7 Tips for Booking an LGBTQ+ Cruise
Gay cruising has become a popular way for LGBTQ+ travelers to explore the world, and today's cruise industry actively embraces this growing community. Gone are the days when LGBTQ+ passengers had to be discreet about their identity, as many cruise lines today cater specifically to them with specialty cruises and all-LGBTQ+ charters.
But what is gay cruising, and what sets these cruises apart from traditional sailings? At their core, LGBTQ+ travelers hit the high seas for the same reasons as everyone else -- adventure, relaxation and a sense of escape. However, they also enjoy unique options, like all-gay charters or LGBTQ-friendly group trips. These cruises offer an inclusive atmosphere with specialized entertainment, events and excursions that reflect their community, making it easier to unwind without worrying about homophobia.
While most major cruise lines host LGBTQ+ events or full-ship charters, operators like Atlantis Events, Olivia Cruises, OUTbound, R Family Vacations, and RSVP Vacations go further, creating vibrant, community-centered experiences. Whether partying with fellow travelers, catching a Broadway show, or relaxing with like-minded folks, LGBTQ+ cruises combine all the perks of cruising with the comfort of being celebrated and welcomed onboard.
If you're not sure where to start, check out our seven top tips for booking an LGBTQ+ cruise below.
1. Sail With a Like-Minded Community on Charters
The concept of an all-gay chartered cruise was groundbreaking when RSVP Vacations organized the first one in 1986 with 750 guests. Today, most major cruise lines have hosted these cruises, working with tour operators like RSVP to charter their biggest and newest ships for the growing LGBTQ+ market.
What sets an all-gay cruise apart is that nearly all the passengers are gay, creating a welcoming space for those seeking a worry-free experience. Specialized entertainment -- like Broadway performers, comedians and drag queens -- adds to the fun, though these extras can make the cruises pricier than standard ones.
Key tour operators include Atlantis Events, Brand G Vacations, VACAYA, Olivia, RSVP, R Family and OUTbound. While most of these cruises are male-dominated, R Family Vacations offers family-friendly and adults-only options with a mix of men and women. Olivia specializes in cruises for lesbians.
2. Consider the Location of Your Sailing: Ocean Cruises vs. River Cruises
When it comes to the big question -- ocean cruise or river cruise -- how to gay cruise is entirely up to you. The LGBTQ+ travel market is rapidly expanding to meet the growing demand for chartered river cruises. Operators like VACAYA, Olivia, R Family, OUTBound, and Brand g Vacations now offer full-ship charters on river cruises worldwide. Unlike ocean cruises, river sailings emphasize immersive ports of call, allowing you to walk directly from the ship into the heart of town.
While you won't find the wide array of activities, dining options or dance parties typical of larger ocean liners, the smaller, boutique-style river vessels foster deeper connections among travelers. LGBTQ+ charter river cruises create a relaxed atmosphere, focusing on indulgences like locally sourced wines, fine dining and evenings of torch songs at the piano bar.
3. Opt for Gay-Friendly Cruise Lines for Either Charters or Standard Sailings
LGBTQ+ travelers considering a standard cruise that isn't a full-ship charter or specialized group can generally expect a welcoming experience. Nearly every major cruise line has a nondiscrimination policy that includes sexual orientation, and staff are typically well-trained to be inclusive.
Cruise lines Carnival and Disney received perfect ratings on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's 2023-24 Corporate Equality Index. Royal Caribbean has been proactive in attracting LGBTQ+ customers. In 2016, it produced a groundbreaking commercial featuring a same-sex couple; it was also the first cruise line awarded GayTravel.com's "Gay Travel Approved" seal of approval. Its sister line, Celebrity, has sponsored Pride celebrations and hosted the first same-sex wedding at sea in 2018.
Virgin Voyages targets younger LGBTQ+ cruisers with a focus on community, offering cutting-edge design and drag performances. Major cruise lines often host organized LGBTQ+ social events and mixers at the start of each cruise, typically held in bars or lounges. Look for these events in the daily cruise program or check with the concierge desk.
Note that some LGBTQ+ socials may be listed as "Friends of Dorothy" meetings, a nod to queer history.
Not sure if a cruise line is LGBTQ+ friendly? Take a minute to check their policies on inclusivity and diversity. That way, you can be sure you'll feel comfortable on board.
4. Join Gay Groups on Straight Cruises
On standard cruises available to all passengers, LGBTQ+ tour operators organize specific groups that can range from a few couples to hundreds of participants. Like all-gay charters, these group sailings ensure you'll be among fellow LGBTQ+ travelers.
Tour operators often provide specialized amenities like private "welcome aboard" cocktail parties, group dining arrangements and exclusive shore excursions. They may also include an onboard host to facilitate activities and socializing.
While larger groups might enjoy unique entertainment tailored to them, the overall cruise experience for those choosing a group option remains similar to other commercially available sailings. This is why these gay-group tours are only slightly higher -- or sometimes even lower -- than standard cruise pricing.
Popular organizers of gay group cruises include Aquafest, Meet Me On Board, Pied Piper Travel, and Al and Chuck Travel.
5. Cruise with the Whole Crew on LGBTQ+ Family Cruises
As more LGBTQ+ adults embrace parenthood, LGBTQ+ families now make up 7 to 10 percent of the travel industry. While top family-friendly cruise lines lead in inclusivity, these families often face unique safety concerns, as 67 countries still criminalize same-sex relations, and many ban same-sex adoption or gender changes.
Founded in 2003, R Family Vacations specializes in LGBTQ+ family travel, offering annual group cruises. They charter Norwegian Cruise Line's soon-to-be newest ship, Norwegian Aqua, and were featured in the 2006 HBO documentary "All Aboard! Rosie's Family Cruise," which highlighted their inclusive, family-friendly charters.
6. Research Your Itinerary and Consider Only Visiting Gay-Friendly Ports
Cruise lines carefully choose their ports of call to ensure passengers feel safe, comfortable and celebrated. Many ports, such as Key West, Puerto Vallarta, Ibiza, Vancouver and Sydney, are well-known for being welcoming to LGBTQ+ travelers, making them popular destinations for all-gay charters and LGBTQ+ group cruises.
Conversely, some ports can be hostile to LGBTQ+ travelers, posing risks of violence or legal prosecution not faced by mainstream passengers. This is especially true in certain parts of the Caribbean, the Middle East, Russia, and Southern and Southeast Asia.
To understand the risks of what is gay cruising, it's essential for LGBTQ+ travelers to research local laws and customs at each stop on their itinerary. The U.S. State Department offers valuable country-specific information, including LGBTQ+ policies and safety concerns, on its website, making it a worthwhile resource when planning a cruise.
7. Use the Cruise Critic Community to Your Advantage
One of the best ways to learn about LGBTQ+ cruising is by connecting with fellow LGBTQ+ cruisers. Cruise Critic offers many reviews of cruise lines and ports and active forums where you can seek and share advice. The Gay & Lesbian Cruisers forum is especially valuable, featuring firsthand information and a vibrant community eager to share personal experiences.
Within the forum, you can post a "Roll Call" announcement to find other LGBTQ+ travelers sailing on your cruise before departure.
With a wide range of options available, the challenge isn't whether to take an LGBTQ+-friendly cruise but how to choose the perfect ship, ports, and style to fit your needs.