has received numerous awards for its inclusivity, receiving accolades from the Cruizie Awards, TTG Travel Awards and Travel Weekly's Magellan Awards for being one of the best cruise lines for LGBTQ passengers.

LGBTQ cruisers can start their vacations off on a high note with a special welcome party on the first night of their voyage to meet other travelers on board. After night one, there are other social events for gay cruisers to party and hang out together. Additionally, Celebrity Cruises was the first cruise line to legally marry a couple at sea in 2018, and it continues to perform same-sex marriages on its ships.

Past cruisers enjoyed their voyages with Celebrity, noting that the line was welcoming, the food was delicious, and there were plenty of areas to hang out as a group with fellow LGBTQ passengers or other companions throughout the ship.

Although all itineraries are gay-friendly, consider booking a sailing during Pride Month in June for an extra special experience. Onboard entertainment during this month includes guest entertainers, a flag raising ceremony, Celebrity's signature Pride Party at Sea and more. The Italian Riviera & France cruise will depart from Barcelona on June 8, 2024, on the new Celebrity Ascent; this 10-night Mediterranean sailing stops at ports in France, Italy and Malta. Private travel companies like VACAYA also charter Celebrity ships for all-gay voyages throughout the year.

Read: Cruise Packing List: The Top Essentials for Any Cruise

Getty Images

Specifically marketed toward lesbians and LGBTQ women, Olivia has hosted more than 350,000 travelers by land and sea over five decades. Cruisers can choose between river voyages or ocean sailings to destinations around the world. On the lesbian cruises, expect a mix of nostalgic decade-themed dance parties, folk singers, writing workshops, karaoke and other activities. Cruisers can also relax poolside, spend some time in the onboard spa or take it easy in one of the ships' lounges.

Travelers who are looking to connect with others who share similar backgrounds can do so in one of Olivia's specialized programs. There are group and solo traveler meetups, as well as programs like Sisters, which is for LGBTQ women of color; Gen-O, for cruisers 40 and younger; Women in Uniform gatherings, for veterans and those currently in the armed forces; and events for OWLs (which stands for "older, wiser lesbians"). Past cruisers on Olivia's voyages report feeling a true sense of community and belonging on board, resulting in a fun, carefree trip.

In June 2024, set sail with Olivia from Edinburgh, Scotland, to Dublin on Windstar Cruises' Star Legend. Or, visit the islands of Tahiti on the line's Star Breeze in September. Other cruise itineraries include Alaska, the Greek Isles, Mexico and the Panama Canal.

Read: The Best Girls Trip Ideas

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International provides a welcoming and inclusive experience for LGBTQ travelers. The popular cruise line frequently partners with Atlantis Events to offer all-gay voyages throughout the year, but even the standard sailings earn praise.

Highlights of the sailings are the ships' entertainment options (including the Tony Award-winning musical "Mamma Mia!") and attentive staff, according to past cruisers. Itineraries typically include LGBTQ meetups at the beginning of each cruise for gay travelers to meet like-minded passengers. Outside of the sailing experience, Royal Caribbean has also publicly committed to supporting the LGBTQ community throughout the year, and it was the first cruise line to earn the title "Gay Traveler Approved" from GayTravel in 2016.

In 2024, consider a Royal Caribbean voyage that sails to gay-friendly destinations. "Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, [is] full of gay bars, clubs and gay beaches," says Martinez. Hop aboard Navigator of the Seas in May for a seven-night sailing round-trip from Los Angeles that stops in Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Ensenada, Mexico. Navigator of the Seas also hosts a seven-night itinerary throughout the year that calls on Mazatlan, Mexico, as well.

Ready to plan a cruise? Find the best value sailings on  GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Courtesy of The Cruise With La Demence

According to past cruisers, if you're looking for one of the best party scenes on the open seas, consider an all-gay cruise with La Demence. Powered by a popular gay nightclub in Brussels with the same name, La Demence – French for "the madness" – primarily caters to a European crowd. Most passengers are male, though women are also welcome.

On board, passengers should expect to dance the night away at massive deck parties that last into the wee hours of the morning. The line prides itself on its top-notch DJs, impressive light setup and electric party atmosphere. Previous cruisers had high praise for the itineraries – which exclusively visit gay-friendly locations – as well as the fruity cocktails, themed nights (costumes strongly encouraged) and glamorous entertainment. Enjoy unique events like drag bingo, high heel runs and more.

La Demence sails every summer to European destinations like Greece, Italy and Malta. The 2023 cruise was chartered on Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas. Fares include all food and nonalcoholic beverages, plus access to all parties, shows and the onboard gym.

Read: The Top Party Cruises

Source Journeys has been planning luxury vacations for LGBTQ travelers for more than 20 years. The Miami-based company, with the vision of founder and chief executive officer Craig Smith, offers small group land tours and full-charter cruises for like-minded travelers with a focus on giving back to the communities they visit. The company also supports LGBTQ organizations, such as the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force and the Human Rights Campaign.

Past guests of their tours say their fellow travelers were as fun and interesting as the destinations. They appreciated the excellent personalized planning for the trips by Smith and his life partner, Rafael Rodriguez.

The company's cruises in 2024 include a seven-night Galápagos sailing in late September on a Relais & Chateau luxury yacht: Ecoventura's new ship, Evolve. The intimate ship accommodates just 20 passengers. Source Journeys is also offering a seven-night river cruise through Burgundy and Provence, France, in June on Avalon Waterways' Avalon Poetry II, as well as a seven-night voyage from Venice along the Dalmatian Coast. This ocean cruise scheduled in August is chartered on Star Clippers' masted sailing ship, Royal Clipper.

Frequently Asked Questions

When it comes to gay cruising, gone are the days of discreet "Friends of Dorothy" meetups. The term – a euphemism that dates back to the 1950s – was once used to indicate gay social events on daily cruise line programs, without explicitly calling out members of the community on board. It's a far cry from today's LGBTQ cruising industry, which loudly and proudly celebrates passengers from all walks of life.

According to experts, LGBTQ cruising is a market that will only continue to grow. Travelers can take their pick between cruise operators tailored specifically to queer communities and major cruise lines that offer festive Pride celebrations and inclusive onboard entertainment. As travel on the high seas continues to grow in popularity for vacationers, gay and lesbian travelers should consider setting sail on a fun-filled cruise vacation for their next trip.

When planning a cruise, vacationers should first consider what their ideal sailing looks like.

Gay-friendly vs. all-gay sailings: Cruisers should think about whether they'd like to travel aboard a gay-friendly mainstream line – such as Celebrity Cruises or Virgin Voyages – or opt for an all-gay, full-ship charter with a third-party vacation company.

"Each and every LGBTQIAPK person has a different level of comfortability in their 'outness,' " says Patrick Gunn, co-founder and chief marketing officer of LGBTQ vacation company VACAYA. Of VACAYA's all-gay charters, he adds, "For one magical week, our community gets to be the majority and live life out loud in the blissful utopia VACAYA creates on a gay cruise. That single change from being an always-minority to a sudden majority can have a profoundly positive real-world effect on individuals."

• Travel style: Some cruise operators (think: Atlantis Events and La Demence) are known for their electrifying all-night parties, which may be perfect for gay groups of friends. Meanwhile, other companies like VACAYA and Olivia look to provide a more diverse selection of activities, ranging from tea dances (LGBTQ parties that, historically, included tea service) to philanthropic service activities to immersive onshore experiences.
• Ports of call: Some of the most LGBTQ- and gay-friendly destinations for cruises include: Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Sydney; Barcelona, Spain; Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan; Helsinki; Quebec City; Auckland, New Zealand; Mykonos, Greece; Reykjavik, Iceland; Amsterdam; Tel Aviv, Israel; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and San Francisco. Countries that gay travelers may want to avoid include the Maldives, Jamaica, Morocco, Malaysia and Haiti, as homosexuality is illegal in these destinations.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has visited destinations around the globe on nearly every type of ship built, including the newest megaships, luxury yachts, expedition vessels, traditional masted sailing ships and intimate river ships on the Mekong River. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Cruise Lines
• The Top Solo Cruises (No Supplement Fare)
• The Top Themed Cruises
• The Top 3-Day Cruise Itineraries
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

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The Cruise by La Demence | A Gay Couple Cruising around Europe

A Gay Couple Cruising around Southern Europe

Gay Couple Cruising The Cruise La Demence: Finally, 2016 was the year we attended a Gay Cruise for the first time. It was exciting to experience meeting all those great people from all over the world in a 100% gay-friendly environment on the cruise ship SOVEREIGN. The Cruise by La Demence from Belgium is one of the best-known European Gay Cruise organizers. Their cruises are popular for great (theme) parties, a well-chosen DJ lineup, and good day trips on the cruise itinerary. Especially for French-speaking gay men, the shows were a great opportunity to celebrate the one-week gay experience. After the 2017 edition, we are finally back on The Cruise, showing the best of the gay men-only voyage.

For all of you who will attend the LD cruise for the first time in 2023: Enjoy our gay travel articles about our previous cruise experiences with La Demence and get inspired by all reports of “Gay Couple Cruising The Cruise La Demence” for attire for all the costume parties. Stay tuned during our Gay Cruise 2023 on Facebook ,  Twitter , YouTube , and  Instagram . See you onboard the Explorer of the Seas!

Karl & Daan.

The Cruise by La Demence 2023

Once again, we will board a cruise ship to attend the annual gay cruise THE CRUISE by La Demence. This year, we will travel around the Adriatic and the Ionian Seas on a great Royal Caribbean ship. Starting from Ravenna, Italy, the cruise ship will cruise in a southern direction for a stop in Albania, Greece, Euro Pride country, Malta, followed by Sicily before returning to Ravenna. And, of course, there will be numerous theme and costume parties, from the Lady’s T-Dance to a trip Out in Space.

10 Essential Tips for the European Gay Cruise THE CRUISE by La Demence

Great News! We will attend The Cruise 2023 by La Demence

The cruise 2017 with couple of men.

Once again we had a blast on our second The Cruise 2017! Additional to an entirely new cruising route starting from Lisbon to Madeira and the Canary Islands,  great new theme and costume parties and more than 2000 gay men were waiting for us on the sister ship of last year’s cruise ship, the Monarch. Join us on our second cruise experience and one-day explorations on Madeira and Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean with photos, videos, events, and stories from gay men cruising on the European gay cruise The Cruise by La Demence.

The Cruise by La Demence: Our Gay Couple Travel Diary of The Cruise

Our Best Photos & Video of the “Lady T-Dance” Party at The Cruise

Sexy! Funky! Fancy! “Disco T-Dance” Party at The Cruise by La Demence

Our Best Photos & Video of the “Where are you from” T-Dance Party

The cruise 2016 with couple of men.

All you need to know about planning a gay Cruise by La Demence around Southern Spain, what you can expect o the ship, what you should pack, what you can leave at home: the following articles give you an inside what a gay cruise can be like. And you will see, even for gay couples a cruise together with hot gay men is not a problem at all, at least not out of our couple of men’s perspective. Additional to the cruise information, we create small one-day gay travel guides for our stops around the southern coast of Spain starting with a Gay Couple City Weekend in Barcelona.

If you are planning to join another gay cruise, we recommend checking our gay-friendly accommodations worldwide , at least for the days before or after a cruise with other gay men. But have a look yourself and enjoy our gay cruise photos, videos, and gay stories of a Gay Couple Cruising The Cruise La Demence 2016. Enjoy our Gay Couple Cruise Diary , Tips, and Tricks for a Gay Cruise with La Demence , and of course, your gay cruise.

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The Ultimate Guide on Finding the Best Gay Cruise

Cruising can be for anyone. No, not that type of cruising – although that too can be for anyone – but going on a gay cruise ship. Whether you opt for calmer seas on a smaller vessel, or the stormy waters of a bigger party boat, you're guaranteed a good time on a gay cruise. You'll be surrounded by like-minded LGBTQ+ shipmates, and a crew whose jobs are centered around providing the best – and gayest – experience possible. All this sets gay cruises apart from their heterosexual counterparts. 

After making the decision to take the plunges and book a cruise, the tricky part is choosing the perfect one for you. Not only deciding how big you want your ship to be, but the wheres and the hows of your cruise.  Your potential options range from the sunbaked shores of the Mediterranean and Caribbean, to the Baltic Sea, or even the frozen wonderland of Alaska. Then there’s the matter of how much onboard entertainment you want? Are you looking for snorkeling and culturally diverse inland trips, or rooftop dance parties and drag bingo? Maybe some combination of the two. Regardless, there's something to suit every type of LGBTQ+ journeyer on a gay cruise..

You can opt for a small ship with a more intimate feel with companies like Source Journeys or Brand g Vacations or take one of the more popular, large ships with companies like Atlantis , VACAYA , or La Demence . For the ladies, Olivia is the major player in the market and many of these companies have been around for 20 years or more.

Why Take a Gay Cruise?

• Easy to meet new people – one great aspect of taking a gay cruise is that most of the guests are friendly and open to meeting new people. On a straight cruise, guests come with friends or family and already have a social group established. On a gay cruise, there are many activities that help connect guests to give you a better chance at meeting people.
• Travel alone – most gay cruise companies offer a cabin match program where they will assign you a roommate, so you don’t have to pay for the full price of a two-person room if you’re traveling alone.
• Awesome parties – If you book a cruise with one of the large ship companies like Atlantis , La Demence or VACAYA , you’ll be in for a treat with awesome parties. The over-the-top events are usually themed, often outdoors and guests are encouraged to dress up.
• Great entertainment – most of the big gay cruise lines bring on big headliners or “gaylebrity” performers. Into drag queen bingo? How about performances from some of the top gay celebrity comedians, entertainers and famous drag queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race?
• Be yourself – probably one of the most attractive parts about a gay cruise is the comfort zone. The entire ship is full of LGBT guests and all staff has been extensively trained to provide you with a welcoming and gay-friendly experience. It’s a very open environment and one where you can relax and be yourself without fear of harassment.
• Social impact – some companies aim to not only offer a unique travel experience but also make a difference through social impact in the communities they visit. Companies like Source Journeys strive to do good in the world by offering volunteering opportunities in certain destinations as well as supporting local nonprofits through volunteering or financial support.

The History of the Gay Cruise Industry

The concept of LGBT-specific travel started in the ’70s and was pioneered by Hans Ebensten , who began taking gay men on tours rafting through the Grand Canyon as well as to Carnival in Rio de Janeiro. As LGBTQ+ people became more visible and acceptance shifted, several more companies began creating trips for the LGBTQ+ community. The concept of a gay cruise was the perfect environment because the ship itself was isolated on the ocean and all the attendees could be completely themselves without fear of judgment or harassment. The first all gay cruises were started by RSVP in 1987, followed by the other pioneers Atlantis Events (1991) and Olivia , who started offering lesbian cruises in 1990. Over the years other companies joined the field like VACAYA , Source Journeys , La Demence , Out Adventures and more.

Types of Gay Cruises

Gay cruises generally fall into one of the following categories.

• Large full-ship gay cruises – this is the most common and popular gay cruise where you can expect top-of-the-line cruise ships from well-known companies like Royal Caribbean, Virgin Voyages, Celebrity Cruises or Norwegian Cruise Lines. The number of guests typically from 1,000 to 5,000 depending on the company, ship and route. The longtime players (20+ years) like Atlantis , RSVP and Olivia all fall into this category, as well as the other players in the market like VACAYA (5 years) and The Cruise by La Demence (11 years).
• Small full-ship gay cruises – smaller companies like Source Journeys , Brand g , Out Adventures and other LGBTQ+ tour operators organize smaller cruises. The number of guests could range from 20 to 500 depending on the company and route. Source Journeys and Brand g offer a luxury travel experience compared to the other operators so you can expect a higher-end offer with more luxurious ships and services. Source Journeys even goes as far as to offer elevated experiences that enrich the lives of their guests and empower them to do good in the world.
• Gay river cruises – gay river cruises are popular in Europe and typically visit destinations like France, Germany, Austria, The Netherlands or Belgium, just to name a few. They are similar to small full-ship gay cruises, with the exception that they cruise on a river as opposed to the open ocean. The number of guests typically ranges from 50 to 300 depending on the company and route. River cruises are organized by companies like Brand g , VACAYA , Source Journeys and Olivia .
• Partial-ship gay cruises – some LGBTQ+ tour operators with a smaller audience or client base will organize a small group on a mainstream cruise. These often take place on large cruises ships. Most of the guests onboard are straight, however, a group of perhaps 50-100 LGBT guests might be onboard. Meals and group activities are typically organized to keep the group together throughout the trip.
• Gay sailing trips – there are a number of companies that offer gay sailing trips in different destinations around the world. It’s important to note that the experience on a small sailing boat of around 10-20 people is quite a different experience than a gay cruise. It’s more intimate, relaxing and casual than a gay cruise. However, larger sailing ships holding between 20 to 300 guests might feel a bit more like a small gay cruise. We even offer our own Two Bad Tourists gay sailing trips since 2018, visiting Greece and Croatia with a Europe-based gay sailing company. Other sailing companies include GaySail and Everything to Sea .

Is a Gay Cruise Right for You?

First, you need to decide whether taking a cruise, in general, is something you want to do. Not everyone likes cruising due to the nature of the experience, but many do. Second, if taking a cruise definitely interests you, next you’ll need to decide if you prefer a gay cruise or a mainstream cruise. Here are a few things to consider.

• Your cabin, meals and entertainment are included in the price
• The ship will be exclusively LGBTQ+ guests
• Cruises can be crowded and there isn’t a lot of privacy
• You can visit many new destinations in one trip, but you only have a short time at each port to explore
• Gay cruises can be a bit more expensive than mainstream cruises due to the elaborate parties and unique entertainment onboard

Gay Cruise & Sailing Companies

Below is a list of various companies that operate gay cruises and sailing trips. Some have been around for decades while others are relatively new to the market. We’ve also listed the types of cruises that the companies generally offer.

• Atlantis Cruises  – large full-ship
• VACAYA – large full-ship, small full-ship, river cruises
• RSVP – large full-ship
• La Demence – large full-ship
• Olivia (lesbian) – large full-ship, river cruises
• Brand g Vacations  – small full-ship, river cruises
• Source Journeys – small full-ship, luxury cruises
• Out Adventures (both gay & lesbian) – small full-ship
• R Family Vacations – small full-ship, river cruises
• HE Travel – small full-ship, sailing
• Everything to Sea  – sailing
• GaySail – sailing
• HolidayPride – sailing, small full-ship
• Two Bad Tourists – sailing (yes, that’s us!)

How to Choose the Best Gay Cruise or Company

Determining which gay cruise or trip to take is completely subjective. People have different preferences, budgets or destinations in mind when it comes to booking a trip. All the companies listed here are recommended and have good reviews, but you want to make sure you pick the right trip for your travel style and preferences. Below are a few tips to consider when booking your trip.

• Party focus – the large, full-ship takeovers like Atlantis , VACAYA and The Cruise by La Demence tend to be very party-focused and many guests go on these cruises just for the party atmosphere. They might not even get off the ship at the ports. La Demence is the most intense with its parties, with Atlantis as a close second. Both are circuit party style, while VACAYA is more diverse and pop themed, with top 40 music.
• Destination – decide if you are going on a gay cruise for the ports of call, for the gay cruise experience in general, or both. Some people might prioritize the destination over the parties so be sure to check out the route and places you’ll visit to help you decide. Large ships like Atlantis and VACAYA tend to go to more touristic ports while companies like Source Journeys,   Brand g or Out Adventures focus on smaller, more intimate ports which can only be visited by small ships.
• Budget – the price of the trip is an obvious factor. You’ll need to add the price of flights or transportation into your budget so the location of the departing and arrival port should be part of your planning process. The entry-level price to gay cruise typically starts around $800 per person for a week-long trip.
• Size – it’s important to decide if you prefer a large group or small. Large groups and full ship takeovers offer great parties and header liner entertainment, but some people may want to avoid the crowds and opt for a more intimate experience on a smaller ship.
• What’s included? – most gay cruises include the cabin, meals and onboard entertainment in the price. However, unless you book an all-inclusive trip with Brand g , these items are typically not included in the price: pre and post hotel stay, land tours and excursions, specialty drinks/alcohol and airport transfers.
• The crowd – the type of people who go on each gay cruise varies and might be a determining factor. Atlantis , RSVP and La Demence are about 99% gay men and Olivia is 99% lesbian women. Out Adventures offer both gay and lesbian small ship cruises. VACAYA has a mission to be more diverse and inclusive for the entire LGBTQ+ community, though their trips are still probably 80-90% gay men. RSVP and Brand g tend to have an older crowd, with the latter having more luxurious and all-inclusive trips. Finally, Source Journeys is a high-end operator who also tends to attract middle-aged men who seek ‘once-in-a-lifetime' experiences but they are consciously working to be more inclusive to the entire LGBTQ+ community.

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8 LGBTQ+ Cruises to Book for Incredible Itineraries and Inclusive Fun

These cruises for LGBTQ+ travelers offer inclusive experiences on itineraries around the world.

Courtesy of Atlantis Events

Cruising is back, and as passengers set sail once again, there’s no shortage of LGBTQ+-friendly cruise lines and dedicated itineraries to embark upon. Whether you’re hoping to discover centuries-old gems across Europe’s rivers , bask in the beauty of the Alaskan wilderness , or just party the night away with a vodka soda in hand and “Into You” by Ariana Grande blasting overhead, these cruise lines and tour operators offer something for every LGBTQ+ traveler.

Brand G Vacations

Courtesy of Brand G Vacations

Specializing in curated experiences for LGBTQ+ community members since 2011, Brand G Vacations has found particular success within the realm of small-scale cruises, offering voyages on the high seas and the Earth’s most iconic rivers. With trips across spectacular rivers like the Douro , Ganges , and Amazon , each Brand G excursion provides ample opportunities for forging new friendships thanks to their low passenger count. As an added bonus, philanthropy is a central tenet of the company, with each year bringing a new partnership with a charity committed to addressing issues within the LGBTQ+ community.

Gabriel Goldberg/VACAYA

A recent addition to the cruise industry, Vacaya caters specifically to LGBTQIAPK+ patrons, with cruises ranging from classic tropical island routes to truly far-flung options. In terms of classic cruise experiences, guests can find spacious suites, vibrant nightlife, and 29 drinking and dining venues aboard the Celebrity Apex on Vacaya’s annual Caribbean cruise taking place in February 2024 — but for the adventurous soul, there’s no beating one of their smaller options. Though itineraries span from the Adriatic Sea to the heart of Polynesia , each cruise offers the perfect blend of relaxing amenities and bustling nightlife to keep you occupied between ports.

Courtesy of Olivia Travel

The gay cruise industry is largely geared toward men, but Olivia is the industry’s reigning champion for LGBTQ+ women. The company hosts a plethora of river and open-water cruises all across the globe, with lesbian and queer woman-focused excursions to Alaska , Egypt and Jordan , and Greece on the roster for 2024. Amenities ranging from meals to self-service laundry to alcoholic beverages are all included as part of your purchase, and for those wishing to keep the party going after testing their sea legs, Olivia also offers land-based tours, with a wealth of relaxing resort stays available to book.

Atlantis Events

With beloved celebrity entertainers and dazzling dance parties on the regular, Atlantis is one of the cruise industry’s top contenders for a fun-filled, LBGTQ+-centered getaway on the high seas. For the most social of butterflies, this fall’s Italy, France, and Ibiza cruise is set to shatter records for the largest gay cruise to set sail across Europe, uniting more than 4,000 passengers on the massive Odyssey of the Seas . For a smaller-scale (but still grandiose) experience, Atlantis is putting some of Southeast Asia’s most dazzling cities on full display this November, offering a nine-night cruise along Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok.

Celebrity Cruises

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

One of the most dedicated queer allies in the water tourism world, Celebrity Cruises has gone to great lengths to partner with LGBTQ+ impact groups and promote inclusivity in the workplace, and the cruise line even offers same-sex weddings on board, officiated by the cruise captain. Though queer passengers are certain to feel welcome aboard any voyage, the company has been hosting the iconic Pride Party at Sea since 2018, imbuing cruises across the globe with an added dose of LGBTQ+-curated programs and parties throughout the month of June.

The Cruise by La Demence

Courtesy of The Cruise

While La Demence has been one of Belgium’s most coveted queer events for decades, the festivities are taking on an aquatic spin on The Cruise , a week-long journey scheduled for July 2023. Kicking off with the Italian city of Ravenna , this week-long excursion highlights fascinating destinations across the Mediterranean, with Sarandë, Malta, and Catania all gracing the itinerary — but of course, the most incredible festivities take place far beyond the shore. Equipped with dazzling amenities like an on-ship spa, a dedicated nudist deck, and a star-studded cast of entertainers, the Explorer of the Seas is a one-way ticket to a memorable jaunt across Europe’s stunning southern coast.

Source Journeys

Courtesy of Source Journeys

Source Journeys has mastered the art of cruising, providing LGBTQ+ travelers with a treasure trove of carefully curated luxury cruises. For wildlife lovers, September brings the opportunity to spot sea lions, turtles, and marine iguanas on a voyage to Ecuador’s iconic Galapagos Islands , with the Relais & Chateaux-aligned Evolve yacht serving as a particularly relaxing abode for the trip, while October’s Vietnam and Cambodia cruise highlights the rich beauty of the Mekong from urban and natural perspectives.

Uniworld River Cruises

Courtesy of Uniworld River Cruises

When it comes to low-effort/high-yield travel, river cruises are hard to top. They offer an opportunity to visit a vast array of storied cities, neatly bundled into one itinerary — and in terms of uniquely LGBTQ+ experiences, Uniworld has a few special journeys in store. During an Out on the Rivers cruise, guests can attend a wide array of curated events and performances, with R Family Vacations founders Gregg Kaminsky and Kelli Carpenter taking charge of the journey. While the France-focused Brilliant Bordeaux cruise is set to depart next month, be sure to mark your calendars for April 2024’s Holland and Belgium at Tulip Time , a trip that highlights some of Western Europe’s pioneers for LGBTQ+ inclusivity.

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THE CRUISE BY LA DEMENCE

July 9, 2023 @ 8:00 am - july 16, 2023 @ 5:00 pm.

July 9th till 16th 2023: The Best Holiday Experience Ever!

Make sure that you secure your spot for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas is the perfect mid-size cruise ship to experience the European hot, intimate, friendly and easygoing atmosphere.

It will take you from Ravenna on a legendary journey into the Ionian Sea visiting Albania, Greece, Malta and Sicily. From July, 9th till 16th, 2023.

More info and bookings on the-cruise.eu

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Great News! We will attend The Cruise 2023 by La Demence

Karl krause mediterranean sea: we are beyond excited: we are going on the cruise 2023 by la demence on a great royal caribbean ship around the adriatic and ionian sea join us the post great news we will attend the cruise 2023 by la demence appeared first on gay travel blog - couple of men..

The Route of The Cruise 2023

Day 1: ravenna, italy – 9th of july, day 2: life at sea – 10th of july, great flight deals, day 3: sarandë, albania – 11th of july, day 4: argostoli, greece – 12th of july, day 5: malta – 13th of july, day 6: catania – 14th of july, day 7: life at sea – 15th of july.

The Ship: Explorer of the Seas

The party itinerary for the cruise 2023.

More article for your The Cruise experience

• A Gay Couple Diary: First Gay Cruise 2016 together >
• Tips for a Gay Men for The Cruise with La Demence >
• Diary of our second The Cruise 2017 >
• Best of Lady T-Dance with Video >
• Best of Disco Party with Video >
• Best of “Where are you from Party”>

And now, it’s your turn: Book The Cruise 2023!

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all you need to know !

European gay cruise

LA DEMENCE is proud to present its second European gay cruise from 22 till 29 July 2012 , with departure and arrival in Marseille (France). The same ship as last year, Horizon , has been exclusively chartered to welcome around 1.800 gays from all over the world (last year 61 nationalities!), from all ages, and from all styles. The size of the ship is perfect to create a very familiar atmosphere, ask those who were there last year …! And last but not least, the ship has been completely renovated this winter.

During the day

During the day you, will be able to make excursions to fabulous sites and breathtaking landmarks, or relax at the pool.

         Tue  24 July (09h - 21h): Naples, Pompeii, Capri

         Wed 25 July (11h - 19h): Taormina, Etna (Sicily)

         Fri    27 July (14h - 09h next day): Ibiza: old town, gay beach, nightlife…

         Visits can be done on your own, with friends, or on a guided tour.

At the pool

Relax at the pool in a chaise longue while sipping on a cocktail, drifting away on smooth chill out music, or join in one of the daytime activities: Mister Cruise contest, open air fitness session, and many other games…  There will also be a nudist sun deck.  All of this with breathtaking panoramic views as a background.

In the evening

Have a romantic or family dinner à la carte, or enjoy the 24h buffet.

Go to the group cocktails in one of the many bars: for singles, for German, for Spanish, for French speaking…

Watch the shows in the theatre, or play a game at the casino.

Crazy nights !

Definitely the most exciting summer parties of 2012, guaranteed ! Sunset T-dances and moonlit open air pool parties. Dancing under the stars in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea to the beats of the LA DEMENCE dj crew: Paul Heron (UK), Oliver M (UK), Steven Redant (ES), Ben Manson (FR), Chris Bekker (DE), Phil Romano (IT), Fabio White (UK), Dikky Vendetta (NL), Tony Bruno (UK), John Dixon (FR), Kenne Perry (BE) and Andrei Stan (RO) .  

Enjoy the experience by dressing up for the theme parties :  skirts and high heels for the hilarious hit of last year: Ladies night. Or get your macho in for the Military or Fetish party. Show off at Underwear. And let us know: Where Are You From? Go back in time with the Disco Dip !

The night club inside the ship will open in the early morning, for those who want to continue to party after sunrise…

Single travelers: new category !

On general demand, we have created a new category F*** for singles. You don't feel like sharing a cabin, or simply can't find the perfect roommate? You can now book a double exterior cabin category F*** for single use at 1.554 €

Reserve now before it is sold out

NO LAST MINUTE DISCOUNTS

Cabins start from 1110 € per person including 7 nights cruise, all food (restaurant à la carte and 24h buffet), soft drinks, all the parties, shows and activities on board, all taxes and port taxes. It does not include transportation to and from the ship, alcoholic beverages (2,50 € for draft beer and wine; only 3,50 € for spirits: Eristoff, Bacardi, Gordon's, Ballantines), and 65 € service charge per person.

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Info & bookings

    website in 6 languages

Click here to see all videos and pictures from the 2011 cruise !!!

PEKIN, Elektrostal - Lenina Ave. 40/8 - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number - Tripadvisor

the frequently asked questions

What type of passenger.

There is not a type of typical passenger: you will find all types, ages and nationalities represented onboard, which creates a very friendly and familiar atmosphere. That’s what makes this cruise so special!

Is there a minimum age?

The minimum age is 18 years at the time of boarding the ship.

Are women welcome?

You will mainly find gay men on board, but we are more than happy to have some crazy women and lesbians with us!

Are pets welcome?

Animals are not allowed on board, so you will have to look for a babysitter for your dog or cat.

How many can we be in the same cabin?

Some cabins can hold up to 4 persons (some suites even more). You will pay € 800 per additional passenger above the double occupancy.

What if I am travelling alone?

You can book a room to share with another solo in some categories. We will then put you together with someone of your age in the same cabin. You can of course also pay for 2, and then you will have your cabin for single occupancy. In that case, until the published date, you can give us the name of a person joining you in your cabin at no extra cost.

Do the cabins have 1 double bed or 2 twin beds?

Almost all the cabins have 2 twin beds that can be converted into a double bed. Give us your preference when booking, and as long as your choice is available, you will have the bed configuration that you prefer.

What is a cabin with obstructed view?

It means that the view through the cabin window is obstructed by a life-boat, which means that you only have a partial view through the window.

How are the cabins assigned?

You can give up your preferences when booking (deck level, front-middle-back of the ship, bed configuration, cabin number, close to other friends,…). Once your payment is accepted, we will take your preferences as much as possible into account and confirm the number of your cabin. The earlier you book, the more we can comply with your requests, although the given cabin number is not legally binding, and could be changed in case of necessity.

What is included in the price?

All food 24h a day. Tap water, lemonade, ice tea, tea and filter coffee in the main restaurant and at the buffet. All parties, all shows, all entertainment and use of the gym. Port taxes and gratuities for cabin staff.

What is not included in the price?

All costs before you board the ship, and after you leave the ship (flights, hotels, transfers); beverages (except included ones); personal expenses (casino, Spa treatments, shops, internet, phone calls,...); room service.

Do I need a passport and visa?

EU citizens only need their identity cards. Non-EU citizens need to check which documents are required in order to avoid the refusal of embarkation.

Can I cancel without any costs?

You can find the cancellation fees that apply at the bottom of the "Book Now" page, as well as in the " Terms & Conditions " at the bottom of your reservation.

How can I pay?

You can pay by bank transfer, or we will send you a secured link to pay online with your credit card.

Why should I take a cancellation insurance?

The amounts paid for a cruise are considerable, so it would be a shame that you lose your money in case you cannot make the cruise due to unforeseen reasons like illness, job loss, a death decease in your family, etc… Therefor we recommend to contract a cancellation insurance in your country of residence.

But what if I already have an insurance with my credit card?

Most of the free insurances that are offered with your credit card have very limited coverage, and sometimes even don’t apply on cruises, so you should check the general conditions.

Are my booking and payments secured?

The Cruise is a brand owned by BVBA SPLASH, which is a Belgian travel organizer and member of the Travel Guarantee Fund, through which it is insured against bankruptcy. This means that your deposits are insured in case of bankruptcy and that your booking is protected by the Belgian law on holidays.

Do I need a travel assistance insurance?

We really recommend to book it, since medical costs on board and repatriation can be very expensive.

What are the COVID-rules for this cruise?

The rules and protocols concerning COVID-19 are those defined by Royal Caribbean. You can read the details in the Terms and Conditions (article 4)

What about the parties?

In the open air at the pool, there will be both t-dance parties in the late afternoon, and night parties until sunrise, with the best light and sound system and the LA DEMENCE DJs! The after-parties will be inside the ships' disco until very late… Be ready for LA DEMENCE at sea!

Do I need cash on board?

When boarding, you credit card will be charged a guarantee for your extra expenses. Or if you don’t have a credit card, you can pay a guarantee in cash for the extra expenses. When checking out, you will have the choice to pay in cash or to be charged on your credit card. The non-used guarantee in cash will be refunded.

What about the shows?

Every night after dinner, and before the night party starts, there will be a show at the 2-storeys theatre.

What about telecommunications?

There is WIFI if you want to use your own devices. You will also find public computers. As the transfer is by satellite, it is slower than on land and costly. Your mobile phone also work when sailing, but by satellite, so it is better that you put it in "flight modus".

Is it allowed to smoke?

It is allowed to smoke in the designated smoking areas.

Moscow Boat Tour

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Description

See all the gems of historical and cultural center of the capital in short time and without traffic jams or tiresome walking.

Depending on the itinerary and duration of the Moscow River boat trip, the tour can be 3 or 5 hours.

Highlights of the tour

• St Basil’s Cathedral;
• Stalin skyscraper on Kotelnicheskaya (Tinkers) embankment;
• The Kremlin;
• “House on the Embankment” Stalin skyscraper;
• Monument to Peter I;
• The Central House of Artists;
• Christ the Savior Cathedral;
• Gorky Park;
• Moscow State University;
• Russian Academy of Sciences;
• Luzhniki stadium;
• Novodevichy Monastery;
• Kiev railway station;
• Europe Square;
• Moscow City Hall;
• Government House;
• Expocentre Exhibition Complex;
• and other famous sights.

You will learn about the different epochs of the city from the foundation in 1147 till Soviet times of 20 th  century.

Moscow River

Moskva river has the form of a snake and is the main waterway of Moscow, consisting of a cascade of reservoirs. Within the city, Moskva river is 80 km long, 120 m - 200 m wide and up to 14 m deep. The narrowest part of the river is the Kremlin area in the city center, and the most extensive is around the Luzhniki Stadium in the south. 

Bridges in Moscow

Undoubtedly, bridges and embankments are among the most scenic spots and main attractions of Moscow. Plus, they are so romantic.

• Bolshoy Kamenny Bridge –  Great Stone Bridge –  is the main bridge of Moscow . The first stone bridge was constructed here in the 17th century.
• Patriarshy Bridge  is one of the youngest pedestrian bridges, built in 2004. The bridge connects the iconic Christ the Saviour Cathedral with funky Bersenevskaya embankment, extremely popular place among locals for its trendy art galleries, cafes and panoramic views. Patriarshy Bridge used to be a shooting location for ex-Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's New Year speech to the nation.
• Borodinsky Bridge,  erected in honor of the 100th anniversary of the glorious victory in the Battle of Borodino (which every Russian kid knows about), a fierce legendary battle during the Russo-French war of 1812.
• Bagration Bridge  one of the  pedestrian bridges with most picturesque views of the Moskva River with its numerous upper-level observation platforms. The bridge was erected to celebrate the 850th anniversary of Moscow city in 1997.
• Krymsky Bridge  used to be in Top 5 Europe’s longest bridges some 100 years ago. The bridge got its name after the ancient Krymsky ford which Crimean Tartars used to invade Moscow in the 16 th  century.

Embankments of Moscow

Moscow river boats 37 embankments, the most popular being Kremlevskaya, Sofiyskaya, Pushkinskaya, Vorobyovskaya and Kolomenskaya.

You can get the most spectacular views of the Kremlin from  Kremlevskaya and Sofiyskaya embankments.

• Pushkinkaya embankment  is the most romantic in Moscow. It meanders along Gorky Park and Neskuchnyi garden and is rich for all kinds of entertainment as well as cozy nooks, including Olivkovy beach, the famous Zeleny theater as well as a pier for river cruisers.
• Vorobyevskaya embankment  is part of Sparrow Hills nature reserve. This place opens a beautiful panorama of the river and city from the observation deck and is considered to be the place for taking serious decisions in life.
• Embankment in Kolomenskoye  Museum-Reserve has a special charm due to its peculiar geographical relief. The boat trip around Kolomenskoye would be the most peaceful in your life.
• Taras Shevchenko embankment  is popular among photographers for its modern Moscow City skyscrapers. Highly recommended for your night boat trip.
• Embankments of Moscow are the pride of the capital. A distinctive feature of each of the promenades is its architecture and beautiful views. In addition, almost all the embankments of Moscow have a rich history and a lot of notable buildings.

Different epochs

Taking a walk along the Moskva River by boat, you will witness the architecture of Moscow from different eras and styles. Archaeological studies indicate that already in the XI century there stood a fortified settlement on Borovitsky hill, which is now called the Kremlin. Little fortress could not accommodate all the residents of the rapidly growing city, and the Grand Duke ordered the construction of a new Kremlin, larger than the former.

Boat trip around Kolomenskoe Park

Moscow river boat trip starts from the pier Klenovy (Maple) Boulevard and provides reat views of Nicholas Perervinsky monastery.

Nicholas Perervinsky monastery was founded at the time of the Battle of Kulikov (1380). The monastery, got its name from the surrounding area – “Pererva”, which can be translated like “tear off” and because of the location –  here it abruptly changed its course, turning to Kolomna, standing on the opposite bank.

Nowadays Kolomenskoye is State Art, Historical, Architectural and Natural Landscape Museum-Reserve, which doors are open to everyone who wants to get in touch with the ancient history of Russia.

Take a break from the big city hustle in the shady parks and gardens of the Kolomenskoe Museum-Reserve. Don’t miss a wonderful Church of the Ascension and Tsar Alexey’s Palace in Kolomenskoye!

Monasteries and temples

• Novospassky Monastery
• Founded in the 13th century on the site where now is located the Danilovsky monastery. After a few decades, in 1330, Ivan Kalita moved the monastery onto the Borovitskii hill of the Kremlin. However, in the 15th century, Spassky Monastery again moved, this time to a more spacious place on Krasnoholmskaya waterfront.
• Church of St. Nicholas in Zayaitskom
• Erected in the middle of the XVIII century in baroque style. The building survived after the 1812 fire, but the utensils were destoyed. Parishioners collected donations and restored the temple on their own. In Soviet times, it was closed and re-opened only in 1992.
• Cathedral of Christ the Savior
• The church was originally erected in honor of the victory over Napoleon and was being under construction for long 44 years. Notoriously demolished in 1937 to be a giant swimming pool under open sky. The current building was constructed in 1990s. It is the tallest and one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world.
• The temple was built in 1679-82, during the reign of Tsar Fedor Alekseevich, in late Muscovite Baroque style and can be characterized as bonfire temple. Each gable is a symbol of a heavenly fire.
• Novodevichy Convent
• The most famous concent and monastery in Moscow, presumably founded in 1524. Novodevichy’s status has always been high among other monasteries, it was in this monastery where the women of the royal blood, the wives of Tsars and local rulers of Moscow were kept in prison as nuns.
• St. Andrew’s church  (male acts as Compound Patriarch of Moscow)
• St. Andrew’s church stands right on the slopes of the Sparrow Hills, on the way down to the Moskva River, on the territory of the Nature Reserve “Sparrow Hills”. The monastery is small in size but is very cozy. It’s situated in a quiet courtyard surrounded by temples, fruit trees and flowers.

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow.
• + Private & customized Moscow river cruise.
• + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
• + An authentic experience of local life.
• + Flexibility: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

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