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

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

The Best Gay Cruises

Courtesy of The Cruise with La Demence

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

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

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

Virgin Voyages

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

Gabriel Goldberg | Courtesy of VACAYA

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

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

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

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

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

Courtesy of Virgin Voyages

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

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

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

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

Read: The Best Cruise Lines for the Money

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

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

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

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

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

Read: The Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean

Courtesy of Brand G Vacations

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

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

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

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

Read: The Top River Cruise Lines

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Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read: The Best Girls Trip Ideas

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

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

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

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

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

Courtesy of The Cruise With La Demence

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

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

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

Read: The Top Party Cruises

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

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

You might also be interested in:

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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.” 

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Welcome to PIED PIPER CRUISES!

Pied Piper Cruises is the premier agency for LGBTQ group cruises, serving the LGBTQ community for over 32 years! Committed to offering an extensive variety of cruise destinations on the finest cruise ships and liners at the best fares available, Pied Piper gives you so much more, including private parties, group shore excursions and dining together with your new friends. You’ll have more fun and will never be alone when you are in the comfort of your own group environment. You can relax in knowing that Pied Piper will have it all arranged for you before you board your ship. It’s cruising your way. All Pied Piper LGBTQ group cruises are subject to minimum participation.

PIED PIPER CRUISES is thrilled to announce that we have partnered with MSC Cruises to offer you sailings on the fabulous and exciting ships of MSC Cruises! Thanks to requests from our passengers, we are pleased to offer more alternative itineraries and different innovative ships! First to be added to our calendar are three amazing voyages to Europe in the Summer of 2024! We’ll be sailing on three amazing MSC Cruises ships, Orchestra, Splendida and the incredible new ship, World Europa! The itineraries we’ve selected are spectacular, with visits to new and exciting ports of call you’ll love! Please click on our calendar for exact dates and details!

Why MSC cruises? MSC has an incredible fleet of new and exciting ships! They’re larger and have much more activities to do onboard. Also, the MSC ships have larger cabins, more onboard dining options, lounges, and incredible entertainment! Plus, the balcony cabins on MSC ships have real outdoor balconies and not Verandas with windows! Also, the MSC itineraries are more unique with ports of call you most likely haven’t been to before! Not the same old itineraries, but something new and exciting!

Captain‘s Blog

Latest blog entry - greek isles cruise on the celebrity reflection - september 2022.

Hello everyone! Welcome to our  Pied Piper Captain‘s Blog. The Captain‘s blog will be a regularly updated blog posting by our cruise hosts. Please come back to read about some of the highlights, good times and experiences our travelers are having onboard their Pied Piper LGBTQ group cruises.

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HELP US CELEBRATE!

Pied Piper is celebrating our 34th anniversary season of LGBTQ Group Cruises! We hope you can join us on a cruise this year and in the future.

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PIED PIPER is not responsible for typographical errors on this website. All prices and itineraries are subject to change without prior notice. Reservations are subject to availability. PIED PIPER CRUISES and our logo are registered trademarks and cannot be used without the expressed written permission of PIED PIPER CRUISES. Reservations made on this website are subject to the terms and conditions as outlined by PIED PIPER CRUISES on the respective reservation forms.

The Ultimate Guide on Finding the Best Gay Cruise

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

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

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

Why Take a Gay Cruise?

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

The History of the Gay Cruise Industry

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

Types of Gay Cruises

Gay cruises generally fall into one of the following categories.

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

Is a Gay Cruise Right for You?

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

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

Gay Cruise & Sailing Companies

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

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

How to Choose the Best Gay Cruise or Company

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

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

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Best Gay Cruises: Top 10 Picks for LGBTQ+ Travelers in 2023

The travel industry has transformed significantly, increasingly catering to specific interests and communities. As part of this growing trend, there’s a thriving niche of specialized cruises designed for the LGBTQ+ community. 

Enter the world of gay cruises, voyages that promise fun and relaxation, and an opportunity to be surrounded by a like-minded community in a welcoming and inclusive environment. This article explores some of the best gay cruises for your next sea adventure.

The Importance of Inclusive Travel

In the not-so-distant past, the travel industry was often an unwelcoming space for LGBTQ+ individuals. However, the advent of dedicated gay cruises has played a significant role in changing this narrative. 

These cruises are more than just a vacation – they’re a statement, a celebration of diversity and acceptance. For many, they offer a haven, an opportunity to travel freely without fear of judgment or discrimination. They represent a shift towards inclusivity, creating an environment where everyone can relax and be themselves.

Moreover, these cruises are a beacon of visibility for the LGBTQ+ community. They encourage dialogue, foster understanding, and celebrate diversity’s beauty in the most grandiose way. Through entertainment, activities, and simply existing as dedicated spaces, gay cruises contribute to the broader acceptance and recognition of the LGBTQ+ community in society.

Setting Sail with the Best in LGBTQ+ Travel

Traveling is a luxury that everyone deserves to enjoy, and when it comes to the world of cruises, there’s no shortage of options for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re seeking adventure on the high seas or the tranquility of a river journey, there’s something for everyone.

The Rise of Specialized Cruises

In recent years, the cruise line industry has recognized the diversity of its passengers and has started offering specialized experiences. From gay group cruises to LGBTQ+ friendly events, the spectrum is vast. One of the standout names in the industry is Atlantis Events, known for organizing premier gay cruises. Their expertise and events have led to them being frequently referred to as one of the top choices when discussing the best gay cruises.

River Cruises vs. Oceanic Journeys

While the vast ocean offers an expansive adventure, there’s something incredibly intimate about a river cruise. Meandering through continents, these cruises offer a closer look at cultures, with stops at lesser-known ports. Whether you’re onboard a Royal Caribbean ship charting the vast waters of the Caribbean cruise or taking a peaceful river journey, the experience is unparalleled.

Must-Visit Destinations

Every gay cruise has its highlights, but certain destinations always stand out. Puerto Vallarta, for example, is not just a beautiful beach town but also an LGBTQ+ hotspot. Many travelers have lauded its welcoming atmosphere, making it a frequent stop for many gay cruises. When on board a ship, the mention of this destination always brings a murmur of excitement among passengers.

Choosing the Right Cruise Line

When you’re looking for the best gay cruises, it’s essential to consider the cruise line. Companies like Royal Caribbean have a reputation for being inclusive and offering a broad range of experiences. However, it’s also crucial to look for cruise lines that organize dedicated gay cruises, ensuring that your journey is surrounded by like-minded individuals.

The world of cruises for LGBTQ+ travelers is broader than ever. From ocean giants to peaceful riverboats, the options are endless. Whether you’re searching for the best gay cruise to the azure waters of the Caribbean or hoping to join a gay group cruise down a tranquil river, the opportunities in 2023 are vast.

What to Look For in a Gay Cruise

So, what makes a great gay cruise? Beyond the destination, there are vital factors to consider when choosing the perfect voyage for your next vacation.

First, look at the accommodations and amenities on offer. Your cabin is your home away from home, so comfort is crucial. Many cruises offer a range of rooms, from simple and cozy to outright luxurious. The ship’s amenities – such as pools, spas, and fitness centers – also significantly affect your overall experience.

Second, consider the onboard entertainment and activities . An excellent gay cruise offers various options, from drag shows to dance parties, film screenings, and themed nights. The more diverse the offerings, the better the chances of catering to a broader range of tastes and interests.

Third, consider the cruise line’s diversity and inclusivity policies . It’s essential that the cruise actively fosters an environment of respect and acceptance for all.

Finally, many of the best gay cruises offer unique LGBTQ+-themed events and parties. These could include Pride parties, drag brunches, or LGBTQ+ history talks. These events can significantly enhance your travel experience, providing opportunities to connect with others in the community and learn something new.

Choosing the best gay cruise involves finding the right balance between all these factors. In the next section, we’ll take a closer look at some of the top contenders in the industry.

11 Best Gay Cruises

1. atlantis events.

Since starting in 1991, Atlantis Events has become the top travel company offering the best gay cruises for the LGBTQ+ community.

Each year, over 20,000 guests join Atlantis Events cruises. These trips go to exciting places like South America and the Cayman Islands.

The company offers all-gay cruises, using big ships from famous cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line.

Guests on these cruises can enjoy fun activities, great food, and comfortable rooms. Atlantis Events cruises also have special events like motivational speakers, drag shows, and a selection of LGBTQ+ movies that guests can watch in their rooms. This makes Atlantis Events a top choice for the best gay cruises.

2. Pied Piper Travel

Pied Piper Travel is a top agency for gay and lesbian cruises. They’ve been in the business for over 32 years and offer many trip options. They plan short trips and big trips on large ships.

They already have 50 group cruises planned until 2024. These cruises go to cool places like Antarctica, the Rio Carnival, and New Zealand. Pied Piper Travel works with big cruise companies like Celebrity Cruises, Cunard, Royal Caribbean, and Princess Cruises.

On these trips, which are some of the best gay cruises, guests can enjoy cocktail parties, meals, entertainment, and special events. There’s also a Pied Piper Host on each cruise to ensure everyone has a good time.

3. Olivia Travel

Olivia ranks highly among the best gay cruises, serving lesbians and LGBTQ women for nearly 50 years. Guests can choose between river or ocean trips to various global destinations. Onboard activities range from themed dance parties and folk concerts to writing workshops and karaoke. For relaxation, cruisers can enjoy the pool, spa, or lounges.

Olivia also offers specialized programs to connect guests with similar backgrounds, including solo traveler meetups, a program for LGBTQ women of color (Sisters at Sea), a gathering for those 40 and younger (Gen-O and Friends), and events for veterans (Women in Uniform) and mature women (OWLs – “older, wiser lesbians”). Olivia Cruises’ travelers often report a strong sense of community, adding to a fun, stress-free experience.

4. Celebrity Cruises

If you’re hunting for the best gay cruises, Celebrity Cruises should be top of your list. They’re award-winners, celebrated for their epic Pride parties and year-round LGBTQ+ events.

From night one, you’re welcomed with a particular party to meet other LGBTQ+ travelers. And the fun doesn’t stop – they’ve got a lineup of social events throughout your journey. Plus, they’re pioneers in love, being the first to host a same-sex wedding at sea in 2018.

Travelers rave about their trips with celebrities. It ticks all the boxes – friendly vibes, great food, and plenty of hangout spots. If you’re LGBTQ+ and love cruising, Celebrity Cruises is a top pick.

5. The Cruise With La Demence

Looking for the best gay cruises? Check out La Demence. It’s an all-gay cruise that’s a total blast. It’s named after a famous gay club in Brussels and has a big European crowd. But it’s not just guys – women are welcome too.

Here’s what’s fun about La Demence. You can dance all night to top DJs under dazzling lights. And it’s not just about dancing. People love their gay-friendly stops and tasty cocktails. There are also dress-up-themed nights and excellent activities like drag bingo.

And where do you go? Some of the best places. Every summer, La Demence visits Rome, Athens, Mykonos in Greece, Kotor in Montenegro, and Dubrovnik in Croatia. Talk about the best gay cruises, right?

6. Brand g Vacations

Brand g Vacations is a top choice for the best gay cruises. They started in 2011 with LGBT+ river cruises and land tours. Now, they’re adding luxury ocean liners in 2023. With trips worldwide and smaller crowd sizes, you’ll get to know your fellow passengers, mostly 40 years old and older.

The fun onboard is different from other cruises. Instead of big dance parties, you get cabaret-style shows with drag queens and gay Broadway stars. There are also great sightseeing tours and fancy meals. If you want a relaxed, luxury trip, pick Brand G.

You get lots of extras with Brand G. They give you airport transfers, hotel stays before the trip, and unlimited drinks. The cost is high, but it’s worth it. Plus, they support LGBTQ+ causes like the Elton John AIDS Foundation. With Brand G, you get one of the best gay cruises and help for a good reason.

7. Source Journeys

In the world of the best gay cruises, Source Journeys is a winner. They create luxe cruise trips for the LGBTQ+ community. Think of it like a treasure chest of dream holidays.

Picture this: cruising to the Galapagos Islands in September. You’re on the Evolve yacht, spotting sea lions, turtles, and iguanas. It’s the perfect mix of adventure and chill.

But if you fancy Asia, they’ve got you. In October, a Vietnam and Cambodia cruise showcases the beauty of the Mekong. City vibes, nature spots, it’s got it all. So, for top-notch gay cruises, keep Source Journeys on your radar.

8. Uniworld River Cruises

Want the best gay cruises with no hassle? River cruises are your answer. With Uniworld, you can explore many cool cities in one trip, just for the LGBTQ+ crowd.

You’ll enjoy fun events and shows on an Out on the Rivers cruise. Plus, the guys from R Family Vacations, Gregg Kaminsky and Kelli Carpenter, are in charge. The Brilliant Bordeaux cruise is a must.

And here’s a hot tip: April Holland and Belgium at Tulip Time cruise. It celebrates LGBTQ+ leaders in Western Europe. It’s one of the best gay cruises you can’t miss!

9. R Family Vacations

Ever heard of R Family Vacations? They’re top dogs in the best gay cruises game, especially for LGBTQ+ families. For 20 years, they’ve ensured folks feel welcome and safe when we travel.

They charter big ships like Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas. What’s onboard? Broadway shows, comedy acts, dance parties, and dinners tailored for the LGBTQ+ community.

Recently, they’ve started adult-only cruises too. Imagine a quieter, luxurious sail just for grown-ups. So whether you’ve got kids or want adult downtime, R Family Vacations has some of the best gay cruises around.

10. RSVP Vacations

Looking for the best gay cruises? Check out RSVP Vacations. They’ve been making gay cruises fun since 1985. With over 150,000 happy guests so far, they know their stuff.

What’s cool about RSVP? They charter all sorts of ships. Big ones from Holland America Line or MSC Cruises, and relaxing river cruises from AmaWaterways. There’s something for everyone.

But the best part? The onboard fun. Pool games, T-dances, bingo, and even costume contests! RSVP Vacations makes sure everyone has a great time. So, for a top-notch gay cruise, RSVP Vacations should be your pick.

11. OUTBound

OUTbound offers unique LGBTQ+ travel adventures like no other. From cruising the Danube River to discovering Africa’s landscapes, every trip is authentic.

OUTbound works with local LGBTQ+ tour operators. This means you keep connecting with our community, even when exploring ashore. You’ll dive into the local culture, history, and nature.

So, if you’re after the best gay cruises, think OUTbound. With their special focus on art, culture, and history, your journey will be truly unforgettable.

The travel world has changed, creating the best gay cruises that offer a warm and inclusive space for the LGBTQ+ community. Each cruise line, from Atlantis Events to OUTbound, brings something unique. They provide more than just a vacation; they offer a chance to enjoy exciting destinations, have fun, and express yourself freely.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

While they primarily cater to the LGBTQ+ community, many gay cruises welcome allies and friends who wish to join in the festivities and support LGBTQ+ causes.

Gay cruises feature a range of themed events, parties, and entertainment, often with LGBTQ+ performers, DJs, and drag shows. Expect a vibrant and accepting atmosphere.

The minimum age varies by cruise, but most require participants to be at least 18 or 21 years old.

Yes, gay cruises prioritize safety and inclusivity, often working closely with cruise lines to create a welcoming environment.

Yes, many gay cruises are welcoming to straight allies, as long as they are respectful and supportive of the LGBTQ+ community.

Did you know?

Gay Cruises are a unique way to experience the world, offering LGBTQ+ travelers a safe and welcoming environment to explore new destinations. These cruises often feature all-gay or all-lesbian crews, creating a sense of community and inclusivity onboard. One of the most popular features of Gay Cruises is the entertainment, which can range from drag shows to live music to comedy performances. These cruises also offer a range of activities and excursions, from beach parties to cultural tours to adventure sports. Gay Cruises are a great way to meet new people, explore new destinations, and celebrate your identity in a fun and supportive environment.

Author’s Note

These cruises are celebrations of diversity and acceptance. Whether it’s exciting parties, cultural immersion, or simply lounging in luxurious accommodations, there’s a gay cruise that’s just right for you. So, consider one of these cruises the next time you plan a vacation. It’s more than just a trip; it’s a journey that celebrates you.

Related: Best Cruise Lines for Adults , Most Fun Cruise Ship , Most Eco-Friendly Cruise Lines

Christian Petzold is a successful touristic entrepreneur, experiential traveller and round-the-world backpacker. He holds an academic degree in tourism management.

His touristic expertise has been covered in radio, newspaper and television.

Read more on him here…

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Hot Topic: Surprise Cruise Reveal Ideas

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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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

• 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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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.

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The 9 Best Gay Cruises for 2024 (+ Planning Tips)

W hether 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.)

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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.

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

Atlantis Events

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

Brand g Vacations

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

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

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

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

Read: The Top River Cruise Lines

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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

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

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.

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

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.

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Why Trust U.S. News Travel

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

You might also be interested in:

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

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I Went on My First Gay Cruise — Here's What It Was Like

Here's why I chose vacation company Vacaya to book my first gay cruise.

Nonstop parties, unwarranted comments, and a lack of diversity were a few reasons why I avoided booking a gay cruise. However, that changed with Vacaya, a large-scale adults-only vacation company that touts its inclusivity to the entire LGBTQ+ community and our straight allies.

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. But when I was offered the opportunity to sail with Vacaya, I asked a few friends about their gay cruise experiences — specifically, about the company's chartered sailings and resort vacations. I heard words and phrases like "diverse," "body positive," and "it is what you make it" — and that made me happy.

So, I decided to step outside of my comfort zone and join more than 1,500 passengers aboard the Celebrity Millennium for a seven-day Caribbean cruise with stops in Aruba and Curaçao.

A Conscious Decision to Be Inclusive

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. Even before setting sail, some of my preconceived notions about gay cruises seemed to fade.

That same diversity also extended to Vacaya 's programming and entertainment. Glee star Amber Riley paid homage to soulful divas like Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin, and Whitney Houston. Actress Susie Mosher added comedic levity as the host of a show where fearless passengers sang their favorite tunes. The Skivvies performed a roster of music mash-ups with high-brow humor, comedians Gene Moore and Geneva Joy made us laugh until we cried, actress Marilu Henner dished about her Hollywood career, and drag queen Shangela took center stage for an engaging show that included a tribute to Beyonce.

Throughout the cruise, passengers went all out dressing up in elaborate costumes to show off their creativity at theme parties — usually with DJs Corey Craig or Susan Morabito at the helm. The DJs largely catered to an audience who preferred electronic dance music (EDM), and some passengers, including myself, wished there was a bit more variety.

"There were different ethnicities on board: Black, white, Spanish, and Asian. Vacaya should consider adding a little Afrobeat and other music genres that people can enjoy," said Samira Alston, an African American bisexual passenger from Brooklyn, New York.

Meeting people like Alston was easy. There was a strong sense of community on board, and it was an effortless, stress-free process to connect with different people and exchange cruise cards — one way to stay in touch on the ship.

I met several people, including Ken, who drove 12 hours from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to go on his first gay cruise; Eric and his partner, Jason, from Tacoma, Washington, who chatted about how they met, Jason's "coming out" story, and his amicable divorce from his ex-wife; and Oscar, a passenger from L.A., who was single and ready to mingle after a divorce from his ex-husband.

I discovered that a gay cruise allows us to be fully ourselves in a respectful environment, reuniting with old friends from previous cruises and cultivating new friendships that go beyond our seven-day journey.

The Nitty-gritty of Cruising

This wasn't a typical vacation for me as I had to work, so I paid for Celebrity's Xcelerate Stream package for two devices (phone and laptop). The unsecured Wi-Fi access was spotty and slow in my cabin, and I often had to go to public areas for better reception. If you can, I recommend skipping the Wi-Fi charge and truly unplugging.

True for many cruises, there are also separate prepaid packages for dining and beverages. I was more than happy to eat most of my meals at the Oceanview Cafe , an international buffet serving Mexican, British, Italian, Asian, and other cuisines. I splurged an extra $45 to eat at the Tuscan Grille , and was also invited to try Le Petit Chef , which blends 3D tabletop entertainment with a delicious four-course meal. I don't drink much, so I opted out of purchasing a beverage package and paid for cocktails and wine as needed — primarily for the poolside parties.

As for activities, the shore excursions in Aruba offered a variety of beach, wildlife, and immersive experiences. In Curaçao, I visited the Dolphin Academy for an up-close animal encounter. It's worth noting that this three-hour experience costs $159 (excluding lunch) and included waiting a considerable amount of time for the 15-minute dolphin show, which may be underwhelming for some.

Cruise Travel During a Pandemic

These days, it's impossible to discuss cruise travel without mentioning the elephant in the room: COVID-19. A week before I was scheduled to depart, a Royal Caribbean ship (not a Vacaya chartered cruise) was turned away from Aruba and Curaçao due to the number of positive COVID cases on board. So, I was concerned that we wouldn't be able to stop at the same ports, too.

I made the conscious decision to go on a cruise, understanding the potential risks, even as a fully vaccinated person. All passengers had to provide negative COVID-19 test results no more than 48 hours before the day we set sail. I took an at-home test, a rapid antigen test at Reagan National Airport, and ordered a 10-pack of N95 masks . And when it came to the poolside theme parties, I enjoyed them from the top balcony to avoid the large crowds below. Passengers were diligent about adhering to Celebrity's protocols to mask up for all indoor performances and activities.

Bill Onieal and Ryan Focht understood the precautions necessary to stay safe on the cruise. Onieal is a nurse with 13 years of experience in the emergency department, having also worked in palliative care and special needs pediatrics, and Focht is a chemist working in preclinical toxicology research. From Jersey City, New Jersey, the engaged couple is fully vaccinated, received their booster shots, and gets tested regularly because of their professions, but Onieal said, "There's always the chance that we may contract COVID."

"The safety measures that were implemented were the only reason we felt safe attending a Vacaya cruise during the pandemic," said Focht. "Celebrity and Vacaya were transparent about their contact-tracing protocols."

Of course, doing all the right things doesn't entirely erase the risk of COVID. In a post-cruise press release, Vacaya cofounder and CEO Randle Roper said, "Over the course of the week, 27 guests tested positive and were placed in insolation, and 72 additional guests who'd been in close contact with a positive person were tested, placed in quarantine for the recommended 24 hours, and retested before being declared COVID-free and released."

Final Takeaways

Looking back on my cruise, I would do it again as a solo traveler. In fact, a few friends and I have already discussed the possibility of booking Vacaya's fifth-anniversary Caribbean cruise on the Celebrity Reflection , scheduled for February 2023. Celebrity's safety protocols and Vacaya's attention to detail, transparency, and inclusive vibe and strategy are all reasons why I was able to enjoy my first gay cruise and return home COVID-free.

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‘Bluey’ Introduces First LGBT Characters in Subtle Moment You Might Have Missed

Democrats grasp chances in deep red idaho as voters react to ‘really scary’ agenda, gay rights activists attacked during rally in moscow.

The AFP reports :

“‘We have come here to prevent this event from happening,' Orthodox group member Leonid Simonovich-Nikshich said as scuffles raged around him. ‘God burned down Sodom and Gomorrah and he will burn down Moscow too if we let things like this happen,' he told AFP. Members of the religious group wore black robes and brandished Christian Orthodox cross. An AFP correspondent saw one man rip up a picture of Elton John — the openly gay icon of the global gay and lesbian community.”

“The small group of rights activists were mostly composed of young people who chanted ‘Russia without homophobia' and wore shirts with signs such as ‘I love her.' Police had cordoned off the area in advance to thwart activists' plans to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.”

Watch mobile phone video of Choi talking about his arrest while he is in the back of a paddy wagon, AFTER THE JUMP .

UK Gay News has a rundown of events from the parade.

Gay Russia has a slideshow of photos from the rally. A slide show of images also accompany this article from the AP.

Watch a few dramatic videos of the rally, AFTER THE JUMP .

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Ptown hacks 2018.

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Moscow Boat Tour

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Description

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

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

Highlights of the tour

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

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

Moscow River

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

Bridges in Moscow

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

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

Embankments of Moscow

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

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

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

Different epochs

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

Boat trip around Kolomenskoe Park

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

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

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

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

Monasteries and temples

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

What you get:

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

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