A day in the life on a Vacaya gay cruise: From sunrise to the late-night after-party
Editor’s note: TPG's Matt Moffitt sailed on a free trip provided by Vacaya. The opinions expressed below are entirely his and weren’t subject to review by the tour operator.
The sun lazily peeks through the curtains, signaling the start of another day aboard a Vacaya gay cruise. Given the plethora of activities available, what should you decide to do for the day (and into the night)?
In February 2023, I sailed with Vacaya on a one-week gay cruise out of Fort Lauderdale and through the Caribbean on board Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Reflection cruise ship. This was the first gay cruise I'd been on, so I was curious about what activities would be available and how the schedule would differ from a more "traditional" cruise.
If you're heading on one of the larger Vacaya cruises soon, here is what you can expect from a typical day onboard. (Note that the more boutique cruises the tour operator offers have different schedules and much smaller groups and ships.)
8 am: Leisurely start to the morning
Rise and shine. You'll begin your day with a stroll to the breakfast buffet, already busy with hundreds of (mostly gay male) passengers fueling up and chatting about the previous night's happenings.
If you're hungover and/or desiring some serenity, grab your plate and head to the outdoor deck at the back of the ship to enjoy fresh air and beautiful ocean views while you dine.
9 am: Onshore excursion if you're in port
Vacaya's port stops on Caribbean cruises tend to be back to back. Don't overdo it — pick and choose which places you really want to explore and feel free to skip a port or two for more relaxation on the ship.
Once you are in port, it's just like a regular cruise with traditional onshore excursions, such as snorkeling, ATV riding and walking tours. Or you may decide to explore on your own, just like I did when I visited the Cayman Islands National Museum, a short five-minute walk from the port in Grand Cayman.
10 am: Pool day if you're at sea
If the ship is sailing through open waters, get ready for a lively pool day. The pool deck is a vibrant hub of activity, with fellow passengers embracing the sun-soaked atmosphere. Finding an available deckchair might require a bit of patience, but it's a good opportunity to strike up conversations with new people and make connections.
If you desire a self-care moment, now is a great time to head to the gym — surprisingly not crowded at any time I visited — or head to the spa or sauna for some blissful relaxation.
While most themed events occur in the evening, a small number of specialized activities, such as drag bingo, occur during the day. One activity that struck me as a great initiative was a makeup class aimed at trans and gender-non-conforming guests, part of the operator's effort to increase inclusion on its cruises.
4 pm: Afternoon 'V-Dance'
Afternoons are when the fun really gets started. On half of the days on a weeklong cruise, you'll dress up for a "V-Dance," a Vacaya spin on the traditional afternoon T-Dance, popular in gay vacation spots like Fire Island and Provincetown.
My favorite was the "She's A Mess V-Dance" on the final day, when passengers donned one piece of every costume they'd worn during the week. It really was a fun mess; for instance, one passenger combined their leather harness from the underwear party with Cupid's bow and arrow from the Valentine's Day event and topped the look off with a fabulous wig for good measure!
6 pm: Dinner
Differing from a regular cruise, Vacaya has open seating at dinner times. If you can pry yourself away from the afternoon party, I would recommend dining earlier to give yourself time to check out a show and get ready for the rest of the night's festivities. If you really want to maximize your time, you explore the buffet's offerings instead of the restaurant setting.
One special inclusion I appreciated was a meetup for solo travelers every night at the bar outside the restaurant, after which we'd all dine together at a large group table.
7:30 pm: Queer-focused entertainment
Vacaya puts on a queer-themed show at the auditorium each night, including drag shows, Puppetry of the Penis and cabaret performances. There are usually two showings — at 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. — and I'd suggest lining up early to score a good seat.
After the show's over, it's time to head back to your cabin to prepare for the night's festivities. You can pregame with your travel companions and new friends while you get dolled up for the evening's party.
10:30 pm: Themed party
The night is still young, and it's time to immerse yourself in the themed party of the evening. There is a party...Every. Single. Night. So be sure to pace yourself and hydrate well.
Whether it's "The Locker Room" for a Superbowl-inspired extravaganza, an underwear party that celebrates body positivity or a Valentine's Day-themed affair, each night offers a unique experience that caters to the diverse tastes and desires of the queer community.
The parties take place poolside, where laughter and joy mingle with the ocean breeze. Embrace the freedom to be your authentic self, surrounded by friends who accept and celebrate you for who you are.
1 am: After-party
As the night enters its final chapter, an interactive after-party awaits — if you are so inclined. The basketball court is set up as an intimate play space, complete with slings and inflatable sofas.
The rest of the night is up to you and when you're ready, it's time to retreat to your cozy cabin, recharge your body and spirit, and prepare to do it all again the next day.
If this sounds like an ideal way to cruise, Vacaya offers a trip tailored to queer travelers and their allies almost every month of the year to places as varied as Brazil, Italy, Africa and Antarctica.
Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.