Going on a cruise is one of the most enjoyable and relaxing vacations you can take. The options are limitless, ranging from the Mediterranean and Caribbean to the Baltic Sea or even Alaska. Of course, the latter will be lacking sun and warm weather, and it’s probably not the most gay-friendly option you could choose. So why not consider taking an all-gay cruise? You can opt for a small ship with a more intimate feel or take one of the more popular large boats with companies like Atlantis, VACAYA, , La Demence, or RSVP. For the ladies, Olivia is the major player, and many of these companies have been around for 20 years or more. So if you’ve never thought about taking a gay cruise, here are 9 reasons that just might convince you.

Friendly and Social Atmosphere

One great aspect of taking a gay cruise is that most of the guests are friendly and open to meeting new people. On a straight cruise, guests come with friends or family and already have a social group established. On a gay cruise, there are many activities that help connect guests and give you a chance to meet new people.

Options for All: Singles, Couples and Friends

Another benefit of a gay cruise is the number of different activities that take place on the ship. When we went on our Atlantis cruise a few years back, there were even events geared towards couples and singles. Couples could meet other couples and enjoy a meal together, and singles could meet other singles and quickly make new friends.

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Our 2008 Atlantis Honeymoon Cruise

The Parties!

If you book a cruise on one of the large ships like Atlantis or RSVP, you’ll be in for a treat. Perhaps more parties than anyone needs in a week’s period, but still fun nonetheless. Many of the parties are themed and often outdoors, so don’t forget to dress up! Sure, it’s not a requirement, but it’s all part of the fun. And don’t worry… a gay cruise typically serves half as much food and twice as much booze (no surprises there!) as their straight counterparts, so you can be sure the party will continue all night long.

Atlantis Gay Cruise Party
Image via Atlantis Events

Almost Everything is Included

Besides booking your plane ticket and selecting your room type, there isn’t much more you need to do. The cruise includes your accommodation, many onboard activities, and entertainment. Just keep in mind that if you plan on drinking (who doesn't?!) or taking a pre-planned onshore excursion, then you will need to pay extra for those. And even if you decide to book an excursion, it’s simple to arrange online or you can wait until you’re on the ship – though it’s better to check beforehand for the best availability. Alternatively, you can choose to explore a port on your own (in most places) if that’s more your style.

Multiple Destinations in One Trip

Let's be honest for a second. David and I are quite lazy when it comes to travel. Sure, it’s one of our favorite things to do, but we don’t necessarily enjoy travel planning. What's great about cruising (and we don't mean in the bushes at your local park) is that you can easily visit 4 or 5 destinations in just a week’s time. Longer cruises even offer more ports for visiting, especially in places like the Caribbean or Mediterranean where ports are all near one another. We would never make the effort to see so much on our own, but with a cruise, it's simple, carefree, and easy to do without much planning required. Just think… you can wake up in a new city every day!

Easy Way to Travel Abroad

Interested in traveling abroad but haven't made the effort to plan that big trip? There's a lot to consider when traveling internationally. Not only do you need flights and hotels, but you need to think about currency, language barriers, passports and visas, safety considerations, and time zone differences. Taking an international cruise is one way to ease a lot of that work. Besides all the included features, you can get personalized onboard assistance with visiting the port cities, money exchange, and any last-minute questions.

Atlantis Gay Cruise Rome
Image via Atlantis Events

Something for Everyone

Into drag queen bingo? How about performances from some of the top gay celebrity entertainers? Most of the big gay cruise lines bring on big headliners or “gaylebrity” performers. Our Mexican Riviera cruise featured multiple performances by Courtney Act, the famous Australian singer, drag queen, and former RuPaul runner-up. Or maybe you want to just sit by the pool or even hit the gym before breakfast. You can do any, all, or none of these – it's totally up to you and most activities are included in the ticket price.

Atlantis Gay Cruise Entertainment
Image via Atlantis Events

No Need for Grindr…

Ok boys, power down that iPhone and get off Grindr. Yes, there is paid Wi-Fi on board (it’s expensive!), but there's really no need. You're surrounded by real Grindr profiles face-to-face for a week on end. Sure, maybe you need a little more courage to strike up a conversation, but that's what the bar is for. Need we remind you of liquid courage!?

Comfort in an LGBTQ+ Environment

Probably one of the most attractive parts about a gay cruise (besides so many beautiful men) is the comfort zone. The entire ship is full of LGBTQ+ guests, and all staff have been extensively trained to provide you with a welcoming and gay-friendly experience. It’s a very open environment and one where you can relax both mentally and physically.

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Our 2008 Atlantis Honeymoon Cruise

What do you think? Have you ever taken a gay cruise or would you consider taking one? Let us know in the comments below!