From all-queer med voyages to femme friendly ships, LGBTQ+ cruises are here

Whether you yearn to revel at a hedonistic night-club on the Mediterranean sea or you’re seeking an adults-only, luxury gay-cruise, there are plenty of LGBTQ+ cruises out there.

One thing they have in common? They’re all designed to empower you to be your authentic self while you travel.

Here’s a selection of the five most welcoming for your first or next trip.

Pride parties

Lauded for its inclusivity efforts, Celebrity Cruises holds welcome parties for LGBTQ+ passengers on most trips, followed by events throughout the voyage.

In 2018, it became the first line to legally marry a same-sex couple at sea, with services continuing since. Every sailing is thus gay-friendly, but those amid June’s annual Pride Party At Sea period are particularly so.

This began with Celebrity Edge’s seven-night journey through the Mediterranean, departing from Barcelona and hosting special performances, parties and talks. Prices start from £799pp, full board, including entertainment and activities – and although this ship has already sailed, book for next year.

June 2024 will witness a first, ramped-up Pride Month At Sea. More details are promised soon; huge early-bird discounts are available to the likes of Alaska, Japan or Bermuda.

For more information see: Here

Caribbean rays

Another equal-spirited, impressively conscious line is the new, adults-only Virgin Voyages, as evidenced by such provisions as gender-neutral bathrooms, shows with resident drag queens and palpably diverse staff.

It runs queer-specific sailings each year hosted by the likes of Atlantis Events (mostly attracting males) and Miami disco brand Fluid, plus flamboyant Pride parties during June.

You could, however, just book a standard cruise and investigate impressive live shows, quality dining, tattoo parlours, pool parties, high-end gyms, spas and casinos that have hoovered up awards aplenty.

The2,770-passenger Scarlet Lady sails regularly all year from Miami to Mexico via the Bahamas in search of sunshine and sandy beaches.

Five nights starts at £1,761pp, full board, including entertainment.

For more information see: Here

South American swing

All year round, Vacaya takes over entire vessels of differing sizes to stage luxurious, adults-only gay cruises in a tranche of global destinations — often fairly exotic, lesser-known places.

Departing next year on March 29 is a small-ship itinerary following the Atlantic coast of South America. It begins in Buenos Aires, stops in Uruguay’s Punta del Este resort and then traces Brazil’s beach-lined southern coast en route to Rio de Janeiro.

Chartering Atlas Ocean Voyages’ 98-room World Navigator, Vacaya promises everything from LGBTQ+ entertainers to yoga classes.

Eight nights from £3,630pp, all-inclusive, except port fees and tips.

For more information see: Here

Med frolics

La Demence, the Brussels nightclub, arranges hedonistic all-queer Mediterranean cruises every summer.

Expect mostly men (though women are welcome), mega deck parties until the small hours, established DJ names, fruity cocktails, costumes, chilled nudist areas, darkrooms and raucous high-heel races.

Setting off from Ravenna in north-eastern Italy on July 9 aboard Royal Caribbean International’s Explorer Of The Seas, 2023’s instalment calls at Albania, Kefalonia, Malta and sun-soaked Sicily.

Seven nights from £1,330pp, full board, including parties.

For more information see: Here

Femmes afloat

Decades old, the travel brand Olivia has arranged river voyages, ocean sailings, safaris and resort stays for LGBTQ+ women.

At sea retro dance parties, writing workshops, speakers, karaoke and meet-ups for solo travellers, women of colour, Gen-O attendees, armed forces veterans or OWLs (‘older, wiser lesbians’) are the norm. In short, every tribe is welcome and you can completely be your authentic self.

Among the 2024 options — and ideal for toe-dippers — is a jaunt from Edinburgh to Dublin via the Orkney Islands and Scotland’s Inner Hebrides.

Featuring sleek interiors and speciality Spanish cuisine, Windstar’s 312-capacity Star Legend ship will play host. Departing on June 27, 2024, eight nights from £4,850pp, full board, including entertainment.

For more information see: Here

MORE : These are the top solo travel destinations for 2023

MORE : Exciting food, staying fit and world-class entertainment – what it’s really like onboard a rockstar cruise