To those who have never been on one, an LGBTQ+ cruise might seem like a Groundhog Day scenario: one party after another, from afternoon to dawn—Las Vegas on the high seas, overflowing with DJs, drag queens, drinking and casual sex (but short on diversity).
For others, an LGBTQ+ cruise is a chance to get family or friends together in an inclusive environment where great meals, 360-degree ocean views, nightly shows and amazing amenities are part of the pleasure—all at great value. Cruise passengers travel from destination to destination without having to pack and unpack all over again.
What should someone expect from their first gay cruise?
Depending on the cruise and the cruiser, it can indeed be a non-stop party. “There is definitely a truth to these rumours,” says Marcus Adams, a 30-something UK-based travel writer. “However, as with any holiday, it’s what you make of it. Remember, this is still a cruise visiting various incredible destinations—you can still enjoy the local culture and all the amenities on-board. Of course, if you want to party, that is also an option.”
A cruise-ship fan since he was a kid, Marcus publishes Sparkx, a blog where he’s shared his love of cruising and travel for the last seven years.
“There truly isn’t anything quite like cruising—where else can you unpack once but wake up somewhere new and exciting every day? There is so much choice and variety on-board, day-in and day-out, that you really are spoiled for choice,” he says. “For me, what makes a good cruise experience is being able to meet, travel and share experiences with like-minded people.”
If you are a cruising newbie, there are some things to consider before you book. First, think about whether you want to travel with a universal cruise operator or with a company that caters to the LGBTQ+ community. “Generally speaking, cruising as a whole is very forward thinking and LGBTQ+ friendly,” Adams says. His top picks for universal cruise operators are Celebrity Cruises, Virgin Voyages, Royal Caribbean International, Princess Cruises, Azamara Cruises and Seabourn Cruise Line.
Celebrity Cruises, for example, hosts LGBTQ+ welcome parties on the first night of almost everycruise; performs on-board, legal same-gender marriages; and marks Pride month in June with daily gatherings and special guest entertainers on select ships. Virgin Voyages also hosts special LGBTQ+-friendly cruises during Pride month, though they go on to declare themselves as welcoming year-round, with an “exclusivity meets inclusivity.”
“That extends not just to our sailors, but our crew as well,” states the Virgin Voyages website.
“Both onboard, behind-the-scenes, and in our onshore offices, we create a welcoming environment where all feel comfortable and celebrated. Most importantly, it means giving our sailors the space—and freedom from rules or restrictions, like dress codes—to be themselves.”
Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean International was the first cruise line to receive the Gay Travel Approved Seal of Excellence from GayTravel.com nearly a decade ago. Those are what might be called universal cruises. Adams says there are also cruises more targeted at LGBTQ+ holidaymakers, ranging from gay party cruises to more intimate charters that are focused on a specific destination. Companies that do partial or full charters include gay men–focused Atlantis, queer women–focused Olivia Travel and Vacaya, which tries to offer something to all the letters in the LGBTQ+ acronym.
“The key difference with a LGBTQ+ cruise is you’ll get a lot more LGBTQ+-focused entertainment, such as themed parties and shows, and you’ll have most if not all of the ship to yourself,” says Adams.
Social media posts from Atlantis cruises might lead one to think they’re just one non-stop party. But Atlantis says on its website that each cruise features more than a dozen parties, with performances from singers, dancers, drag performers, musicians, comics, acrobats, cabaret act and DJs.
Then there’s the question of diversity: “Our guests come in all shapes, sizes and colours, and represent a broad range of ages, backgrounds and perspectives as varied and diverse as the LGBTQ community itself. We promise you’ll fit in when travelling with us,” states the Atlantis website.
Diversity was something freelance travel journalist Kwin Mosby noted when he took his first queer cruise with Vacaya. In a 2022 article about his experience for Travel+Leisure, he wrote about his worries, before he went on the cruise, that LGBTQ+ travel did not cater to him as “a chubby Black gay man…. Nonstop parties, unwarranted comments and a lack of diversity were a few reasons why I avoided booking a gay cruise.”
But on a seven-day Caribbean cruise with Vacaya, he was “pleasantly surprised…. it was a microcosm of the LGBTQ+ community—different ethnicities, sexual orientations and more. Even before setting sail, some of my preconceived notions about gay cruises seemed to fade.”
Olivia Travel, which has specialized in trips for lesbians and LGBTQ+ women for five decades, has a diversity of experiences on its roster, including riverboat excursions as well as cruises where it charters the whole ship.
So you’ve picked a company. Now it’s a matter of deciding which cruise to take based on your schedule, destination, itinerary, included experiences and the vibe you’re looking for. Here are some other key decisions.
Which type of accommodation best suits you?
Ships offer a variety of room and suite options: interior or ocean view, balcony or not. You will also want to consider the location of your room on the ship. For example, if you are worried about getting seasick, you’re less likely to feel the motion of the ocean in lower rooms in the middle area of the vessel.
Which beverage package is the best fit for your drinking style?
Maybe you got a great price on the cruise itself. But on-board drinks can substantially add to the cost of a trip. Cruise providers offer different package options for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, ranging from complimentary to basic or premium. If you suspect you might be drinking a lot, you can save money by buying the right package pre-cruise.
How badly do you need to be connected?
Access to the internet is another way cruise companies boost their revenue, andwifi costs vary greatly depending on the cruise line. Check to see if your own mobile service, particularly the cost of roaming, might be sufficient before opting for an on-board plan.
