Queer river cruises have a lot going for them. With smaller numbers of passengers, usually between 100 and 250, they foster lots of camaraderie and intimacy. With longer port visits, they encourage cultural exploration. They’re generally more relaxing than large-scale ocean cruises. For many travellers, they offer the perfect balance of comfort and adventure.
Unlike booking with an LGBTQ2S+ group on a larger ocean-going vessel, LGBTQ2S+ group travel on a river cruise usually means a complete takeover of the cruise—or an impressively queer majority. So they can be very safe spaces, but without thousands of (potentially rowdy) fellow travellers.
How to choose a cruise
While there are many top-notch queer river cruises available, it’s important to select one that aligns with your travel goals and preferences. Are you looking for a pretty much all-gay cruise, an all-women cruise or something mixed? An older crowd or a younger crowd? Something luxurious or something nice that doesn’t break the bank? How important is on-board entertainment and what kind of entertainment do you love? What regions of the world do you want to explore?
Most companies offering LGBTQ2S+ river cruises will be choosing stops that are LGBTQ2S+ friendly, but it’s important to do your own research into the destinations, especially if you’re planning to do some touring on your own at the ports of call.
Compare the food and beverage offerings of each cruise—the food on river cruises tends to be more locally sourced than what’s found on ocean cruises, and drinks are usually part of the package, not add-ons. Most excursions should also be included.
Also review the activities offered on each cruise, which could include biking between ports, guided hikes and culinary tours for food lovers. If it’s relaxation you’re after, then prioritize cruises with lavish on-board amenities or wellness programs.
To help you plan your first (or 100th) queer river cruise, we’ve picked a handful for 2025. All of them have an LGBTQ2S+ focus, though allies are welcome.
Burgundy & Provence Rhône
June 17 to 25, 2025, 136 passengers, nine days
The tour company
Brand g is a U.S.-based gay-owned LGBTQ2S+ tour operator known for its river cruises.
Itinerary highlights
Sail through France’s storied and historic wine country while uncorking the rich viticultural traditions of Burgundy and Provence. In addition to visiting France’s third-biggest city, Lyon, you’ll discover the medieval stronghold of Avignon and the haunting alleys of Arles. All three cities are beloved for their historical offerings and gastronomic excellence (and gay stuff).
On-board experience
This cruise is tailored for LGBTQ+ travellers. All cultural excursions take place with queer-friendly operators.
Vietnam, Cambodia and Mekong River
October 21 to November 4, 2025, 126 passengers, 15 days
The tour company
Olivia is a U.S.-based queer women–owned women and LGBTQ2S+ tour operator that offers a variety of vacations.
Itinerary highlights
After a couple of nights in Hanoi, Vietnam, the cruise starts in Ha Long Bay, which has 2,000 small islands to take in. A short flight takes passengers to Siem Reap in Cambodia, where they’ll tour Angkor Wat and other historic sites before sailing to Phnom Penh and visiting small towns including Sa Déc, where French writer Marguerite Duras lived when she was young.
On-board experience
Olivia Travel specializes in trips for queer women, so this cruise nurtures a welcoming environment with queer AF entertainment, enriching workshops, and social events specifically designed to make guests feel warm and fuzzy inside.
Amsterdam Pride to Brussels
July 31 to August 7, 2025, 172 passengers 7 days
The tour company
Detours Travel is a Canadian-based, gay-owned, LGBTQ2S+-focused travel company best known for its adventure travel, but they’re entering the river cruise space with a bang.
Itinerary highlights
The trip starts in Rotterdam and ends in Brussels, but the highlight has to be the weekend at Amsterdam Pride. The back half of the trip, featuring the iconic windmills of Kinderdijk, the historical charm of Dordrecht and the medieval beauty of Bruges, will be a post-Pride opportunity to recover, relax, mix with fellow passengers and get more cultural.
On-board experiences
The ship, aptly called The Gentleman, is new, welcoming her first guests in 2024. The menu will be curated and prepared by celebrity chef Chef Todd (winner of Food Network’s Beat Bobby Flay). The nightly entertainment includes performances by local drag stars and a resident DJ.
Classic German Christmas Markets
December 8 to 15, 2025, 130 passengers, seven nights
The tour company
KelliGregg Travel, formerly known as R Family Vacations, offers inclusive all-LGBTQ2S+ vacations. They host the trip through U.S.-based cruise company Uniworld’s Out on the Rivers program.
Itinerary highlights
On this cruise along the Main, you can get into the festive spirit while losing yourself among Germany’s renowned Christmas markets from Frankfurt to Nuremberg. You’ll have the chance to witness age-old holiday traditions in some of the most Christmasy cities that you’ll ever lay eyes on.
On-board experience
KelliGregg Travel cruises include performances by LGBTQ+ artists, as well as dance parties, all while fostering a warm and inclusive atmosphere.
