travel noire trips 2023

Travel Noire Awards Winners: Experiences

We explore the winners in the "Experiences" category in the 2023 Travel Noire Awards. See the big winners and plan your next experience.

Nurah Rossini • Aug 18, 2023

If you haven’t caught up on all of the winners from the 2023 Travel Noire Awards sponsored by Walmart, take a look . Travel Noire voters cast ballots for their top picks in 16 categories. The Experiences category took us on the adventurous side of travel and covered topics from “Favorite Cruising Experience to “Favorite Party Destination” and some in between. Here’s a closer look at the winners in this dynamic category.

Favorite Black-Owned Tour Operator

Travel divas.

When it comes to operating tours abroad, Travel Divas are experts. Their unforgettable travel experiences sprinkled with “black girl magic,” won over the Travel Noire audience. With 632 trips planned, 59 countries visited and 22,719 travelers, according to their website , this travel company has the experience to facilitate successful tours. Notably, the Travel Divas Instagram following with over 100,000K followers may have been a key part of their success in this year’s awards.

Favorite Celeb Black-Owned Restaurant

Hilltop coffee + kitchen – issa rae .

Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen was founded by Yonnie Hagos and Ajay Relan in 2018 and celebrity Issa Rae joined the business a year later. Something that started as one community coffee shop in L.A. grew to four locations in the surrounding area. It is a favorite among locals. The community-centric vibe, laid back atmosphere and healthy-yet-satisfying eats took Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen to number one in the 2023 Travel Noire Awards.

Favorite Party Destination

When you think of Las Vegas, party comes to mind, and the Travel Noire audience couldn’t have agreed more. Nothing beats a weekend with friends in “Sin City.” Vegas’ array of restaurants, fancy hotels, casinos and buzzing nightlife was enough to beat out two other party cities. If you haven’t already, put Vegas on your travel bucket list for your next party destination.

Favorite Cruising Experience

Norwegian prima – norwegian cruise line.

The Norwegian Prima cruise line exudes luxury in every way. From its staterooms equipped with premium amenities to its extensive selection of dining options, Travel Noire readers placed Norwegian at the top. This award-winning ship goes beyond the average cruise options to give you elevated spa, entertainment and wellness experiences. Our readers know luxury and they put an emphasis on traveling in style during the Travel Noire Awards.

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Travel Divas Nominated for Prestigious 2023 Travel Noire Award!

• July 20, 2023

At Travel Divas, we believe that our community isn’t just about jet-setting to the most exotic destinations, but about exploring the world on our terms – with grace, luxury, and an unquenchable spirit of adventure. Today, we’re elated to share an exhilarating milestone that validates our journey thus far.

The renowned Travel Noire Awards, a prestigious recognition platform within the Black travel community, has honored Travel Divas with a nomination for the 2023 edition . This significant acknowledgment comes as a testament to our ongoing commitment to providing upscale, culturally relevant, and curated travel experiences for Black women around the globe.

This year’s Travel Noire Awards, sponsored by Walmart, aim to celebrate the remarkable individuals, places, and experiences making waves in the multicultural travel scene. Amid the 16 categories, Travel Divas has secured a nomination under ‘Favorite Black-Owned Tour Operator,’ alongside other impactful travel brands.

We stand as a beacon of diversity and empowerment, crafting experiences that allow Black women to embrace their unique identities and embark on shared adventures. This recognition from Travel Noire validates the authenticity of our mission and pushes us further in our pursuit of opening the world to our clients—one fabulous destination at a time.

Our brand mantra, “Elevated Travel, Empowered Women,” is a living testament to our core belief that Black women deserve travel experiences that elevate their lifestyle while empowering their spirit of exploration. Today, more than ever, we’re thrilled to be an embodiment of this ethos, recognized for our contribution to transforming how Black women travel.

In the words of Travel Noire: “The excitement of showcasing these experiences and giving readers the power to nominate their favorites is what the Travel Noire Awards are all about.” We couldn’t be more thrilled to be among the nominees.

Voting for the Travel Noire Awards has started on July 11 and will run until the winners’ announcement on August 16. We extend a warm invitation to our vibrant community and the entire Travel Divas family to show your support by casting your vote. To vote, visit the Travel Noire website or their social media platforms.

This nomination belongs to each and every one of you who has journeyed with us, trusted us with your travel dreams, and dared to explore the world like the queens you are. We’re not just selling travel experiences—we’re fostering a movement, a sisterhood of empowered women who traverse the world with grace, strength, and unabashed joy. This recognition from Travel Noire is a shared victory, and your vote will take us one step closer to the finish line.

Thank you for being a part of our journey, and for allowing us to be a part of yours. Together, let’s continue to make the world our playground, one fabulous destination at a time.

Here’s to more adventures, more exploration, and a glorious win at the 2023 Travel Noire Awards!

Vote for Travel Divas in the 2023 Travel Noire Awards here!

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Black In Tulum is the ONLY community for travelers of color to come together and vibe where the jungle meets the sea. BIT provides exclusive weekly events, concierge services, and private experiences for melanated travelers in Tulum! ​​​

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Events by ashe.

Creators of unique and life-changing Caribbean Experiences. As featured in National Geographic and Travel Noire. 

Ultimate Crop Over (August 3 - 8, 2023) or (August 2 – 9, 2023) with our 2-night Upgrade

Ultimate Tobago Carnival (Tentatively October 26 – 30, 2023)

Ultimate Trinidad Carnival (February 9 – 14, 2024)

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Ultimate Tobago Carnival (Tentatively October 24 – 28, 2024)

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Black and gay travel.

B.A.G. Travel - Your Adventure Designer Rebuilding Bonds Across the African Diaspora Through Group Travel and Adventure  B.A.G. Travel is an elite travel firm that provides group travel consulting, vacation booking, passport/visa assistance, and even a source for you to get tickets to the hottest sports games, shows, and events.

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2023 Travel Noire Awards: Favorite Stateside City Vacay for Black Travelers

V acation doesn’t always mean booking a flight and traveling internationally. Vacations also include road trips and domestic flights. When you want to stay stateside, but still have a good time in a city that welcomes you, here are the nominees for Favorite Stateside City Vacay for Black Travelers.

Washington, D.C.

The Washington D.C. metropolitan area, also known as the DMV , is a hallmark city for Black travelers and visitors worldwide. If you enjoy history, good food and a beautiful surrounding landscape, D.C. is a great choice for stateside travel. D.C. is home to dozens of great museums that attract both domestic and international visitors.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture provides a comprehensive Black cultural experience. After your visit to the museum, grab a bite at a local restaurant. The flavors of D.C. are diverse sampling cuisine from cultures around the world. Famous outposts, like “Ben’s Chili Bowl,” has been visited by many celebrities.

Venture outside of D.C. to Maryland or Virginia and you’ll find rolling green hills, stunning fall foliage and high-quality wineries and resorts. You also can escape to Salamander Resort, a luxury African American female-owned establishment in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans, affectionately referred to as NOLA, is one of the most unique cities in the United States. The city’s rich history and eclectic culture blends African, French, Creole, Spanish and American influences. Although New Orleans is known for its boisterous party scene during Mardi Gras in the French Quarter, there is a lot more to the city. It is quite family-friendly. Hop on a street car and head to the Garden District to see beautiful Victorian homes, mansions and acres of gardens. Take a river cruise down the Mississippi River to soak in the city’s beauty and romance. Venture out for a gator tour in or outside of the city to experience Louisiana’s swamplands.

While in NOLA feast on dishes, like gumbo, creamy shrimp and grits, fried oysters and beignets. The resilience and spirit of New Orleanians is what makes the city so special. Visit New Orleans on a couples trip, with family or friends when the weather is mild and crowds are thin.

Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta is “The Black Mecca” because of its abundance of Black excellence and economic growth. The revitalization of Atlanta has drawn in more visitors and has made it a great travel destination.

Atlanta has its roots in the Civil Rights Movement and that history runs throughout the city. While in town, go on Atlanta’s Black History and Civil Rights Tour. It’s a guided tour of key landmarks and neighborhoods in the city’s fight for racial justice. You’ll visit historic places and iconic landmarks. 

Atlanta’s wealth of Black-owned restaurants are sure to make your travel itinerary. Several Black celebrities, like American football player Cam Newton and rapper Ludacris, own restaurants in the city. However, it’s the mom-and-pop shops that keep Atlanta thriving. If you’re visiting in the warmer months, stop by Piedmont Park. There are a number of concerts and music festivals taking place.

The finalists are in for the Favorite Stateside City Vacay for Black Travelers. Make sure to get your votes in.

Read more about the Travel Noire Awards and vote for the finalists ! 

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5 facts about presidential travel abroad

American presidents and other world leaders frequently travel internationally, most commonly for conferences and bilateral meetings. This face-to-face diplomacy can offer insights into political priorities, partnerships and tensions, as well as key international issues.

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted international travel in 2020 and 2021, but diplomatic travel picked up significantly in 2022. Here are five facts about presidential travel abroad:

Pew Research Center conducted this analysis to examine the international travel history of recent U.S. presidents and other heads of government through Jan. 20, 2023.

Dates and destinations of U.S. presidential travel prior to 2021 are from the U.S. Department of State’s Office of the Historian, which has recorded international presidential travel since 1901. Travel data for 2021 and 2022 was compiled from White House press briefings. Information on visits to Ukraine by other world leaders were independently verified through official government websites.

Only trips where the head of government met face-to-face with another head of government are included. For example, Biden’s trip to the UK for Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral is excluded as Biden did not hold any diplomatic meetings with the British prime minister or other world leaders. Visiting leaders were only counted if they were the head of government at the time of their visit. Depending on the country’s political system, “head of government” could mean president or prime minister, but not both. Heads of state, monarchs and interim leaders are excluded from the visiting leaders count.

U.S. President Joe Biden has traveled internationally less frequently than his last two predecessors did. Biden traveled to 17 places outside the United States in his first two years in office, visiting some more than once. He made six international trips in 2021, all of them to Europe. In 2022, he made 12 trips, including to Europe, the Asia-Pacific region and the Middle East. And in early 2023, Biden traveled to Mexico for the North American Leaders’ Summit.

All told, Biden’s international visit count trails those of former Presidents Donald Trump, who made 23 international trips to 20 places during his first two years in office, and Barack Obama, who made 32 trips to 24 places in the first two years of his presidency.

Biden’s first presidential trip abroad was to the United Kingdom, while Trump’s was to Saudi Arabia and Obama’s was to Canada. A president’s first trip is often used to signal the importance of a strategic alliance. On his trip to the UK in June 2021, Biden reaffirmed the U.S.-UK partnership and committed to close cooperation throughout his presidency. Typically, U.S. presidents visit a close ally on their inaugural trip: Canada was the first international destination for both Obama and Bill Clinton, while Mexico was the first destination for George W. Bush.

U.S. presidents have visited the UK the most in the past decade – a total of eight times. American presidents have worked closely with their British counterparts over the past decade, cooperating on issues from defense and counterterrorism to climate policy . Travel to the UK has largely centered around conferences and summits, but in 2019, Trump made a ceremonial state visit to the UK .  

In the past decade of presidential travel, Belgium (home to NATO headquarters ), France, Germany and Japan are the second-most visited destinations, at six times each.

So far, Biden has made the most trips to the UK and Belgium – two each. (Biden’s additional visit to the UK to attend the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II is not included in this count, since he did not hold any diplomatic appointments.) Just as these two European allies stand out in Biden’s presidential travel thus far, France stands out in Trump’s administration and Germany stands out in Obama’s – they visited those respective countries four times while in office.

Biden is among 38 heads of government who have visited Ukraine since the beginning of the war there. Biden traveled to Kyiv as part of a surprise trip in February, days before the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion .

While many heads of government visiting Ukraine have come from neighboring countries or countries in Europe (such as Poland’s prime minister, who has visited five times since the beginning of the war) that is not always the case. For example, Guatemala’s President Alejandro Giammattei and Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embaló traveled to Ukraine in July 2022 and October 2022, respectively.

Biden hosted 28 heads of government at the White House as of the end of 2022. Foreign leaders come to the U.S. for events including conferences, summits and bilateral meetings. Among those to visit the White House in 2021 and 2022 were then-Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson of Sweden, who met with Biden to submit her country’s application for NATO membership ; Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who traveled to the White House on his first known wartime trip abroad ; and French President Emmanuel Macron, whose trip marked the first state visit of Biden’s presidency . In fact, the president of France has been the first leader to make a state visit to the U.S. for the past three presidential terms, with Macron visiting Trump in April 2018 and his predecessor, François Hollande, visiting Obama in February 2014. In April 2023, Biden hosted the second state visit of his administration , meeting with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.

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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

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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

Vacation Ideas for Every Traveler

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2023 Travel Noire Awards: Favorite Influencer – Family/Couples

What if we told you that being married doesn’t relegate you to one or two trips per year with your spouse or that having children doesn’t mean you have to wait until summer vacation to travel? The nominees for Favorite Influencer: Family/Couple show us that traveling with your family full-time is possible and you can have a lot of fun doing it. They show us that Black children can and should see the world at an early age. Let’s take a look at our top three finalists.

Kay – @themomtrotter

Photo credit: @themomtrotter

Kay and her family are self-described digital nomads. Known as The Mom Trotter on social media, Kay and family have over 300,000 followers on Instagram. The family of three travel the world together, visiting international countries. They have been to like Kenya, France and Colombia, all captured by vibrant photos of their trips.

They also travel by RV, driving across the United States, exploring the beauty and vastness of America. We admire that Kay and her family are not held down by traditional work or school schedules. Their son is homeschooled and Kay gives tips on her blog about how to “unschool” your kids. She is also an advocate of gentle parenting, which is an evidence-based approach to raising happy, healthy children. The Mom Trotter demonstrates that Black families with children can play by their own rules and have a ton of fun doing it. Follow @themomtrotter to see the family in action.

The Hambrick Family – @thetravelingchild 

Photo credit: @thetravelingchild

The Hambrick Family, known as The Traveling Child on social media is doing the most, in all of the best ways possible. With over 270,000 followers on Instagram, the family’s motto is “If kids live there, kids can visit.” The family of four travels worldwide together.

Imagine eight days in Peru, six days in Paris and 17 days in Egypt all with your kiddos along for the ride. The Hambrick Family also provides detailed travel trips for followers along with many of their posts. They explain the best times to book travel, how to book on a budget and provide details on how much they spent on hotels and airfare.

Seeing a happy Black family exploring new places is what ranks highest for us. Follow The Hambrick family @thetravelingchild for more tips and inspiration.

LaNaiza Kelly and Mahdi Gaines – @loveatfirstflight

Photo credit: @loveatfirstflight_

LaNaiza Kelly and Mahdi Gaines give us serious “couple goals.” The growing family combines travel and romance in a way that inspires Travel Noire readers. Over 127,000 Instagram followers see their blossoming love documented on their page, as they jetset to beautiful destinations across the globe.

According to their website, Kelly and Gaines met in corporate America while working for a travel company. They then began dating and traveling the world together. Several years later, they quit their jobs and became a full-time traveling couple. Looking at their blog and timeline is almost like watching a movie. Moody and romantic images take us to destinations like Italy, Bali and Mexico City. We’re inspired by this power couple and we’re here for the Black Love. Follow LaNaiza Kelly and Mahdi Gaines @loveatfirstflight, as they add a plus one to their travels.

Which family or couple will take the award for Favorite Influencer? Be a part of the decision and vote today.

Read more about the Travel Noire Awards and vote for the finalists ! 

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Fresh Mini-Hotel

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You can learn about the history of Moscow with a trip to Red Square. Experience the area's fascinating museums and acclaimed theater scene.

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