Holidays4men - Gay Holidays Blog

   Gay Cruise, Gay Boat & Gay Yacht Holidays for Men

Gay cruises in Spain

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cristian says:

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

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

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

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

Get Involved with Holidays4Men

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

Exotic Destinations

River cruises.

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the experience

  Unique Experience our friendly village atmosphere on a custom-tailored gay cruise you won’t find anywhere else. Unforgettable Create moments and encounters you will remember the rest of your life. Unexpected Exciting ports of call and stunning views. Wild parties and new friends. Quiet moments alone with the sea. Open yourself each day to new surprises.

cultural discoveries

Explore cities full of culture and history, spectacular nature and pristine beaches. On your own, or on an organized tour. Offering late sails in some ports of call, we allow you to discover the destinations without having to rush. We sail you into the buzz of every destination and you create your own adventure!

relax: water + sun

Onboard this floating village, various large pools, jacuzzis and sundecks for every taste, guarantee you will get all the sun and water you want. Afternoons, DJs spin chilled lounge music around the pools. Relax with new and old friends, take a dip, chat, order a refreshing drink. Or slip away to one of our quiet decks, where all you hear is the sound of the breeze and the sea. If tan lines aren’t your thing, head up to our nudist deck - a discrete haven for nude sunbathers.

With several restaurants onboard plus room service, you will never go hungry. The ships feature an à-la-carte dinner restaurant, a full buffet with extended opening hours, and a late-night buffet, all complimentary. For a reasonnable fee, you can enjoy the different specialty dining restaurants.

daytime fun

Sporty? Head to the ocean-view gym or test your grip on the climbing wall. Want pampering? Book a treatment at the Spa and Beauty Salon. Have you met someone you’d like to sit in the dark with? Sneak into the 24-hour darkroom. Shopaholic? Various duty free shops are calling. In addition, we organize fun activities like the Mister The Cruise competition, the hilarious High Heels Run, the Belly Flop, Handbag Throwing, Bingo and much more.

entertain me

Once again this year, we add our own specialty entertainment to the ship's excellent offerings. Marvel at the spectacles offered every evening by the ship’s international team of professional dancers and singers, along with our own artists that will join us, same as previous years.    

the best parties

Sunset Tea Dance The perfect way to celebrate another day of blissful relaxation at sea and intriguing adventures onshore. Gather for some light-hearted fun as the light turns to gold. Night Party Dance the night away under the stars in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, to the beats of the best LA DEMENCE DJs. Enjoy the open-air play area. We greet the magic moment of the sunrise with a last dance. After Party Not ready for the party to end? Or just waking up and feel like dancing your way to breakfast? Head to the ship’s disco for our after party and the 24h interior playroom.

A gay travel blog featuring gay travel events, festivals, tips and stories. Follow our adventure as we travel the world together.

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.

gay cruise ship uk

Why Take a Gay Cruise?

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

The History of the Gay Cruise Industry

The concept of LGBT-specific travel started in the ’70s and was pioneered by Hans Ebensten , who began taking gay men on tours rafting through the Grand Canyon as well as to Carnival in Rio de Janeiro. As LGBT people became more visible and acceptance shifted, several more companies began creating trips for the LGBT 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.

gay cruise ship uk

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 ranges 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 LGBT 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 LGBT 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.

gay cruise ship uk

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 LGBT 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 ship uk

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!)

gay cruise ship uk

How to Choose the Best Gay Cruise or Company

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

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

La Demence Gay Cruise

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Gay Cruises: Here Is Your Ultimate Guide for 2024

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

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

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

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

How to Choose the Best Gay Cruises

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

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

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

Cruise ship on ocean

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.

photo of rainbow flags

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.

Bolds travel circle image.

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?

Marcos is the founder of Men Who Brunch (MWB) a lifestyle blog for gay men of color. As a black gay man, he struggled with his sexuality and wanted to be part of a community. MWB is that community where you’ll find content about spaces for black gay men, entertainment news, and gay lifestyle.

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Pied Piper Travel : Gay Group Cruises. Cruising your way.

Cruising your way...

gay cruise ship uk

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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Gay tours by theme, upcoming gay tours, tailor-made vacations, choose your date, choose your destination, tell us what you want to do, travel with us, some from our travellers, the inca trail was an incredible experience..

I had such a great time with the Group and Ale. Group was super friendly and Ale was amazing, funny and such a fantastic guide and person. The Inca trail was an incredible experience. Overall the trip was great and highly recommended. 

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Amazing. Our Guide was very fun and knowledgeable. She made the trip seem seamless and was a great resource of information.

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Everything was excellent and ran smoothly.

The experience, the accommodations, the people, and the food – Everything was excellent and ran smoothly

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Epic, amazing, and a trip I’ll remember forever. Loved, loved loved our guides and camping in the middle of the Serengeti was an experience I will never forget.

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We love Out Adventures and always have a great time. Unmatched in quality. We also loved meeting new people, Wadi Rum and Petra. Wadi Rum is stunning.

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Be prepared for the intense heat! There are many awesome activities, but some are more commercial than others. At times, you will feel like the typical tourist, and at other times you will feel like you are truly experiencing the Thai culture.

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The Globetrotter Guys

The Atlantis Gay Cruise: Review and Essential Guide

We had wanted to go on an Atlantis gay cruise for years! This is  the gay cruise that everyone talks about and the Atlantis gay cruise in particular is one of the best known and hosts the biggest gay cruise in the world.

To us it looked like pure fun in the sun with all the different themed parties, visiting spectacular destinations and all held on-board a luxurious ship! However take a minute to look past the incredible parties and you will see there so much more to an Atlantis gay cruise.

We have been on many Atlantis gay cruises and after our first, all of our expectations were exceeded and our preconceptions challenged.

In our Atlantis gay cruise review and essential guide, we will share all our personal gay cruise experiences as well as answering all the questions you might have about going.

Here is what you need to know about going on an Atlantis gay cruise and why you need to go on one at least once in your lifetime.

What is an Atlantis Gay Cruise?

atlantis gay cruise

Atlantis events is a company that is has been running gay trips for over 30 years. They started small and now charter some of the largest cruise ships in the world to host multiple Atlantis Gay Cruises around the world.

This means that Atlantis will buy out (charter) an entire ship from Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Virgin Voyages or Norwegian Cruise lines, and then use the ship to run a gay cruise for normally 7 nights.

By chartering the ship exclusively for Atlantis guests, Atlantis can then run their own programme of events, parties and activities catered to gay travellers.

Who goes on an Atlantis Gay Cruise?

atlantis gay cruise review

We had some big preconceptions here, we thought it was only the sterotypical poster muscle boys and we were a little intimidated – however, and this is a recuring theme in this gay cruise review, we were wrong.

Yes there are plenty of poster boys, but having done multiple gay cruises we have seen every body type represented and celebrated, every age and people from all over the world. It’s amazing to see people just let loose and enjoy themselves no matter their body type.

Do not worry about your body, just turn up as you are and you are sure to have a great time! If you want to smash the gym pre-cruise that is also fine – it is all about what is good for you!

In terms of gender and sexuality, anyone is welcome to book an Atlantis gay cruise, we have met straight couples and lesbians onboard, but it is 90+% gay men.

We have also met plenty of solo travellers, couples, groups of friends, throuples and everything inbetween

Don’t take our word for it, read from other guests about who goes on gay cruise .

Are Atlantis gay cruises friendly?

For our first sailing, we didn’t know what types of people we would be meeting on-board. We had seen in advance through various Facebook groups that there were a lot of large groups of friends, and this being our first cruise and not knowing anybody in advance we were worried that it might feel ‘clique-y’ and that we might not fit in.

It turns out we were completely wrong.

Without a doubt the environment on the Atlantis gay cruise ship was the most friendly and welcoming environment we have ever encountered in our lives.

People would talk to you at every opportunity and it felt refreshing to experience this – people were just genuinely nice. We really wish it was like this in day to day life, people don’t talk to each other enough or simply ask how your day is going.

You will meet so many people and some will become lifelong friends – given that there are thousandss of people on-board and they booked immediately for the following year, you can see how the community builds and builds.

We purposely go on the same sailing each year to see a lot of familiar faces.

What are the parties like on an Atlantis Cruise?

Atlantis gay cruise party

The parties on an Atlantis gay cruise are a full scale production, exactly like you would expect from any big gay circuit party with international DJ’s and the party locations being turned into jungles, under the sea worlds or whatever the theme might be.

What are the Atlantis Cruise Party Themes?

On the topic of themes, we love to party and we (Sion mainly) loves a themed party.

For every cruise both the day time parties (T-Dance parties around 3pm) and the night time parties (around 11pm until as late at 9am sometimes!) have themes.

Guaranteed party themes include the dog tag T-Dance (military style), the White Party and the Disco T-Dance – other nights take on a range of themes (more below).

People get incredibly creative and you can wear anything you want at all.

Do people have ടex at the parties?

You will see everything at the parties, and by everything we mean everything.

This is not a bad thing at all in our eyes. In fact it’s quite liberating to see people taking the social stigma away from enjoying ടex and feeling free enough to do whatever they want – no one seemed to mind or care and everyone just seemed to have a good time! Do be mindful of staff, for the most part it’s deep in the crowd.

This extends well into the early hours of the morning…especially on certain ships that have the D*** Deck.

What do people wear on an Atlantis Gay Cruise?

Atlantis gay cruise outfits

Keeping on the theme of the parties, you might decide to wear very little (i.e just a jockstrap), be nervous stood in your room (like we were the first time) and then get to the party and realise you had nothing to worry about – no one judges you and it is super liberating!

On the other hand we have seen people dress full on as jelly fish, sea gods and polar bears!

We have an entire post on ‘What to pack for a gay cruise’ but here are the typical themes you can expect to see every year are:

  • White Party – the name says it all, wear all white. You can go all out and maybe don some angel wings , these white elastic body harnesses are a cheap and easy option for anyone or you can simply wear a white vest and shorts. We have never seen so many bare bums so feel absolutely free to simply grab yourself a white jockstrap and get ready to party!
  • Dog Tag T-Dance – This one is all about the military – think black, green and camo. Grab some camo speedos , some trainers or boots and you are good to go. If you want to take it further, you will see a lot of guys wearing a good quality leather chest harness and maybe getting into character with some face paints too. 
  • Disco Theme – We have never seen so much gold fabric! For this party, grab yourself a comedy disco wig , some gold pants  or maybe a ridiculous 70’s style shirt!

JJ Malibu tick all the boxes for ‘gay’ party attire and we stocked up before going on our first cruise (as you can tell in all these photos!). They have whole sections on their website for white parties, military themed parties, circuit parties etc.

In previous years the additional themes were ‘Under the Sea’ – think cheeky sailors; ‘Champions’ – think sports; Jungle and ‘Playground’ – cartoon characters and so on.

What to pack for an Atlantis gay cruise?

There is so much more to consider! Outfits, cruise cards to keep in touch with all your new friends, white boards. And we especially wish we had taken earplugs! The music was LOUD!

For the full list check out our list ‘ What to pack for a gay cruise ’.

Is an Atlantis Gay Cruise all about the parties?

We fully understand that parties are not for everyone, and so if you don’t want to go to them, simply don’t. You are probably on one of the largest and most luxurious cruise ships in the world and there is so much else to enjoy.

You have the shows to watch, whether this be theatre based shows like Mamma Mia, or the incredible acrobatic Airotic show. The food is great and each night you can enjoy a 3 course or more fine dining experience. There are usually sports courts, climbing walls, surf riders, and more bars and cafes than you attend.

There is something for everyone so if you don’t like to party, do not worry, you will still have the best time in the friendliest environment.

What are the staff like on an Atlantis cruise?

Now you might be thinking ‘what about the poor staff?’

After speaking to many members of staff on-board they all know what to expect and in fact some actively volunteer to work on an Atlantis gay cruise. One member of staff even went as far to say “it was her favourite charter of the year regardless of destinations”. They say as a group we are friendlier, politer, more fun and tip more – and they even party with us! They also enjoy not having screaming kids and, in some cases, entitled parents on board!

We don’t need to tell you, but the staff do deserve so much respect and it was lovely to see everyone giving it to them!

Is there a compromise on cruise quality?

one of the stops on atlantis

Cruises are known for being high end vacations with exceptional service from the staff, exceptional food and the best facilities.

Just because this is a gay cruise with a heavy focus on partying does not mean that this is any less true. We thoroughly enjoyed the meals on the evening in the a-la-carte restaurant and did not miss one meal!

We made it to a couple of shows during our cruise too, before getting ready for the evening parties. And we even bravely fought the hangover to try the flow-rider, the climbing wall and on-board ziplines too!

The staff as we have already said, go above and beyond to help in anyway they can and the facilities on board the ship were top class.

The same can be said for the destinations – please make sure to drag yourself off the ship for a few places. This year we loved the water in the Bahamas, the vibe of Cozumel and the pool side bars in Costa Maya.

If you want an amazing cruise experience, you are still going to get one!

Do you need wifi on a Gay Cruise?

In all honesty, the wifi is not worth it. We know many people get it so they can stay active on Grindr, but actually most of the time location services does not work so neither do location based apps like Grindr or Scruff.

If you really need it occasionally then get it at the port without spending hundreds of dollars.

Like we said, everyone is super friendly, you don’t need an app to hook-up, if you want it you got it!

There is also an onboard app for free on Royal Caribbean Sailings you can use to message between rooms, this is what we did with our friends.

The one thing wifi can be useful for is when making new friends and trying to keep in contact on social media whilst onboard since not everyone checks the ship app.

What are the shows like on an Atlantis gay cruise?

atlantis gay cruise

We fully understand the temptation to go for a pre-party nap each night but the shows are really quite special.

The one that we loved the most this year was called Airotic. The show has many incredibly talented aerial performers showcasing their skills in silks, hoops, pole and many other disciplines. They absolutely know how to put on a show and it helps that the performers look incredible in their minimal costumes. A very impressive and sensual show indeed!

The other show we saw was the classic Mamma Mia! which we enjoyed, other nights showcased popular gay comedians . You are paying for the entertainment so you should definitely go and see it!

Is an Atlantis Cruise just a floating gay ടex cruise

It can be if you want it to be and that is absolutely fine , gay cruise ടex is widely available!

But the ship is so large with so much going on you could be in your own little world while all the “frolics” take place elsewhere – it is your vacation and you make it what you want and leave your judgement at home.

How much does an Atlantis Gay Cruise cost?

Naturally, a gay cruise is more expensive than an everyday sailing but you really can’t compare the two.

Prices per person for the week range from about $1,200 plus taxes per person at the lower end to much higher for the suites etc.

It’s not a cheap week but we always feel it is great value for money, mainly because you can’t get the same experience anywhere else.

Is an Atlantis Gay Cruise All Inclusive/ can you bring Alcohol?

In terms of what is included on an Atlantis Gay Cruise, it is all of your food, water, basic teas/coffee, parties, shows and entertainment.

Drinks are additional and depending on which ship they use you can sometimes get bulks buys or packages. You don’t normally have access to unlimited alcohol packages like you might on an everyday cruise (and it is easy to guess why!)

Like all cruises, you are not meant to bring your own alcohol onboard and this can be conviscated. However it is worth noting for a Royal Caribbean Atlantis Cruise you can bring two bottles of wine per stateroom.

Our final word -PACE YOURSELF!!!

There is so much going on at all hours of the day, and if you try and attend between 2-3 parties a day you will burn out! It is totally OK to take a night off!

We both get serious FOMO but knew we would not make it to the end of the week if we did not have a mid week rest and we ended up sleeping for 12 hours!

When is the next Atlantis Gay Cruise?

Atlantis run gay cruises throughout the year across many different destinations, for the most up to date dates and locations head to their website .

We are itching to book our next Atlantis Gay Cruise!

Atlantis Gay Cruise: Review Conclusion

gay cruise ship uk

An Atlantis gay cruise is an experience we know we will never find anywhere else in any circumstance.

The entire week felt like we were in ‘gay-topia’, surrounded by a protective little bubble from the outside world!  It was an incredible feeling of liberation, freedom, community and happiness.

The ships are beautiful, the staff incredible, the parties out of this world and you will make friends to last a lifetime.

Our biggest message from this post is just come on-board and truly, truly BE YOURSELF and feel liberated.

We hope you enjoyed our gay cruise review.

Once you have done your first one, we are pretty sure you will want to go back. Let us know your own gay cruise stories in the comments below!

Want to know more about being gay at sea? Check out:

  • Join us on our Gay Sailing trip to Croatia!
  • Are Celebrity Cruises Gay Friendly?
  • What to pack for a gay cruise?

Liked this post? Don’t forget to pin it!

gay atlantis cruise

P.s don’t forget to follow our  Facebook  page,  YouTube  page and  Instagram  to see more and keep up to date!

Saturday 11th of January 2020

Do you happen to know about when booking opens up for the Jan 2021 Atlantis cruise? We are wanting to get a suite cabin and we know they are limited so we want to be prepared when it becomes available.

PAUL TASKER

Saturday 2nd of November 2019

I've booked my first ever gay Atlantis cruise next march 2020 from.puerto rico im a solo traveller and am very nervous as ive chosen the single sharer option

Tuesday 13th of August 2019

It was such an amazing cruise... Will you boys being going again this January?

The Globetrotter Guys

Sunday 8th of September 2019

Yes! We booked for January 2020 almost immediately after this years :)

gay cruise ship uk

New! Istanbul to Athens Cruise

Pure Luxury. Awesome Destinations

We’ve crafted an incredible voyage next summer on one of the world’s most luxurious ships sailing from Istanbul to Athens to some of the most fascinating destinations in the world. Our far-reaching itinerary spans the magic of Turkey to the diversity of Cyprus. Visit the pyramids of Egypt or bask on the beaches of Mykonos. There’s never been an Atlantis cruise like this! Very limited availability for just 1100 very lucky guests.

gay cruise ship uk

30 Years at Club Atlantis Cancun

The Ultimate Gay Resort Week

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

gay cruise ship uk

Two Epic New Med Cruises - SOLD OUT!

Sail Virgin’s Spectacular Resilient Lady Next Summer

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

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All Gay Cruises

Virgin Exotic Southern Caribbean Cruise Vacation Image

Virgin Exotic Southern Caribbean Cruise

March 16 - 23, 2024 Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady

Atlantis sets a new course for our relaxing March cruise with an all-new experience on Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady. Set sail for four magnificent islands in the Caribbean as we journey from San Juan to Aruba, Curacao, Martinique, and St. Kitts. It’s an exotic voyage designed for exploration and great friends onboard the newest and most welcoming ship in the world. Featuring eye-popping design, incredible fully-included dining, superior service and so much more. All from just $1099!

Istanbul to Athens Cruise Vacation Image

Istanbul to Athens Cruise

July 17 - 24, 2024 Oceania Riviera

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

Athens to Barcelona Cruise Vacation Image

Athens to Barcelona Cruise

August 4 - 13, 2024 Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady

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

Barcelona to London Cruise Vacation Image

Barcelona to London Cruise

August 13 - 23, 2024 Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady

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

Halloween San Diego to Mexico Cruise Vacation Image

Halloween San Diego to Mexico Cruise

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

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

All Gay Resorts

Club Atlantis Cancun Vacation Image

Club Atlantis Cancun

Apr 27 - May 4, 2024 Club Med Cancun

April 27 - May 4, 2024 | Club Med Cancun Atlantis returns to Club Med Cancun for the ultimate all-gay beach resort. Join 750 friends on our most active vacation, featuring everything from private white sand beaches to thrilling sports (try the Flying Trapeze or BootCamp) to endless entertainment. All in a completely comfortable, welcoming environment. Best of all, our all-inclusive fares include absolutely everything (even drinks!) for one low price. It’s the best value in gay vacations.

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

gay cruise ship uk

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

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

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Awesome experiences in the world's most exciting destinations.

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

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

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

gay cruise ship uk

Protect Your Trip »

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

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

The Best Gay Cruises

A party on board The Cruise With La Demence

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.

Travelers lounge on a gay cruise with VACAYA

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.

The pool on a Virgin Voyages cruise ship

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

Travelers on an all-gay cruise with Brand g Vacations pose in front of the Taj Mahal

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

gay cruise ship uk

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

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

Aerial shot of Celebrity Cruises ship Celebrity Apex at sunset

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

Young Lesbian Couple on Boat Trip on Summer Vacations.

Getty Images

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

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

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

Read: The Best Girls Trip Ideas

Aerial shot of Royal Caribbean International cruise ship

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.

A party on board The Cruise With La Demence

Courtesy of The Cruise With La Demence

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

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

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

Read: The Top Party Cruises

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

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

You might also be interested in:

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

Vacation Ideas for Every Traveler

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Home Life Life Travel

16 August 2022 1:25 PM

Spartacus gay cruise returns in 2023 with seven day mediterranean trip

In partnership with spartacus cruises..

By Alastair James

gay cruise ship uk

Pictures: Supplied

Despite having some of the warmest UK temperatures on record recently, we know it’s not going to last forever. Soon enough we’ll be back to our winter sweaters longing for a glimpse of summer sun and that boost of Vitamin D. 

Returning for the third year, Spartacus Cruise will be setting sail around the western Mediterranean in May 2023 (13-20) visiting Marseille, Elba, Rome, Livorno, Nice, and Corsica.

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At each stop, there will be so much to see and do. Starting in France’s second-largest city, Marseille, a veritable melting pot of people and cultures includes walking tours, local delicacies, and ancient landmarks such as the Romanesque-Byzantine basilica, the Notre Dame de la Garde, which come with breathtaking views. 

The next stop is the capital of Elba island, Portoferraio. The city’s fortifications are iconic and the nearby beaches are simply paradise. 

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It goes without saying that Rome has some incredible offerings. Whether that’s a walking tour of truly iconic sites such as the Trevi Fountain or the Pantheon and the Colosseum, or Vatican City you’ll never be short of things to do. After all, when in Rome!

The port city of Livorno in the north of Italy isn’t far from historic Pisa and its world-famous leaning tower. Florence is also not too far to visit with its medieval-like metropolis and sites such as Brunelleschi’s unique cathedral with its neighboring bell tower by Giotto.

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A cabin with a balcony

Villefranche-sur-Mer in the enchanting Côte d’Azur is part of a glittering chain of French towns also including Cannes, Nice, St. Tropez, and Monaco. These can be explored on a panoramic tour of the French Riviera. 

Finally, Corsica offers a mixture of elegant coastal towns, dense forests, and rugged peaks. The port city of Calvi is a tranquil town and the harbor promenade, with its cafés and restaurants invites you to observe, stroll and relax.

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And you’ll be traveling in style onboard the Vasco da Gama. Boasting 630 cabins and suites ranging in size, this ship can accommodate nearly 1,300 passengers across nine decks. Of the cabins, the vast majority are out-ward facing and 150 come with balconies to really enjoy the experience of being at sea.

On board, you’ll find the fully equipped 24-hour gym and the spa with its dry and steam saunas are included in the trip price. You can even find the jogging trail on deck. 

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The Oasis pool

Two pools will keep you cool. One is prominently located at the stern of the ship with ample lounging areas. The other is mid-ship and features a movable roof.

The Vasco da Gama plays in the upper league with three à la carte restaurants to choose from. The Asian-oriented ‘Eurasia’, the ‘Pantry’ buffet restaurant reminiscent of a food court combining different cuisines, a garden bar with salads, as well as a candy store for desserts, and a meat grill.

This conceptual approach also extends to the numerous bars and culminates in ‘The Dome,”‘ an all-around glass viewing lounge.

gay cruise ship uk

The Grill restaurant

And a cruise like this doesn’t skip on the entertainment. Numerous LGBTQ artists will quite literally be on board with numerous poolside-themed parties such as ‘White’, ‘Wig’, or ‘Kinky’, where there are no limits when it comes to outfits.

Expect to find acrobatics, vocal performances, drag shows, and much, much more! And the ever-popular ‘Mr. Cruise’ contest will be running and all guests are welcome.

Prices currently start from 989 Euros. Here’s what’s included in your booking:

nicko Cruises full board:

– Rich breakfast with coffee, tea and juices in various restaurants.

– Buffets, show cooking or à la carte menus served at the table, depending on restaurant

– Flexible meal times with free choice of seats

– Coffee and cake depending on the daily program

– nicko cruises cruise director and German-speaking local tour guide

– Entertainment program and lectures about the country on board

– German-speaking service on board

– Comfortable Sennheiser audio system on all excursions

– Use of the fitness area, swimming pools, outdoor sports courts and wellness area with sauna (massage for a fee)

– Personal travel documents

– Luggage service between pier and cabin during embarkation and disembarkation

– All port and passenger fees

– Drinks packages

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Two all-inclusive options are available upon request. The ‘Classic’ package costs 29 Euros per person per travel day and the ‘Premium’ package at 49 Euros per person per travel day.

The packages can be booked for double occupancy only for both cabin guests uniformly at any bar on embarkation day. If you want to save the queuing, you can order the packages (overview) already when booking your cabin. 

And the good news is for all the planners out there – there’s a 10 percent early bird discount available until 31 August.

Check out the full itinerary and more information including full terms and conditions  here .

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  • All You Need to Know About Gay Cruises

Last updated on March 23, 2020

Colourful letters spelling LGBTQ

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.

A man on a gay cruise walking next to the pool wearing swimsuits

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.

Two men celebrating with costumes on a party during a gay cruise

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.

Four men sitting on top of a mountain during a gay cruise shore excursion

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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11 things I learned on my 1st gay cruise

Matt Moffitt

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.

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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    Date: Oct. 23-30, 2023. Atlantis is the largest gay cruise charter company. When it hosts a sailing, the company takes over some of the largest ships at sea. If you appreciate partying on through sunrise, don't miss the chance to sail on Royal Caribbean 's Navigator of the Seas this fall with Atlantis' Caribbean Cruise.

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    Celebrity Cruises. One of the most LGBT friendly cruise lines out there, Celebrity Cruises goes above and beyond to make everyone feel welcome onboard. During a standard cruise, gay travellers will be able to benefit from LGBT Welcome Parties, Social Hour Events and even onboard gay marriages which are legally recognised.

  11. Pied Piper Travel : Welcome to Pied Piper Travel

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  13. The Atlantis Gay Cruise: Review and Essential Guide

    They started small and now charter some of the largest cruise ships in the world to host multiple Atlantis Gay Cruises around the world. This means that Atlantis will buy out (charter) an entire ship from Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Virgin Voyages or Norwegian Cruise lines, and then use the ship to run a gay cruise for normally 7 nights.

  14. Atlantis Events

    Istanbul to Athens Cruise. July 17 - 24, 2024 Oceania Riviera . Explore more than ever with our most exotic new all-gay cruise from Istanbul to Athens on the luxurious Oceania Riviera. Our non-stop adventure takes you to Egypt's pyramids, Israel's treasures, the fascinating culture of Cyprus, and a day to play in Mykonos.

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

    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 ...

  16. Gay & Lesbian Cruise Trip Planning & LGBTQ Cruise Tips

    A collection of tips, recommendations and first-hand reports from gay cruise ship experiences further provide the information you need to prepare. Search our roundup of gay cruises 2023 and gay ...

  17. Spartacus gay cruise returns in 2023 with seven day ...

    Returning for the third year, Spartacus Cruise will be setting sail around the western Mediterranean in May 2023 (13-20) visiting Marseille, Elba, Rome, Livorno, Nice, and Corsica. At each stop, there will be so much to see and do. Starting in France's second-largest city, Marseille, a veritable melting pot of people and cultures includes ...

  18. Gay Cruises: Everything You Want to Know Before You Sail

    Tanner Callais. -. October 23, 2022. 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. Cruises catering to LGBT+ passengers offer a chance to sail with like-minded passengers.

  19. All You Need to Know about Gay Cruises

    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.

  20. Sniffies App

    Sniffies is a map-based cruising app for the curious. Sniffies emphasizes cruising as an immersive, interactive experience, making it the hottest, fastest-growing cruising platform around. Sniffies is the first of its kind web-app, bringing the full cruising experience to any device and any browser. The Sniffies map updates in realtime, showing nearby Cruisers, active cruising groups, and ...

  21. Things I learned on my first gay cruise

    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.

  22. LGBTQ+ & Gay Cruises

    VACAYA 2024 Caribbean Cruise on Celebrity Apex®. VACAYA charters the entire ship for LGBT+ guests and dazzles with star-studded onboard entertainment and activities. Sailing Feb 17-24, 2024 for 7 magical nights from Fort Lauderdale to Puerto Rico, St. Croix, and Antigua, VACAYA and Apex℠ will inspire you to reimagine everything you've ever ...

  23. Norwegian Dawn: Mauritius says cruise ship can dock after cholera ...

    World's largest cruise ship sets sail from Miami Since January 2023, at least 188,000 people have been infected with cholera across seven countries in southern Africa, according to the UN.

  24. Royal Caribbean Gay & Lesbian Cruises

    Lowest pricing is based on our 3rd party pricing supplier and valid as of February 28th, 2024. Royal Caribbean Cruises offers multiple gay & lesbian cruises to choose from. Check dates, prices and ...