For a hassle-free vacation where you only have to unpack once while still visiting multiple destinations, nothing beats the appeal of LGBTQ+ cruises. It’s been nearly 37 years since RSVP Vacations‘ first gay cruise set sail from New Orleans. Since then, new industry leaders have emerged, leveraging the power of the gay travel dollar to secure some of the most coveted vessels in the world.
The coming year boasts dozens of itineraries, including large ship charters and more intimate riverboats. For those on a budget, sharing an inside cabin is the most affordable way to go, but if you’re looking for a smart splurge, plenty of upgrades are available, too. Queer cruising is also a terrific option for solo travelers.
Celebrity’s Edge class ships feature concierge-class cabins with infinite-view verandas and 24-hour room service; Virgin Voyages’ “Lady Ships” offer “Rock Star” quarters in the spirit of the brand’s founder, Richard Branson; and river boats like Amadeus Nova feature environmentally conscious technology and modern design touches like drop-down panoramic windows.
GayCities highlights five itineraries for every type of traveler, from the cruising novice to the seasoned sailor.
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Pack your bags, we’re going on an adventure
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Brand g Prague & Danube River cruise
Brand g’s Danube River cruise (August 27 – September 5, 2024) will whisk travelers aboard the brand-new Amadeus Nova, a luxury 157-passenger vessel, from Passau to Budapest.
Brand g has been leading queer travelers around the world on LGBTQ+ cruises and land tours since 2011, growing from a two-person operation to a global team of travel enthusiasts, and now offers more than 20 itineraries per year with a focus on bucket list destinations and bespoke experiences.
Brand g’s European river adventure begins with two nights in Prague before disembarking from Passau, with stops throughout Austria (including an extended stay in Vienna) and a final hurrah in Budapest, Hungary.
Highlights include guided tours of cultural and historical sites (plus an optional Sound of Music tour to Salzburg), with plenty of time to explore queer life in each port city, such as Vienna’s upscale martini bar Felixx or Budapest’s local hangout Habroló Café & Bar.
Two Bad Tourists Spain, France & Italy cruise
Gay travel influencers David Brown and Auston Matta have been inspiring queer travelers for over a decade as Two Bad Tourists. More recently, the pair has added group travel like LGBTQ+ cruises to their offerings, drawing on their experiences from visits to more than 60 countries.
David and Auston will host a seven-day cruise aboard Virgin Voyages’ inaugural ship Scarlet Lady (October 20-27, 2024). Beginning and ending in Barcelona and with ports of call in Toulon, Marina di Carrara, Ajaccio, and a final hurrah in Ibiza, the itinerary offers plenty of time to the gems of southern Europe while also experiencing onboard amenities.
By design, Virgin Voyages adult-only sailings feel grown-up in every way, from menus designed by Michelin-starred chefs to an onboard tattoo parlor. Two Bad Tourists’ small group drops a queer anchor for those who also enjoy mingling among allies and like-minded travelers.
Atlantis 35th Anniversary Cruise
Dubbed “the world’s biggest gay festival at sea,” Atlantis celebrates its 35th anniversary with an epic takeover of Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas (February 3-10. 2025). Featuring 18 decks and a capacity for nearly 5,500 guests, come prepared for a week-long floating circuit party.
Ports of call include St. Maarten, San Juan, and a relaxing day (or recovery day, depending on how the week goes) on the private island of Labadee.
If you’re curious about the experience, gay travel content creator JustJoeyT created a revealing recap video of his last sailing, which included a performance by Billy Porter, an Over the Rainbow T-Dance, and the iconic Miss Richfield 1981.
If 5,000+ queers sweating their sunscreen off in places that might sting doesn’t appeal to you, there’s plenty to enjoy, including a 40-foot surf simulator, climbing wall, zip-line, and plenty of dining options that rank high from cruise industry experts.
VACAYA Australia Cruise
Leave it to VACAYA to go where no queer has gone before — at least on an 11-night luxury expedition to The Kimberly. Australia’s rarely explored northwest region is the ultimate bucket list for adventurers who like to travel in style.
Itinerary highlights from Darwin to Broome include King George Falls, Jar Island, Montgomery Reef, and Talbot Bay Horizontal Waterfalls. And as always with VACAYA, getting there is half the fun.
The tour operator, known for LGBTQ+ inclusivity that spans the entire queer spectrum, also has a keen eye for alluring ships packed with perks. This time around, VACAYA has secured a full-vessel takeover of the Seabourn Pursuit (May 10-21, 2025), the cruise line’s second ultra-luxury expedition ship that launched in 2023.
Expect dramatic shorelines, secluded beaches, and guided expeditions to some of Australia’s most remote and coveted locations. Onboard amenities include Molton Brown bath products, Swarovski binoculars, plush robes for lounging after a day of exploring, and a culinary program where “luxury ingredients abound,” along with high tea and an open bar.
While queer urban hubs like Sydney and Melbourne are on the opposite side of the country, consider extending your stay to fully experience the Aussie lifestyle.
Olivia Iceland Luxury Cruise
Olivia also has a birthday coming up, and is celebrating its 35th year with epic itineraries for queer women, nonbinary and trans travelers, stating on its site, “Our community is vast and rich, and we’re happy to have you. We’re here to celebrate our community and provide a safe space where guests can feel free to be themselves.
A week-long circumnavigation of Iceland will carry passengers aboard Wind Star’s Star Pride (could the name be any more fitting?), an all-suite yacht with a total guest capacity of 312 guests.
Highlights include remote fjords, wildlife such as whales, Atlantic Puffins, and Arctic Terns, and a visit to the continental divide at Thingvellir National Park or a dip in the famed Blue Lagoon spa.
Where will your next LGBTQ+ cruise take you?
As the travel industry continues to rebound from the not-so-distant past when we were all hunkered down watching Netflix, more diverse options for LGBTQ+ travelers are emerging. VACAYA co-founder Randle Roper said, “Just come and be yourself. You don’t have to put on airs of anything other than you” of the VACAYA experience.
That mindset is the perfect approach to queer group travel. We’re chosen family. Move toward the experiences that bring you joy, and it’s OK to step away from those that might not be the right fit. The best part of LGBTQ+ group travel is that someone else has taken care of most of the planning. All you need to do is show up and be your fabulous self.
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