4 things to consider before booking an LGBTQ cruise
Although Pride Month has come to a close, the celebration continues with LGBTQI+ cruises.
According to its most recent survey of the LGBTQI+ community, the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) found that "the majority of U.S. respondents (77%) said they plan to take their next major vacation before the end of 2021."
And with the cruise industry already making its comeback, we know many travelers might already be planning to set sail before the year is up.
Whether you've embarked on LGBTQ cruises before or are looking to dip your toes in the water for the first time, here are four tips to know before booking your trip.
You can go with a group — or not
There is, of course, no one-size-fits-all cruise experience for the LGBTQI+ community. Travelers might be searching for a large party ship or prefer a small expedition ship. There are cruises specifically for women and family-friendly sailings as well. And that's just the beginning.
Travelers searching for an LGBTQI+ cruise might prefer to go with a group. An organization can book a certain number of cabins on a traditional ship and plan shore excursions and dinners just for the people booked in that group. For example, Aquafest Cruises offers a variety of group cruises, from its annual Halloween-themed groups to the 12-night Best of Japan experience.
Then there are full-ship charters, when an organization books every cabin on the ship. In this scenario, you're guaranteed a very LGBTQ-friendly experience. Vacaya is a cruise company known for chartering full ships that serve the entire LGBTQ+ community. Other companies, such as RSVP Vacations, charter entire ships with a mostly male clientele (about 10% lesbian), while Olivia Cruises offers women-only sailings.
Of course, you could also book a traditional cruise with a major line, such as Celebrity, Azamara, Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises and Holland America, all of which are known for their LGBTQ-friendly services.
"Royal Caribbean was the first line to appoint a manager in charge of engagement, diversity and inclusion and promote their services for same-sex weddings," said Dave Fowlie, a travel advisor at Cruise Planners, a large travel agency network. "Lines such as Carnival, Disney and Royal Caribbean have all received perfect ratings on the HRC's Corporate Equality Index," he added, "[which shows] how their practices support inclusion and the community."
Related: These LGBTQ-focused travel companies can help you plan the perfect cruise
Use an LGBTQ-friendly travel advisor
Planning a trip can be overwhelming. Fortunately, some companies — such as Cruise Planners — train advisors on how to help travelers find the best LGBTQ-friendly destinations and onboard experiences.
They are trained professionals who understand the nuances of LGBTQI+ travel and can find the best experience for your needs.
Fowlie even hosts "group cruises for the Bear Community," such as a group Bear sailing to the Mediterranean on Virgin Voyages in August 2022.
Plus, Cruise Planners COO and co-owner, Vicky Garcia, has dedicated her career to championing LGBTQI+ diversity and inclusion in the travel industry. In a phone interview with TPG, Garcia recommended that travelers "use a travel advisor that can ... help guide you into picking the right destination that will be safe for you and give you the most joyous ... experience when you're there."
Other companies such as Virtuoso, Signature Travel Network and Ensemble also have expert advisors in LGBTQ travel.
Related: Choosing the best American Express card for you
The entertainment is more LGBTQ-focused
According to several TPG readers who have traveled on full-chartered and themed LGBTQ cruises, these sailings are much like any other cruise ... except for the entertainment. You won't find these experiences if you're only looking to book a cabin on a traditional cruise.
"We expected it to be a lot like every other cruise we have been on, but with more drag queens," said Jeff Wooster, a global sustainability director at Dow who traveled with his husband on an inaugural Celebrity cruise with Vacaya in 2019.
Your sailing might have LGBTQ comedians, drag queens and musical numbers, and travelers said they appreciated how the entertainers were either themselves members of the LGBTQI+ community or were known for performing at LGBTQ venues.
"It did seem [that] the entertainers ... were more sociable with cruise guests at the buffet, at bars, at the pool ... than I have seen [on] other cruises," Wooster said.
Not a fan of big parties and over-the-top entertainment? There are plenty of other cruise activities, too, from relaxing cocktail hours to smaller LGBTQ shore excursions.
Chicora Martin, a higher education administrator from the Bay Area who has participated in these types of events, told TPG, "it's a great way to meet other LGBTQ passengers and make connections. It's nice to connect with [the] rainbow family, especially if you are not able to travel with your biological family."
The prices can be higher than on regular cruises
Costs tend to be higher on big LGBTQ cruises as compared to other cruises. This is largely because LGBTQ cruises offer premium experiences such as celebrity guest appearances (think: hanging out with LGBTQ stars such as Leslie Jordan or allies like Kristin Chenoweth).
Say you're planning a cruise to the Caribbean: A seven-day Celebrity Millenium LGBTQ cruise to the Caribbean with Vacaya has interior stateroom prices starting at $897 per person for two guests. By comparison, a seven-day traditional cruise to the Caribbean on the Celebrity Summit has prices starting at an average of $639 per person for an interior stateroom.
If you still want an LGBTQ-focused experience but don't want to pay a higher price, you might consider a smaller ship such as the Marmaris-Fethiye Blue Cruise.
Below are examples of full-chartered ships with LGBTQ cruise companies:
| Vacaya | Olivia | RSVP Vacations | Atlantis | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Trip length | Seven days | Eight days | 10 days | Eight days |
Ship | Celebrity Millenium | Windstar's ms Wind Spirit | Celebrity Infinity | Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas |
Itinerary | Aruba and Curaçao | Tahiti, French Polynesia | Miami, Florida; Aruba; Curaçao; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Labadee, Haiti | Miami, Florida; Dominican Republic; St. Thomas; Haiti; Puerto Rico |
Starting cost | $897 per person for two guests | $4,199 per person for early bird prices | $1,099 per person | $1,099 per person |
Bottom line
There are plenty of options to consider for an LGBTQ cruise experience, whether you're seeking a full-chartered ship, a group cruise or a solo trip. When considering important details such as pricing, amenities and entertainment, we recommend working with an LGBTQ-friendly travel advisor to create an experience that's right for you.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees