First times should always be special! We mean, of course, for queer folk looking to step off land and into the uncharted waters of gay cruises—especially for those bold enough to do it solo. And as any good seaman will tell you, on a cruise you need a steady hand behind the wheel and crewmates who are more like extended family to ensure that your journey is just as pleasurable as the destination. The team behind Big Gay Cruise are the immaculately manicured hands on the diamond-encrusted wheel, and their community, the most welcoming on the Seven Seas. In short, BGC are the perfect cruise for any first-time solo traveler looking for connections to go with their cocktails.

Three years ago, they came right out of the gate—or rather, port—with a winning philosophy that focuses on inclusivity, treating queer people with the respect we ALL deserve, and crafting fun times and meaningful connections through an original itinerary. Big Gay Cruise is on a mission to revolutionize cruises for the LGBTQ+ community—always evolving along with their chosen family, who keep coming back for more time and time again.

However, words without human experience behind them are like blowing smoke into a foghorn, so we spoke to two prominent members of the Big Gay Cruise community: Mark Herring (a Big Gay Cruise aficionado) and Edric Gray (aka the fabulous drag queen LoLa De La Rue) to get to the beating heart of what truly defines the BGC experience for their guests!

What and when was your first cruise with BGC? 

Edric: My first cruise with BGC was in February of 2022. It was on Oasis of the Seas, Royal Caribbean, and I was SUPER SUPER excited – I was traveling with my best friend Michael and we started packing two months before the sail date! We both decided to go all out and splurge and book the Crown Loft Suite. It was an amazing experience. BGC was setting sail for their 1st annual cruise – so it was huge being a part of this group.

Mark:  It was from April 29-May 6 , 2023. I was traveling with two other friends and we were very excited for our very first cruise. I had seen the BGC flyer on Facebook and it made me want to go.

What is your best, most lasting memory from your first Big Gay Cruise?    

Edric: Meeting other BGCErs – we have all kept in touch and get excited to see each other twice, sometimes three times a year.

Mark: I’ll never forget visiting and seeing the ship for the very first time and the port visits.

What surprised you about your first Big Gay Cruise? What was different from your expectations?  

Edric:  It was A LOT of drag – and being my first cruise – it was also the first time I was able to perform on the cruise as AkA LoLa De la Rue.

Mark:  Meeting new people from around the country! Expectations?  The ship!  just the size and offerings it had. Plus the food!  It was better than I had expected.

How did you go about connecting with new people on the cruise?

Edric:  I got to meet so many new faces – mainly late at night in the casino or Sorrento's pizza at 4am before bed.

Mark: I met several people from different states, but not able to hang out once I got back home.  None I met were from Charlotte, NC

What has been your favorite themed party, activity (onboard or onshore), or show from any of the BGC cruises you’ve been on, and why?

Edric:  My favorite event is by far the last night – White Party. It’s so exciting seeing the creativity that folks put into their outfits. 

Mark: I especially loved the Halloween cruise. Since I never had the chance to do Halloween as a kid. I make up for it now going all out in costume.  I actually met two people from Atlanta on the October 2024 Halloween cruise.  Those are close friends with my BFF, that I didn't know. I ended up having a great time and hanging out with them.

What makes Big Gay Cruise, and their community, special to you?    

Edric:  Oh my God – with every cruise we have grown more than 500 members in a three year span. Peter and his team are doing an amazing job – and it’s mostly through word of mouth.

Mark: It's a tight knit group of people and the BGC personnel put a lot of effort into the booking and shows/events.

If you’ve been on multiple BGC cruises, how have they evolved over time?    

Edric:  As well as all the drag, we now have trivia, karaoke, door contest, shore excursions – private events on the ship and recently added Uchawi – a fabulous magician from Las Vegas!

Mark: Over time the drag shows  have gotten fantastic!  Much better since the first cruise.

What advice would you give to a newcomer who is thinking of coming solo to a Big Gay Cruise?        

Edric:  Solo is good – you’ll never be alone – I believe what separates us from cruises like Atlantis – it’s family and it really shows! Be open minded – pack light – you won’t need all of those clothes (lol).  Just a few items for each theme night!! 

Mark:  Do it! You will meet some fantastic people and have plenty of fun! Off and on the ship.

Finally, do you have any upcoming cruise(s) with BGC (or intend to book one soon)?   

Edric:  Yes – I am officially on staff with the BGC – so I’m so thrilled to be working the events and late night shows. 

Mark:  I have the October (Halloween) cruise 2025 on Margaritaville at Sea “Islander”  and February cruise 2026 on “Allure of the Sea”. I love just being back on the ships – I could live on one!

Join the Big Gay Cruise family this Halloween and/or in February 2026 , and—just like Edric and Mark—you'll not only find your people, but find yourself coming back for more Big Gay Cruise action time and again.

Find out more about Big Gay Cruise on their website: Big Gay Cruise

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All images by Chris Perfect.

This article is sponsored by Big Gay Cruise