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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

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

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

Vacation Ideas for Every Traveler

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New! Istanbul to Athens Cruise

Pure Luxury. Awesome Destinations

We’ve crafted an incredible voyage next summer on one of the world’s most luxurious ships sailing from Istanbul to Athens to some of the most fascinating destinations in the world. Our far-reaching itinerary spans the magic of Turkey to the diversity of Cyprus. Visit the pyramids of Egypt or bask on the beaches of Mykonos. There’s never been an Atlantis cruise like this! Very limited availability for just 1200 very lucky guests.

30 Years at Club Atlantis Cancun - SOLD OUT!

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Atlantis returns to our longest-running resort to celebrate our 30th year taking over the magnificent Club Med Cancun! We’re pulling out all the stops with a vibrant new entertainment program, enhanced party experiences, and all the fun that makes Club Atlantis a hit year after year. Come play with us on some of the world’s most beautiful beaches! Great deals from just $1669 with virtually everything included.

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Get onboard the most modern ship in the world for your choice of two awesome journeys next August! We’re sailing from Athens to Barcelona for 9 nights packed with thrills, followed by a 10-night voyage from Barcelona to London designed for exploration. It’s our biggest summer event yet, on the sensational new Virgin Resilient Lady.

All Gay Cruises

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July 17 - 24, 2024 Oceania Riviera

Explore more than ever with our most exotic new all-gay cruise from Istanbul to Athens on the luxurious Oceania Riviera. Our non-stop adventure takes you to Egypt’s pyramids, Crete's treasures, the fascinating culture of Cyprus, and a day to play in Mykonos. It’s seven days of true sensory overload custom designed for 1200 very lucky guests, ready to be dazzled by Atlantis’ thrilling performers and Oceania’s legendary food and service.

Athens to Barcelona Cruise

August 4 - 13, 2024 Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady

SOLD OUT! Island-hop through five countries next summer with an all-new sailing from Athens to Barcelona on Virgin Voyages sensational new Resilient Lady. In nine action-packed nights you’ll explore Mykonos, Turkey, Malta, Sicily, Corsica, Capri, and Mallorca with 2700 guys from around the world. Sail the Med with the perfect mix of exotic exploration, spectacular entertainment, outrageous parties, and great friends onboard the newest and most welcoming ship in the world. Featuring eye-popping design, incredible fully-included dining, superior service and so much more. All from just $1499 -- our best deal ever to the Med!

Barcelona to London Cruise

August 13 - 23, 2024 Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady

SOLD OUT! Experience more than ever on our all-new Barcelona to London cruise aboard Virgin Voyages sensational new Resilient Lady. Journey between Europe’s gay capitals of Barcelona and London to explore the streets of Seville, Lisbon’s magical harbor, the vineyards of Bordeaux and so much more. All during the height of summer to create the perfect blend of amazing destinations, sensational entertainment, welcoming parties, and great friends. Featuring eye-popping design, incredible fully-included dining, superior service and so much more.

Halloween San Diego to Mexico Cruise

Oct 26 - Nov 2, 2024 Holland America Line MS Koningsdam

Halloween sizzles in 2024 when Atlantis returns to San Diego to sail the gorgeous Koningsdam to Mexico’s best beaches including Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, and Mazatlan. An epic week of outrageous parties, sizzling entertainment, and nonstop fun awaits our 2500 guys from around the world. It’s our easiest and friendliest cruise of the year, with amazing low fares from just $779!

All Gay Resorts

Club Atlantis Cancun

Apr 27 - May 4, 2024 Club Med Cancun

SOLD OUT! Atlantis returns to Club Med Cancun for the ultimate all-gay beach resort. Join 750 friends on our most active vacation, featuring everything from private white sand beaches to thrilling sports (try the Flying Trapeze or BootCamp) to endless entertainment. All in a completely comfortable, welcoming environment. Best of all, our all-inclusive fares include absolutely everything (even drinks!) for one low price. It’s the best value in gay vacations.

Fun in unexpected ways with friends old and new. Always smiling, sometimes silly. It's the way we play.

The best parties on land or sea, with outrageous themes and world-class productions for every musical taste.

Stellar entertainment from our community and beyond. From superstars to soon-to-be-stars.

Awesome experiences in the world's most exciting destinations.

For over 30 years, Atlantis Events has hosted iconic all-gay vacations in some of the most stunning and exotic places on the planet. What started as a “gay week on the beach with friends” has since turned into the largest gay-owned company in the world dedicated to creating unique vacations for LGBTQ travelers. Today, we host more than 20,000 guests a year, but we’re still dedicated to creating a welcoming community of passionate, like-minded people, where travelers can relax, be themselves, have fun, meet new friends, and learn new things.

Each Atlantis cruise or resort offers a carefree experience based around friendship, camaraderie, relaxation, indulgence, adventure, and pure uninhibited fun. Beautiful locations, fantastic entertainment and legendary parties set the the stage for the magic that happens when a diverse group comes together and everyone is free to be themselves.

That’s the way we play, and it’s why our guests return year after year. So what are you waiting for? Experience Atlantis for yourself.

Limited Availability Book Now

Welcome to VACAYA, a vibrant and inclusive travel community, where every journey is a celebration of diversity, love, and freedom to explore the world authentically as your true self.

If you need assistance, we’re just an email or phone call away. Our V Team vacation planners can be reached via phone at +1.718.504.0404 or through SMS chat here on our website Mon-Fri 10am-4pm ET. Outside of those hours, feel free to send us an email at [email protected] .

Remember… even when our offices are closed, you can book online 24×7 by clicking any of the big pink BOOK NOW buttons for your desired trip. Then, simply follow the prompts. If you already know which trip you’d like to book, start HERE . Over 99% of our guests book using our online reservations system. You’ve got this!

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Vacaya is the first  large-scale adults-only vacation company on earth built for the entire lgbtqiapk community and their straight ally friends.

VACAYA – Gay & LGBT+ Cruises & Resort Vacations Reimagined

VACAYA completely reinvents the all-gay cruise and all-inclusive gay resort concepts by opening up the experience to lesbians, bisexuals, trans persons, queer men/women, those questioning their sexuality, intersex, asexual, pansexual, and polyamorous individuals, as well as gay men who’ve enjoyed the typical gay cruise experience. VACAYA is the only large-scale adults-only vacation company on earth built for the entire LGBTQIAPK community and their straight ally friends. VACAYA offers fun easy vacations with customized itineraries, personalized service, tailored entertainment, welcoming activities, friendly parties, and transformative moments. Shared experiences with like-minded LGBT+ adults and friends give us a new perspective on the world and remind us how lucky we are to be alive. VACAYA charters the entire ship or resort so we have the freedom to express our individuality, make personal connections, celebrate life, rev up, or simply relax… together. Our mission is to fulfill the vacation dreams of all adults who believe “love is love” while giving back to the community and immersing our guests in the cultures and places we visit around the world.

All-Inclusive Resorts – Staying at a VACAYA Oasis all-inclusive resort delivers a truly relaxing and exhilarating vacation because nearly everything is included for one incredible price. Our resorts offer scores of daytime activities, exclusive nightly entertainment, gourmet restaurants, exquisite turquoise waters, and sun-soaked beaches. But that’s only the beginning. These are places where we come together and feel part of a bigger family. With so much included, all that’s left to do is have fun and enjoy the value! Occasionally, we’ll offer something altogether different with VACAYA Oasis and we’ll be sure to list all that’s included/not included on the trip’s VALUE page.

LGBT+ Cruises – Life on the open water is about savoring the good times, finding beauty in the details, appreciating friends, and discovering new ones. Sailing the seven seas is about leaving the ordinary behind. It’s the moments we spend connecting, laughing, and living life to the fullest. Its possibilities are endless and exciting. Sensual. Life changing. These experiences connect us to each other. They open our minds and unify our rhythm.

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BEARS on a BearCruise tell all!

The Bears Are Leaving In:

Mayday caribbean cruise , may 26- june 1, 2024 .

On Board a NEW SHIP : The CELEBRITY BEYOND

Our BearCruisers Depart for a 6-Night Getaway! The MayDaze Cruise sails from Fort Lauderdale,  going to Coco Cay, Bimini Bahamas, & Grand Cayman. 

Whether catamaran sailing and snorkeling, swimming with stingrays in Grand Cayman, partying & relaxing on the amazing private island “Perfect Day at Coco Cay” , or relaxing on the unspoiled beaches and in the crystal blue water in Bimini, Bahamas, you are sure to have an amazing BearCruise vacation!

Find out why 97% of our previous clients rate us 4.5 stars out of five!

Virgin Voyages Mediterranean  Cruise!

July 7 – 14, 2024 .

On Board THE SCARLET LADY

BearCruisers Depart for a 7-Night Getaway!

Visit  Barcelona, Marseille, Cannes, Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza Pre-Cruise Hotel In Barcelona, and a Sitges post-cruise package!

Traveling solo? Check out our Singles Share program.

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Oct 26 – nov 2, 2024 .

Aboard the Norwegian Cruise Line PRIDE OF AMERICA

BearCruisers LOVE our 7 Day Hawaii, Round-trip, Honolulu BearCruise. It’s back my popular demand!

Join your Bear buddies on the only cruise sailing 4 Hawaiian islands  in 7 days! You will love visiting Honolulu,  Maui (overnight), Hilo, Kona, Kauai (overnight) and the Napali Coast with your good Bear Buddies!

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New Orleans Mardi Gras Cruise

8 nights, march 1-9, 2025.

Aboard the CELEBRITY CONSTELLATION

Don’t miss out on this incredible 8-night getaway packed with unforgettable experiences.

Join BearCruise for a memorable adventure sailing from Tampa, Florida, on the Celebrity Constellation to experience the vibrant celebration of Mardi Gras in New Orleans!

Immerse yourself in the music, parades, picnics, and floats that make Mardi Gras an unforgettable holiday in the city.

After three exciting days in the heart of the festivities, we will continue our journey to the beach city of  Progreso, Mexico, with beautiful beaches, charming thatch-roofed restaurants, and lively bars.

What percent of our clients LIKE and LOVE their BearCruise experience?

★  ★  ★ ★  ★, read a few unsolicited endorsements from our happy bears.

We were apprehensive at first, but we quickly made friends and felt like family!

We have traveled with some other tour companies that cater to the gay traveler, and this was our best trip.

Best vacation in a long-long time! A good blend of things to do and relaxation. Loved the gay-friendly cruise line.

The BearCruise was so much fun. Met so many wonderful people and made some great friendships that will continue.

Very well coordinated cruise vacation. It was my first time booking with Dan Howell and it was glitch-free from start to finish!

The BearCruise part of the experience overall was very good. We were all well informed for what there was to do. It was easy to mingle and get to know each other, and there were lots of activities provided.

Loved the camaraderie of the group. Highlight of the time was the pool and hot tub takeover!

I thought the group was great. I thought BearCruise.com was great. I thought AL was amazing and I think almost everything was spot-on as far as BearCruise.com.

I booked the cruise to spend time with my friends, not because I identify with the bear community. Most everyone was friendly!

See What the BearCruise Growling is All About!

Separated at birth?

We gather an active, energetic group of 20-to-100+ people: all ages and races, including Daddys, boys, and others. Bring your family and friends—gay or straight—and meet other good guys.

You get to make a difference

Assembling toiletry kits in Long Beach

Each cruise includes an optional day of service to a local group in need, such as participating in a food drive for a local LGBTQ center. You can have a transformative experience—as well as an enjoyable vacation!

You'll See It the First Time We Talk

Surprise! We found the bar!

That's right: you speak with one of us —not someone in a call center who can't wait to get you off the phone! We'll take all the time you need to get your questions answered, so you can make a good decision.

You get to know people even before the ship leaves

San Juan, PR—dining at the birthplace of the Piña Colada

There's a private Facebook page so you can meet others in advance. We'll also gather for pre-cruise virtual events, where you'll discover more about the excursions you may take, get your questions answered, and start interacting with your new friends.

You get your own personal host

Read us a bedtime story, Daddy!

We personally host your vacation! We're there to look out for you, make sure you have a good time, and feel included throughout the trip. We organize and lead lots of ways for you to get to know your fellow passengers. There's a meet-and-greet activity on the first day, dinner at our own tables throughout the cruise, and private excursions exclusively for our group. We'll also respect your need to have time alone.

You'll Love the Value

Cruising is FUN!

We don't take over an entire ship for an all-gay cruise and make you pay a premium price. Instead, we create our community on a regularly-scheduled cruise, which also gives you the choice of meeting a diverse group of travelers. In addition, we reserve cabins years in advance so we can still offer reasonable rates—even when prices go up later.

You Can Be Solo Without Being Alone!

Singles enjoying their new friends onboard

Our cruises aren't just for couples: we have lots of singles! Don't worry about sitting next to an empty chair at dinner. Or paying full fare for a double-occupancy cabin. Explore all the ways you'll feel welcome in our group, including our Roommate Match Program .

Why Singles Love Our Cruises

We care that you have a good time! That’s why you'll never feel awkward as a solo traveler.

• You can join our private Facebook page to meet other cruisers in advance
• You're invited to our exclusive excursions, events and parties to mingle with other fun-loving singles and couples
• Your personal host introduces you to other members of our group, and regularly checks in to help you feel included (while respecting your privacy)

Three Ways We Serve Financially Savvy Solo Cruisers

With most cruises designed for "double-occupancy," this can seem an unnecessarily pricey way for a single to travel. Not so with us!

The first way we combat this is with our First Fares Strategy . We buy blocks of rooms when the sailing is first announced and fares are at their lowest. That way, you're guaranteed accommodations at prices that are significantly lower than the going rates later.

The second way is through our Roommate Match Program —which also adds a dash of fun!

• We chat with you in advance to learn your preferences, on things like the hours you keep (early bird or night owl), smoking, snoring, etc. Then we find a compatible person to share a cabin with you.
• Our success rate is high, and most roommates soon feel like old friends. But if things don't work out, we'll make them right immediately, so everyone is comfortable.
• The fee for this program is $150. Most singles treat this as insurance. Even if you aren't matched with a roommate and end up with your own cabin, you're covered—you'll never pay the single supplement!

We'll Take Care of You

There's only one way you'll know if cruising with us is right for you: contact Brian at 614-799-1390 or [email protected] .

"Every day I talk with singles, or couples who want to invite a single friend—gay or straight—to join them," Brian says. "My goal is for you to feel confident that this is the right place for you, and get the fun started!"

Meet your Daddy Cruise® crewmembers

Brian cole miller.

Patrick Brown

Ron Dickerson

Pack Your Bags! Here's Where You're Headed Next!

Make an impact while you cruise, enjoying a day of giving back.

Sometimes you want more than just a vacation: you want a fulfilling experience. That's why we include one optional "day of service" on our journeys.

• Maybe it's delivering mattresses to hurricane survivors in Belize
• Or having a shipboard quilting bee to create "tie together" (no-sewing) blankets for homeless teens in Baltimore
• Or packing comfort bags with needed toiletries for poor members of the LBGTQ community in Long Beach.

Delivering mattresses to hurricane survivors in Belize

You take a day to make a difference for people who need care and hope—and are so grateful to receive it. Guys tell us this often is the highlight of their trip! Getting to see the "real people and culture" beyond the glitz of a port. Forming stronger bonds by working with—and enjoying—your cruise-mates on a deeper level.

This is offered as a choice, like any other excursion. There's no judgment if you do something else that day. Some guys prefer to make an online donation to the cause, which also is important, and we make it easy.

Ask us about the day of service planned for your vacation. If you join us, you may come back feeling lucky and transformed!

Oh, the places we've been, photos from our past trips, daddy cruise® 2015.

Daddy Cruise® 2016

Singles & Solos Cruise 2017

Daddy Cruise® California 2017

Daddy Cruise® Alaska 2018

Daddy Cruise® Japan 2019

Daddy cruise® cuba caribbean 2019.

Daddy Cruise® Danube River 2019

Daddy Cruise® Rhine River 2021

Daddy Cruise® Western Caribbean 2021

Singles & Solos Cruise 2022

Daddy cruise® hawaii 2022.

Testimonials

You're hardly our first.

Read what those who have sailed with Daddy have to say about us

"This was my first cruise, but I had no concerns. I felt comfortable with the gay men in Brian's group, and all the straight people were super nice."

More from Chino in Arizona

"I liked doing cruises alone—until now. I can't wait to meet the group on Brian's next cruise."

More from Dickey in Florida

"Brian made both of us feel comfortable, from the first time we spoke. And all through the cruise, he treated us like friends and family—not just a number."

More from Don & Michael in Oregon

"This was my first gay cruise. I've already signed up for my next one. Why go by yourself when you can meet a group of new friends and have a great time?"

More from Jorge in Florida

"Go with an open mind. It doesn't matter when you were born. You can still find the joy and excitement of a gay cruise."

More from Josh in New York

"Don't be afraid that you won't connect or fit in. You'll find others you like on your own—or Brian will help you meet them."

More from Mark & Joel in California

Daddy's mail list, join our community to receive daddy cruise® updates.

The updates will be infrequent (1-2 per month), and we will never share your email address with anyone

A Final Word

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.” Mark Twain, The Innocents Abroad

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LGBTQ+ Cruise Vacations

At Celebrity Cruises, we value diversity among all our guests and crew, and we strive to create an inclusive environment for everyone. Whether you are joining us onboard for a vacation, your honeymoon, or even your wedding, we are proud to be the best cruise line for gay, lesbian, and all LGBTQ+ guests.

Pride Month at Sea

Each June, Celebrity Cruises ® hosts our annual Pride Party at Sea. Every ship takes part in the celebration that brings our crew and guests together to honor and celebrate Pride.

Same Sex Weddings

Celebrity Cruises ® is proud to offer legal same-sex marriages on board. The motion follows a transformative vote in Malta, where a majority of the Celebrity fleet is registered, which passed the country’s parliament 66-1. The long-awaited referendum opens the door for Celebrity to legally recognize same-sex marriages performed on board, and have the fleet’s captains officiate the ceremonies.

First Legal Same Sex Marriage at Sea

In a historic ceremony hosted on board Celebrity Equinox ℠ in January 2018, Francisco Vargas and Benjamin Gray became the first same-sex couple ever to be legally married at sea on a major cruise line.

LGBTQ+ Events Onboard

Our popular LGBTQ+ Welcome Parties are open to all guests fleetwide and take place on the first night of almost every cruise. This event is a great ice breaker and opportunity for people to meet. In addition to the Welcome Party, Celebrity also hosts various LGBTQ+ events and social hours onboard.

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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 LGBT 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 LGBT+ 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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Gay Cruises: Everything You Want to Know Before You Sail

Gay cruising is a major niche in the themed sailing market. These cruises are dedicated to offering ships full (or sometimes just groups) of like-minded passengers, and a number of sailings are offered each year.

But if you’ve never sailed a gay cruise before, then you might have a number of questions about what to expect. And even if you have taken a traditional cruise, there’s still a lot that is different about these trips. Or maybe you’re interested in taking one of these cruises but you’re not quite sure if it’s right for you.

After all, there’s a lot to have questions about. Can you sail solo? What’s the atmosphere like? And is everyone so young and fit as what’s seen in the pictures?

No matter the questions you might have, we’ve highlighted some of what you’ll want to know about this style of sailing before you board.

Know the Difference Between Gay Cruises Versus Gay Group Trips

The first thing you should realize is that there are gay cruises and then there are also gay group cruises.

With a gay cruise, a company like Atlantis Events charters an entire cruise ship and then creates a cruise that’s dedicated solely to their passengers. The cabins are resold through the company, not the cruise lines (so a passenger isn’t able to book the cruise through the cruise line’s website). Activities and entertainment are also geared toward the experience, which will be different from a normal cruise.

With a gay group cruise, a portion of a cabins are set aside for a smaller group (from dozens to hundreds) aboard a regular trip. This way there is still a larger contingent of gay passengers than what you’d find on a typical cruise, but the experience is in line with a traditional cruise (though there might be some special events planned). These trips offer more opportunities to sail since they don’t require chartering the whole ship. The downside is that they aren’t dedicated solely to gay passengers.

Several Companies Specialize in Gay Cruises

If you’re searching for a cruise to sail in the gay niche, you may not realize how many options you actually have. In fact, there are a number of companies that operate cruises, either with full ship charters or those previously mentioned group trips aboard regular cruises.

Just like cruise lines, each company seems to have a slightly different style of trip, giving you a number of options.

• Atlantis Events (specializes in whole ship charters for gay & lesbian cruises)
• R Family Vacations (trips for LGBT+, including friends and families)
• Pied Piper Travel (gay and lesbian group cruises)
• Brand g (LGBT+ river cruises and land tours)
• Olivia (LGBT+ woman cruise charters and resorts)
• VACAYA (specializes in whole ship charters and full resort buyouts for the entire LGBT+ Community)

These options should give you a good starting point in finding your style of cruise, as well as your different options for sailings.

Gay Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Lesbian (or Other Groups), But it Can

First things first, all the companies that specialize in this niche will be open and welcoming no matter how you identify. But you likely are interested in sailing with those that you have the most in common with as well. So if you’re a gay man, then you likely want to sail with other gay men. And if you’re a lesbian woman, then you likely want to sail with other lesbian women.

In the case of cruises, the term “gay cruise” is usually specific to mean gay males. Others are always welcomed, but you’ll find that most passengers fall into this group.

If you’re something else, then don’t worry. With the number of companies operating in this space, there is a welcoming place for everyone.

These Cruises Sail Around the Year (and Many Places Around the World)

One good thing about the popularity of this style of cruising is that trips are available year-round and worldwide.

The full-ship charters are less often, sailing a few times each year. However, with the gay group cruises, there are trips that sail literally every month. As well, they can range everything from short Caribbean cruises to lengthy holiday trips in exotic parts of the world. This includes transatlantic cruises, trips to Hawaii, Europe, Asia, and more.

One thing to note is that we don’t know of one easily searchable spot for gay cruises. Instead, it does take some searching around several websites to get an idea of all your available options.

Full Ship Charters Transform the Cruise Experience

We’ve covered that there are trips where the entire ship is chartered for the cruise and others where a group of rooms is booked on a normal cruise.

On those chartered ships, the experience is much different. With the entire cruise ship being used for the specialty cruise, that gives the company behind the charter more room to cater the experience to their specific audience.

For example, Atlantis Events says “we customize every facet of the experience – entertainment, itinerary, shore excursions – to create a one-of-a-kind vacation tailored specifically to our incredibly diverse group of gay and lesbian guests from around the world.”

“Atlantis hand-selects each and every comic, singer, musician, cabaret act, production show, drag performer, DJ, and more to create a lineup that’s tailor-made for a wide range of tastes.”

In other words, the experience on these trips isn’t just a cruise that happens to have gay or lesbian passengers. Instead, it’s reimagined to cater to the crowd.

Cruising Solo? You Won’t Be Alone

Sailing solo on a traditional cruise is definitely a niche. Most of the crowd are couples, families, or groups of friends. On a gay cruise, however, that’s not the case. In fact, it may be that more than half the ship is sailing solo.

Atlantis Events says that “all Atlantis vacations are roughly half singles — half couples.” Brand g says that “depending on the trip, anywhere between 15 to 40% of the group will be solo travelers.”

In fact, in our searches, just about all the companies behind the cruises cater in many ways to single cruisers. This includes things like special singles programming to make sure that those traveling alone are able to meet plenty of new friends. As well, room share programs are also widely used where single passengers are matched up with roommates on the ship to share a cabin.

Don’t Let the Marketing Photos Scare You. Real People Sail These Cruises

“I’ve always been insecure about my weight, and if the marketing strategy for an LGBTQ+ cruise, vacation, or tour company doesn’t include me or make me feel seen — as a chubby Black gay man — I avoid it,” said Kwin Mosby in a Travel & Leisure article about his experience on a gay cruise .

It’s understandable why he might have been concerned. Head to some of the major companies that put on the cruises and you’re likely to see lots of photos of beautiful people with chiseled bodies and tiny swimsuits. It can make you feel like if you have a “normal” body that you’ll be out of place.

In fact, Atlantis Events even addresses this question in their FAQs, which asks if you “have to have a great body to fit in” :

“Very funny. Seriously, while we have some great bodies in our brochure and website (remember it IS marketing!), Atlantis is really all about being yourself and feeling great about who you are. Whatever shape you’re in, you’re going to feel right at home on Atlantis. We promise.”

Mosby seemed to confirm that in his article.

“After a couple of hours on the ship, before leaving Port Everglades in Hollywood, Florida, I was pleasantly surprised by the diversity of passengers boarding. The age of passengers skewed older, but it was a microcosm of the LGBTQ+ community — different ethnicities, sexual orientations, and more.” 

Popular: 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of)

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Gay Cruises: Here Is Your Ultimate Guide for 2024

Are you a gay traveler ready to live your best life on the seas? Whether you're looking for a fun and relaxed vacation or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, gay cruises are the perfect options.

When it comes to gay cruise ships, there's no better way to explore the world than with your LGBTQ brothers and sisters.

These cruises will get your heart pumping from deck parties to late-night revelry! The trip may seem like an enjoyable experience, but planning a trip can be time-consuming and frustrating. Whether or not it will be your first time on a gay cruise, this guide will help guide you ongoing on a gay cruise.

Disclosure: There are affiliate links in this post, which means we may earn a small commission if you click the link and proceed with a purchase,  at no cost to you . We truly only recommend hotels, products, and services we personally use. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases.

How to Choose the Best Gay Cruises

When choosing a gay or lesbian-friendly cruise, these factors will all play a role in ensuring that you have a memorable and enjoyable vacation .

• Price : Cruise prices depend on where you fly from (like if you live on the east coast and fly from an east coast USA cruise port , or live in the United States and need to fly to Europe for a European cruise), where you are sailing to, and the type of room you'll have. A luxury cruise may be well over $4,000 or you may get a deal for as low as $400.
• Size of the vessel: Ships like Atlantis fit at least 5,000 people or Pride of America, while a ship like Celebrity Apex accommodates under 3,000 people.
• Vibe and atmosphere : When choosing amongst friendly gay cruises options, it is essential to consider the type of atmosphere that you want. Each ship has its unique personality, so select one that best suits your needs. For instance, Atlantis would be the best option if you enjoy circuit parties. If you're looking for a much calmer experience, you can choose a ship like Pride of America with Norwegian Cruise Line.

By choosing a gay and lesbian cruise ship, you can be sure that you will have an enjoyable and hassle-free vacation. These ships offer everything you need to relax and have fun, so book your trip today!

Some of the top gay-friendly cruises travel coordination companies include Atlantis Events, Olivia Cruises, and RSVP Vacations. All three companies offer cruises to destinations worldwide, including the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia. They each have their unique style and atmosphere, so it is essential to research before deciding.

No matter which cruise line you choose, you can be sure that you will experience a relaxing and fun-filled holiday. The ships are packed with activities, and the destinations are some of the most beautiful in the world. So, if you're looking for a vacation that caters to your specific needs, be sure to check out the many gay-friendly cruise options available today.

Popular Cruise Ships and Cruise Companies that Cater to a Gay Audience

C elebrity cruises.

This cruise line caters to the LGBT community and offers a wide range of facilities and activities that cater to their needs.

There are several restaurants, bars, and nightclubs onboard and a spa and fitness center. The Equality Ship hosts several special events and occasions throughout the year.

Celebrity Cruises was the first ship to host same-sex marriage. The vessel is also known for its annual Pride party, which will bring together LGBTQ persons of all generations, including old and young.

Based on reviews, Celebrity Cruises is a memorable experience that has fantastic exclusive amenities and ship areas as part of The Retreat , their ship-within-a-ship cruise concept. It has received different awards, including Best Onboard LGBTQ Gatherings and Best Cruise Line for LGBTQ+ Passengers.

Brand g Vacation with Atlas Ocean Voyages

Brand g Vacations has partnered with Atlas Ocean Voyages for the second year in a row. In August 2023, they teamed up to organize a gay cruise on World Navigator. From August 14 to 23, 2024, the cruise line's new ship, World Traveller, will host a gay cruise from Venice to Malta.

The luxury ship fit for upscale adventure is a fantastic way to cruise the Mediterranean with your peers and new friends.

Atlantis ship is the world's largest gay and lesbian cruise ship; the ship fits around 5,000 people.

There are multiple pools, bars, a casino, a spa, and various dining options. The ship also hosts several special events and circuit parties, including the White Party and Disco Tea Dance, explicitly geared towards the gay and lesbian community. Some of the most popular events are the White Party, in which partygoers dress up with angel wings and white jocks, and Dog Tag T-Dance, in which men dress in camouflage.

One thing to keep in mind is that Atlantis is not kid-friendly. There is a lot of sexual activity that happens on Atlantis. You would find guys “getting it on” out in public by the pool and on the dock. There are even videos of Twitter showing these activities. If you're conservative and want a calm vacation experience, Atlantis may not be the right cruise for you. But if you enjoy the circuit party scene and don't mind seeing men hooking up in public, Atlantis could be a good vacation option.

The price of Atlantis starts at about $900. Atlantis may not be your choice if you don't like big crowds. As mentioned earlier, the ship gets full. Parties happen all day long, so if you enjoy partying non-stop, you will enjoy Atlantis. Tickets sell out early, so make your purchase way in advance if you decide to go.

Vacay is a cruise ship built exclusively for the LGBTQ community. There is plenty of LGBTQ programming and entertainment on the boat, like drag performances and circuit parties. Once they get off the ship passengers, they can visit gay-friendly locations like Puerto Vallarta (considered the “San Francisco of Mexico”) and Costa Rica.

Vacay is an adult-only ship so that you can have fun without any inhibitions. The ship encourages an amicable atmosphere, as noted on its website. There are plenty of single men who go on Vacay so you can mix and mingle with them. There is even an online Vacaya Facebook community where singles can look for roommates.

If you're a gay traveler, consider going on Vacaya. Based on trip reviews by LGBTQ travelers, Vacay is one of the most welcoming environments for the LGBTQ community. The price can go anywhere from $900 up to $14,000.

RSVP Vacations' Liberty of the Seas

His ship is also quite large, and it offers a similar range of amenities as the Allure of the Seas. It is popular among gay and lesbian cruisers for its lively atmosphere and a plethora of activities. RSVP has been around since 1986 and travels to many different destinations, including the Caribbean and Alaska.

The Cruise is a large ship that is based in Europe. It fits about 3,600 passengers.

There are impressive parts of the ship, like a glass floor walkway that lets you see the ocean, a pool with colored lights, and gyms that give you a sea view. If you're based in the US and want to travel overseas, consider going on The Cruise.

For the past two years, it has sailed the Ionean Sea during July. As a European traveler, you only need a photo ID, but if you're traveling from the US, you need to travel with a passport .

Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America

This American-themed ship is one of the most popular choices for gay and lesbian cruises. It offers multiple pools, a spa, restaurants, and many other activities.

What Should You Budget for Gay Cruise?

Cruises can be fun vacation options but can be pricey. Here are a few things to consider:

• Airfare: The cost of a roundtrip flight depends on where you are flying from and when you book your trip. For example, if you're flying from NYC to Port Miami , in Florida, you can pay anywhere from $120-$320 roundtrip. But if you're flying cross country, you will be spending a lot more on your flight. A suggestion is to use a site like Orbitz or Priceline rather than airline websites so you can get better discounts.
• Island excursions : There are many activities and things to do on a ship. Once a cruise ship lands on an island or at its destination, you have other things to do like scuba diving, snorkeling , or jet skiing. Excursions can cost as much as $40 to $300 per person per day. Travelers should sign up for an excursion because they'll have the opportunity to explore different cultures and groups of people. Years ago, I sailed on Carnival and one of the stops was in the Bahamas. I was initially scared to scuba dive, but I overcame my fear and did it. I enjoyed myself and met some very friendly locales.
• Drinks : Drink spending can quickly add up. If you want to be sure of the price of your drinks consumption (alcohol or alcohol-free) sign up for a drinks package before or at the start of your cruise. The price for a non-alcoholic beverage can range from $2 to $8 or more, depending on the drink. Beer can be about $8, wine $10 and up, and cocktails $11 or more. If you haven't paid for a drinks package and you want to be mindful of your spending on beverages, simply go into your cruise app to see your current charges if you're on an ocean cruise, or ask the front desk or guest services to see your current bill if you're on a river cruise. In some instances, like with an Emerald Cruises trip, you can view your current bill on your stateroom television at any time.
• Gratuities: It's classy leave to leave a tip for housekeeping or your stateroom attendant. You can either leave a 15%-18% tip for room staff every day or in one lump sum at the end of your trip. Often, gratuities are included in your cruise bookings (but not always).

How to Pack for Your Cruise

There are all sorts of activities and events on a gay cruise. You can go to the pool, gym, spa, bar, and many other parts of a cruise ship. And so, you have the opportunity to dress up or dress down.

You can pack blazers, collared shirts, and shoes for formal dinners on the ship. For dress-down occasions, it's recommended to bring jeans, t-shirts, and accessories. Also, bring swimsuits if you want to go in the pools or hot tubs onboard or during excursions, depending on the itinerary.

What Not to Do on Gay Cruises

There are strict rules and guidelines on a cruise ship that people must follow. If you disobey them, you can get kicked off the boat. To avoid problems, here are things to consider:

• Don't bring any drugs. This may sound like common sense, but it happens more than you think. Drug use I commonly used for recreational purposes at circuit parties which occurs on many gat cruises. If you use marijuana for medicinal purposes, contact your cruise line beforehand and see their guidelines on drug possession.
• Watch your alcohol intake. Studies show that people drink alcohol to lower their inhibitions. The problem is that alcohol impairs your judgment and can make you do things that will you or another person. For this reason, it's advised to drink in moderation.
• Keep your hands to yourself. Be mindful of how you approach and interact with others. Don't let alcohol or anything else incite you to pursue someone that doesn't show any interest in you. I've seen so many incidents in social gatherings where a person tough another permission without permission. Don't be that person.

Why Choose Gay Cruises?

There are still places where homosexuality is not acceptable in these changing times. In countries like Jamaica, Egypt, and Iraq, it's illegal to be gay. People are still being harassed and even killed for being gay. Gay cruises allow you to be in a safe space where you can laugh, dance and connect with other LGBTQ+ persons.

You'll be able to experience gay-friendly locations overseas that you may not have the opportunity to do on a regular cruise.

So get your best costumes and outfits and plan to have an unforgettable sea travel experience.

Ready to Book Your Cruise or INquire?

Use our preferred travel advisors, bolds travel, because….

• They take away the hassle of travel planning : time spent on the phone with the cruise line could be time you spend doing other things.
• You don't pay them a dime : their service is free (this is because they get paid by the cruise line or destination).
• Their experience: They have decades of experience and attention to detail.

Going on a cruise? Here is some related reading:

• Stasher Bags Review: 16 Ways to Use these Reusable Bags on a Cruise
• 23 Ways to Be a More Eco-Conscious Cruiser Before, During + After a Cruise
• River Cruise vs Ocean Cruise: What’s the Difference?

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• All You Need to Know About Gay Cruises

Last updated on March 23, 2020

So you’re thinking about taking your first gay or lesbian cruise, and you’re probably wondering where to begin. Gay cruising is taking the cruise market by storm, offering a fresh take on what cruises can (and should) look like.

There has never been a better time to experience your first gay cruise, but we always believe it’s better to be prepared so you have an idea of what to expect. 

First, you should probably ask yourself if and why you should take a gay cruise. Depending on your personality and expectations, they can be overwhelming for some, and the perfect holiday match for others. Then, remember to research the best (and worst) ports and destinations for gay cruises to avoid being discriminated against or feeling unwelcome.

Next, you'll want to plan your cruise, and that might include finding the best 2020 gay cruise deals out there and gay-friendly cruise lines and ships. Have you thought about trying a gay cruise for singles or a luxury cruise? Maybe you're a concerned about gay cruising as a woman or a lesbian group? What happens on a gay cruise, how much do they cost, how to gay cruise? We will try answering all your questions to give you a good idea of what a gay cruise actually looks like.

Now in this article, we provide gay cruising tips for first timers: how to pack, what to do and what not to do and how to stay safe during your cruise. Sounds good? Then jump to your preferred section to read our tips.

How to pack for a gay cruise

What to do on a gay cruise, what not to do on a gay cruise, tips and advice before you depart, tips to keep in mind during your gay cruise, transgender specific safety tips.

In many ways, packing for gay, lesbian, or bisexual cruising is no different from packing for any other cruise. However, if you’re looking to book a chartered all-gay cruise with an operator like Atlantis’ gay cruises, there are a couple special twists from a traditional packing checklist you should keep in mind.

1. Travel light

This is a great cruise tip regardless of whether you’re taking a gay or mainstream cruise. You don’t need as many outfits as you think you do! Try to limit yourself to some essential wardrobe pieces you can easily mix and match and save yourself some space for shopping. 

One handy tip for staying fresh: mix a little vodka with water in a spray bottle and spritz your clothes. It’s a tried-and-true trick used by dancers to combat odors and works just as well on your favorite pair of shorts or blouse.

2. Stock up on swimsuits

This is particularly true if you’re on a gay cruise, but also applies to ladies booking a lesbian Southern Caribbean cruise : pack a couple extra swimsuits. For men, a good rule is one bathing suit per day. Gay cruise lines also feature lots of parties, and a festive speedo can double as a costume in a pinch.

3. Stay protected!

Sunscreen (what did you think?) is one of the items people consistently regret not bringing. You’ll probably be spending lots of time in the sun, so pack that SPF and have fun!

Of course, sunscreen isn’t the only protection you’ll need. We recommend stocking up before you depart, especially if you’re heading out into international waters, since safety regulations vary from country to country as do (surprise!) languages.

Also, if you’re planning on bringing sex toys, be advised that in some countries, possession of a sex toy or sexually explicit material can because for arrest or detainment. If you really want to bring it along, do your research in advance.

4. Pack your carry-on with essentials

An extra outfit and swimsuit in your carry-on means at least you can be comfortable if you need to work out the logistics of a lost or delayed bag with the cruise staff. We also strongly recommend you always carry medications and extra toiletries with you so you can stay healthy and fresh, even in the worst-case scenario.

5. They’re called airplane bottles for a reason…

You know those little tiny bottles available in pretty much every liquor store and duty-free store? Those are under the legal limit to carry-on. You can get the party started earlier by packing one or two in your carry-on bag.

6. Costumes

We touched on this earlier, but costume parties are one of the things that make gay cruises special. Chances are you’ll have the chance to participate in at least one costume party on board, so bring a little something extra that you feel cute in.

If you can’t imagine cruising without stilettos, bring your favorite pair, but remember that kinky boots aren’t suitable for hiking, biking, or sunbathing. Pack some flats, some sandals, and maybe a pair of sneakers or hiking boots depending on how you prefer to explore in port.

8. Important documents

This is a pretty serious one, especially for LGBT cruisers traveling outside the United States. It may seem grim or paranoid, but we recommend bringing:

• Legal and health documents (like a living will or healthcare directive)
• Parentage and/or custody documents for your kids (especially if your children don’t share your last name)
• Emergency contact information (including contact info for your lawyer, just in case)
• Addresses and phone numbers for the US embassy or consulate in each country you visit (and we recommend you translate into the local language wherever you go, in case you need to ask local police or other authorities for help)

Look for your preferred cruise ship

Once your bags are packed, what are you going to do next? Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway for you and your significant other or excited about your first lesbian singles cruise, there are tons of things that make cruises fun and exciting vacations for everyone. From classes and games to poolside lounging to taking a well-deserved break in the cruise ship spa, here are some things you can’t miss on a gay cruise.

Gay cruises are renowned for the abundance and variety of their parties. Costume and theme parties are a great opportunity to shine, show off, or simply be wowed by the creativity (and audacity!) of your fellow cruise passengers. When it comes to the dress code for many of these parties, anything goes, so let loose and have fun!

Take part in cruise ship activities

Games, classes, performances, shows – it’s worth getting up and powering through a hangover to meet new people, make some friends, and have some fun during the day. Norwegian Jade and Celebrity constellation are famous for them fun onboard activities.

Pro-tip to make friends on a gay cruise: print out customized gay cruise cards with a picture of you and your contact information. Hand them out to people you meet onboard. It’s a great way to keep in touch with new friends both during and after your cruise.

Go ashore and explore

Your gay cruise ship may sometimes feel like a floating city, but don’t forget about all the amazing places you have the opportunity to visit. Take the opportunity to get off the ship and take shore excursions, taste local cuisine, go to a private beach, pick up some unique souvenirs, snap some photos, and generally make the most out of each picturesque port.

Cruise ships offer plenty of dining options on board, so there’s something to suit everyone’s tastes. While it may be tempting to stick with the buffet or the main dining room, it’s worth it to splurge a little on specialty restaurants or a romantic dinner for you and your special someone (or someones). Plus, all that partying, dancing, exploring, and playing means you’ll need to replenish your energy, and what better way to do it than with some of the best cuisine available?

Stay hydrated

Bottled water on cruise ships is expensive (and rarely included) so bring a water bottle with you and fill it up in your stateroom sink - it’s totally safe to drink, and will save you from shelling out $4 for an Evian.

Are you ready to set sail? Before you go, have one last check about LGBTQ cruises don'ts. While some of these may seem like common sense, we still recommend you avoid doing the following during your gay and lesbian travel. They might just help make your holiday an unforgettable experience.

Don’t pay for internet

It’s expensive, often unreliable, and totally unnecessary. Take care of work before you depart, and unplug. Seriously - you’ll be surprised at how welcoming and sociable everyone onboard is. You don’t need social media to be social.

Don’t be shy

We get it -  gay cruises for singles can be intimidating at times. And sure, sometimes it’s nice to have a quiet moment reflecting on your experience so far. But don’t be a wallflower. Remember that cruises are designed to be social and to let loose. Even if you aren’t looking for love, gay cruises are great places to meet gay men, make friends, connect with leaders in your industry, and generally just have fun.

Don’t bring drugs

This seems obvious, right? Maybe not. Drug usage on cruises hit the spotlight in January 2019 when 36-year-old Joel Taylor, star of Discovery’s Storm Chasers, died of an overdose while on an Atlantis events cruise. 

It’s one thing to go with the flow and be up for new experiences, and another thing entirely to bring drugs or other illegal substances onboard. It’s a great way to put your life or the lives of others in danger, and put yourself at a higher risk of getting kicked off the cruise, being arrested, or facing other (expensive) legal ramifications.

While many countries like Canada and New England accept and welcome the gay community, others do not. This is one of the reasons that LGBT travelers need to do some extra preparation before embarking, even when embarking on a gay, lesbian, or transgender cruise.

1. Research your destinations in advance

There are 82 countries where it is still illegal to be gay. This means that  not every port will be welcoming to LGBTQ+ people , so it pays to do your research ahead of time and plan your excursions accordingly. If a port isn’t gay-friendly, simply stay on the ship and take advantage of the extra lounge chairs by the pool, snag a spot at trivia, bingo, or yoga, or indulge in a hot stone massage. 

If you book an all-gay cruise with a gay cruise operator like Atlantis, RSVP Vacations, or Olivia, you won’t need to worry as much about this. However, if you’re traveling with an LGBT group cruise on a mainstream line, we recommend checking the country info pages on the  US Department of State website .

2. Update your passport

We’ve heard some horror stories about trans cruise passengers being hassled or even denied entry to a cruise ship because they weren’t presenting as the gender indicated on their passport. Rather than risk experiencing this firsthand, we recommend the following options:

Use the name and gender on your passport to book your trip, and present as the gender indicated on your passport while flying, embarkation, and disembarkation.

If you don’t look like your passport photo, update your passport before leaving.

If you don’t have time to update your passport, get a note from your doctor explaining why your appearance has changed.

Is this unfair? Yes. Is it still a practical tip? Unfortunately, yes. Carnival has been known to require transgender cruisers to present as the gender on their passport in the past, while cruise lines like P&O and Royal Caribbean are very trans-friendly and have even provided cruise cards for both presenting and passport genders. Celebrity Cruises is also known to be gay friendly.

3. Buy insurance!

Cruise travel insurance is important for everyone, but perhaps especially for LGBT cruisers traveling outside the US, where laws, regulations, and rights may be different. Should the worst happen, it’s always best to be prepared! (We wrote a whole article on  why you NEED cruise travel insurance , if you want to learn more.)

Laws and regulations

You are subject to the laws and regulations of each country where you travel. The US Department of State cautions “In many countries, consensual same-sex sexual activity, public gathering, or dissemination of pro-LGBTQ material may be illegal.” We aren’t saying you need to closet yourself, but as with any cultural exchange, be respectful, be aware, and stay safe.

Entrapment campaigns

Be aware that police in some countries monitor some websites, mobile apps, and meeting places that are commonly used by the gay community. It’s important to be aware of these policies and avoid using these websites, apps, or neighborhoods to keep yourself and your loved ones safe during your cruise.

Segregation of gay-friendly resorts and communities

Even countries that are generally hostile to LGBT folks can be home to gay-friendly enclaves - from resorts to cities - where you can feel free to explore. But exercise extreme caution if you decide to venture out of the resort, community center, or neighborhood, because attitudes in surrounding communities may not be as accepting.

Contact the US embassy or consulate if you need help

As a US citizen, it’s your right to contact the US embassy or consulate to help you if you are arrested, face harassment, or are treated unfairly.

Generally speaking, travel is particularly complex for trans cruisers. In many places in the world, gender identities and sexuality remain frustratingly conflated, which can cause embarrassment, stress, and increased difficulty for transgender travelers. Here are just a couple of tips specific to the trans community that can make transgender vacations and cruising a little easier.

Know the rules about traveling with needles and/or hormones

Here’s what you need to know:

• All syringes and hormones must be prescribed and be accompanied by the original box and pharmaceutical label
• Notify TSA that you are traveling with medication prescribed by your doctor
• Store all medications in a separate bag for easier screening
• Ask flight crew to keep medication in the refrigerator if they need to be chilled, or keep a thermos handy to do it yourself
• Keep pills in a safe, dry place in your carry-on

Never freeze hormones

Know your rights when it comes to airport security

Here are the basics:

• You can opt out of the AIT (Advanced Imaging Technology) booth, which shows TSA agents an image of your naked body and any binding or prosthetics. This will result in a pat-down by a security officer of the same gender indicated on your passport. You’re entitled to request a private screening and to bring a friend with you. You are also entitled to request to speak to a supervisor at any time during the screening.
• If a TSA agent’s conduct is unprofessional in any way, you can file a complaint with the Office of Civil Liberties. A TSA agent cannot ask you to remove binding or prosthetics. However, you may still be subject to screening. Prosthetics in your carry-on may also be subject to additional screening, and you are entitled to request a private screening in this case. We recommend you avoid prosthetics with any metal parts. Binding may raise concerns about hidden contraband, but remember your rights if you feel uncomfortable.
• You have the right to wear whatever you want and present however you want. However, in practice, presenting differently from the gender shown on your passport or wearing clothes with lots of metal can cause more hassle and stress, and can end up wasting a lot of your time.

Check out these articles for more information on gay cruises:

• Reasons to Take or Skip a Gay Cruise
• The Best (and Worst) Ports and Destinations for Gay Cruises

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• Published March, 2021
• Home » Blog » My Atlantis Gay Cruise

My Atlantis Gay Cruise Trip – What It Was Like

The Atlantis Gay Cruise Experience, First-Hand

While most of us have seen an Atlantis gay cruise via social media or advertisements, you’re probably still wondering…what are these Atlantis gay cruises really like?

Johnathan N. from New York shares his personal experience joining an Atlantis cruise, telling it like it is and offering useful tips for travelers interested in booking!

What Did You Like Best About the Atlantis Cruise?

Total inclusivity on a massive scale was definitely the best part of joining an Atlantis Cruise. I’ve done some other gay vacations, but a huge gay cruise like this is pretty unique.

Other trips for international gay pride events, ski weeks, and events like Gay Days are great, but the Atlantis Gay Cruise just felt grander. Plus, everything was catered to the gay community.

How Were the Atlantis Gay Cruise Theme Parties?

I thought the Atlantis theme parties were awesome. But I wish I had a little more time to plan out the costumes. I think Atlantis gave us a 2-week notice of the theme, but even so, it was a lot of fun. I had a blast.

Some of the commonly hosted themes include the Glow Party, White Party Dog Tag Tea Dance, and the Disco Tea Dance. So, at a minimum, you can start prepping the gay party accessories that you can wear to these.

wolfyy’s Travel Shop → Everything from underwear to luggage .

Any Recommendations for Which Rooms to Book?

Since there’s so much to do on the ship, you honestly don’t spend much time in your room. So, I wouldn’t stress out about which specific room you book.

If you’ve got the cash for a veranda and totally need that ocean view, then go for it. But in my opinion, an interior room is completely fine if you’re on a budget. Plus, if you book a budget room, you’ll have more money for the expensive booze!

The smaller interior rooms usually start around $1200 USD for two people, plus fees. When you have more than 2 guests sharing a room, there’s an additional fee. 

Oceanview and balcony rooms for two people can run anywhere from $1200 to $2400. And then when it comes to suites, prices can easily exceed $5000.

Is the Atmosphere Super Sexually Charged?

The sexual vibe depends on where you hang out on the ship. Without a doubt, there are areas where things are very sexy. On the dick deck at 10 PM, yes…you will get groped… and then some.

The rest of the boat is a bit more relaxed. It can sometimes be “cruisy” but it’s definitely not all sex, sex, sex. Lots of first-timers expect Atlantis gay cruises to be a constant sex party, but it’s not exactly like that.

The Atlantis cruise I went on offered singles events. These can really help solo travelers or anyone who’s shy get out of their shell. I personally can’t fully credit the Atlantis Cruise event for meeting my newest travel buddy at the time. (We met the night before at a hotel rooftop).

But, we quickly found ourselves in an “it’s complicated” situation and ended up spending 95% of our time on the ship together.

What Should Travelers Bring on an Atlantis Gay Cruise?

Most importantly, you’ve got to bring some sexy swimwear attire. Check out my extensive list of the best gay swimwear brands . Get ideas from bikini thongs to printed trunks, plus everything in between.

People really get into decorating their room doors, too. While I didn’t on my first cruise I will do it on my next one. Most people pack mini dry erase boards to hang on their door along with photos so everyone can get a sneak peek of who’s in the cabin.

I’ve even seen some groups stick a small ticket box to their door along with some little colorful sticky notes so people can leave secret messages. It’s pretty cute.

I would really encourage getting some costumes for the themed parties. You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on them, but you will feel a little out of place if you don’t participate.

At the very least, throw on a harness , a sexy jockstrap , and some shorts you wouldn’t mind losing! I definitely recommend getting some good circuit party gear for the trip.

Oh, and like any cruise, don’t forget your sunscreen , especially since it’s so expensive on the ship.

Related → wolfyy’s Gay Men’s Harness Guide

Did You Witness a “Lack of Diversity” Issue on the Cruise?

This was not the case in my experience. However, I did go on an international cruise, not a domestic one. Perhaps those could be different. There were people from every continent on mine, and it was a great time.

Can Atlantis Gay Cruises Be Overwhelming for First-Timers?

Real talk—I had a panic attack as we landed in Barcelona . I was traveling alone which I have done many times before. But for some reason, the idea of getting on a 5000+ person gay cruise hit me like a brick wall. Later that night, my anxiety started to go away, and getting on the ship the following day was fine.

I think it’s important to know that every Atlantis gay cruise has so many programmed events happening, that it’s truly impossible to do everything. It’s kind of by design.

The entire experience is sort of a “choose your own adventure” and that’s really what makes it so unique.

Want to go to a circuit party ? Great. Feeling horny and need a little help? Head to the dick deck. Feel like you overdid it the night before and need a more mellow night? Go to one of the many gay comedy, musical, piano bar, or drag shows happening on the ship.

Anything You Didn’t Like About the Cruise?

Honestly, the amount of money I spent on booze. It adds up. Ha!

Any Other Tips?

Some people don’t leave the ship when docked at the ports. It seems most people do on the international cruises, but it sounds like the gay cruises out of Miami and San Diego are pretty much constant circuit parties .

Atlantis gay cruises can get quite expensive, so there generally wasn’t a huge number of younger people. Unless it was a “daddy” situation I would say 20 somethings made up less than 10% of the attendees.

Your Gay Cruise Alternatives

Gay guys are booking Atlantis cruises like crazy, especially now that we’re out of the woods regarding the pandemic. Check out some of the other scheduled Atlantis Cruises you can join.

If you’re thinking about browsing some tamer or not-so-gay cruises, there are plenty of fun alternatives.

There are several bear weeks that take place on huge cruises. These are definitely worth a look, including the Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady .

Cruise Critic  compiles a huge range of the best international cruises. Definitely check your booking options here as well.

Looking for other gay vacation options? Check out these epic gay sailing trips in the Mediterranean!

Explore the world with inspiration from wolfyy’s collection of   gay travel guides .

Before you go...

Trusted gay travel info, just for you., leave your email., gay travel advice you can't find anywhere else..

Welcome to Cruising with Pride Cruises & Tours!

Cruising with pride offers you more.

ALL GAY CRUISES FROM ATLANTIS & RSVP

OTHER GAY CRUISES GAY GROUP CRUISES All GAY TOURS LESBIAN CRUISES & TOURS

Cruising With Pride offers the largest selection of gay cruises, gay tours, gay group cruises and lesbian travel on the net. If you can't find what you're looking for, E-mail us and we'll do our best to meet your travel needs. Besides all gay cruises and tours, we can help you with just about any travel destination you're looking for on land or sea. Hawaii, Mexico, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and the world. We do it all! Let us help you with your gay cruise and you'll receive an onboard gift from us! We specialize in gay cruises and gay group cruises for both singles and couples. And we don't forget our lesbians, either! We can help with lesbian cruises and all other lesbian travel. Cruising With Pride is a specialst for RSVP Vacations and Atlantis Events all gay cruises!

Call Tom Stephens, your gay travel specialist at 949-940-9000 or (800) 477-1088 [email protected]

Join cruising with pride's european river cruise gay group from paris...with love july 12-21, 2012 luxury cruise-tour includes paris hotel stay, sightseeing & wine/beer with dinners on board details click here.

Cruising with Pride Cruises & Resorts ™ 333 City Blvd West, Suite 1700, Orange, CA 92868 Email: [email protected] Toll free: 800-477-1088 | Local: 949-940-9000 Ask for Tom, your gay travel specialist. CST#: 1008676-10 Privacy Policy Cruising With Pride's Tom Stephens has been specializing in gay cruises, gay group cruise, gay tours, gay vacations, and all other travel needs since 1994.

Join Us On One Of Our Upcoming LGBTQ+ Group Cruises

There is something great about meeting other LGBTQ+ people on board a cruise ship, enjoying a great meal together, connecting for that daily happy hour martini or sharing an experience in port. Please join us on one of our upcoming LGBTQ+ group cruises or choose one of the many options available on our calendar. There's so much to see & explore in this world. We hope to meet you onboard soon!

LGBTQ+ Cruise Calendar

We know you love to cruise and the LGBTQ+ travel community has many options for you. Check out our list of group cruises and full ship charters. Whether you prefer large ships, small ships, or river boats we're sure you'll find a cruise vacation that meets your individual needs.  

LGBTQ+ Cruise Traveler Blog

A New Captain at MeetMeOnboard

Debuting on Norwegian Prima: "Summer: The Donna Summer Musical"

Celebrity Cruises Pride Party at Sea 2023

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“I have cruised with different groups and I am now sold on MeetMeOnboard. I shall follow them and the cruises they are involved with regardless the cruise line.” 

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“Wanted to drop you a note to say thank you for a great cruise. Loved the special bonuses. Enjoyed meeting everyone in the group and lots of nice people on the ship.”

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   Gay Cruise, Gay Boat & Gay Yacht Holidays for Men

Some of the best gay holidays are away from dry land!

At Holidays4Men, our goal is to find unique gay holiday destinations for the LGBTQIA+ community - and they don’t come more special than adventures on the water! Gay men looking to set sail on a one-of-a-kind adventure have three incredible choices: 

Gay Cruise - Sit back and relax - because on a gay cruise ship everything you could possibly want is within a moment’s reach. Glide from one destination to the next in your floating gay hotel - and enjoy the ultimate luxury, all-inclusive experience. With a range of packages to choose from, a gay cruise can be perfect for a gay trip in a group, gay couples or even your gay honeymoon.

Gay cruises have become dream-like gay vacations for gay men and couples alike. Some even opt for this option for their gay honeymoons, you can too! These are the adventures you need to experience to celebrate your love and friendships with your partner or gay friends. Even if you’re looking to travel alone, this might be the perfect option for you.

Gay Boat - Large cruise ships are not for everyone, but there are plenty of ways to enjoy smaller, more intimate gay boat holidays. A popular option is a gay-friendly river cruise, where you can travel down some of the most popular rivers in the world and take in the sights. The smaller boats used for river cruises still offer a slice of luxury - with restaurants, bars and gyms all on board.

Gay Yacht - For a truly memorable experience, why not consider chartering a yacht? It’s easier than you think to explore Europe’s most exotic sunny destinations on a gleaming white gay yacht. A captain will join you to help you navigate the gorgeous blue waters safely - and will even take you to idyllic, secluded stops along the way.

Whichever type of holiday takes your fancy, you’ll find plenty of gay-friendly destinations below!

Cristian says:

“My first time on a boat was when I was working as a waiter on a river cruise which sailed on the Danube (which flows through lovely Vienna – they city of music), the Mosel and the Rhein (with flows through historical Cologne and Amsterdam), and the Seine (which flows through romantic Paris).

I was so nervous, but also excited, to go and experience life on board a boat. Going to bed (in a tiny cabin!) in one country and waking up the next day in another country was a fabulous experience. I found out that river cruises have more of a family vibe, as you sail on a small ship with no more than 150 passengers.

I had the opportunity to see breathtaking views and picturesque landscapes, taste the most delicious food and wine, discover the cultures of Germany, France and the Netherlands - but I also got to party overnight in some of the most vibrant gay destinations in Europe!

In my time I have also experienced boat trips - and naked boat trips no less! - in the Baltic Sea between Stockholm and Helsinki, as well as the Atlantic Ocean - all truly memorable experiences.”

Get Involved with Holidays4Men

Have you had a memorable gay cruise or gay boat adventure? We’d love to hear from you! Connect with us via social media or via the Holidays4Men forum (coming soon!). 

Exotic Destinations

River cruises.

Big Gay Caribbean Cruise 2025

5 nights from/to Miami, Florida

February 03 – 08, 2025 Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas

Big Gay Cruise powered by Chemistry Nightclub (Greensboros's Neighborhood Gay/Straight/Whatever Bar & Club), The Scorpio Gay Nightclub (Charlotte's Premier Gay Night Club), Flex Nightclub (Raleigh's Neighborhood Gay/Straight/Whatever Bar & Club), Legends Nightclub (Raleigh's renowned leader in LGBT nightlife), LeBoy - Where The Boys Are (Fort Lauderdale's favourite hangout spot for gay guys with a modern feel and plenty of adult entertainment for you to enjoy), LIT Wilton Manors (Wilton Manors very welcoming gay bar), Colby Knox (XXX gay porn videos, premium adult gay porn & gay videos)

Big Venues = Big Fun!

Get ready to turn up the energy and join us for an unmissable experience! This year we’re bigger, louder and prouder than ever before with exclusive venues and entertainment running day-and-night. Come join us as we cruise into new horizons and create memories that will last a lifetime! #BigGayCruise #StudioB #StarLounge #GayKaraoke #GayTrivia.

Private Club Just For You Join us for the ultimate experience as we transform Studio B into a luxurious private nightclub for 4 of 5 nights. Hear our Headline DJ and get ready to party like never before.

Get ready to be dazzled! Step into the spotlight and check out the star-studded Star Lounge, where everyday is made special by our Afternoon Drag Shows!

Party all night Experience two exclusive nightclub events that will have you partying up until sunrise. And if you need a break from the dance floor? We’ve got you covered with daily afternoon happy hour drag shows and a private theater performance for some much needed rest and relaxation.

Big-name acts Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the best of the LGBTQ+ community with celebrity appearances from Rupaul’s Drag Race stars Heidi N Closet & Elliott with 2 Ts, as well as recording artists Livin’ Joy & X Factor Janice Robinson.

A trip like no other With Big Gay Cruise, you can indulge in all your favorite LGBTQ+ experiences without breaking the bank. Enjoy an unforgettable trip that won’t leave your wallet empty!

Your Ship - Independence of the Seas

If you're after an almost limitless number of activities and forms of entertainment, whether that's watching a Broadway show, enjoying movies by the pool, or perfecting your surfing skills – Independence of the Seas delivers, time and time again.

• Launch yourself into a virtual world on a new bungee trampoline experience — Sky Pad

• Welcome to the most elevated spot for indulging in your favorite eats and libations at Suite Lounge

• Savor every bite of batter fried goodness poolside at the new Fish & Ships seafood spot

• Shop the biggest designer names and onboard exclusives, all at prices you won’t find on land

• Plunge through three stories of twisting, turning thrills to the bottom of the dual racer slides Typhoon and Cyclone

Dining on Independence of the Seas Savor every bite of batter fried goodness poolside at the new Fish & Ships seafood spot. Take your taste buds on a trip to the Far East at Izumi, where fresh Asian-inspired flavors are literally on a roll. Or indulge in prime cuts of meat and steakhouse classics at Chops Grille. Whatever you’re craving, you’ll find plenty of delicious ways to fuel up between adventures onboard.

In the Main Dining Room, you can experience flavors that take you from Jamaica to Jaipur, a rotating menu of delicious dishes always offering something unexpected. A multi-level restaurant that in the morning is the perfect spot to enjoy a hearty brunch paired with refreshing mimosas, at dinnertime transforms into a world class dining experience with a menu that invites you to taste your way around the world course by course.

Bars & Lounges Relaxation can be thirsty work. While you're soaking up the vibe at the adults-only Solarium, grab a refreshment from the Solarium Bar, where friendly bartenders serve wine, beer, cocktails, and chilled tropical drinks perfect for sipping beneath your poolside umbrella.

Wrap up your night at Schooner Bar, where perfectly mixed cocktails and live entertainment come together in a warm-lit nautical-themed lounge. Cozy up in a seat under the mast, by the portholes, or right by the gleaming grand piano. The sing-along's about to begin.

Entertainment & Nightlife Only Royal Caribbean offers Tony Award winning musicals at sea. As an official sponsor of Broadway’s brightest award, we’ve got the shows that you can’t stop singing. See your favorites again or discover great shows you missed. We’ve got your seat for full-scale productions of exciting musicals.

We’ve got the venues and we know how to use them. Every sailing features original productions you can only see onboard. Amazing vocalists and dancers deliver rousing performances wrapped up in stunning sets and transcendent multimedia productions. Whether it’s a jazz excursion, techno-inspired cabaret or something beyond, prepare to be amazed.

11 things I learned on my 1st gay cruise

You've probably heard of gay cruises and wondered how they differ from "traditional" cruises. Are they open to straight people? Is it all about partying? What about the hook-up element?

I recently sailed with tour operator Vacaya on a one-week gay cruise departing from Fort Lauderdale and heading to the Caribbean via Celebrity Cruises ' Celebrity Reflection cruise ship. For context, I'm a white, cisgender, gay, 35-year-old man. I had a lot of questions about what to expect, given this was my second cruise ever and my first one with a queer tour operator.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Here are the top things I'd want someone considering or planning their first gay cruise to know.

People are friendly

The first thing that struck me about the sailing was that almost everyone was smiling and eager to interact. As an Australian living in the U.S. for almost a decade, I generally find Americans to be open, talkative and curious. This cruise was like that ... on steroids.

I would have found it overwhelming if I weren't an extrovert, but since I'm a social butterfly, I was in heaven.

Tip: Taking the stairs between levels on the ship is a great way to keep in shape. However, opt for the elevators if you are searching for moments of lighthearted connection. Waiting for an elevator to arrive at your floor and then jumping in with other guests gives you a quick opportunity for some enjoyable small talk.

Partying is front and center

The rumors are spot on. Gay cruises have tons of parties, sometimes multiple a day. If you're on a weeklong sailing, it's important to pace yourself.

Most of the parties on my cruise took place outside by the pool and started at 10:30 p.m. The late start gave enough time for passengers to eat dinner, attend an evening show and get dressed in theme.

Highlights on my cruise included a Super Bowl party (the day we boarded), a traffic light party (the gay cruise version of an icebreaker activity, see below) and the "She's A Mess" party on the final afternoon (where passengers donned one piece from each costume they'd worn throughout the week).

It's also a good idea to plan your outfits well in advance — people get really into the party themes. You can find information about theme nights on your tour operator's website.

Related: 12 gay cruises you don't want to miss

It's sex-positive

Going into the cruise, one of my biggest questions was, "Would people be hooking up all over the ship in public places?" On this particular Vacaya cruise, I did not see anything like that. (I can't speak for other sailings, though.) However, sexual expression was a prominent feature of the cruise — and I loved it.

I appreciated the three types of lanyards that Vacaya offered upon boarding. It was the traffic light system: red for "taken," yellow for "it's complicated/maybe" and green for "available." This made it easy to understand what kind of interaction someone wanted. At the traffic light party on the second night, I estimated 60% of the passengers were dressed in green, 30% in yellow and the remaining 10% in red.

One unique feature Vacaya had on this cruise was a late-night "dark room" on the rooftop basketball court. It was very popular.

The crew won't judge you

Cruise ships hire crew members from around the world, with many coming from more conservative countries. I wasn't sure how they'd react to thousands of openly gay men taking over their cruise ship.

Once on board, I realized my concerns were overblown. The Celebrity Cruises crew — waiters, room stewards, bartenders — were consistently friendly. I never sensed any judgment from them. They didn't even bat an eyelid when a drunk gay guy wearing nothing but underwear came to a bar to order a drink. I'm not saying I was that guy.

Choose your cruise carefully

The one major lesson I learned is that it's important to do your research.

On this cruise, I sometimes felt like a fish out of water. At 35, I was one of the youngest on the sailing. Vacaya skews older (think: Gen X and boomers), whereas I've heard Atlantis gay cruises attract mainly twinks and daddies.

Of the well-known queer cruises, Atlantis is for your circuity gays, and Olivia is for queer women. Vacaya skews toward a more inclusive and welcoming experience for everyone (although it needs more work in this area). Body positivity was an obvious component of my Vacaya cruise, and I heard many passengers say they appreciated this.

Related: These LGBTQ-focused travel companies can help you plan the perfect cruise

Gay cruise travel is a huge (and growing) market

Queer travelers account for 5% to 10% of the global tourism market, according to the World Tourism Organization . Couple that with the huge growth in cruising over the past decade (excluding the pandemic), and it's obvious that cruise and tour operators can earn a lot from catering to LGBTQI+ travelers.

For example, Fort Lauderdale saw four sold-out LGBTQI+ cruises in February 2023. Atlantis and Vacaya had one each, and tour operator Olivia had two women-focused cruises. Atlantis' voyage on Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas was the largest gay cruise ever, with more than 5,400 passengers.

If you want to go on a gay cruise, I'd suggest booking early to secure your place and take advantage of early bird discounts. With growing demand, I hope to see an increase in the number and type of sailings offered, giving queer travelers more themed cruise options.

Diversity and inclusion is a work in progress

In my opinion, the cruise was too heavily skewed to a specific demographic. I estimated that at least 90% of the passengers on my cruise were white, cisgender, gay men from the U.S. — and that was on Vacaya, one of the more "inclusive" cruise operators.

The organizers clearly have a strong passion for and commitment to making their experiences more inclusive and diverse. They teared up when talking about their origin story and what they envision for their future experiences.

However, it's a bit of a chicken-and-egg situation. Vacaya has a financial incentive to cater to its base market of white, affluent gay men. But, its future growth lies in providing opportunities that broaden the company's reach to other tribes in the larger community, such as queer people of color, transgender and gender-nonconforming folx, and women.

For Vacaya to achieve that goal, those groups must make bookings and come on board. However, they'll be hesitant to book if they don't think there will be people like them on board. It's a work in progress.

On my cruise, I did see a glimmer of Vacaya's future.

One evening, I sat behind a black trans woman and a plus-size, white cisgender woman in a wheelchair to watch a show in the ship's auditorium. When drag queen Alyssa Edwards began lip-syncing on stage to "This Is Me" from "The Greatest Showman," they reached out to hold hands as they sang along. These are the moments Vacaya hopes to deliver to more queer travelers in the future.

Gay cruises are more expensive than regular cruises

Gay or queer cruises cost more on average than your everyday cruise because they offer premium LGBTQI-focused entertainment, such as drag queens and world-renowned DJs on each sailing. The charter company (Vacaya, in this case) needs to pay not only the cruise line but also the specialized entertainment — and turn a profit.

Make sure you save up your cash for the room, taxes, gratuities, drink packages and shore excursions — it can really add up.

For example, Vacaya's pricing for its weeklong 2024 Caribbean cruise starts at around $4,000 per room for a windowless inside cabin (same price for one or two people; includes taxes and gratuities). That's roughly 50% more than a "regular" cruise for the same duration and on the same ship, where pricing starts at $2,600.

Many people don't explore the ports

Based on my observations and conversations with other shipmates, I don't think many passengers got off the ship in every port. Perhaps that's because our itinerary featured four back-to-back port stops. Or, my shipmates were too hungover to go out or wanted to prioritize time on the ship they had paid so dearly for. Whatever the reason, many people were at the lunch buffet and lounging poolside during our port stops.

To be honest, I only got off at Grand Cayman and stayed on board in Cozumel, Mexico; Belize City, Belize; and Roatán, Honduras (all of which I'd visited on previous trips).

It turns out my observations were correct. The Vacaya cruise organizers confirmed that on big-ship Caribbean cruises, many guests typically stay on board in one or two ports. On the company's luxury cruises — which focus more on bucket-list destinations — and Mediterranean cruises, a higher percentage of guests get off the ship daily.

For the record, people who did get off the ship didn't miss much. People mostly used port days to enjoy more pool time and work out at the gym (which, surprisingly, never got busy on my cruise). Vacaya schedules its marquee activities for when the ship is sailing.

Wash your hands

The worst part of the cruise? I picked up norovirus about halfway through the sailing and was bedridden for the final three days.

Norovirus is a contagious virus that spreads through direct contact with an infected person or surface and causes diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and stomach pain. The self-contained, high-traffic nature of a cruise ship makes it susceptible to outbreaks, and on a gay cruise, frequent incidences of person-to-person contact can increase your chances of getting sick.

My most unpleasant memories from this cruise included gathering the energy to make my way from my cabin to the buffet to eat something, anything, that would fill me up before my whole world came crashing down again. Picture the wedding dress-fitting scene from "Bridesmaids." I was Kristen Wiig desperately trying to pretend she was enjoying her almonds — all in front of hundreds of other gay men. Not a peak life moment for me.

The best way to avoid catching norovirus is to wash and sanitize your hands frequently. I thought I was doing a good job of that, but apparently, it wasn't enough. This is a public service announcement to wash your hands more than you think you need to the next time you're on a cruise.

Many passengers come back time and again

Vacaya has a return rate of more than 70%, which is even more notable given it has only been around for five years. (This was its fifth birthday celebration.) People talk with their feet — and their wallets. If they're returning, they must enjoy the experience and want to reconnect with friends and lovers they met on previous cruises.

If you enjoy your first cruise, it's worth keeping your eyes out for any early bird discounts for future sailings the line may offer during the final couple of days you are on board.

Bottom line

With LGBTQI+ rights under sustained attack, it was refreshing to get out into the open ocean with other queer folx and let our pride flags fly. The feeling of dancing in the warm Caribbean breeze with thousands of other queer people — and a supportive, open-minded crew — without fear of judgment, violence or harassment is something I believe every queer person deserves.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

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PRIMETIMERS OF THE DESERT 2024 ALASKA CRUISE August 30 to Sept 6

Warning filling up fast there are still inside,oceanview, and balconies left, but only available with the "have it all" package and double occupancy.  rates below book now from $3319 per inside cabin ($1660 ea) including drink package, wifi, and gratuities, taxes, fees, and port expenses.  veranda from  $4871 with the drinks, wifi, and tips.  group pricing in all categories.   all those in the primetimer group will receive $50 per cabin onboard credit, a free excursion to whitepass summit while in skagway, daily cocktail mixers and much more we have group pricing and reservations for 75 men on alaskan airlines for $330 roundtrip at 8:30 am on the morning of the cruise  call lonnie at 562-746-6235 with any pricing questions, atlantis all gay halloween cruise to mexico sold out we'll do it again next year.

2025 CRUISE ROUNDTRIP LOS ANGELES PACIFIC COAST CRUISE FREE BUS FROM PALM SPRINGS TO PORT AND RETU RN Book early for best pricing! FROM $447 INSIDE CABIN. $697 BALCONY (prices can change daily!)

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 PrimeTimer Cruises is based in the Palm Springs area. Our focus is on offering at least 2 cruises per year to the many older gay men in the area. We are excited to get out of the heat on August 30th, 2024 for our Alaskan cruise. Being part of the group gets you daily mixers, a free excursion, onboard credit, and more! If interested please contact me at [email protected] to get on the list.  With all our cruises it’s an opportunity to see new places, enjoy new experiences, find new ways to enjoy life, and become a part of a one-of-a-kind community, filled with old and new friends that don’t exist anywhere else. Having been on over 140 cruises, I’ll take pleasure in making your trip a lifetime experience.  From the moment you make your first inquiry until you return home,  my goal is to make each cruise the most fun that it can possibly be!

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These Are the Most Popular Spots Where the Gays Love to Go Cruising

Here's where the gays love to cruise....

Shutterstock

Cruising has been part of gay culture since the beginning of gay time. For much of our history, cruising – the act of going to a “cruising ground” to walk or drive around and search for a casual sex partner – has been a way to meet other gay men and have sex with them with discretion and anonymity.

Still, even with queerness being more socially accepted and legal in years past, cruising exists as a proud tradition and still-necessary activity. Even for people who don’t need the protection of anonymity and inside knowledge of gay culture, cruising can be an important part of learning about your sexuality, exploring, kink, and relationships.

While cruising is not as big a part of queer culture as it perhaps used to be, there are still many in the queer community who take part, and as part of their year-end DownLoad 2023 round-up , the popular cruising app Sniffies has collected information on where guys still like to cruise.

Here are the top five locations where the gays love to go cruise!

5. Universities

College is a place for exploring and experimenting, and cruising is one of the best ways to do both of those things!

The gym is already home to men sweating, grunting, showering, changing in front of each other, and deep male bonding, so it's the perfect place to add a little casual, anonymous sex.

3. Residential buildings

If the outdoors and public spaces are a little too... public for you, residential towers might be your ideal cruising spot! It still offers the anonymity and casual hookup nature of cruising, but with a little more control and safety.

2. Public restrooms

Public restroom sex is dirty, nasty, dangerous, and sexy as hell. Public restrooms have always been a classic cruising spot, and we don't see that going away any time soon.

1. The park

The ultimate cruising spot. Most major cities have at least one park that is well known, at least in the gay community, for cruising. There's lots of space to wander around, lots of poeple who come to the park to just walk around, plenty of secluded spots, and the beauty of nature.

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‘It’s the greatest living experiment’: Pitt Men’s Study marks 40 years of AIDS research

PITTSBURGH — In a Pittsburgh hospital in the early 1980s, Charles Rinaldo saw a young, previously healthy gay man critically ill with a virus usually only seen in weakened immune systems.

Around the same time, Jeffrey Toth was hearing terms like “the gay cancer” and “gay related immune deficiency” — and watching players in his gay softball league get mysteriously ill.

“People were dying and we didn’t know why,” said Marc C. E. Wagner. “I knew it was a devastating condition, even early on.”

Through gay bars and picnics, word began to spread about a study at the University of Pittsburgh investigating the disease, and on April 1, 1984, the study officially began recruiting its first participants.

Forty years later, the Pitt Men’s Study is one of the longest-running studies on HIV and AIDS in the country. About 2,000 men have participated since the beginning, coming every six months to give blood samples and answer questionnaires, building a scientific goldmine in the process.

“It’s the greatest living experiment,” said Wagner, an AIDS researcher at Pitt and one of the original study participants. “As one of my mentors, who is no longer with us, once told me, ‘You start in ignorance and you grow in knowledge, and that’s the basis of science.’”

Overall, 1,811 people have participated in the Pitt Men’s Study over the last 40 years, with 438 still-active participants — 201 of those who joined in 1985 or before. Of those who have ever participated in the study, 539 have died from AIDS or other causes.

In 1978, Rinaldo came to Pittsburgh, fresh from completing postdoctoral studies at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. His focus was an “opportunistic virus” called cytomegalovirus that attacked people with weakened immune systems, such as organ transplant recipients. Pittsburgh was growing as a transplant center by 1981, boosted by the arrival of transplant pioneer Thomas Starzl.

That same year, Rinaldo remembers seeing a “perplexing case” of a critically ill gay man in his mid-20s with CMV and Pneumocystis pneumonia, another opportunistic virus. Unlike most of the patients that Rinaldo saw with CMV, he had no previous health problems and had not received an organ transplant. Though the disease didn’t have a name yet, the man is now recognized as Pittsburgh’s first known AIDS patient, and later died of the disease.

Shortly afterward, Rinaldo met David Lyter, a Pitt medical student who had recently come out as gay. Lyter had seen the new disease affecting the gay community and approached Rinaldo about putting together a study to investigate it. With no official funding, and with Lyter doing most of the recruiting, they put together a pilot study of about 70 gay men.

At the same time, the country was starting to recognize the virus as well. In June of 1981, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control reported on a cluster of five cases in Los Angeles — all gay men with no known contact with each other, sick with Pneumocystis pneumonia and CMV infections. In September 1982, the CDC used the term AIDS, or acquired immune deficiency syndrome, for the first time. A few months later, the National Institutes of Health put out a request for research proposals for a large study of the new disease.

The study was looking to include one research site in a city that didn’t have as high of an incidence of AIDS as major population centers such as L.A. or New York City. “They thought maybe there was a different cause,” said Rinaldo. “That was one of the hypotheses at the time.”

Rinaldo was decades younger than most of the academic heavyweights vying for funding. But with the support of leaders at the university, he applied.

In the summer of 1983, he received a grant for $4.2 million — which equates to more than $13 million in 2024 — over four years. The study, called the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study, also included sites in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Baltimore and Chicago, and all except San Francisco are still involved today.

“We were to define the natural history of what was just then being called AIDS,” said Rinaldo. “We did not know the virus that was the cause of this. Part of our intent was to help discover what was causing this mysterious disease.”

But first, Rinaldo needed to find more than 1,000 gay men to come to Pittsburgh to participate in the study — at a time of great fear of the virus and stigma toward homosexuality.

Building the study

“I’m a straight male scientist, never having dealt with the LGBTQ community,” he said. “This is Pittsburgh; it wasn’t San Francisco. That community was not as prominent and accepted as it was in some of the larger cities at the time.”

With Lyter’s help, he enlisted the Tavern Guild — a group of gay bar and bathhouse owners — to spread the word. They recruited at gay bars, putting up posters and handing out napkins with the study’s name and address. Sometimes they took blood specimens right in the bars, using an office or coat check room. Many bars at the time had switched to using plastic utensils, unsure how the virus could spread.

The study also hired Tony Silvestre, a prominent gay leader from Philadelphia, to lead recruiting. An instrumental part of the history of the Pitt Men’s Study, Silvestre died in 2022.

The recruitment was effective, in part because some viewed it as their chance to do something positive about a terrible situation.

Toth heard about the study from a former boss. “HIV was affecting the community — nobody knew what it was, but it was quite scary back then,” he said. “We were younger back then, and we saw some older people just getting very sick. We thought, ‘Oh, we have to do something. It may affect us eventually.’ And it did.”

Because of the fear at the time, the study took immense precautions on secrecy. The clinic was in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, not in a university building. Participants were identified only by an ID number; information about their names was kept in a different office in a different building.

Even outside of the building, employees of the study practiced strict confidentiality.

“If you were walking down the street and saw someone and you knew they were part of the study, you just walked right past them,” said Bill Buchanan, who worked for the study from 1988 until he retired in 2022. “Unless you talked to me first, it would be like I never saw you in my life. You have to play that game.”

Even the door to the clinic didn’t fully identify what was going on. “There were no signs on the door that said Pitt Men’s Study. It just said PMS Clinic,” said Buchanan. “Once in a blue moon, you’d get a woman that came in. When she found out that wasn’t what PMS meant, she’d get a little upset.”

At first, visits to the clinic would involve taking all sorts of specimens — blood, saliva, feces, semen — and questionnaires about sexual practices.

“Back then, we took everything,” said Rinaldo. “We didn’t know what we were looking for.”

Evolving testing

In 1985, the FDA approved a test to determine whether antibodies for the virus that caused AIDS were present in a blood test.

All these men who had submitted blood samples could now find out — if they chose to — whether or not they had the virus now known as HIV.

The researchers carefully developed a protocol for how they would let the participants know: They would tell them in person, whether they were positive or negative.

Wagner remembers going in for his session. Though he had no symptoms, he was told that his blood did have the antibodies. Sometime in between his first and second visit to the study, he contracted HIV.

“It was devastating,” he said. “Back then, there were literally no medications. All you were hearing was that it was a death sentence — that in some course of time that you didn’t know yet, you would die.”

In Pittsburgh, about 22% of the participants had antibodies indicating HIV. In some of the other sites in the study, that figure was closer to 50%.

Testing for HIV and AIDS improved further with viral load testing, which not only showed antibodies but also the presence of the virus itself.

One of the Pitt Men’s Study’s most important findings was research on viral loads in the mid-1990s, showing that people who had higher levels of the virus in their blood were much more likely to develop AIDS than people who had lower levels.

“Common sense would dictate it, but we were the first to actually prove it,” said Rinaldo. “To this day, it’s one of the most cited papers in the field.”

Forging community

With so many gay men — both with AIDS and without — regularly visiting the Pitt Men’s Study office, it started to become a de facto clearinghouse of information. Pittsburgh’s gay infrastructure wasn’t as developed as in cities with larger populations, such as San Francisco, and people weren’t sure where else to turn.

“Ultimately, people would turn to the study for all kinds of help — medical help, legal help, I’ve been evicted from my apartment,” said Buchanan. “We were a study, we didn’t have those kinds of resources, and that was the impetus behind creating the Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force.”

The study frequently referred those with AIDS to Jerry Rabinowitz, who was killed in the Squirrel Hill synagogue shooting in 2018. Rabinowitz was one of the first doctors in Pittsburgh willing to treat AIDS patients.

Contributing to the study’s legacy are the larger AIDS services that developed from it. Education programs that stemmed from the study likely prevented many more AIDS cases, said Buchanan.

The study also created a community advisory board that continues to this day, and for years the study led the way locally in commemorating World AIDS Day in Pittsburgh.

Growing understanding — and options

As the AIDS epidemic continued, understanding of the virus grew, as did treatments. In 1987, the FDA approved the first AIDS drug, called AZT. The drug prolonged the lives of some AIDS patients but had serious side effects for some, such as nausea, liver problems and headaches.

For Wagner, the side effects of AZT were unbearable. In what he believed was a choice between quality of life and quantity of life, he stopped taking it.

By 1993, HIV was the leading cause of death among Americans aged 25 to 44. But new and better drugs were on the way. In the mid-1990s, the FDA approved combination therapies that were more effective, but required taking many pills per day. By the late 1990s, those medications were further improved and consolidated into fewer pills.

With medication, Wagner’s viral load is now so low that it is considered undetectable. “I’ve outlived so many of my relatives. If you would have told me at the beginning of this journey that I would still be here and they would be gone, I never would have believed this to be possible. The study gave back to me so much understanding of my own body, peace of mind of knowing what’s going on.”

In some ways, the study has transformed into research on aging with HIV and AIDS, and the effect that the virus has on the body.

With such a large bank of data — and 40 years of specimens in freezers — there are unlimited opportunities for research. Rinaldo is involved in one study that has taken modern understanding of microbiomes and applied it to decades-old stool samples of HIV-positive men, showing differences in the bacteria of those who developed AIDS. Other studies are looking at how HIV affects men who become infected today versus in the early 1980s.

“Forty years later, the specimens that the men gave us are extremely relevant,” said Rinaldo. “I tell my students and postdocs, every time you go into the freezer and take out these specimens, just remember how we got these. Even with all the fancy technology we use now, there’s no way at all we could do all this without these men.”

And to those involved, the study has meant more than just science. For 40 years, they have come to a nondescript building, sharing not just their blood but also friendship, sorrow and camaraderie.

“It’s one of the most dedicated groups of people that I’ve ever seen. Some of the best people in the world walk through that door,” said Buchanan. “I came to love them as friends. Even though I’m retired, there’s a number of them who said, ‘I need your home number, I need to stay in touch.’ Some of them showed up at my mother’s funeral last month.”

Part of the close kinship, of course, comes from tragedy. Toth, one of the original participants and a current data manager for the study, still has a photo from his gay softball team in the early 1980s. “The majority of the team is gone,” he said, “and most of them, sadly, is because of AIDS.”

Later this year, the study will hold events to honor the participants and mark 40 years.

“I don’t call this a celebration: I call this a commemoration,” said Rinaldo. “We won’t be celebrating until we don’t have to do this anymore — until we cure this infection or have a vaccine. We want to keep this going until the study is no longer needed.”

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🎉 Purdue will play for the national championship

THE BOILERS WILL PLAY FOR A NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 1969 🚂 #MarchMadness @BoilerBall pic.twitter.com/VzC4FTZUkI — NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) April 7, 2024

The Boilermakers' dream season of redemption rolls on to Monday night after a 63-50 win over NC State in the Final Four.

This is the second national championship appearance in program history for Purdue, but the first since 1969.

Purdue's defense was the biggest reason it never trailed. NC State's DJ Burns scored just eight points on 4 of 10 shooting and just one rebound.

Offensively, the Boilers weren't as dominant as we've been accustomed to this season. But quietly, Zach Edey scored 20 points and grabbed 12 rebound to lead the game in both categories. Purdue also made 10 3-pointers, with Lance Jones making four of his nine attempts on 3-pointers.

🥵 It's crunch time in the Final Four

PURDUE IS ROLLING NOW 🚂 #MarchMadness @BoilerBall pic.twitter.com/ywD1XTVjvm — NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) April 6, 2024

NC State is on the ropes as Purdue is closing in on a trip to Monday night.

With under four minutes to go, Purdue leads 61-43

🔥 Purdue has its largest lead

Lance Jones hits AGAIN from deep 😳 #MarchMadness @BoilerBall pic.twitter.com/v5MnBiwo4w — NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) April 6, 2024

Lance Jones' wide-open 3 puts Purdue up 12 with 12:40 to go in the game at 45-33.

NC State is struggling big-time on offense, with just four points in more than seven minutes of play in the second half. The Boilers haven't been much better offensively in the second half, but 3-pointers by Jones and Mason Gillis have all the momentum on their side.

Zach Edey has five turnovers overall and has yet to score in the second half.

👀 Second half starts NOW

Zach Edey and DJ Horne were COOKING in the first 20 minutes ♨️ Lock in to TBS for the second half 🔒 pic.twitter.com/1nMPIjyxhL — NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) April 6, 2024

The second half is here: DJ Burns Jr. and NC State fought back late in the first to give themselves a chance to keep their dream season alive while Zach Edey and Purdue look to continue to dominate on both ends.

Tune in on TBS to see which team will advance to Monday night.

⏰ Halftime in game one

NC State used a late half run to crawl back into the game, but No. 1 Purdue leads, 35-29, at the break.

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🚂 Purdue starting to take control

Powered by Zach Edey, No. 1 Purdue leads 26-16 with 6:30 remaining in the first half. Edey has 11 points and five rebounds.

A six-plus minute stretch without a whistle was headlined by NC State's inability to get a defensive rebound. Purdue has already managed to double NC State on the glass, leading the rebound margin 16-8.

DJ Burns has yet to find his scoring touch, but has spread the ball around nicely with four assists in just 11 minutes.

Notably, no one on Purdue has committed a foul almost 14 minutes into the game, while Burns has already picked up two for NC State.

🏀 The ball is tipped...

We are underway in the 2024 Final Four!

Zach Edey and No. 1 Purdue battle DJ Burns and No. 11 NC State from State Farm Stadium in Arizona. Here are the starting lineups for both teams:

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The Purdue redemption run has taken the Boilermakers to the valley for the #MFinalFour 🚂 #MarchMadness @BoilerBall pic.twitter.com/a1RgaWTP2n — NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) April 6, 2024

• Michael O'Connell
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• DJ Burns Jr.

The Wolfpack are ready to show out once again in the #MFinalFour 😤 #MarchMadness @PackMensBball pic.twitter.com/FVXOPCAktA — NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) April 6, 2024

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• Time : 6:09 p.m. ET
• Date : Saturday, Apr. 6
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📊 Purdue vs. NC State: How they stack up

Purdue and NC State are a No. 1 and No. 11 seed in the 2024 men's NCAA tournament, respectively. Here's how they stack up based on this season's results and stats.

🐺 How they got here: NC State

NC State has won nine straight games entering the Final Four, dating back to a run to the ACC tournament title as a 10 seed . The Wolfpack then won four NCAA tournament games as an 11 seed, with three upsets in its national tournament run.

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🚂 How they got here: Purdue

Purdue bounced back from an overtime loss in the 2024 Big Ten tournament semifinals  to rattle off four straight NCAA tournament wins as the No. 3 overall seed entering March Madness. The Boilermakers are putting last year's second-ever 16-over-1 seed defeat behind them, back in the Final Four for the first time since 1980.

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Ask Amy: Single man has hard time finding men to date

Dear Amy: I love your column and how you relate your own experiences in your answers. My question is one I have not seen particularly addressed. I am a 58-year-old gay man and have identified as bi for most of my adulthood. I have had significant relationships with both women and men.

After my last relationship, more than 15 years ago, I became unavailable and essentially asexual, barring a few random hookups with men. I’m now feeling like I would like another significant relationship, but I feel like it needs to be with a man. The “problem” is that I do not come across as gay to the general public.

Women hit on me all the time, but men seem to not realize I’m available or possibly interested. As a contributing handicap, I am not attracted to most gay men. How do I go about meeting potential mates without surprising, angering or terrifying the guys I’m attracted to?

— Bi Curious

Bi Curious: You have graciously invited me to relate to you through my own experience and so I will offer this: Like you, in middle age I was single for more than 15 years, “barring a few random hookups with men.” (And like you, I might have terrified a few men along the way.) However, you are not responsible for another person’s “terror” at your interest or availability.

Because you are interested in pursuing a serious relationship with a man, you should do your best to get involved with any local organizations where you are likely to meet other gay men. Also, ask the next woman who hits on you if she knows any great guys who might be interested. Online apps and “matching” websites are plentiful, and some have a reputation for matching people who want to hook up, while others are geared more toward people who are looking for a relationship. Established “dating” sites like OkCupid, eHarmony, SilverSingles and Match all offer LGBTQ+ matching opportunities.

According to a report published in 2023 by the Pew Research Center , “When looking at sexual orientation, lesbian, gay or bisexual (LGB) adults are more likely than their straight counterparts to say they have ever used a dating site or app (51% vs. 28%).” The online matching experience can be a mixed bag, but this is an efficient learning experience for anyone looking to meet new people. You should do some online and in-person research to see if this appeals to you.

Dear Amy: I have a “newer” friend. Let’s call him “Timothy.” We have been intimate a few times. Timothy has made it very clear that he’s open and willing to “do it” again, anytime I want. During our last visit Timothy talked about how attractive the women are at his workplace. He said he’s unsure if he could successfully compete with other men to ask them out.

Amy, this rubs me the wrong way, but I’m unsure how to talk to him about it. Even though we are not “officially” together, I don’t feel comfortable that he is telling me that he wants other women, while also wanting me.

Am I overreacting? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

— Midlife Lady

Midlife Lady: You and “Timothy” are not “officially” together. You are not even unofficially together. “I am willing to ‘do it’ again any time you want” conveys a willingness to have sex with you again if you’re into it and your schedules align.

While Timothy might believe that this is a generous statement, it is expressed with the same personal connection a person may have toward scheduling their next dental appointment. He has implied that he doesn’t have a chance with the attractive women at the office — but that’s where you come in! I believe you might have misread Timothy’s intent regarding you. You have already had sex; now it’s time to try to have an honest conversation.

You should ask him, quite simply: “Are you interested in having anything more than a sexual relationship with me?” After that, no matter how he answers, if you want to form a personal and exclusive relationship with a man, you should probably keep looking, because this guy sounds like a jerk.

Dear Amy: “ Engaged and Worried’s ” fiancé didn’t include his younger brother as a groomsman at his wedding, and asked five old friends instead. I guarantee that, in 25 years, those five old friends may have fallen by the wayside, but the brother will still be there. He should be the “best man.”

— Grateful Brother

Brother: Very wise. Thank you.

© 2024 by Amy Dickinson. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency.

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Uganda court rejects petition to overturn harsh anti-gay law

Legislation adopted last year outraged LGBTQ+ community, rights activists, the UN and western nations

Uganda’s constitutional court has rejected a bid to overturn a controversial anti-gay law that is considered one of the toughest in the world.

“We decline to nullify the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 in its entirety, neither will we grant a permanent injunction against its enforcement,” Justice Richard Buteera, Uganda’s deputy chief justice and head of the court, said in the landmark ruling.

The legislation was adopted in May last year, triggering outrage among the LGBTQ+ community, rights campaigners, the UN and western nations.

The Anti-Homosexuality Act imposes penalties of up to life in prison for consensual same-sex relations and contains provisions that make “aggravated homosexuality” an offence punishable by death.

President Yoweri Museveni’s government has struck a defiant tone, with officials accusing the west of trying to pressure Africa into accepting homosexuality.

The petition was brought by two law professors from Makerere University in Kampala, legislators from the ruling party and human rights activists.

They had charged that it violates fundamental rights guaranteed by Uganda’s constitution, including freedom from discrimination and the right to privacy.

The petitioners also said it contravened Uganda’s commitments under international human rights law, including the United Nations convention against torture.

The court had begun hearing the case in December.

A 20-year-old man became the first Ugandan to be charged with “aggravated homosexuality” under the contested law in August last year.

He was accused of “unlawful sexual intercourse with … (a) male adult aged 41”, an offence punishable by death.

Uganda, a conservative predominantly Christian country in east Africa, is notorious for its intolerance of homosexuality. It has resisted pressure from rights organisations, the UN and foreign governments to repeal the law.

The US, which threatened to cut aid and investment to Kampala, imposed visa bans on unnamed officials in December for abusing human rights, including those of the LGBTQ community.

The World Bank announced in August it was suspending new loans to Uganda over the law, which “fundamentally contradicts” the values espoused by the US-based lender.

In December, the Ugandan state minister for foreign affairs, Henry Okello Oryem, accused the west of seeking “to coerce us into accepting same-sex relationships using aid and loans”.

In 2014, international donors slashed aid to Uganda after Museveni approved a bill that sought to impose life imprisonment for homosexual relations, which was later overturned.

The latest anti-gay law has enjoyed broad support in the country, where lawmakers have defended the measures as a necessary bulwark against western immorality.

Last month, a Ugandan court dismissed an appeal by a gay rights group seeking government registration, ruling that it aimed to promote “unlawful” activities.

The court of appeal said any registration of the group Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) was against the public interest and national policy.

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UConn defeats Alabama in Final Four to face Purdue in NCAA championship: Highlights

No. 1 seeds UConn and Purdue will square off in the NCAA Tournament men’s basketball championship game Monday night in Phoenix.

The Huskies and Boilermakers defeated No. 4 seed Alabama and No. 11 seed N.C. State, respectively, on Saturday in the Final Four.

UConn, the defending national champions, will look to become the first program since Florida in 2007 to win back-to-back titles. The Huskies have reached the championship five previous times, winning every matchup.

Purdue has not won an NCAA Tournament.

UConn opened as a 5.5 point favorite over Purdue on Monday night, according to DraftKings. The game total is set at 146.5.

UConn, the betting favorites entering the tournament, outlasted Alabama on Saturday thanks to a dominant performance down the stretch. The game was tied at 56 points each with 12:04 remaining before Dan Hurley’s squad took over. All five UConn starters scored in double figures, led by Stephon Castle’s 21 points.

Purdue cruised past N.C. State 63-50 after another big game from All-American center Zach Edey. The 7-foot-4 Canadian finished with 20 points and 12 rebounds as the Boilermakers dominated on the inside. Purdue outrebounded its opponent 41-28 and also added 10 3-pointers.

The Boilermakers pulled away late in the second half, going on a 14-1 run with a little over four minutes remaining.

The NCAA men’s basketball championship game will take place Monday at 9:20 p.m. ET. 

There's more where that came from

Rebecca Cohen

If you're craving more college hoops, you're in luck.

The women's NCAA championship game is tomorrow at 3 p.m. ET.

Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes will face the undefeated South Carolina Gamecocks at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland.

And the men's championship will follow on Monday.

Women’s college basketball final expected to set new viewership records amid Caitlin Clark phenomenon

Tomorrow's NCAA Women’s Basketball National Championship is set to smash viewership records as star players and greater TV coverage drive more fans than ever to the sport.

The matchup between Iowa and South Carolina, both No. 1 seeds, is slated for 3 p.m. Sunday at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland.

Friday night’s matchup between Iowa and No. 3 seed UConn was the  most-watched women’s college basketball game  ever, and broke ESPN’s record as the most-watched basketball game in the network’s history, college or pro, with 14.2 million viewers and a peak of 17 million.

Read the full story here.

Sears and Castle lead in scoring

Mark Sears with the Crimson Tide led the game with the most points overall: 24.

And Stephon Castle led UConn with 21 points.

The Huskies cover the spread

Brian Hamilton, NBC Sports

UConn was given a game by Alabama, but the Huskies still covered the gametime spread of 11.5 points, winning 86-72.

The game total under 160.5 narrowly cashes as well.

UConn celebrates victory over Alabama

Tune in to NBC Sports’ Bet the Edge for championship preview

Jay Croucher and Drew Dinsick will preview the national championship Monday on NBC Sports’ Bet the Edge at 6 a.m. ET  right here  or wherever you get your podcasts.

UConn favored to win it all

The National Championship is set. The top seeds in the entire tournament will meet Monday night in Glendale, Arizona.

DraftKings has posted UConn as a 5.5 point favorite over Purdue with the game total set at 146.5.

Purdue will be gunning for its first national championship while UConn will be going for their sixth. The Huskies are 5-0 in national championship games.

UConn proves its Final Four chops once again

Asher Feldman

UConn improves to 6-1 in seven all time appearances in the Final Four. Despite the game's back-and-forth feeling, tonight’s victory ends up as UConn’s largest Final Four victory in program history by point spread, 14. That’s one point larger than the Huskies Final Four victory last year over Miami (72-59). 

UConn has never lost a national championship game, and faces off against Purdue on Monday for a chance at the program’s sixth title, all since 1999.

UConn pulls off the win, 86-72

The Huskies are headed to the championship game, making a run for back-to-back trophies.

They’ll face Purdue in a battle of the one-seeds on Monday night.

Tonight's win means UConn is now 6-1 all time in Final Four games. In the five other times they've made it to the championship, they've won every time.

Crimson Tide can't keep up with Huskies on the boards

In the midst of an already prolonged offensive slump, Alabama's attack has been further hampered by the Crimson Tide’s second-half struggles in the rebounding battle. 

Other than forward Grant Nelson’s admirable efforts, Alabama has seemingly been out-jumped for every 50-50 ball on both the offensive and defensive boards. Nelson has 12 rebounds alone — as part of a double-double — but the rest of Alabama has just 14 boards, and UConn is out-rebounding the Crimson Tide 35-26 with four minutes left in the second half.

Trans athletes should be allowed to play women’s sports, South Carolina coach Dawn Staley says

Rudy Chinchilla

Transgender athletes should be allowed to compete in women’s sports, South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley said ahead of her team’s NCAA Tournament championship game.

Staley made the comments during a news conference Saturday when asked by OutKick reporter Dan Zaksheske whether she believes “biological males” should be “included” in women’s sports.

“I’m on the opinion of if you’re a woman you should play,” Staley said. “If you consider yourself a woman and you want to play sports, or vice versa, you should be able to play. That’s my opinion.”

Staley was speaking to reporters ahead of South Carolina’s championship matchup against Iowa on Sunday.

Iowa coach Lisa Bluder declined to answer the same question later on.

Bama battles for the lead, but UConn prevails

Bama scratched and clawed to get even, and then gave up 8 points straight. The Huskies lead 64-56 with 10:30 to play.

UConn is now favored by 9.5 points and the game total sits at 164.5 points.

Grant Nelson coming up big for Alabama

Greg Rosenstein

Alabama forward Grant Nelson is starting to enter takeover mode, scoring Alabama’s last six points.

He’s had a couple breakout games in the NCAA Tournament, most notably 24 in an upset of No. 1 North Carolina, and will be needed down the stretch for Alabama to advance on Saturday night.

Huskies, Crimson Tide trade 7-0 runs

Out of the halftime break we’ve seen momentum chasing 7-0 runs from both teams.

Alabama used its 7-0 sprint to get as close as one point shy of UConn, at 48-47, including using its most impactful weapons tonight: the three-point shot.

But the Huskies’ anxiety was short-lived. UConn went on its own 7-0 run to extend its advantage to its current size, 55-47, accentuated by a Stephon Castle dunk. 

Castle and Sears locked in as leading scorers

Freshman Stephon Castle leads all scorers with 13 for the Huskies, and Mark Sears leads the Tide with 11 points.

The first half spread was 6.5, so those holding Alabama tickets getting the points after 20 minutes cashed.

The spread is now UConn laying 9.5 points with the game total sitting at 168.5 points.

Iowa-UConn Final Four matchup draws 14.2 million viewers, most in women’s college basketball history

Iowa’s  71-69 win  against UConn in Friday’s NCAA Final Four game drew 14.2 million viewers, the most in women’s college basketball history, according to ESPN.

The matchup produced the highest audience for a basketball game — college or professional — and the second-best non-football telecast ever on the network.

Friday’s figure is higher than every World Series and NBA Finals game last year. ESPN said the game peaked at 17 million viewers.

Commentator Ian Eagle feeling punny tonight

As Alabama's Mark Sears shines on the floor, Ian Eagle has been similarly shining court side.

After sinking some threes, the commentator declared, "Sears is showing off the full catalog" and later said the guard was "willing to go to the tower," referring to the Sears Tower in Chicago.

UConn leads heading into the locker room at the half

It hasn't been an easy feat for the Huskies, though, who have been battling against the Alabama Crimson Tide on the court.

The score sits at 44-40 with just 20 minutes separating one of these two teams and the national championship game.

Huskies struggling from beyond the arc

As the broadcast has mentioned, UConn has had a tough time from three-point range so far this evening. The Huskies have hit just five of 15 attempts from deep, or 33%.

For a team as vaunted as UConn for its offensive attack that might seem out of character. But the Huskies have struggled all year from beyond the arc. 

In fact, UConn shot just 36% from out there during the season, 77th in the country. For comparison, Alabama was 24th-best in the nation in 3-point efficiency, and is shooting 70% from deep so far tonight. 

Pace is end-to-end as UConn and Bama battle in second semifinal

Unlike the first semifinal tonight, the pace is end-to-end in this game with UConn leading 35-31 with 3:12 remaining in the first half. The Huskies are now favored by 8.5 points and the game total is 164.5 points.

UConn, Alabama going shot-for-shot in first half

Alabama and UConn are knotted up at 28 with 7:30 left to go in the first half. The back-and-forth pace of this game is reminiscent of last weekend’s UConn-Illinois Elite Eight showdown, where the teams were tied up at 23 with less than two minutes left in the first half. 

That was, however, the last time UConn felt much pressure against the Illini, scoring five unanswered to close the first and exploding out of the gate in the second half, scoring 25 more unanswered to close the door on Illinois and clinch its spot in tonight’s Final Four. 

Clingan dunks against Alabama

After trailing for a whopping 2:50, UConn reclaimed the lead on a dunk from Donovan Clingan. The Huskies are now favored by 8.5 points. The game total remains 168.5 points.

Alabama leading in first half

With 10:30 remaining in the first half, Alabama leads UConn by 3.

Before tonight's game, the Huskies had trailed for just 29 seconds in the entire NCAA Tournament.

The Spread still sees UConn favored, but by only 5.5 points. The game total is now 168.5 points.

How UConn and Alabama got to the Final Four

It was no easy feat to make it to the Final Four tonight.

No. 1 UConn, who earned the number one overall seed, beat Stetson in the first round, Northwestern in the second round, San Diego State University in the Sweet Sixteen and Illinois in the Elite Eight to earn their spot in the Final Four. Last year, UConn faced SDSU in the championship and won 76-59.

No. 4 Alabama knocked out Charleston in the first round, Grand Canyon in the second round, UNC in the Sweet Sixteen and Clemson in the Elite Eight to make it to the Final Four for the first time ever.

Offense not exactly in short supply among UConn, Alabama

The point-heavy start to this second Final Four game is no surprise: Alabama and UConn are the top two teams in the country in offensive efficiency, according to Ken Pomeroy's ubiquitous college basketball rating system .

In other words, the Huskies and Crimson Tide get buckets, and in large quantities.

The third-best? Waiting for the winner of this game — the Zach Edey-led Boilermakers of Purdue.

Alabama makes its first Final Four debut

Phil Helsel

Alabama is making its debut in one of college basketball's most-watched games tonight, in a field in which all the other teams have been there three times or more.

In its first Final Four, the Crimson Tide are taking on the UConn Huskies, who are making their seventh Final Four appearance. The Huskies' first was in 1999.

UConn has gone on to win the championship five times, including last year when they beat San Diego State.

Alabama is on the board first

The Crimson Tide scored the first points in the last Final Four game of the weekend, with Grant Nelson starting off strong with a three.

UConn quickly followed suit, tying up the game.

Dalzell: Betting on a couple of bigs in the Final Four

Vaughn Dalzell, NBC Sports

I'm already holding a Futures Ticket on UConn (-105) to win the national championship.

In looking for value heading into the Final Four, the NBC Sports Betting bet on UConn's Donovan Clingan (+340) to be named the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player. That value is long gone but he still sees value on Clingan where it sits currently (+180).

Two-time National Player of the Year Zach Edey (+220) is also worth a look in that market.  

Read the full story from NBC Sports.

UConn heavily favored against Alabama

Dennis Romero

Despite its promise of a battle royale between future pros playing for powerhouse squads, March Madness can still unleash games seen by some basketball observers as mismatches.

That's the case today, when UConn takes on Alabama. The defending champions from Storrs, Connecticut, are heavily favored against the Crimson Tide.

The Huskies (-600) are 10.5 point favorites over the Tide (+425) with the Game Total a robust 160.5 points.

The team's record appears to support such a wide spread. Since the 2022-23 season, the team has won 13 consecutive NCAA tournament games with a margin of 10 points or greater.

In February, UConn became the season's first unanimous No. 1 in the Associated Press men’s college basketball poll.

The team obliterated a rising San Diego State last year (76-59) to take the men's Big Dance championship, and did so again in the Sweet 16 this month (82-52) to eventually advance to the penultimate matchup next weekend.

UConn posted a relatively easy win against Illinois last week, 77-52.

Alabama is a team with momentum, reaching only its second Elite Eight matchup when it squeaked by top-seeded North Carolina 89-87 before besting Clemson 89-82 in Los Angeles to achieve its first Final Four appearance.

The team earned its way with star guard Mark Sears, holder of the team record for scoring in a single season, and his teammates, known to unleash a barrage of 3-pointers — 16 in all against Clemson.

Purdue walking familiar path after a historic defeat one year ago

Just one year after crashing out of the NCAA tournament in notable fashion — by losing to No. 16 seed Fairleigh Dickinson in the opening round — Purdue is on its way to the national championship game.

The Boilermakers were just the second-ever No. 1 seed to ever fall to a 16, but perhaps that should've been a sign of things to come. The previous team to suffer that fate, 2018's Virginia squad that lost to UMBC, turned around and won a national championship the next season. Purdue's triumph over N.C. State makes it two-for-two on upset sufferers getting to the next national title game.

Can the Boilermakers now take the final step the Cavaliers did in 2019?

We'll find out who will stand in Purdue's way starting in just a few moments when UConn tips off against Alabama in Phoenix.

How to watch: UConn vs. Alabama

No. 1 seed University of Connecticut Huskies will face No. 4 seeded Alabama Crimson Tide tonight at 8:49 p.m. ET.

The game will be played at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

It airs on TBS, TNT and TruTV. The game will also be streaming on Max and the NCAA’s March Madness Live.

Purdue covers the spread

The first semifinal is in the books with Purdue cruising to victory over N.C. State. It was a low-scoring affair that sees the game total fall way short of the pre-game number of 146.5, but Purdue does cover the 9.5-point spread.

Player Props that cashed included DJ Horne, Fletcher Loyer, Mason Gillis, and Lance Jones all going over their point totals. Jones and Loyer each also cashed the over in rebounds and 3-pointers. DJ Burns Jr. cashed the OVER with 4 assists.

Ironically, Purdue rolls to a big win and two-time Player of the Year Zach Edey goes under both his points and rebounds totals.

No. 1 UConn will face No. 4 Alabama to claim the final slot in Monday's championship game. The matchup starts at 8:49 p.m. ET.

Edey won second AP Player of the Year award in a row

The Associated Press

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — While many college coaches passed on the unpolished Canadian prospect as the basketball world became enamored with  perimeter play and 3-point shooting,  Purdue coach Matt Painter took a swing on his third center in the recruiting class and found a gem in Zach Edey who led the Boilermakers to  their first Final Four since 1980.

On Friday, Edey collected his second Associated Press Player of the Year award, becoming the first back-to-back winner since Ralph Sampson won three in a row at Virginia from 1981-83. Edey received 57 of 62 votes from journalists who vote in the  weekly AP Top 25.  Tennessee’s Dalton Knecht received three votes and Houston’s Jamal Shead got two.

Edey is the fifth player to win the award in consecutive seasons though Lew Alcindor also won the award twice in non-consecutive seasons.

“There were so many coaches that looked over me,” Edey said. "It’s kind of been the story of my life. People have doubted me. People looked past me. Can’t do that anymore."

Edey will leave Purdue as perhaps the greatest player in school history.

He broke Rick Mount’s 54-year-old school scoring record and now has surpassed 2,400 points. He broke Joe Barry Carroll’s 44-year-old career rebounding mark. His jersey number, 15, hangs in the rafters alongside other All-Americans such as John Wooden and Glenn “Big Dog” Robinson, even one of Edey’s former teammates, Jaden Ivey.

“You can tell he loves the game, you can tell he respects the game and not every No. 1 person is like that,” fifth-year forward Mason Gillis said of his teammate. “I think a lot of people don’t respect the game, don’t respect people around him. He does. He looks out for everybody, he’s a good guy, he stays in the gym and I don’t think we could ask for a better national player of the year. He does it the right way.”

Purdue is headed to the national championship

No. 1 Purdue is going to the national championship game Monday. They will play the winner of the next game, UConn-Alabama.

The Boilermakers prevailed over the N.C. State Wolfpack 63-50.

Purdue pulling away

Purdue is currently on a 15-1 run with just under 4 minutes to play, up 61-43. Edey has continued to dominate downtown and he's been surrounded by a bevy of 3-point shooters.

Timeout N.C. State.

UConn and N.C. State have dual Final Four appearances this year

If you've been hearing a lot about UConn and N.C. State during this year's NCAA tournament, there's a good reason why.

Both schools' men's and women's teams made it to their respective Final Four contests this year.

Last night, though, both the UConn and N.C. State women's teams were knocked out, paving the way for Iowa to face off against South Carolina in the women's championship.

N.C. State win would set a record for lowest seed to make it to championship game

Claire Cardona

There hasn’t been a lead change all game, and with less than eight minutes to go, the Purdue Boilermakers are still up 49-42, but the No. 11 seed Wolfpack is closing the gap.

If N.C. State can come from behind to win tonight, it will set a new record for the lowest seed to make it to a championship game.

No. 8 is the lowest seed to advance to the final round, and it's happened only four times — Villanova (1985), Butler (2011), Kentucky (2014) and North Carolina (2022), according to the NCAA .

Only one No. 8 seed has won the championship — Villanova.

Purdue pulling away from long range

N.C. State has been hanging around but Purdue has picked it up from long range. The Boilermakers now lead 45-33 with 12 minutes left after back-to-back 3-pointers from Lance Jones and Mason Gillis.

Purdue is 8-for-17 from 3 while N.C. State is just 4-for-15. 

Edey is back

Edey just sunk his first basket of the second half, and the first time since the 4:42 mark in first half. We're nearing the halfway mark of the second half.

Other DJ stepping up for Wolfpack

N.C. State’s DJ Horne is keeping the Wolfpack in this game. The senior guard, who averages 16.8 points per game, has 15 points on 6-for-15 shooting with 15 minutes remaining in the matchup.

He's been effective especially in midrange and has carried his team with DJ Burns struggling offensively.

Turnovers a weakness for Purdue

Led by Edey, the Boilermakers are dominant on the boards, ranking sixth in the country in offensive rebound percentage. They’re also ninth in free throw rate and second in 3-point shooting percentage.

But Purdue is the most turnover-prone team at the Final Four, and the Boilermakers don’t force many themselves. They could be vulnerable to a hot-shooting opponent.

In the first half, Purdue turned the ball over 8 times, while N.C. State had 5 total turnovers.

In this tournament: Purdue had an uncharacteristically poor outside shooting day  in the regional final  against Tennessee, getting outscored 33-9 beyond the arc. The Boilermakers made up for that by attempting 33 free throws to 11 for the Volunteers, and they had 13 offensive rebounds to Tennessee’s six.

Edey and Horne lead their teams in points heading into the second half

Zach Edey leads the Boilermakers with 14 points in the first half, and DJ Horne leads the Wolfpack with 13 points, making them the highest scorers on their respective teams so far.

Follow NBC Sports' 'Bet the Edge' podcast

Bet the Edge is your source for the day in sports betting.

Get all of Jay Croucher and Drew Dinsick’s insight weekdays at 6 a.m. ET  right here  or wherever you get your podcasts.

Not the game for free throws

N.C. State doesn't have a single free throw in the first half. The Wolfpack hasn't made it to the line once in the first 20 minutes of play.

And Purdue only has four, proving that free throws are not going to be score-makers in this matchup.

Purdue covers first half spread

The Boilermakers lead the Wolfpack by 6 at the half and thus cover the first half spread, which was 5.

Why men play halves and women quarters

Unlike their male counterparts, the NCAA women’s basketball teams play games of four 10-minute quarters. The men play two 20-minute halves.

The women’s rules were changed in 2015 to “enhance the flow of the game,” according to a 2015  NCAA release  announcing the change.

Prior to the 2015 announcement, women’s college basketball also played in two 20-minute halves.

Both the NBA and WNBA play in quarters, as well: The NBA uses four 12-minute quarters, and the WNBA uses four 10-minute quarters.

Purdue maintains its lead at the half

Headed into the locker room, Purdue is up 35-29 against N.C. State.

Despite a big run in the final minutes of the half, N.C. State was unable to close the gap on the scoreboard.

Horne leading N.C. State rally

Under four minutes to go in the first half and the Wolfpack’s DJ Horne is leading an N.C. State rally. Purdue is still favored but the spread at BetMGM is down to 8.5 with the game total rising to 143.5 points.

N.C. state is on a run

The Wolfpack is on a 9-2 run against Purdue in the last couple of minutes, quickly shrinking the lead the Boilermakers have held on them all game.

Purdue limiting Burns early

N.C. State big man DJ Burns, who dropped 29 points in last weekend's upset against Duke, has been quiet so far against Purdue. With 6:29 remaining in the first half, he has 4 points and 2 fouls.

Purdue coach Matt Painter was asked about it during a timeout.

“He’s made a couple real nice plays," Painter said. "He hasn’t gotten it as much as he normally does. But we just want to push the ball when we have opportunities, and then if not, just establish Zach (Edey) on the block.” 

Edey, an All-American center, has been major. He has 12 points and 5 rebounds thus far.

Burns picks up two fouls so far

Two fouls on N.C. State’s DJ Burns Jr. is problematic.

He is the one player for the Wolfpack who has the size and weight to keep Purdue’s Zach Edey from getting to the rim.

Boilermakers leading after 10 minutes of game play

Halfway through the first half, the Boilermakers have maintained their lead against the N.C. State Wolfpack.

Purdue now favored by 12.5 points

Nearly halfway through the first half, Purdue is now favored by 12.5 points and the game total has dipped to 142.5 at BetMGM.

DJ Horne’s return to N.C. State has played a critical role in the team's Final Four run

GLENDALE, Ariz. — DJ Horne has taken a long road to the Final Four.

The 6-foot-2, 180-pound guard has been the undersized, unoffered recruit out of North Carolina State’s base of Raleigh. He’s been the strong mid-major performer for two years at Illinois State, followed by the reliable scorer at power-conference program Arizona State.

And now, he’s the twice-over homecoming star: playing a lone season with the Wolfpack to net  the most improbable of Final Four runs  that has brought him back to the state of Arizona, less than an hour from his previous college stop with the Sun Devils.

“Everybody has their own path,” Horne said yesterday.

Horne has been a perfect fit for the Wolfpack entering tonight's game against Purdue. He’s been the explosive perimeter scorer as part of a 1-2 punch  with burly March Madness star DJ Burns Jr. in the paint .

The player that’s getting this shot now is very different from the one who left North Carolina as a three-star recruit to play for the Redbirds of the Missouri Valley Conference. He took a second-year jump in production there to average 15.1 points in 2020-21 while shooting 44.6% from the field and 42.4% from 3-point range, making him an attractive player just in time for NCAA legislation clearing the way for players to transfer without having to sit out at a new school.

That ultimately led Horne to Arizona State.

Horne averaged 12.5 points while starting 62 games over two seasons for the Sun Devils, including their return to March Madness after missing two straight NCAA fields. Horne also came up big in Arizona State’s lone tournament game, crossing over defender Rondel Walker to create some space and then  burying a straightaway 3-pointer to tie the game with 15.6 seconds left  and finishing with a team-high 17 points  in a narrow loss to TCU .

“DJ’s a fighter, he believes in himself,” Sun Devils coach Bobby Hurley said. “Like a lot of small guards, he plays with a chip on a shoulder. When he gets going and starts making a couple shots, man, you better look out because he’s a dangerous guy. I think his confidence grows, his belief grows.”

Across the country around that time, Wolfpack coach Kevin Keatts was looking for backcourt help as he retooled the roster after the loss of high-scoring duo Jarkel Joiner and Terquavion Smith. Horne’s development was perfectly timed. He became the top addition for the Wolfpack, who had reached the NCAAs last season.

“Coming in, (Keatts) basically gave me the keys, man,” Horne said.

Joel Justus, a Wolfpack assistant coach who works with the guards, said Horne arrived with confident polish, strengthened through building successful seasons at the mid-major and then the power-conference levels to appear in 159 college games.

Horne has risen to the challenge, averaging a team-high 16.8 points with multiple big showings during N.C. State’s nine-game surge that led to an ACC Tournament title (the first since 1987) and this improbable Final Four trip. The highlight was his  29 points in the ACC title game to take down eventual No. 1 NCAA regional seed North Carolina , then coming through with 39 points and six 3-pointers in the wins against Marquette and Duke — the second of this March surge against the Blue Devils —  that advanced the 11th-seeded Wolfpack out of the South bracket .

It’s a run that has harkened back to the Wolfpack’s miracle run 41 years earlier, earning 2024 a place in Wolfpack lore alongside 1983 and the 1974 squad that won the national championship — a run that included beating UCLA in the Final Four to end John Wooden’s run of seven straight championships.

Horne admitted he had allowed himself to dream a bit as he left Arizona State last year about the possibility of returning to the state to play in the Final Four. That’s exactly what he was doing yesterday as the Wolfpack took the court for its open practice, breaking into big smiles and bobbing his head along with music from the Wolfpack band during the festive event.

Like with everything else, Horne gets to savor that wrinkle, too.

“I was already planning on coming back out here to visit my guys and everything,” Horne said. “But expenses-paid trip and the Final Four, it doesn’t get any better than that. Just to see that it came full circle and it’s right here in front of my face now, I’m ready to take advantage of it.”

Purdue is first on the board

The first points of the night go to Purdue, who snagged a shot on their first possession.

Fans cheer on

Whitney Matewe

Representatives from all Final Four teams join together for the national anthem

All Final Four teams were represented among a group who performed the national anthem on the court ahead of the first game at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

Dinsick: Betting on a low total in the first semifinal

Drew Dinsick, NBC Sports

I like Game 1 to go UNDER the total of 146.5.

Fair for me is closer to 141 and I think possessions will be at a premium, especially if it is a competitive game. N.C. State rebounds the ball well and Purdue has a tough time creating turnovers.

As a result, it’s unlikely we see much transition scoring or second chance points.

I'm holding a ticket on N.C. State’s team total OVER 31.5pts. in the first half (-122).

Wolfpack are on a nine-game winning streak

The North Carolina State Wolfpack head into tonight with a nine-game winning streak.

After losing their last four regular-season games, and seven of nine, they had to win five games in five days in the ACC Tournament, including a win over Duke in the quarterfinal round, just to get into the 68-team NCAA Tournament field.

Tickets for today's games are expensive — but not as expensive as the women's semifinals were

NCAA men's basketball fans will have to pay top dollar to watch tonight's semifinals games — though it won't be as much as what some women's hoops fans paid yesterday.

Ticket site TickPick.com said Friday that the "get-in" price to see today's men's games was $416.

For the women’s, it was $451.

On Saturday, TickPick said the get-in price for tomorrow's women's national championship was $555 — a record.

We'll have to wait to see what the men's championship matchup looks like to see what the final get-in price will be — but it is unlikely to top the interest being generated by Iowa phenom Caitlin Clark.

Fourth Final Four appearance for N.C. State

Purdue has been to the Final Four three times, including this year. The first time the Boilermakers went to the Final Four, in 1969, they went on to the championship game but lost to UCLA.

North Carolina State is more experienced on this stage, historically, even if they were seeded No. 11 this year to Purdue’s No. 1.

N.C. State has been to the Final Four four times, including this year, and went on to win the championship in two of those years, in 1974 and 1983.

Purdue in its first Final Four since 1980 — when gas was $1 a gallon

It's been 44 years since the Boilermakers were within two wins of a national championship.

Despite 35 appearances at the Big Dance and hailing from the huge hoops state of Indiana, where Indiana University has two national titles and Butler has been to the Final Four twice, the brass ring has been just a hair too high for Purdue.

Possibly until now. The team has been fueled by the NCAA men's season-leading scorer, 7-foot, 4-inch Zach Edey, a monument under the basket.

This year, the Boilermakers have odds second only to UConn in the fight for men's college basketball supremacy and are roughly 9-point favorites against North Carolina State on Saturday in Arizona. A win would be big, even in Indiana.

Sports journalist Mike Lopresti notes in a piece published by the NCAA that Purdue's last Final Four appearance was eight presidents ago, a time when ESPN was new, a gallon of gas was $1, and a Big Mac was 28 cents.

Hyped for hoops: Steve Kornacki breaks down the Final Four

N.c. state's two djs — burns and horne.

Purdue has size, but North Carolina State has two DJs: Forward DJ Burns Jr., and guard DJ Horne. On Sunday, Burns scored a season-high 29 points and Horne had 20 to beat private university rival Duke 76-64.

In the postseason, N.C. State has proven almost anything is possible. It ended its regular season with four losses before brawling through the Atlantic Coast Conference, where it also beat Duke, before earning its ticket to the Big Dance.

Purdue is favored by 9.5 points and 7 feet, 4 inches

If North Carolina State asks what Purdue has that it doesn't, there's an easy answer: 7-foot, 4-inch Zach Edey, the season's leading NCAA scorer.

While his planted, back-to-the-basket style is somewhat outdated in the NBA, where he's undoubtedly headed after this weekend, Edey's hulking, 300-pound presence has unraveled foes' defenses and led Purdue to its first Final Four appearance since 1980.

The Indiana team rode on Edey's career-high 40 points to beat Tennessee on Sunday.

As we sit just under two hours from tip-off, Purdue (-450) remains a 9.5 point favorite over N.C. State (+350) at BetMGM with the Game Total set at 146.5 points.

How Purdue and N.C. State got to the Final Four

Before the Final Four tonight, both Purdue and N.C. state had to battle through four rounds of play to earn their spots in the semifinals.

No. 1 Purdue had to beat Grambling State in the first round, Utah State in the second round, Gonzaga in the Sweet Sixteen and Tennessee in the Elite Eight.

No. 11 N.C. state — in a surprising run to the second-to-last round of the tournament — beat Texas Tech in the first round, Oakland in the second round, Marquette in the Sweet Sixteen and Duke in the Elite Eight.

All but one of N.C. State's wins were upsets. The Wolfpack powered through to knock out a six-seed, a two-seed and a four-seed.

N.C. State in Final Four as 11th seed, tying past record

N.C. State made history by advancing out of the Elite Eight on Sunday to play Purdue, tying a record for the lowest seed to make it to the Final Four.

The upset against the Duke Blue Devils put N.C. State on a list of six teams that have advanced to the Final Four as the 11th seed, according to the NCAA .

The other teams to have done so are LSU (1986), George Mason (2006), VCU (2011), Loyola Chicago (2018) and UCLA (2021).

Though it's been a while, the Wolfpack are no strangers to the Final Four — they last played in the semifinal in 1983.

How to watch: Purdue vs. N.C. State

The No. 1 seed Purdue Boilermakers will take on 11th-seeded N.C. State Wolfpack tonight at 6:09 p.m. ET.

ICYMI: Women's Final Four

Last night, the women's Final Four kicked off this championship weekend with two back-to-back games in Cleveland at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

First up was South Carolina-N.C. State. At the end of the first quarter, the teams were tied up, and by the end of the half, South Carolina only led by 1 point. In the third quarter, though, the Gamecocks pulled ahead and outscored the Wolfpack 29-6, giving them a healthy lead for the rest of the game and assuring them a spot in Sunday's championship.

Shortly after, Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes faced off against Paige Bueckers and the UConn Huskies. After a slow start for Clark, UConn held a lead at the end of the first and second quarters. The Hawkeyes tied it up at the end of the third, making the last 10 minutes of play a nail-biter. Ultimately, the Hawkeyes pulled through, giving Clark one final game of her college career before she heads to the WNBA.