Cruises offer a luxurious vacation experience where your every need and desire is catered to on board a magnificent ocean liner. Everything you could possibly want is available to you including fine dining, live entertainment, spa treatments and exotic nightclubs. Gay cruises are particularly attractive to the LGBT community as they offer a safe, relaxed environment where couples do not have to worry about expressing their love for each other when out in public.
Different cruise lines offer a range of experiences from no-holds barred naked cruises to more sophisticated, elegant affairs. Many regular cruise lines also make gay and lesbian couples feel right at home, and the following list breaks down the 10 best gay cruise lines for an unforgettable ocean voyage.
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1. Aquafest Cruises
Aquafest offers small group cruises on board regular ocean liners. They host cocktail parties, social get-togethers, gay Olympics and live music events. The company offers far more destination choices as they collaborate with the big cruise ships to offer an exclusive experience on board ships that cater to a mixed clientele. Aquafest is also much cheaper than the full gay cruises.
2. Atlantis Cruises
Atlantis is the biggest cruise operator in the world that offers exclusively gay and lesbian cruise experiences. Destinations include Thailand, Bali, St. Barts, Rome, Mykonos and Copenhagen. The liners usually attract a party crowd, so be prepared for some seriously loud music and dancing the night away under the stars.
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3. Olivia Cruises
Gay cruises are predominantly male affairs, so Olivia cruises offers packages that are specially designed for the ladies. Named as the World’s Best Lesbian Cruise Line by Conde Naste Traveller Magazine, the company offers an intimate experience on board a ‘private yacht’ that holds just under 300 guests.
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4. Source Events Cruises
The Gay Naturists International host naked cruises in collaboration with Source Events that are intended for guests that find a speedo a little too restricting when out at sea. The cruises are known for being more relaxed and less trendy than other gay cruises. This year the Windjammer Mandalay will be transporting guests to exotic destinations such as St Lucia, Canouan, and Tobago Cays.
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5. RSVP Divina Caribbean Cruise
RSVP are holding their Caribbean cruise on board the majestic MSC Divina this year that will carry a staggering 3500 guests. The ship is widely hailed as one of the most beautiful in the world and offers Swarovski crystal staircases, an infinity pool and real stone piazza. The brand new vessel features stunning Italian design in all of its suites, cabins and staterooms. Activities on board include golf, bowling, volley ball, 4D cinema and a water park.
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6. Sweet Cruises
Sweet offer eco-friendly lesbian travel that aims to spread social awareness and make a difference in the world by combining vacations with charity work. All Sweet’s cruises are carbon neutral. Guests are invited to participate in local volunteer programs at each destination. Activities include beach cleaning, stray animal care, visiting schools and orphanages and safari trips.
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7. Pied Piper Travel
Serving the gay and lesbian community for over 20 years, Pied Piper cruises travel to many destinations including Alaska, Asia, South America, Australia and the Galapagos Islands. Those looking for something a little extra special should opt for the celebrity cruise ships that offer pure, unadulterated luxury.
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8. HE Travel Tours
HE Travel Tours brings together two well-known gay travel agencies ‘Alyson Adventures’ and ‘Hans Ebentsen’ to offer something truly special. Adventurous types with love the Antarctica cruise that offers scuba diving, kayaking, mountaineering and hiking. Ice camping also provides a unique way to spend your holiday and test your limits at the same time.
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9. Undersea Expeditions
This line offers scuba diving tours for gay and lesbian travellers that have some diving experience. Swim with sharks, dolphins and manta rays in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean, Asia and the Cayman Islands. The boats are much smaller than traditional cruise liners, so guests should book early to avoid disappointment.
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10. Crystal Cruises
For travelers that want the best in service and accommodation, Crystal Cruises offer some of the most luxurious vessels in the business. Whilst they do not cater specifically to gays and lesbians, all the vessels are gay-friendly. The crystal dining rooms are a sight to behold complete with pillars and painted ceilings. The line offers an 89-day full world cruise that starts from £26,672 per person.
Cruises offer a unique way to see the world as you can wake up in a new destination each morning, and explore the furthest reaches of the planet in style and comfort. Gay cruises create a safe and open environment where you can relax and be yourself without a care in the world. Cruises catering specifically to guests from the LGBT community usually offer the very best in gay entertainment with legendary parties, world famous gay performers and energetic outdoor activities. Those searching for a more laid back environment certainly won’t be disappointed by the many choices on offer.
