single gay cruises 2023

Istanbul to Athens on Oceania Riviera

Small Ship Luxury. Big Ship Excitement.

See it all this summer on the luxurious Oceania Riviera with an all-gay cruise that spans four enthralling countries in seven magical nights. From the pyramids of Egypt to the diverse cultures of Cyprus to the playground of Mykonos, you’ll see more of the Med than ever on a week filled with thrilling Atlantis entertainment and friends. It’s the perfect combination of intimate luxury and big-ship fun for 1200 very lucky guests.

35th Anniversary Caribbean Cruise

Biggest gay festival at sea.

Our biggest cruise yet is selling fast! Join Atlantis’ 35th Anniversary Caribbean Cruise before it’s too late. The largest gay cruise in history is already over 80% sold out. Experience awesome parties, spectacular entertainment, and endless surprises with 5500 guys from around the world. Sailing from Miami on the amazing Allure of the Seas, February 3-10, 2025!

All Gay Cruises

Istanbul to Athens Cruise

July 17 - 24, 2024 Oceania Riviera

Explore more than ever with our most exotic new all-gay cruise from Istanbul to Athens on the luxurious Oceania Riviera. Our non-stop adventure takes you to Egypt’s pyramids, Crete's treasures, the fascinating culture of Cyprus, and a day to play in Mykonos. It’s seven days of true sensory overload custom designed for 1200 very lucky guests, ready to be dazzled by Atlantis’ thrilling performers and Oceania’s legendary food and service.

Athens to Barcelona Cruise

August 4 - 13, 2024 Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady

SOLD OUT! Island-hop through five countries next summer with an all-new sailing from Athens to Barcelona on Virgin Voyages sensational new Resilient Lady. In nine action-packed nights you’ll explore Mykonos, Turkey, Malta, Sicily, Corsica, Capri, and Mallorca with 2700 guys from around the world. Sail the Med with the perfect mix of exotic exploration, spectacular entertainment, outrageous parties, and great friends onboard the newest and most welcoming ship in the world. Featuring eye-popping design, incredible fully-included dining, superior service and so much more. All from just $1499 -- our best deal ever to the Med!

Barcelona to London Cruise

August 13 - 23, 2024 Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady

SOLD OUT! Experience more than ever on our all-new Barcelona to London cruise aboard Virgin Voyages sensational new Resilient Lady. Journey between Europe’s gay capitals of Barcelona and London to explore the streets of Seville, Lisbon’s magical harbor, the vineyards of Bordeaux and so much more. All during the height of summer to create the perfect blend of amazing destinations, sensational entertainment, welcoming parties, and great friends. Featuring eye-popping design, incredible fully-included dining, superior service and so much more.

Halloween San Diego to Mexico Cruise

Oct 26 - Nov 2, 2024 Holland America Line MS Koningsdam

SOLD OUT! Halloween sizzles in 2024 when Atlantis returns to San Diego to sail the gorgeous Koningsdam to Mexico’s best beaches including Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, and Mazatlan. An epic week of outrageous parties, sizzling entertainment, and nonstop fun awaits our 2500 guys from around the world. It’s our easiest and friendliest cruise of the year, with amazing low fares from just $849!

February 3 - 10, 2025 Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas

The big one is bigger and better than ever in 2025! Get onboard the world's largest gay cruise when we sail the spectacular Allure of the Seas from Miami to the best of the Caribbean. Join 5500 guys from around the world for an insanely fun week of incredible parties, sensational entertainment, massive outdoor concerts, great friends, and so much more. Seven fabulous nights from just $1299!

All Gay Resorts

Club Atlantis Cancun 2025

Apr 26 - May 3, 2025 Club Med Cancun

Atlantis returns to Club Med Cancun for the ultimate all-gay beach resort. Join 750 friends on our most active vacation, featuring everything from private white sand beaches to thrilling sports (try the Flying Trapeze or BootCamp) to endless entertainment. All in a completely comfortable, welcoming environment. Best of all, our all-inclusive fares include absolutely everything (even drinks!) for one low price. It’s the best value in gay vacations.

Fun in unexpected ways with friends old and new. Always smiling, sometimes silly. It's the way we play.

The best parties on land or sea, with outrageous themes and world-class productions for every musical taste.

Stellar entertainment from our community and beyond. From superstars to soon-to-be-stars.

Awesome experiences in the world's most exciting destinations.

For over 30 years, Atlantis Events has hosted iconic all-gay vacations in some of the most stunning and exotic places on the planet. What started as a “gay week on the beach with friends” has since turned into the largest gay-owned company in the world dedicated to creating unique vacations for LGBTQ travelers. Today, we host more than 20,000 guests a year, but we’re still dedicated to creating a welcoming community of passionate, like-minded people, where travelers can relax, be themselves, have fun, meet new friends, and learn new things.

Each Atlantis cruise or resort offers a carefree experience based around friendship, camaraderie, relaxation, indulgence, adventure, and pure uninhibited fun. Beautiful locations, fantastic entertainment and legendary parties set the the stage for the magic that happens when a diverse group comes together and everyone is free to be themselves.

That’s the way we play, and it’s why our guests return year after year. So what are you waiting for? Experience Atlantis for yourself.

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Daddy Cruise | Gay Singles 2023

Gay Singles

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About this trip

       Hooray! This year, our Gay Singles Cruise sets sail for the first time from the West Coast! This is a cruise specifically for gay singles (well, OK, others can come, too…). While not an "all-gay" cruise, we’ll be a group of (mostly) single gay guys on a "regular" cruise—having a blast together! You won't want to miss out on the fun, the excitement, and most of all, the camaraderie. Even before you board, you'll become part of our welcoming community of like-minded guys just looking to have a great vacation together. 

ROOMMATE INFO

       All prices below assume SINGLE occupancy. If you have someone traveling with you, he can share your cabin with you for free (plus $134 taxes). Because these rates are so low, we are not offering our usual roommate finder program for this cruise. 

Available Packages

We sold out of our low group fares shown on our website (please book earlier next time if you can). Current price for private, full sized cabin (no roommate) is now $1289 + $134 in taxes and port fees.  PAYMENT IN FULL IS DUE NOW.

  Payments made are subject to Carnival cruise line's cancellation policy.

We sold out of our low group fares shown on our website (please book earlier next time if you can).  Current price for private, full sized cabin (no roommate) is now $1359 + $134 in taxes and port fees.   PAYMENT IN FULL IS DUE NOW.

Payments made are subject to Carnival cruise line's cancellation policy.

We sold out of our low group fares shown on our website (please book earlier next time if you can). Current price for private, full sized cabin (no roommate) is now $1679 + $134 in taxes and port fees.   PAYMENT IN FULL IS DUE NOW. 

Your Organizer

Daddy Cruise ®

Helping guys of all ages enjoy vacations—together, you're welcome here.

You're probably not the 20-year-old with the ripped body that you see pictured on other gay cruise sites. You're more of an average guy, who's wondering if taking a cruise would be a good way to spend his vacation. Maybe you've been on other ships—or maybe it's your first time. You know what you don't want: a floating bathhouse, a large cruise ship with nothing but gay men, and to feel lost or left out—especially if you're not that outgoing.

You've Come to the Right Place

Here's why:, you get to travel with a bunch of friends.

Separated at birth?

We gather an active, energetic group of 20-to-100+ people: all ages and races, including Daddys, boys, and others. Bring your family and friends—gay or straight—and meet other good guys.

You get to make a difference

Assembling toiletry kits in Long Beach

Each cruise includes an optional day of service to a local group in need, such as participating in a food drive for a local LGBTQ center. You can have a transformative experience—as well as an enjoyable vacation!

You'll See It the First Time We Talk

Surprise! We found the bar!

That's right: you speak with one of us —not someone in a call center who can't wait to get you off the phone! We'll take all the time you need to get your questions answered, so you can make a good decision.

You get to know people even before the ship leaves

San Juan, PR—dining at the birthplace of the Piña Colada

There's a private Facebook page so you can meet others in advance. We'll also gather for pre-cruise virtual events, where you'll discover more about the excursions you may take, get your questions answered, and start interacting with your new friends.

You get your own personal host

Read us a bedtime story, Daddy!

We personally host your vacation! We're there to look out for you, make sure you have a good time, and feel included throughout the trip. We organize and lead lots of ways for you to get to know your fellow passengers. There's a meet-and-greet activity on the first day, dinner at our own tables throughout the cruise, and private excursions exclusively for our group. We'll also respect your need to have time alone.

You'll Love the Value

Cruising is FUN!

We don't take over an entire ship for an all-gay cruise and make you pay a premium price. Instead, we create our community on a regularly-scheduled cruise, which also gives you the choice of meeting a diverse group of travelers. In addition, we reserve cabins years in advance so we can still offer reasonable rates—even when prices go up later.

You Can Be Solo Without Being Alone!

Singles enjoying their new friends onboard

Our cruises aren't just for couples: we have lots of singles! Don't worry about sitting next to an empty chair at dinner. Or paying full fare for a double-occupancy cabin. Explore all the ways you'll feel welcome in our group, including our Roommate Match Program .

Why Singles Love Our Cruises

We care that you have a good time! That’s why you'll never feel awkward as a solo traveler.

• You can join our private Facebook page to meet other cruisers in advance
• You're invited to our exclusive excursions, events and parties to mingle with other fun-loving singles and couples
• Your personal host introduces you to other members of our group, and regularly checks in to help you feel included (while respecting your privacy)

Three Ways We Serve Financially Savvy Solo Cruisers

With most cruises designed for "double-occupancy," this can seem an unnecessarily pricey way for a single to travel. Not so with us!

The first way we combat this is with our First Fares Strategy . We buy blocks of rooms when the sailing is first announced and fares are at their lowest. That way, you're guaranteed accommodations at prices that are significantly lower than the going rates later.

The second way is through our Roommate Match Program —which also adds a dash of fun!

• We chat with you in advance to learn your preferences, on things like the hours you keep (early bird or night owl), smoking, snoring, etc. Then we find a compatible person to share a cabin with you.
• Our success rate is high, and most roommates soon feel like old friends. But if things don't work out, we'll make them right immediately, so everyone is comfortable.
• The fee for this program is $150. Most singles treat this as insurance. Even if you aren't matched with a roommate and end up with your own cabin, you're covered—you'll never pay the single supplement!

We'll Take Care of You

There's only one way you'll know if cruising with us is right for you: contact Brian at 614-799-1390 or [email protected] .

"Every day I talk with singles, or couples who want to invite a single friend—gay or straight—to join them," Brian says. "My goal is for you to feel confident that this is the right place for you, and get the fun started!"

Meet your Daddy Cruise® crewmembers

Brian cole miller.

Patrick Brown

Ron Dickerson

Pack Your Bags! Here's Where You're Headed Next!

Make an impact while you cruise, enjoying a day of giving back.

Sometimes you want more than just a vacation: you want a fulfilling experience. That's why we include one optional "day of service" on our journeys.

• Maybe it's delivering mattresses to hurricane survivors in Belize
• Or having a shipboard quilting bee to create "tie together" (no-sewing) blankets for homeless teens in Baltimore
• Or packing comfort bags with needed toiletries for poor members of the LBGTQ community in Long Beach.

Delivering mattresses to hurricane survivors in Belize

You take a day to make a difference for people who need care and hope—and are so grateful to receive it. Guys tell us this often is the highlight of their trip! Getting to see the "real people and culture" beyond the glitz of a port. Forming stronger bonds by working with—and enjoying—your cruise-mates on a deeper level.

This is offered as a choice, like any other excursion. There's no judgment if you do something else that day. Some guys prefer to make an online donation to the cause, which also is important, and we make it easy.

Ask us about the day of service planned for your vacation. If you join us, you may come back feeling lucky and transformed!

Oh, the places we've been, photos from our past trips, daddy cruise® 2015.

Daddy Cruise® 2016

Singles & Solos Cruise 2017

Daddy Cruise® California 2017

Daddy Cruise® Alaska 2018

Daddy Cruise® Japan 2019

Daddy cruise® cuba caribbean 2019.

Daddy Cruise® Danube River 2019

Daddy Cruise® Rhine River 2021

Daddy Cruise® Western Caribbean 2021

Singles & Solos Cruise 2022

Daddy cruise® hawaii 2022.

Testimonials

You're hardly our first.

Read what those who have sailed with Daddy have to say about us

"This was my first cruise, but I had no concerns. I felt comfortable with the gay men in Brian's group, and all the straight people were super nice."

More from Chino in Arizona

"I liked doing cruises alone—until now. I can't wait to meet the group on Brian's next cruise."

More from Dickey in Florida

"Brian made both of us feel comfortable, from the first time we spoke. And all through the cruise, he treated us like friends and family—not just a number."

More from Don & Michael in Oregon

"This was my first gay cruise. I've already signed up for my next one. Why go by yourself when you can meet a group of new friends and have a great time?"

More from Jorge in Florida

"Go with an open mind. It doesn't matter when you were born. You can still find the joy and excitement of a gay cruise."

More from Josh in New York

"Don't be afraid that you won't connect or fit in. You'll find others you like on your own—or Brian will help you meet them."

More from Mark & Joel in California

Daddy's mail list, join our community to receive daddy cruise® updates.

The updates will be infrequent (1-2 per month), and we will never share your email address with anyone

A Final Word

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.” Mark Twain, The Innocents Abroad

Best Gay Cruises: Top 10 Picks for LGBTQ+ Travelers in 2023

The travel industry has transformed significantly, increasingly catering to specific interests and communities. As part of this growing trend, there’s a thriving niche of specialized cruises designed for the LGBTQ+ community. 

Enter the world of gay cruises, voyages that promise fun and relaxation, and an opportunity to be surrounded by a like-minded community in a welcoming and inclusive environment. This article explores some of the best gay cruises for your next sea adventure.

The Importance of Inclusive Travel

In the not-so-distant past, the travel industry was often an unwelcoming space for LGBTQ+ individuals. However, the advent of dedicated gay cruises has played a significant role in changing this narrative. 

These cruises are more than just a vacation – they’re a statement, a celebration of diversity and acceptance. For many, they offer a haven, an opportunity to travel freely without fear of judgment or discrimination. They represent a shift towards inclusivity, creating an environment where everyone can relax and be themselves.

Moreover, these cruises are a beacon of visibility for the LGBTQ+ community. They encourage dialogue, foster understanding, and celebrate diversity’s beauty in the most grandiose way. Through entertainment, activities, and simply existing as dedicated spaces, gay cruises contribute to the broader acceptance and recognition of the LGBTQ+ community in society.

Setting Sail with the Best in LGBTQ+ Travel

Traveling is a luxury that everyone deserves to enjoy, and when it comes to the world of cruises, there’s no shortage of options for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re seeking adventure on the high seas or the tranquility of a river journey, there’s something for everyone.

The Rise of Specialized Cruises

In recent years, the cruise line industry has recognized the diversity of its passengers and has started offering specialized experiences. From gay group cruises to LGBTQ+ friendly events, the spectrum is vast. One of the standout names in the industry is Atlantis Events, known for organizing premier gay cruises. Their expertise and events have led to them being frequently referred to as one of the top choices when discussing the best gay cruises.

River Cruises vs. Oceanic Journeys

While the vast ocean offers an expansive adventure, there’s something incredibly intimate about a river cruise. Meandering through continents, these cruises offer a closer look at cultures, with stops at lesser-known ports. Whether you’re onboard a Royal Caribbean ship charting the vast waters of the Caribbean cruise or taking a peaceful river journey, the experience is unparalleled.

Must-Visit Destinations

Every gay cruise has its highlights, but certain destinations always stand out. Puerto Vallarta, for example, is not just a beautiful beach town but also an LGBTQ+ hotspot. Many travelers have lauded its welcoming atmosphere, making it a frequent stop for many gay cruises. When on board a ship, the mention of this destination always brings a murmur of excitement among passengers.

Choosing the Right Cruise Line

When you’re looking for the best gay cruises, it’s essential to consider the cruise line. Companies like Royal Caribbean have a reputation for being inclusive and offering a broad range of experiences. However, it’s also crucial to look for cruise lines that organize dedicated gay cruises, ensuring that your journey is surrounded by like-minded individuals.

The world of cruises for LGBTQ+ travelers is broader than ever. From ocean giants to peaceful riverboats, the options are endless. Whether you’re searching for the best gay cruise to the azure waters of the Caribbean or hoping to join a gay group cruise down a tranquil river, the opportunities in 2023 are vast.

What to Look For in a Gay Cruise

So, what makes a great gay cruise? Beyond the destination, there are vital factors to consider when choosing the perfect voyage for your next vacation.

First, look at the accommodations and amenities on offer. Your cabin is your home away from home, so comfort is crucial. Many cruises offer a range of rooms, from simple and cozy to outright luxurious. The ship’s amenities – such as pools, spas, and fitness centers – also significantly affect your overall experience.

Second, consider the onboard entertainment and activities . An excellent gay cruise offers various options, from drag shows to dance parties, film screenings, and themed nights. The more diverse the offerings, the better the chances of catering to a broader range of tastes and interests.

Third, consider the cruise line’s diversity and inclusivity policies . It’s essential that the cruise actively fosters an environment of respect and acceptance for all.

Finally, many of the best gay cruises offer unique LGBTQ+-themed events and parties. These could include Pride parties, drag brunches, or LGBTQ+ history talks. These events can significantly enhance your travel experience, providing opportunities to connect with others in the community and learn something new.

Choosing the best gay cruise involves finding the right balance between all these factors. In the next section, we’ll take a closer look at some of the top contenders in the industry.

11 Best Gay Cruises

1. atlantis events.

Since starting in 1991, Atlantis Events has become the top travel company offering the best gay cruises for the LGBTQ+ community.

Each year, over 20,000 guests join Atlantis Events cruises. These trips go to exciting places like South America and the Cayman Islands.

The company offers all-gay cruises, using big ships from famous cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line.

Guests on these cruises can enjoy fun activities, great food, and comfortable rooms. Atlantis Events cruises also have special events like motivational speakers, drag shows, and a selection of LGBTQ+ movies that guests can watch in their rooms. This makes Atlantis Events a top choice for the best gay cruises.

2. Pied Piper Travel

Pied Piper Travel is a top agency for gay and lesbian cruises. They’ve been in the business for over 32 years and offer many trip options. They plan short trips and big trips on large ships.

They already have 50 group cruises planned until 2024. These cruises go to cool places like Antarctica, the Rio Carnival, and New Zealand. Pied Piper Travel works with big cruise companies like Celebrity Cruises, Cunard, Royal Caribbean, and Princess Cruises.

On these trips, which are some of the best gay cruises, guests can enjoy cocktail parties, meals, entertainment, and special events. There’s also a Pied Piper Host on each cruise to ensure everyone has a good time.

3. Olivia Travel

Olivia ranks highly among the best gay cruises, serving lesbians and LGBTQ women for nearly 50 years. Guests can choose between river or ocean trips to various global destinations. Onboard activities range from themed dance parties and folk concerts to writing workshops and karaoke. For relaxation, cruisers can enjoy the pool, spa, or lounges.

Olivia also offers specialized programs to connect guests with similar backgrounds, including solo traveler meetups, a program for LGBTQ women of color (Sisters at Sea), a gathering for those 40 and younger (Gen-O and Friends), and events for veterans (Women in Uniform) and mature women (OWLs – “older, wiser lesbians”). Olivia Cruises’ travelers often report a strong sense of community, adding to a fun, stress-free experience.

4. Celebrity Cruises

If you’re hunting for the best gay cruises, Celebrity Cruises should be top of your list. They’re award-winners, celebrated for their epic Pride parties and year-round LGBTQ+ events.

From night one, you’re welcomed with a particular party to meet other LGBTQ+ travelers. And the fun doesn’t stop – they’ve got a lineup of social events throughout your journey. Plus, they’re pioneers in love, being the first to host a same-sex wedding at sea in 2018.

Travelers rave about their trips with celebrities. It ticks all the boxes – friendly vibes, great food, and plenty of hangout spots. If you’re LGBTQ+ and love cruising, Celebrity Cruises is a top pick.

5. The Cruise With La Demence

Looking for the best gay cruises? Check out La Demence. It’s an all-gay cruise that’s a total blast. It’s named after a famous gay club in Brussels and has a big European crowd. But it’s not just guys – women are welcome too.

Here’s what’s fun about La Demence. You can dance all night to top DJs under dazzling lights. And it’s not just about dancing. People love their gay-friendly stops and tasty cocktails. There are also dress-up-themed nights and excellent activities like drag bingo.

And where do you go? Some of the best places. Every summer, La Demence visits Rome, Athens, Mykonos in Greece, Kotor in Montenegro, and Dubrovnik in Croatia. Talk about the best gay cruises, right?

6. Brand g Vacations

Brand g Vacations is a top choice for the best gay cruises. They started in 2011 with LGBT+ river cruises and land tours. Now, they’re adding luxury ocean liners in 2023. With trips worldwide and smaller crowd sizes, you’ll get to know your fellow passengers, mostly 40 years old and older.

The fun onboard is different from other cruises. Instead of big dance parties, you get cabaret-style shows with drag queens and gay Broadway stars. There are also great sightseeing tours and fancy meals. If you want a relaxed, luxury trip, pick Brand G.

You get lots of extras with Brand G. They give you airport transfers, hotel stays before the trip, and unlimited drinks. The cost is high, but it’s worth it. Plus, they support LGBTQ+ causes like the Elton John AIDS Foundation. With Brand G, you get one of the best gay cruises and help for a good reason.

7. Source Journeys

In the world of the best gay cruises, Source Journeys is a winner. They create luxe cruise trips for the LGBTQ+ community. Think of it like a treasure chest of dream holidays.

Picture this: cruising to the Galapagos Islands in September. You’re on the Evolve yacht, spotting sea lions, turtles, and iguanas. It’s the perfect mix of adventure and chill.

But if you fancy Asia, they’ve got you. In October, a Vietnam and Cambodia cruise showcases the beauty of the Mekong. City vibes, nature spots, it’s got it all. So, for top-notch gay cruises, keep Source Journeys on your radar.

8. Uniworld River Cruises

Want the best gay cruises with no hassle? River cruises are your answer. With Uniworld, you can explore many cool cities in one trip, just for the LGBTQ+ crowd.

You’ll enjoy fun events and shows on an Out on the Rivers cruise. Plus, the guys from R Family Vacations, Gregg Kaminsky and Kelli Carpenter, are in charge. The Brilliant Bordeaux cruise is a must.

And here’s a hot tip: April Holland and Belgium at Tulip Time cruise. It celebrates LGBTQ+ leaders in Western Europe. It’s one of the best gay cruises you can’t miss!

9. R Family Vacations

Ever heard of R Family Vacations? They’re top dogs in the best gay cruises game, especially for LGBTQ+ families. For 20 years, they’ve ensured folks feel welcome and safe when we travel.

They charter big ships like Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas. What’s onboard? Broadway shows, comedy acts, dance parties, and dinners tailored for the LGBTQ+ community.

Recently, they’ve started adult-only cruises too. Imagine a quieter, luxurious sail just for grown-ups. So whether you’ve got kids or want adult downtime, R Family Vacations has some of the best gay cruises around.

10. RSVP Vacations

Looking for the best gay cruises? Check out RSVP Vacations. They’ve been making gay cruises fun since 1985. With over 150,000 happy guests so far, they know their stuff.

What’s cool about RSVP? They charter all sorts of ships. Big ones from Holland America Line or MSC Cruises, and relaxing river cruises from AmaWaterways. There’s something for everyone.

But the best part? The onboard fun. Pool games, T-dances, bingo, and even costume contests! RSVP Vacations makes sure everyone has a great time. So, for a top-notch gay cruise, RSVP Vacations should be your pick.

11. OUTBound

OUTbound offers unique LGBTQ+ travel adventures like no other. From cruising the Danube River to discovering Africa’s landscapes, every trip is authentic.

OUTbound works with local LGBTQ+ tour operators. This means you keep connecting with our community, even when exploring ashore. You’ll dive into the local culture, history, and nature.

So, if you’re after the best gay cruises, think OUTbound. With their special focus on art, culture, and history, your journey will be truly unforgettable.

The travel world has changed, creating the best gay cruises that offer a warm and inclusive space for the LGBTQ+ community. Each cruise line, from Atlantis Events to OUTbound, brings something unique. They provide more than just a vacation; they offer a chance to enjoy exciting destinations, have fun, and express yourself freely.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

While they primarily cater to the LGBTQ+ community, many gay cruises welcome allies and friends who wish to join in the festivities and support LGBTQ+ causes.

Gay cruises feature a range of themed events, parties, and entertainment, often with LGBTQ+ performers, DJs, and drag shows. Expect a vibrant and accepting atmosphere.

The minimum age varies by cruise, but most require participants to be at least 18 or 21 years old.

Yes, gay cruises prioritize safety and inclusivity, often working closely with cruise lines to create a welcoming environment.

Yes, many gay cruises are welcoming to straight allies, as long as they are respectful and supportive of the LGBTQ+ community.

Did you know?

Gay Cruises are a unique way to experience the world, offering LGBTQ+ travelers a safe and welcoming environment to explore new destinations. These cruises often feature all-gay or all-lesbian crews, creating a sense of community and inclusivity onboard. One of the most popular features of Gay Cruises is the entertainment, which can range from drag shows to live music to comedy performances. These cruises also offer a range of activities and excursions, from beach parties to cultural tours to adventure sports. Gay Cruises are a great way to meet new people, explore new destinations, and celebrate your identity in a fun and supportive environment.

Author’s Note

These cruises are celebrations of diversity and acceptance. Whether it’s exciting parties, cultural immersion, or simply lounging in luxurious accommodations, there’s a gay cruise that’s just right for you. So, consider one of these cruises the next time you plan a vacation. It’s more than just a trip; it’s a journey that celebrates you.

Related: Best Cruise Lines for Adults , Most Fun Cruise Ship , Most Eco-Friendly Cruise Lines

Christian Petzold is a successful touristic entrepreneur, experiential traveller and round-the-world backpacker. He holds an academic degree in tourism management.

His touristic expertise has been covered in radio, newspaper and television.

Read more on him here…

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Norwegian Pearl

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Cruise Itinerary

Key West, FL

Cozumel, Mexico

Harvest Caye, Belize

Colon, Panama

Cartagena, Colombia

Georgetown, Grand Cayman

Start your journey with Miami’s many shades of gay. Stop into one of the vibrant restaurants of South Beach and walk over to one of the hottest gay bars and nightclubs along the shore for your favorite libation and endless leisure. Rejoice in the whimsical and the funky street art of Wynwood Arts District, or check out some of the trendiest art studios, galleries and plentiful museums.

The gay mecca and southernmost point in the USA has something for almost everyone. Famous for watersports, lively gay life, beaches, historic sites and its pastel, conch-style architecture, and so much more. Take a walk down energetic Duval Street, where a seemingly endless collection of shops and bars beckon. Or stop by Ernest Hemmingway’s Home (and Museum) for a glimpse into the past.

What was once a secluded island hideaway, has now become one of the most recognized tropical locales in Mexico’s majestic Caribbean region. Boasting white sand beaches, coral reefs, modern amenities and an enormous swath of wild areas, it is an island paradise in every sense of the term. With countless activities both below and above the waves, your visit is sure to be one you brag about for years to come.

Harvest Caye in Southern Belize is the Caribbean's premier island destination. Immerse yourself in natural beauty and culture on a 75-acre oasis featuring an expansive pool with a swim-up bar, salt-water lagoon for water sports, exclusive 7-acre beach and exciting shore excursions ranging from zip lining across the island to snorkeling the world's second largest barrier reef.

Relax and discover the magic of a day at sea with RSVP onboard Pearl. From our special RSVP brunch to wacky bingo sessions, it’s not a typical day on a ship. Indulge in the spa or take in some rays around the pool. Just save some energy for our first tea-dance this afternoon!

Sail into the Caribbean seaport of Colón and grab a good spot on deck so you can take in the view. What a picture it is. Behold the Atlantic Ocean entrance to the famous Panama Canal. Born from a desire to get to California (and its Gold Rush) as fast as possible, this industrious town was the last stop on the 19th century Panama Railroad. It’s now home to Canal Zones, U.S. military bases, and of course, beauty.

The old walled city of Cartagena reflects a turbulent history of conquistadors and pirates. Climb "las murallas" for an unforgettable view of the harbor. Shop for emeralds and leather goods along the cobblestone streets of this enchanting city.

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea with everything from T-dances to pool games to brunch with friends. The Caribbean sunshine is all yours today!

No port in the Caribbean has more to offer than Grand Cayman, where miles of powder white sand meet sophisticated resorts and some of the world's best duty-free shopping. Explore the wonders of seven-mile beach, swim with stingrays at "Stingray City", or take a snorkeling trip out to some of the clearest waters in the Caribbean! Just leave some time to explore the magic of Georgetown, where charming cafes line the streets and awesome deals tempt you in every store!

After a week of exploring, enjoy our last day in the sun with great friends old and new.

Welcome back to the vibrant city of Miami. Stay and enjoy the culture, sights and sounds or continue on to one of the many great destinations in South Florida including Ft. Lauderdale.

Disembarkation beings at approximately 7am on March 27 and RSVP does not recommend flights before 10am.

Exotic Destinations. Endless Fun.

Head south, way south, with RSVP on a thrilling adventure that spans 6 countries in 10 magical nights. We’re sailing from convenient Miami to the Caribbean, Central, & South America, starting with the southernmost point in USA – Key West! This legendary gay-friendly island is filled with quirky charm and unexpected excitement.

Over and underwater adventures await you in Cozumel, home to some of the world’s best dive sites along with pristine powder-white sandy beaches. Just leave a little time to shop the myriad of authentic stores.

Panama, Colombia, & More

RSVP brings you right up to the world-famous Panama Canal, or make a day trip to Panama City, the country’s largest metro area. Colon is ideally located for stunning excursions to more rainforests, Soberania National Park, and historic sites. And it’s one of the world’s largest duty-free shopping areas!

Our southernmost port of Cartagena is one of the most vibrant and fascinating coastal cities in South America, filled with castles and walls dating back to the city’s 16th century founding. Explore the walled city and Plaza San Domingo or step back in time to the Palace of the Inquisition to learn about Colombian history. Our late stay gives you plenty of time to explore both the history and contemporary culture of this gorgeous city. Just make sure you take in some of the local flavors in Cartagena’s bustling food scene!

And Soak Up the Sunshine

Marvel at the magnificent white sand beaches of Grand Cayman, where azure waters create the picture-perfect shorelines. Whether you spend the day relaxing on Seven Mile Beach, exploring the Crystal Caves or shopping in Georgetown you’ll find a gorgeous vibrant atmosphere unlike anything else in the Caribbean.

In between exploring, you’ll have plenty of time to relax and play onboard Pearl over four sun-soaked days at sea. There’s no better time to recharge, refresh, and enjoy quality time with RSVP friends old and new on our beautiful home at sea.

The Perfect Ship for RSVP

You’ll sail with 2400 friends from around the world on the stunning Norwegian Pearl as we explore the azure seas of the Caribbean. Pearl features a massive central pool deck, with wide open spaces for relaxing, playing, and dancing . You’ll love her inviting modern design, wide variety of enticing restaurants, beautifully appointed spa, and spectacular performance venues.

RSVP Days Built for Fun

From our daytime pool games to festive afternoon t-dances, you’ll always be entertained. Join us for RSVP’s new Drag Brunch, drop in for a friendly volleyball game, or find a quiet deck chair on Pearl’s massive outdoor decks. When you’re ready to really relax, check out the spectacular Polynesian-themed spa featuring every imaginable treatment along with one of the largest and most complete fitness centers at sea.

Spectacular Entertainment. Everywhere.

With 10 magical nights, we’ll offer more entertainment and more variety than any other all-gay cruise! Our white-hot lineup features a an all-new lineup of sizzling RSVP performers including unique producition shows, Broadway stars, world-famous drag queens, and many more RSVP stars old and new.

And that’s just the beginning! Spinnaker lounge hosts intimate shows starring top gay comics, cabaret stars, and original variety acts from our community. RSVP’s legendary piano showcase redefines fun on a keyboard, and plenty of surprises await every night on the biggest festival of gay entertainers on the planet!

Fun and Friendly Parties. Under the Stars.

Nothing compares to dancing under the stars or afternoon sun, and Pearl boasts one of the most perfect venues we’ve ever seen. An incredibly diverse set of inviting parties will rise up from this remarkable space, with a production meant to mesmerize and a setting built for socializing. All hosted by DJs who play the music you always want to hear.

In addition to RSVP’s legendary theme nights, you’ll find musical tributes to Classic Disco, 80s retro, great divas from the 90s, and a few more original events. Regardless of your taste in music, or temperament for a party, you’ll be welcome here and find.

And Make it All-Inclusive!

The New RSVP Vacations gives you everything you’ve always asked for. As always, your cruise fare includes deluxe accommodations, a wide variety of meals in multiple venues, all entertainment and parties, for all guests. You can enhance your reservation with the optional all-inclusive drink packages available. The things that are not included are few and far between – optional shore excursions, internet access, specialty restaurants, boutique purchases, bottles of wine, and some premium beverages. These are easily charged to your stateroom account.

Discover the New RSVP in 2023

Whether you’re a single traveler, cruising with friends, or getting away with your partner, our Deep Tropical Americas cruise offers the perfect vacation for everyone. Friends will always find options to satisfy everyone’s taste and plenty of ways to get together. And there’s no better place for a couple to discover the joys of traveling together than in a welcoming all-gay environment.

We design our cruise experiences to welcome all, and always attract a great mix of singles, couples, and friends from all over the world!

Everything. From $899

We’re celebrating the return of RSVP Vacations with the best value in all-gay vacations! Imagine 10 nights to explore, play, relax, and re-connect with amazing low fares starting at just $899. We’re ready to welcome everyone onboard RSVP as we create a vibrant new way to sail.

The MeetMeOnBoard app is now available to download in the Apple App Store for iOS devices and on Google Play for android devices. The MeetMeOnBoard app is the ultimate LGBTQ+ cruise app that makes it easier than ever for queer travelers to book cruises and connect with each other. Cruisers can now effortlessly discover fellow LGBTQ+ companions aboard their chosen cruise, fostering connections long before setting sail and empowering users to navigate the seas of queer travel with confidence and community.

There is something great about meeting other LGBTQ+ people on board a cruise ship, enjoying a great meal together, connecting for that daily happy hour martini or sharing an experience in port. Please join us on one of our upcoming LGBTQ+ group cruises or choose one of the many options available on our calendar. There's so much to see & explore in this world. We hope to meet you onboard soon!

LGBTQ+ Cruise Calendar

We know you love to cruise and the LGBTQ+ travel community has many options for you. Check out our list of group cruises and full ship charters. Whether you prefer large ships, small ships, or river boats we're sure you'll find a cruise vacation that meets your individual needs.  

LGBTQ+ Cruise Traveler Blog

A New Captain at MeetMeOnboard

Debuting on Norwegian Prima: "Summer: The Donna Summer Musical"

Celebrity Cruises Pride Party at Sea 2023

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“I have cruised with different groups and I am now sold on MeetMeOnboard. I shall follow them and the cruises they are involved with regardless the cruise line.” 

"This trip was so special for many reasons. We have never connected with so many terrific people. I have to thank you and Dale and MeetMeOnboard for breaking the ice."

“Wanted to drop you a note to say thank you for a great cruise. Loved the special bonuses. Enjoyed meeting everyone in the group and lots of nice people on the ship.”

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Book your cabin today for a Daddy Cruise® 2023 destination!

Daddy Cruise® is revolutionizing the face of gay cruises, literally. Instead of catering to the 20-something washboard ab sector of the gay male population like most gay cruise companies, they are extending their services to include everyone. Their goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment, so all of their passengers feel welcome and comfortable.

LGBTQ+ owned and operated, Daddy Cruise® is primarily a cruise planning service. They assemble groups ranging from 20 to 100 or more, of all ages, races, and body types, and book space aboard larger existing cruises. You avoid the premium pricing of an ‘all gay’ cruise while you get the bonus of meeting and mingling with a broader range of travelers.

They also allow you to book cabins years in advance, so you are guaranteed the best prices. This includes single passengers as well who they try to match up using their ‘roommate program’ in order to avoid double occupancy fees that are standard on most cruise lines.

And speaking of cabins, Daddy Cruise® has four very Daddy-licious cruises coming up this year: The Alaska Cruise 2023 , the Gay Singles Cruise 2023, the Halloween Cruise 2023, and the Rhine River Christmas Markets Cruise 2023. So check out all the great cabin prices for each one, and start booking today!

Alaska Cruise 2023

Join Daddy Cruise® aboard the Norwegian  Sun  as they voyage to Alaska. Near the top of everyone’s bucket list, Alaska is beyond anything you’ve experienced—vast, wild, inspiring, colorful, dazzling, beautiful, exciting…the list is nearly endless. You’ll sail round trip from convenient Seattle (a great destination itself) to the glaciers and gold rush towns in southern Alaska.

You’ll be aboard the lovely Norwegian  Sun , which was completely refurbished (including all staterooms) just two years before the pandemic. This is one of Norwegian’s smallest ships, so expect a quieter, and more intimate cruising experience. CruiseCritic.com gives her 4 out of 5 stars and says her “…refurbished spaces boast clean, modern design…” and “…a plethora of tasty dining options abounds.”

SALE—book now to get all 4 of the following FREE with your fare:

• Premium beverage package
• Premium dining package (3 upscale dinners)
• WiFi package (250 minutes)$50 shore excursion credit

NOTE: Inside cabins choose two of the above, while all others receive all four!

Interior Cabin

INTERIOR DOUBLE OCCUPANCY cabins start at just $780 per person. You’ll have your choice of two twin beds or one king bed, desk, ample closet and drawer space, flat-screen TV, private bath and shower. With no window, you won’t have that pesky sunlight to hinder your sleep at any hour!

Ocean View Cabin

OCEAN VIEW DOUBLE OCCUPANCY cabins start at $1040 per person. These cabins are similar to the interior cabins, except they include a full-sized, unobstructed picture window (not just a porthole!). You’ll be able to see the ports as we sail in and out, or watch the breathtaking scenery of Alaska we cruise along.

Balcony Cabin

BALCONY DOUBLE OCCUPANCY cabins start at $1880 per person. These cabins are larger (over 200 square feet) than inside cabins, and they are similarly appointed (beautifully!). They each have floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open to your own private verandah. This is the best way to view the glaciers!

SUITES DOUBLE OCCUPANCY (call for rates). Want the ultimate? Let’s talk suites. Over 300 square feet, these staterooms include a separate inside sitting area, upscale amenities and service, and floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open to a larger, private veranda where you can sit and admire glaciers, forests, waterfalls, and wildlife.

Oh, and the government adds $389 taxes and fees per person to any of these rates. (dammit!)

All prices are per person, assuming double occupancy. Sailing solo? Solo cabins are available, call for details, OR, we can match you with a suitable roommate to help keep costs down. Ask about our Roommate Finder Program (just $150).

Remember, the price includes almost everything: your berth and transportation from port to port, onboard entertainment, onboard activities, most beverages (including alcohol and carbonated drinks!), all your meals (including free room service!), all the Daddy Cruise® extras, and much more!

Check out the itinerary and book the Alaska Cruise TODAY!

The gay singles cruise 2023.

Carnival  Miracle —Long Beach round trip to Baja, Mexico – October 3—8, 2023

Hooray! This year, their Gay Singles Cruise sets sail for the first time from the West Coast! This is a cruise specifically for gay singles (well, OK, others can come, too…). While not an “all-gay” cruise, we’ll be a group of (mostly) single gay guys on a “regular” cruise—having a blast together! You won’t want to miss out on the fun, the excitement, and most of all, the camaraderie. Even before you board, you’ll become part of our welcoming community of like-minded guys just looking to have a great vacation together.

In addition to all the fantastic activities provided by the cruise line, you can join our various private functions that will facilitate and encourage everyone to meet and get to know each other in fun, safe and creative ways.

Interior cabins are not just economical, they are richly appointed and roomy (180 square feet). They include a king bed, flat-screen TV, desk, ample closet and drawer space, and a private bath with shower. Since there’s no window, you won’t that have pesky sunlight to hinder your sleep at any hour! From $748 for your solo-occupancy cabin.

Ocean View Cabins have all the same amenities as above, but they include a large window (not just a porthole) with no obstruction, so you can see what’s going on outside as we cruise along! From $828 for your solo-occupancy cabin.

Balcony cabins provide a truly better cruise experience, where the views from your cabin will awe and inspire you all day long. Over 220 square feet, your cabin includes floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open to your own private verandah! This is the way to cruise the Pacific! From $988 for your solo-occupancy cabin.

Want the ultimate? Let’s talk suites! At over 300 square feet, these include a separate inside sitting area, floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, and a large verandah where you can sit and admire the scenery as it passes right in front of you! From $1618 for your solo-occupancy cabin.

Oh, and the government adds $134 taxes and fees per person to any of these rates. (dammit!)

DOUBLE OCCUPANCY — Wanna bring along a friend? Sure! You can add someone to your cabin for no extra charge (other than another round of taxes).

Remember, prices include almost everything: your private cabin (single occupancy) and transportation from port to port, onboard entertainment, onboard activities, most beverages (pay extra for alcohol and certain other drinks), all your meals (including free room service!), all the Gay Singles Cruise extras, and much more.

Trip cancellation and travel protection insurance is available, please ask! Deposit of $300/cabin is refundable until July 20, 2023, less $100 admin fee. Reserve now to get the best cabin!

PRICING: We update our prices when we learn of changes. But sometimes the cruise line changes a fare without telling us. If that happens, we may quote a different fare when you make your reservation. Thanks for understanding this is out of our control. We will always work hard to get you the lowest price and the best value available!

Also, please note:

• Prices above do not include taxes and port fees (about $134/person).
• Prices are not guaranteed until confirmed with the cruise line.
• Payment plans are available, please ask.

Check out the itinerary and book the Gay Singles Cruise TODAY !

Halloween cruise 2023.

Carnival  Valor —Round trip from New Orleans over Halloween – October 30—November 4, 2023

Join Daddy Cruise® aboard the Carnival  Valor  on our holiday voyage from New Orleans, celebrating Halloween on board, and Dia de los Muertos in Mexico!

With several pools and hot tubs, the  Valor  is perfect for a relaxing getaway, starting in the Crescent City. Cruiseline.com rates the  Valor  service as 4.5 out of 5, and gives the cabins a 4.4 rating. Carnival’s low-carb menu is popular with diet-conscious passengers, but Bears may favor Guy Fieri’s Burger Joint—the best burgers at sea, or land! Another guest favorite is the Blue Iguana Cantina—an upscale taco and burrito bar with all the fixings. All this deliciousness is included in your cruise fare!

Their main hangout will be the Alchemy Martini Bar, where trained mixologists whip up concoctions on the spot—off the menu as well as newly created just for you! Afterhours, attend a stunning show in the grand Normandie Theater, or head to the Punchliner Club, featuring top-notch comedians, different every night.

Once you get to the warmer weather, you’ll want to try out WaterWorks, Carnival’s onboard water park. Beyond the usual pools and hot tubs, there’s the Twister Waterslide—hundreds of feet of fast, spiraling twists and turns to the pool below. Or, get wet with the Power Drencher—a huge bucket that dumps hundreds of gallons of water in one quick flip. Thankfully, there’s also Serenity—an adults-only quiet area that boasts its own pool, bar, hot tub and other facilities, for no extra charge!

Inside cabins are not just economical, they’re richly appointed, full-sized and roomy (180 square feet—largest of any of the major cruise lines). They include one king bed or two twin beds, a flat-screen TV, desk, ample closet and drawer space, and a private bath w/shower. Since there’s no window, you won’t have pesky sunlight to hinder your sleep at any hour! From $340 per person.

Ocean View Cabins are just as large, and have all the same amenities as above, but these cabins include a large window (not just a porthole), so you can see what’s going on outside as we cruise along! From $400 per person.

Balcony cabins provide a truly better cruise experience—the views from your cabin will awe and inspire you all day long. The room of 200 square feet is coupled with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open to your own private verandah. This is the way to cruise the tropics! From $500 per person.

Want the ultimate? Let’s talk suites! Over 320 square feet, including a separate sitting area, floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, and a larger verandah where you can sit and admire the scenery as it passes in front of you! Limited availability, please call for pricing.

Oh, and the government adds $94 taxes and fees per person to any of these rates. (dammit!)

All prices are per person, assuming double occupancy. Sailing solo? Solo cabins are available; call for details.

Remember, the price includes almost everything: your berth and transportation from port to port, onboard entertainment, onboard activities, most beverages (excluding alcohol and carbonated drinks!), all your meals (including free room service!), all the Daddy Cruise® extras, and much more!

Check out the itinerary and book the Halloween Cruise TODAY !

The rhine river christmas markets tour 2023.

Viking Longship  Einar —Amsterdam, Netherlands to Basel, Switzerland – December 6-13, 2023

Join Daddy Cruise® for an intimate and super-friendly group of Daddies, admirers and friends aboard the Viking Longship  Einar  for a special Christmas-themed cruise on the Rhine River. You’ll sail from cosmopolitan Amsterdam to medieval Basel, Switzerland. After you leave perhaps the most gay-friendly city in the world—Amsterdam, you’ll explore the lowlands of the Netherlands before we make several stops in Germany (including Cologne), and end just shy of the Swiss Alps, in Basel. Sailing in early December means you’ll get to visit the famous European Christmas Markets in every port, but still get home in time to spend the holidays with loved ones!

Daddy Cruise® sails out of Amsterdam on the brand-new Viking Longship  Einar  (she’s just a couple of years old). CruiseCritic awards her five out of five stars, and members’ ratings also average five out of five!

The first thing you notice upon boarding is all the natural sunlight—yes, views from anywhere on board will be great! Decked out in Scandinavian styling, the ship makes clever use of space. And you can feel good knowing you’re on a ‘green’ ship with hybrid diesel-electric engines that burn less fuel and produce 20% fewer emissions. Solar panels on top help fuel the engines and the ship’s chef even maintains an organic herb garden up there!

Because you’ll spend so much time in port, the focus is more on the destinations, and less on the actual sailing. That’s why a shore excursion in each port is included in the price of this cruise! Now, there’s no gym on board: you’ll get your exercise exploring the fabulous cities and towns we visit.

And there’s no theater with huge Broadway-style productions, because you’ll still be in port checking out the local nightlife instead! That said, you’ll still have plenty to appreciate on board. Service is top notch! According to CruiseCritic , food is “another highlight”, with a menu that focuses on regional cuisine and signature dishes that are “perfectly prepared.” The décor throughout is understated and minimalist. Little touches everywhere will amuse, pamper and amaze you.

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT RIVER CRUISE PRICES: River Cruise prices, while higher than Ocean Cruise prices, include a whole lot more! Included in the prices below are all port taxes (so there are no hidden surprises there); beer, wine or soft drinks at lunch and dinner; shore excursions in every port; free wi-fi while on board; and much more!

AND, round trip economy airfare from USA or Canada is available for just $799 per person! No, that is not a typo!! So getting to your exciting Rhine River cruise won’t even cost more than getting to Miami for a run-of-the-mill Caribbean cruise would cost.

Standard Cabin (WAIT LIST ONLY)

STANDARD DOUBLE OCCUPANCY cabins start at just $2674 (tax included) per person for 150 square feet. You’ll have your choice of two twin beds or one queen bed, wardrobe, desk, flat-screen TV, private bath and shower. You even get a picture window!

French Balcony (WAIT LIST ONLY)

FRENCH BALCONY DOUBLE OCCUPANCY cabins start at $2674 (tax included) per person. All the same amenities as above, but these cabins include a large floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door that opens to a “French balcony” (a fancy cruise line label for the fact that there is no real balcony—there’s a railing there to keep you from falling out) so you can see what’s going on outside as we cruise through the countryside!

Verandah Balcony (SOLD OUT)

VERANDAH DOUBLE OCCUPANCY cabins start at $2974 (tax included) per person for 205 square feet. These cabins are larger than standard cabins, and they are similarly appointed (beautifully!). They each have a private and very real balcony accessed by floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors so you’ll enjoy a view from inside, or outside of your cabin! Imagine sitting on your private balcony watching central Europe pass by!

Suites (SOLD OUT)

SUITE DOUBLE OCCUPANCY cabins start at $4674 (tax included) per person for 275 square feet. These cabins offer the same great features of the Verandah cabins above, but they are larger, include a separate sitting room, and they are in the best locations of the ship for convenience, views and comfort. You’ll get all this, but at a price that won’t break your wallet!

Remember: These prices include almost everything—your berth and transportation from port to port  including taxes , onboard entertainment and activities, high-quality excursions at every stop, all your meals and snacks  including beer, wine, and soft drinks  with meals,  free Wi-fi on board , all Daddy Cruise ®  extras, and much more!

Check out the itinerary and book the Rhine River Christmas Markets Cruise TODAY!

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The 9 best gay cruises for 2024 (+ planning tips).

Dance parties, drag queen performances and fun destinations await on these LGBTQ voyages.

The Best Gay Cruises

Courtesy of The Cruise with La Demence

Embark on an all-gay or LGBTQ-friendly cruise for excellent entertainment, food and excursions.

Whether you are looking to hop aboard a Pride Week cruise with a major line or sail away with a smaller company that specializes in LGBTQ voyages, the following cruise operators promise a fun, safe and memorable vacation.

(Note: While many of these cruise lines sail to LGBTQ-friendly ports of call, travelers should research destinations to learn more about cultures, customs and safety in each location and determine what's right for them.)

Virgin Voyages

Atlantis events, brand g vacations, celebrity cruises, royal caribbean international, the cruise with la demence, source journeys.

Gabriel Goldberg | Courtesy of VACAYA

Founded by avid travelers Randle Roper, Patrick Gunn and John Finen, VACAYA bills itself as the first all-LGBT travel company in the full-ship charter/resort buyout sector of the travel industry to launch in more than 25 years.

"[VACAYA] was sparked by our own vacations, where we all had encountered two very different experiences," says Gunn. "The all-gay cruises were liberating, empowering and fun, but limited to a small spectrum of people. And while everyone loves a good time, there's more to a memorable vacation than just parties. Mainstream vacations offered more activities and destinations, and were accessible to a diverse set of people, but didn't always feel like a friendly, judgment-free environment."

As such, VACAYA set out to bring LGBTQ travelers from across the spectrum together in a welcoming, inclusive setting, while offering varied onboard activities and immersive itinerary options. Cruisers will enjoy traveling to ports around the world, in the Caribbean , the Galápagos, Europe , Antarctica and more. You can participate in shipwide events ranging from themed deck parties to performances by LGBTQ entertainers to rejuvenating yoga classes. Note that VACAYA's cruises are for adults only.

Previous cruisers had abundant praise for VACAYA's voyages, highlighting the company's responsiveness when booking and the kindhearted staff, as well as the genuine connections they made with other passengers on board. Many were also impressed by the events and entertainment options throughout their sailings.

In 2024, VACAYA will offer a number of voyages worldwide. The seven-night Caribbean Cruise on Celebrity Apex in February will sail round-trip from Fort Lauderdale, with several fun-filled days at sea in addition to stops in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Antigua. In August, VACAYA has a 12-night river cruise in Northern Europe on board Advance by Transcend Cruises; this sailing includes the Amsterdam Pride event. The 11-night Antarctica expedition on Atlas Ocean Voyages' World Navigator in December 2024 is sold out, but you can join the waitlist.

Courtesy of Virgin Voyages

The Virgin brand has long been known for its celebration of the LGBTQ community, and cruise line Virgin Voyages is no different. The strictly adults-only cruise operator aims to provide a unique experience, with onboard tattoo parlors, impressive live entertainment, and dining options that include more than 20 eateries and menus created by Michelin star chefs. This line gets the stamp of approval from previous LGBTQ cruisers, who praise the ships' gender-neutral bathrooms, diverse staff and onboard shows with resident drag queens.

Virgin Voyages offers gay-specific sailings through travel companies like Atlantis Events, but its more mainstream itineraries still offer a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere that attracts LGBTQ cruisers year-round. Virgin hosts a number of events during Pride Month each year, including deck parties and interactive social media campaigns.

"Each June here at Virgin Voyages, we like to go big for Pride Month with larger-than-life events … all monthlong," the cruise line says in a statement on its website. "It's an important time for us – both internally within our crew and for our sailors – to honor and celebrate the LGBTQ community; who for so long has had to continually fight for equality and the right to be seen, heard and included."

Virgin Voyages sails to a variety of LGBTQ-friendly countries, including New Zealand, Greece and Spain. In June 2024, consider a seven-night sailing aboard Scarlet Lady departing from Barcelona with stops in Marseille and Cannes in France as well as Spain's Palma de Mallorca and Ibiza.

Read: The Best Cruise Lines for the Money

The world's largest gay and lesbian travel brand, Atlantis Events was founded in 1991 and welcomes more than 20,000 travelers annually on LGBTQ vacations. For its all-gay cruises, Atlantis charters megaships from popular lines like Royal Caribbean International , Norwegian Cruise Line and Virgin Voyages in addition to smaller vessels with companies like Oceania Cruises so cruisers will have a fully immersive experience.

On board, travelers can enjoy all the perks these ships have to offer (think: pools, hot tubs, sports courts and plenty of dining choices), plus special events like drag performances, motivational speakers, LGBTQ movies on demand in each cabin and high-energy circuit parties across the ship.

"As an LGBTQ cruiser, you're looking for a ship with lots of entertainment, including dance parties and events," says Marcos Martinez, founder of Men Who Brunch, a Black gay lifestyle blog. "One of the best cruise [lines] for gay cruising is Atlantis, since you'll be able to meet hundreds of attractive men and party all day and night on the ship."

Atlantis hosts primarily gay men; women make up about 5% to 10% of bookings, according to the Atlantis website. Previous cruisers said the atmosphere on board was fun, friendly and welcoming, though some noted that the company's customer service could be better, especially when it comes to details about the cruise.

Due to the company's popularity, its three 2024 cruises are already sold out.

Read: The Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean

Courtesy of Brand G Vacations

Specializing in all-gay river cruises – and now luxury ocean liners – Brand g Vacations was founded in 2011 and explores destinations all over the world. Chartered river cruises typically welcome between 40 and 200 LGBTQ passengers (and their straight allies), which allows cruisers to get to know one another in a smaller setting. Guests tend to skew more mature (think: 40 and older), and the line attracts both men and women.

Onboard entertainment differs slightly from larger ocean voyages: Expect more cabaret-style entertainment than massive all-night dance parties. Cruisers will also enjoy performances by drag queens, gay Broadway stars and more, on top of typical river cruise perks like sightseeing and lavish meals. Past guests recommend choosing Brand g if you're looking for a well-planned, relaxed and luxurious experience over a busier, more party-heavy vacation.

Brand g aims to provide a nearly all-inclusive cruise experience , with Mercedes or small van airport transfers, upscale hotel stays prior to embarkation, and unlimited alcoholic beverages as well as meals included in the fare. As such, prices tend to be on the high end. Plus, cruisers can feel good about their trip knowing that Brand g donates to causes in the U.S. and around the world that assist LGBTQ refugees, AIDS organizations, LGBTQ centers and more.

In 2024, Brand g sails through unique waterways around the world, including the Amazon, the Loire, the Danube, the Mekong, and the Columbia and Snake rivers in the Pacific Northwest. The line's small cruise ship charters also take guests to Iceland, Spain, Morocco, Italy, Croatia and other European destinations.

Read: The Top River Cruise Lines

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Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises sets the scene for an excellent vacation for gay travelers, from its extravagant annual Pride parties to its daily LGBTQ programming throughout the year. The mainstream line has received numerous awards for its inclusivity, receiving accolades from the Cruizie Awards, TTG Travel Awards and Travel Weekly's Magellan Awards for being one of the best cruise lines for LGBTQ passengers.

LGBTQ cruisers can start their vacations off on a high note with a special welcome party on the first night of their voyage to meet other travelers on board. After night one, there are other social events for gay cruisers to party and hang out together. Additionally, Celebrity Cruises was the first cruise line to legally marry a couple at sea in 2018, and it continues to perform same-sex marriages on its ships.

Past cruisers enjoyed their voyages with Celebrity, noting that the line was welcoming, the food was delicious, and there were plenty of areas to hang out as a group with fellow LGBTQ passengers or other companions throughout the ship.

Although all itineraries are gay-friendly, consider booking a sailing during Pride Month in June for an extra special experience. Onboard entertainment during this month includes guest entertainers, a flag raising ceremony, Celebrity's signature Pride Party at Sea and more. The Italian Riviera & France cruise will depart from Barcelona on June 8, 2024, on the new Celebrity Ascent; this 10-night Mediterranean sailing stops at ports in France, Italy and Malta. Private travel companies like VACAYA also charter Celebrity ships for all-gay voyages throughout the year.

Read: Cruise Packing List: The Top Essentials for Any Cruise

Getty Images

Specifically marketed toward lesbians and LGBTQ women, Olivia has hosted more than 350,000 travelers by land and sea over five decades. Cruisers can choose between river voyages or ocean sailings to destinations around the world. On the lesbian cruises, expect a mix of nostalgic decade-themed dance parties, folk singers, writing workshops, karaoke and other activities. Cruisers can also relax poolside, spend some time in the onboard spa or take it easy in one of the ships' lounges.

Travelers who are looking to connect with others who share similar backgrounds can do so in one of Olivia's specialized programs. There are group and solo traveler meetups, as well as programs like Sisters, which is for LGBTQ women of color; Gen-O, for cruisers 40 and younger; Women in Uniform gatherings, for veterans and those currently in the armed forces; and events for OWLs (which stands for "older, wiser lesbians"). Past cruisers on Olivia's voyages report feeling a true sense of community and belonging on board, resulting in a fun, carefree trip.

In June 2024, set sail with Olivia from Edinburgh, Scotland, to Dublin on Windstar Cruises' Star Legend. Or, visit the islands of Tahiti on the line's Star Breeze in September. Other cruise itineraries include Alaska, the Greek Isles, Mexico and the Panama Canal.

Read: The Best Girls Trip Ideas

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International provides a welcoming and inclusive experience for LGBTQ travelers. The popular cruise line frequently partners with Atlantis Events to offer all-gay voyages throughout the year, but even the standard sailings earn praise.

Highlights of the sailings are the ships' entertainment options (including the Tony Award-winning musical "Mamma Mia!") and attentive staff, according to past cruisers. Itineraries typically include LGBTQ meetups at the beginning of each cruise for gay travelers to meet like-minded passengers. Outside of the sailing experience, Royal Caribbean has also publicly committed to supporting the LGBTQ community throughout the year, and it was the first cruise line to earn the title "Gay Traveler Approved" from GayTravel in 2016.

In 2024, consider a Royal Caribbean voyage that sails to gay-friendly destinations. "Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, [is] full of gay bars, clubs and gay beaches," says Martinez. Hop aboard Navigator of the Seas in May for a seven-night sailing round-trip from Los Angeles that stops in Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Ensenada, Mexico. Navigator of the Seas also hosts a seven-night itinerary throughout the year that calls on Mazatlan, Mexico, as well.

Ready to plan a cruise? Find the best value sailings on  GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Courtesy of The Cruise With La Demence

According to past cruisers, if you're looking for one of the best party scenes on the open seas, consider an all-gay cruise with La Demence. Powered by a popular gay nightclub in Brussels with the same name, La Demence – French for "the madness" – primarily caters to a European crowd. Most passengers are male, though women are also welcome.

On board, passengers should expect to dance the night away at massive deck parties that last into the wee hours of the morning. The line prides itself on its top-notch DJs, impressive light setup and electric party atmosphere. Previous cruisers had high praise for the itineraries – which exclusively visit gay-friendly locations – as well as the fruity cocktails, themed nights (costumes strongly encouraged) and glamorous entertainment. Enjoy unique events like drag bingo, high heel runs and more.

La Demence sails every summer to European destinations like Greece, Italy and Malta. The 2023 cruise was chartered on Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas. Fares include all food and nonalcoholic beverages, plus access to all parties, shows and the onboard gym.

Read: The Top Party Cruises

Source Journeys has been planning luxury vacations for LGBTQ travelers for more than 20 years. The Miami-based company, with the vision of founder and chief executive officer Craig Smith, offers small group land tours and full-charter cruises for like-minded travelers with a focus on giving back to the communities they visit. The company also supports LGBTQ organizations, such as the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force and the Human Rights Campaign.

Past guests of their tours say their fellow travelers were as fun and interesting as the destinations. They appreciated the excellent personalized planning for the trips by Smith and his life partner, Rafael Rodriguez.

The company's cruises in 2024 include a seven-night Galápagos sailing in late September on a Relais & Chateau luxury yacht: Ecoventura's new ship, Evolve. The intimate ship accommodates just 20 passengers. Source Journeys is also offering a seven-night river cruise through Burgundy and Provence, France, in June on Avalon Waterways' Avalon Poetry II, as well as a seven-night voyage from Venice along the Dalmatian Coast. This ocean cruise scheduled in August is chartered on Star Clippers' masted sailing ship, Royal Clipper.

Frequently Asked Questions

When it comes to gay cruising, gone are the days of discreet "Friends of Dorothy" meetups. The term – a euphemism that dates back to the 1950s – was once used to indicate gay social events on daily cruise line programs, without explicitly calling out members of the community on board. It's a far cry from today's LGBTQ cruising industry, which loudly and proudly celebrates passengers from all walks of life.

According to experts, LGBTQ cruising is a market that will only continue to grow. Travelers can take their pick between cruise operators tailored specifically to queer communities and major cruise lines that offer festive Pride celebrations and inclusive onboard entertainment. As travel on the high seas continues to grow in popularity for vacationers, gay and lesbian travelers should consider setting sail on a fun-filled cruise vacation for their next trip.

When planning a cruise, vacationers should first consider what their ideal sailing looks like.

Gay-friendly vs. all-gay sailings: Cruisers should think about whether they'd like to travel aboard a gay-friendly mainstream line – such as Celebrity Cruises or Virgin Voyages – or opt for an all-gay, full-ship charter with a third-party vacation company.

"Each and every LGBTQIAPK person has a different level of comfortability in their 'outness,' " says Patrick Gunn, co-founder and chief marketing officer of LGBTQ vacation company VACAYA. Of VACAYA's all-gay charters, he adds, "For one magical week, our community gets to be the majority and live life out loud in the blissful utopia VACAYA creates on a gay cruise. That single change from being an always-minority to a sudden majority can have a profoundly positive real-world effect on individuals."

• Travel style: Some cruise operators (think: Atlantis Events and La Demence) are known for their electrifying all-night parties, which may be perfect for gay groups of friends. Meanwhile, other companies like VACAYA and Olivia look to provide a more diverse selection of activities, ranging from tea dances (LGBTQ parties that, historically, included tea service) to philanthropic service activities to immersive onshore experiences.
• Ports of call: Some of the most LGBTQ- and gay-friendly destinations for cruises include: Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Sydney; Barcelona, Spain; Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan; Helsinki; Quebec City; Auckland, New Zealand; Mykonos, Greece; Reykjavik, Iceland; Amsterdam; Tel Aviv, Israel; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and San Francisco. Countries that gay travelers may want to avoid include the Maldives, Jamaica, Morocco, Malaysia and Haiti, as homosexuality is illegal in these destinations.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has visited destinations around the globe on nearly every type of ship built, including the newest megaships, luxury yachts, expedition vessels, traditional masted sailing ships and intimate river ships on the Mekong River. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

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8 LGBTQ+ Cruises to Book for Incredible Itineraries and Inclusive Fun

These cruises for LGBTQ+ travelers offer inclusive experiences on itineraries around the world.

Courtesy of Atlantis Events

Cruising is back, and as passengers set sail once again, there’s no shortage of LGBTQ+-friendly cruise lines and dedicated itineraries to embark upon. Whether you’re hoping to discover centuries-old gems across Europe’s rivers , bask in the beauty of the Alaskan wilderness , or just party the night away with a vodka soda in hand and “Into You” by Ariana Grande blasting overhead, these cruise lines and tour operators offer something for every LGBTQ+ traveler.

Brand G Vacations

Courtesy of Brand G Vacations

Specializing in curated experiences for LGBTQ+ community members since 2011, Brand G Vacations has found particular success within the realm of small-scale cruises, offering voyages on the high seas and the Earth’s most iconic rivers. With trips across spectacular rivers like the Douro , Ganges , and Amazon , each Brand G excursion provides ample opportunities for forging new friendships thanks to their low passenger count. As an added bonus, philanthropy is a central tenet of the company, with each year bringing a new partnership with a charity committed to addressing issues within the LGBTQ+ community.

Gabriel Goldberg/VACAYA

A recent addition to the cruise industry, Vacaya caters specifically to LGBTQIAPK+ patrons, with cruises ranging from classic tropical island routes to truly far-flung options. In terms of classic cruise experiences, guests can find spacious suites, vibrant nightlife, and 29 drinking and dining venues aboard the Celebrity Apex on Vacaya’s annual Caribbean cruise taking place in February 2024 — but for the adventurous soul, there’s no beating one of their smaller options. Though itineraries span from the Adriatic Sea to the heart of Polynesia , each cruise offers the perfect blend of relaxing amenities and bustling nightlife to keep you occupied between ports.

Courtesy of Olivia Travel

The gay cruise industry is largely geared toward men, but Olivia is the industry’s reigning champion for LGBTQ+ women. The company hosts a plethora of river and open-water cruises all across the globe, with lesbian and queer woman-focused excursions to Alaska , Egypt and Jordan , and Greece on the roster for 2024. Amenities ranging from meals to self-service laundry to alcoholic beverages are all included as part of your purchase, and for those wishing to keep the party going after testing their sea legs, Olivia also offers land-based tours, with a wealth of relaxing resort stays available to book.

Atlantis Events

With beloved celebrity entertainers and dazzling dance parties on the regular, Atlantis is one of the cruise industry’s top contenders for a fun-filled, LBGTQ+-centered getaway on the high seas. For the most social of butterflies, this fall’s Italy, France, and Ibiza cruise is set to shatter records for the largest gay cruise to set sail across Europe, uniting more than 4,000 passengers on the massive Odyssey of the Seas . For a smaller-scale (but still grandiose) experience, Atlantis is putting some of Southeast Asia’s most dazzling cities on full display this November, offering a nine-night cruise along Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok.

Celebrity Cruises

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

One of the most dedicated queer allies in the water tourism world, Celebrity Cruises has gone to great lengths to partner with LGBTQ+ impact groups and promote inclusivity in the workplace, and the cruise line even offers same-sex weddings on board, officiated by the cruise captain. Though queer passengers are certain to feel welcome aboard any voyage, the company has been hosting the iconic Pride Party at Sea since 2018, imbuing cruises across the globe with an added dose of LGBTQ+-curated programs and parties throughout the month of June.

The Cruise by La Demence

Courtesy of The Cruise

While La Demence has been one of Belgium’s most coveted queer events for decades, the festivities are taking on an aquatic spin on The Cruise , a week-long journey scheduled for July 2023. Kicking off with the Italian city of Ravenna , this week-long excursion highlights fascinating destinations across the Mediterranean, with Sarandë, Malta, and Catania all gracing the itinerary — but of course, the most incredible festivities take place far beyond the shore. Equipped with dazzling amenities like an on-ship spa, a dedicated nudist deck, and a star-studded cast of entertainers, the Explorer of the Seas is a one-way ticket to a memorable jaunt across Europe’s stunning southern coast.

Source Journeys

Courtesy of Source Journeys

Source Journeys has mastered the art of cruising, providing LGBTQ+ travelers with a treasure trove of carefully curated luxury cruises. For wildlife lovers, September brings the opportunity to spot sea lions, turtles, and marine iguanas on a voyage to Ecuador’s iconic Galapagos Islands , with the Relais & Chateaux-aligned Evolve yacht serving as a particularly relaxing abode for the trip, while October’s Vietnam and Cambodia cruise highlights the rich beauty of the Mekong from urban and natural perspectives.

Uniworld River Cruises

Courtesy of Uniworld River Cruises

When it comes to low-effort/high-yield travel, river cruises are hard to top. They offer an opportunity to visit a vast array of storied cities, neatly bundled into one itinerary — and in terms of uniquely LGBTQ+ experiences, Uniworld has a few special journeys in store. During an Out on the Rivers cruise, guests can attend a wide array of curated events and performances, with R Family Vacations founders Gregg Kaminsky and Kelli Carpenter taking charge of the journey. While the France-focused Brilliant Bordeaux cruise is set to depart next month, be sure to mark your calendars for April 2024’s Holland and Belgium at Tulip Time , a trip that highlights some of Western Europe’s pioneers for LGBTQ+ inclusivity.

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BEARS on a BearCruise tell all!

The Bears Are Leaving In:

Virgin voyages mediterranean  cruise, july 7 – 14, 2024 .

BearCruisers Depart for a 7-Night Getaway!

Traveling solo? Check out our Singles Share program.

It’s great; with no-risk options..

HALLOWEENIE in Hawaii!

Oct 26 – nov 2, 2024 .

BearCruisers LOVE our 7 Day Hawaii, Round-trip, Honolulu BearCruise. It’s back my popular demand!

Join your Bear buddies on the only cruise sailing 4 Hawaiian islands  in 7 days! You will love visiting Honolulu,  Maui (overnight), Hilo, Kona, Kauai (overnight) and the Napali Coast with your good Bear Buddies!

Find out why 97% of our previous clients rate us 4.5 stars out of five!

New Orleans Mardi Gras Cruise

8 nights, march 1-9, 2025.

Don’t miss out on this incredible 8-night getaway packed with unforgettable experiences.

Join BearCruise for a memorable adventure sailing from Tampa, Florida, on the Celebrity Constellation to experience the vibrant celebration of Mardi Gras in New Orleans!

Immerse yourself in the music, parades, picnics, and floats that make Mardi Gras an unforgettable holiday in the city.

MayDaze BearCruise Fire & Sunset Soirees!

4-nights, may 14 – 18, 2025.

Danube Delights River BearCruise !

7-nights, july 5 – 12, 2025.

Aboard the Emerald Cruises “Emerald Star”

Experience an unforgettable cruise down the iconic Danube, with walking tours, invitations into the homes of locals, plus sightseeing excursions that showcase the magnificence of yesteryear. This  incredible itinerary crosses into four countries!

Take guided walks along the cobblestone streets of Germany  tell their own story, and city tours of  Vienna  and  Budapest  exemplify how the past can shape the future. Celebrate the ancient as it co-exists with the modern in the  Austrian  and  Hungarian capitals, and gain a personal understanding of why the iconic Danube  has acted as inspiration to so many.

Fall New England and Canada BearCruise

7 nights from nyc:  sept 28 – oct 5, 2025.

Join BearCruise for a memorable adventure sailing from the vibrant island of Manhattan (yes, that island… New York City !!!) on the Norwegian Getaway to experience the vibrant fall colors of New England and Coastal Canada!

Visit the gorgeous mansions in fabulous Newport, Rhode Island, and enjoy  Bar Harbor with its delicious Maine Lobster, Acadia National Park & Thunder Hole.

In Halifax, Nova Scotia enjoy the shops and the Museum of the Atlantic. At St. John on the Bay of Fundy visit the Reversing Fall Rapids and explore their beautiful coastal village.

What percent of our clients LIKE and LOVE their BearCruise experience?

★  ★  ★ ★  ★, read a few unsolicited endorsements from our happy bears.

We were apprehensive at first, but we quickly made friends and felt like family!

We have traveled with some other tour companies that cater to the gay traveler, and this was our best trip.

Best vacation in a long-long time! A good blend of things to do and relaxation. Loved the gay-friendly cruise line.

The BearCruise was so much fun. Met so many wonderful people and made some great friendships that will continue.

Very well coordinated cruise vacation. It was my first time booking with Dan Howell and it was glitch-free from start to finish!

The BearCruise part of the experience overall was very good. We were all well informed for what there was to do. It was easy to mingle and get to know each other, and there were lots of activities provided.

Loved the camaraderie of the group. Highlight of the time was the pool and hot tub takeover!

I thought the group was great. I thought BearCruise.com was great. I thought AL was amazing and I think almost everything was spot-on as far as BearCruise.com.

I booked the cruise to spend time with my friends, not because I identify with the bear community. Most everyone was friendly!

See What the BearCruise Growling is All About!

Ocean and River Cruises for the LGBT community, their friends and families

Welcome to Arno's Bear Cruises, where we offer unforgettable ocean and river cruises tailored to the LGBT community and their loved ones. Embrace the freedom to travel the world and create lasting memories with like-minded individuals.

Oct 28, 2024 Halloween Cruise Utopia of the Seas Port Canaveral

A 4 night sailing out of Port Canaveral to the Bahamas, and CocoCay. This is just a party cruise to dress up for Halloween. Cruise starts at only $448 p.p. 

Feb 15-22, 2025  New Orleans here we come. 

A 7 night sailing on the Brilliance OTS to Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Yucatan. Private Disco Party already approved. Cabins start at $669 p.p. Host Hotel in walking distance to Bourbon Street. 

May 10 - 17, 2025.  From Los Angeles to Vancouver on the Princess Sapphire. 

This is my husband's Birthday Cruise. 

NOT my regular Group Cruise

Sailing on Princess this time out of LA to San Diego, San Francisco, Oregon, Victoria, Canada, and ending in Vancouver. Sailing starts at $1149 p.p. incl. Taxes, Gratuities, Wifi, Drink package and more. 

Sep 17 - 28, 2025 Oktoberfest in Munich and a River Cruise to Budapest. 

Enjoy the opening of Oktoberfest in Munich followed by a River Cruise on Amadeus River Cruises from Passau Germany, through Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. This is a full ship charter just for us. 

Feb 15 - 22, 2026 Celebrity BEYOND with Captain Kate from Miami, FL

Sailing out of Miami, FL to Puerto Plata; St. Thomas and St. Kitts. As always, private excursions and parties on board will be announced later as well as the host hotel. Infinity Veranda cabins for $1915 pp incl. taxes, gratuities, wifi and drink package. 

World Pride Amsterdam 2026 July 27 - August 3, 2026  

A river cruise out of Basel, Switzerland with stops in France, Germany and a 3 night weekend in Amsterdam for World Pride. No need to get a hotel there.  I chartered two identical vessels. Both are sold out. Waitlist ONLY. 

Our Service to You

For almost 15 years, I have been dedicated to creating unforgettable vacations within the realm of LGBT Group Cruises. What started as a Bear Cruise is now an all inclusive LGBTQ vacation, ensuring that every guest can relax and enjoy themselves without any worries. Many friendships were created over the years and yes, many marriages as well. 

At our events, no one is left behind - we strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone can feel comfortable and accepted. Your friends, families, neighbors, all are welcome. 

Virgin Voyages Booking Link

Wether you are going with a group, your partner, or just by yourself. Use my booking link for any Virgin Voyages sailing and get additional benefits. 

Traveling to Europe

Coming in 2025 there will be new requirements for traveling to the EU for Non-EU members.  You can apply for the ETIAS application online. 

Traveling to the United Kingdom

Traveling to or through the UK? Please check the requirements before you leave the country. 

About Arno's Bear Cruises

Embrace adventure, embrace inclusivity.

At Arno's Bear Cruises, we believe in creating spaces of acceptance and fun for the LGBT community. We started in 2009 offering two cruises a year. The February cruise is always the Caribbean, the others somewhere around the world. Our cruises are not just about exploration; they're about celebrating diversity and unity. Join us on a journey where every moment is filled with fun, joy and acceptance.Travel the world with pride and passion. We've been to Europe, South America and Antarctica together. There is more to explore. 

“Have you ever had an experience that made you wish it would never end? One that is so much fun that you almost forget about the real world? This is what cruising with Arno is like. It’s a tremendous experience from beginning to end and beyond; One that for me has spawned lifelong friendships and memories that make anything I’ve done in the past echo in comparison. My husband and I were lucky enough to meet Arno several years ago while cruising with another bear group organizer. We encountered so many members of his group who sung the praises of cruising with Arno. We watched as they hosted amazing parties, spent time together throughout the ship and exuded so much comraderie.  One night on our cruise we were double booked for a party room and Arno offered for our two groups to combine. It was the most fun we had ever had!! We booked our next cruise through Arno. Booking was amazingly easy and within a day of submitting our request we received our reservation information. Arno actually emailed us and told us that he had a better cabin available at a better price (he didn’t have to do that but he did). Since then we have been on 4 more sailings with Arno. Leading up to the cruise Arno puts an immense amount of work into helping educate his group on excursions, sales on onboard purchases, activities and so much more.  Then you get to the onboard experience. Arno goes to great lengths to line up activities on the ship and ensure they are executed to perfection. He interacts with all of his cruisers and makes sure their sailing is top-notch. I have personally seen him go to bat for a cruiser and will not stop until sufficient resolution is met. I personally have brought double digits of sailers to Arno’s group based solely on the amazing experience we have in each and every sailing. We will never consider cruising with any other bear group again. Heck, we won’t even book another cruise if it isn’t with Arno.  I wholeheartedly recommend anyone that even has a curiosity of what this will be like to consider Arno. He fights for us, he is passionate about ensuring our happiness and he genuinely cares for each and every one of the people that sails with him. You will make friendships and memories that will last a lifetime!!!”

Price and Carlos

I happened upon Arno’s Bear Cruise purely by accident.  I was recently widowed after 20 years and was forcing myself to get out and make new friends.  My new boyfriend encouraged me to do something special for my 50th birthday, and with a Google search, found his site.  We were obviously apprehensive being our first cruise, let alone not knowing anyone else in this group.  We have been to other events with gay men, but found that due to our ages and, let’s face it, body shapes, and we would feel out of place among the younger men.   We took a leap of faith and our first Arno’s Bear Cruise was to Alaska! Booking was a breeze.  There were no “surprise” fees, and Arno was very prompt with replying to questions and updates on excursions that he coordinated for the group.  Arno even organized to have a host hotel both pre and post boarding upon the ship.  Everyone we met was so nice and looked just like us!  My inhibitions were gone as I confidently walked shirtless to the ship’s pool to join the group at the pool.  As the cruise continued, more and more guys in the group introduced themselves to us and we even exchanged contact information.  We took a helicopter flight atop an actual glacier, visited a dog-sled encampment within the Yukon Territory, and toured the 19th century capital of Juneau where my boyfriend Michael and I purchased rings.  (These rings later turned into wedding bands).  Upon our departure of that first cruise with Arno’s Bear Cruises, we made new friends and experienced wondrous nature while being entertained on a glamorous Royal Caribbean ship.  We decided right then that we must do another cruise the following year. Our second cruise was with a competitor.  We felt we should try a Gay Bear Group on the West Coast, as we live in San Diego, California.  This cruise was with Princess Cruises from Los Angeles to Mexican ports.  We were disappointed overall.  Although, the group was very nice and outgoing, excursions were mainly through the ship.  The group did provide a DJ and arranged our group to have private dances; however, the other guests kept crashing our parties due to the ship keeping the other disco dark.  We were spoiled with our on board entertainment with Royal Caribbean with costumed singers in the promenade, acrobatics on bungee cords dancing above our heads, and truly funny comedians in the theater.  Our Princess Cruise entertainment consisted of the head maître d and chef joking on stage before escorting hundreds of guests through the empty cooking rooms.  A new friend we met reported to us that he witnessed a ship worker pouring cheaper liquor into expensive bottles from behind the bar at 4am.  We knew that we had to go back to Arno. Since then, we have been with Arno's Bear Cruises to the Western Caribbean, Eastern Caribbean, Australia/New Zealand, and are currently booked to another Western Caribbean cruise through Arno and Royal Caribbean.  We feel that not only do we feel pampered on a Royal Caribbean ship, we also feel confident that everything will be organized and orderly, yet very playful and accepting with Arno and the group of men I now call friends.

Robert M. San Diego

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These LGBTQIA+ travel agencies can help you plan the perfect cruise

Travel is one of the best ways to experience the world and learn about cultures that are different from your own. But when you're traveling as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, it can be comforting to venture out with a group of like-minded people.

Thinking about a cruise? Looking for gay travel agents or agencies that cater specifically to the LGBTQIA+ community? These travel companies can help you plan the perfect voyage. They mainly specialize in partial- or full-ship charters, where a large number of cabins (if not all of them) is reserved for your group. Read on to see which of these gay travel agencies might be a good fit for your LGBTQIA+-focused cruise .

Note: The information was accurate at the time of publication. Sailings are subject to availability and may be changed or canceled without notice. New voyages may also be added without notice. Check each agency's website for the most up-to-date information.

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Atlantis Events

Established in 1991, Atlantis specializes in LGBTQIA+ travel but mostly caters to the gay male community. Although it does offer chartered experiences at a handful of land-based resorts, most of its events are cruise ship charters.

The agency books trips for more than 25,000 travelers each year, nearly half of whom are solo travelers . In addition to raucous parties and handpicked entertainment, Atlantis provides luxury, camaraderie and adventure in some of the world's most beautiful locations.

These trips are ideal for gay travelers looking to mingle and party, as well as couples who want to get away with others in the gay community.

Related: 3 ways to support the LGBTQIA+ community during Pride Month

Brand g Vacations

Brand g has been a premier operator of luxury river cruises and land tours for more than a decade. Lines Brand g has partnered with include Amadeus River Cruises and Uniworld River Cruises, among others. Available options take passengers along the Rhine, Danube, Mekong, Moselle, Ganges and more.

Because the company specializes in river cruises with a few exceptions, you'll travel with between 40 and 200 passengers in an intimate full-charter setting that caters to the LGBTQIA+ community and its straight allies.

Brand g packages include upscale amenities such as luxury small-group airport transfers and pre-cruise hotel stays and tours. The company also includes alcohol and shore excursions in its fares.

Dreams Unlimited Travel

Dreams Unlimited Travel is a gay-owned and -operated travel agency that specializes in Disney vacations — Disney World, Disneyland, Adventures by Disney and, of course, Disney cruises — for all travelers, not just those in the LGBTQIA+ community.

In business for more than two decades, it sells a range of Disney Cruise Line voyages, as well as sailings from Royal Caribbean , Norwegian Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises .

Although they don't necessarily offer chartered cruises, the staff is equipped to assist LGBTQIA+ travelers in finding the perfect trip for them. This means that a wider selection of voyages is available because they aren't limited to just charters or group sailings.

Netherlands-based GaySail organizes small-group gay charter voyages aboard sailing yachts. Each boat carries between 10 and 16 passengers, with one to three vessels sailing together for a group of anywhere from 10 to 30 men. GaySail's nude cruise arm, GayNudeSail, offers similar sailings with a clothing-optional atmosphere.

Destination options for group sailings might include Greece, Croatia, Montenegro, the Seychelles, the Caribbean and Tahiti. Passengers can also opt for a private charter in other areas of the world. All cruises, whether group or private, include the services of a skipper and cook, as well as breakfast and lunch, with dinner organized in port and paid for via a group fund called a "kitty."

The voyages are for gay men only, with a passenger makeup of about 30% to 40% couples and 60% to 70% singles. Guests come from all across the globe, but the official language spoken on board is English. Ages generally range from about 30 to 50, but the cruises see men from all stages of life as long as they're fit enough to sail. (Sailing experience is not required. Passengers can choose to learn from the crew or simply relax and enjoy the trip.)

The main difference in atmosphere between a GaySail cruise and a gay cruise on a large cruise ship is that the former has more of a laid-back vibe, meaning no raucous parties, all-day entertainment or daily housekeeping services.

Olivia Travel

Originally founded as Olivia Records with the aim of helping women launch their own music careers, Olivia Travel has planned trips for more than 350,000 lesbians and other LGBTQIA+ women since it switched its focus four decades ago.

Specializing in women-only travel for members of the LGBTQIA+ community, Olivia offers full-charter vacations, many of them cruises. Because of its musical roots, Olivia has called on big-name talent, such as the Indigo Girls and Cris Williamson, to perform on some of its sailings.

In addition to ocean cruises, the company sometimes offers river sailings.

Out Adventures

This Canada-based company focuses on gay travel for smaller groups, offering a more upscale and intimate experience. Travelers can either join existing land-based tours of no more than 16 people or plan their own tour, with the agency tailoring the experience to client preferences.

Cruises sponsored by Out Adventures max out at 40 people, ensuring you'll feel like more than just a number. This can also present a chance for singles to meet others in a more tight-knit setting. The company's average vacationer is 40 to 55 years old, making these trips ideal for anyone who's no longer in the "party phase."

Additionally, Out Adventures' trips focus on boutique experiences in port while striving to give back to global LGBTQIA+ communities — $50 from each passenger's booking is donated to Rainbow Railroad — while helping to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable time with regard to local customs and attitudes.

Pied Piper Travel

In business for more than 30 years, Pied Piper Travel offers gay and lesbian group sailings on several cruises each year. The company's lines of choice in the past have included Azamara , Cunard Line and Celebrity , featuring destinations like Alaska , the Holy Land, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal and Australia and New Zealand .

Passengers tend to be mostly gay men of all ages, but lesbians and non-gay or -lesbian friends and family members are also welcome to join.

Although it isn't possible to know how big your group will be ahead of time, past trips have hosted between 15 and 900 passengers. As long as a group minimum of 10 people is met, Pied Piper will assign an onboard host to lead group gatherings, shore excursions and more.

R Family Vacations

Founded in 2003 by Gregg Kaminsky and Kelli Carpenter (former partner of Rosie O'Donnell, who was previously affiliated with the brand), R Family Vacations is unique in the LGBTQIA+ travel space in that its specialty is vacations for families with children.

Since O'Donnell and Carpenter parted ways in 2007, the agency has expanded a bit, venturing into the realm of adults-only LGBTQIA+ travel and personal travel.

However, a large part of its customer base still relies on the R Family name for family-friendly cruise bookings that are not full charters.

Related: LGBTQIA+ family travel tips to keep you safe and sane

RSVP Vacations

Offering gay and lesbian travel since 1985, RSVP Vacations charters entire ships for its cruises. The charters tend to be on some of the newest and largest vessels afloat, promising lots of ways for travelers to have fun on board.

In terms of entertainment, the RSVP team schedules themed parties, where costumes are highly encouraged; showcases the latest films, both gay and mainstream; and highlights performances by gay-positive singers, dancers and comedians.

Although it was acquired by Atlantis Events in 2007, RSVP — which has helped more than 100,000 members of the LGBTQIA+ community travel together — does not offer land-based trips. Like Atlantis, RSVP caters to travel for gay men, but its clientele is about 10% lesbian on each sailing.

Saltyboys Sailing Cruises

Like GaySail, Saltyboys is a Netherlands-based travel company that specializes in small-group gay-men-only cruises on sailing ships. The main difference is that while GaySail offers cruises for passengers who don't feel comfortable going au naturel, all of Saltyboys' voyages are designated as either clothing-optional or nudist cruises .

The Saltyboys clientele generally ranges in age from 20 to 50, but there are always exceptions.

Each vessel carries about 10 passengers in addition to the crew, and boats might sail in a flotilla of more than one vessel, meaning your group could join up with others while in port. All voyages include the services of a skipper and crew. Although no sailing experience is required, if you don't wish to learn how to help with anchoring or do your own grocery shopping or cooking, Saltyboys also offers luxury sailings where your fare includes a cook, so everything will be handled for you.

Source Journeys

For two decades, Source Journeys has offered all-gay luxury travel that balances adventure with class. It caters equally to singles and couples in groups ranging from 15 to 300 people. The company also donates a portion of all proceeds to LGBTQIA+ charities.

Besides land vacations and individually customized trips, Source promotes full charters of small, intimate cruise ships from lines like Windstar and Atlas Ocean Voyages . You won't find wild parties or scandalous shenanigans, but you will enjoy an upscale experience that's perfect for meeting other gay travelers with discerning tastes.

Source Journeys also runs partial gay charters aboard larger ships (think: vessels from Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line), but those are generally specific Pride sailings that are shorter in duration and to less exotic destinations. Most of what the company touts are voyages to places like the Black Sea, the Dalmatian Coast, Tahiti, the Greek Isles and Antarctica .

Related: LGBTQ+ people of color now have a way to find inclusive businesses when traveling

Toto Tours is the oldest LGBTQIA+-focused travel company that has had the same management throughout its tenure. Opened in 1990, the agency helps gays, lesbians and their friends and family members travel in comfort and safety.

Most of Toto's business comes from land-based trips and tours, including customized ones, but it does occasionally add cruises to its repertoire.

Related: From Medellin to Taipei: 12 underrated LGBTQIA+-friendly destinations to visit

Vacaya prides itself on serving the entire LGBTQIA+ community and its allies rather than focusing heavily on just gay men. The company provides fully chartered access to all-inclusive, land-based resorts, but where it really shines is with its cruises.

Often offering both river and ocean cruise options, this travel agency mixes fun with adventure and learning on ships both large and small, allowing you to find a sailing that meets your preferences. It can also help to match you with a roommate to offset costs if you're traveling alone.

Although Vacaya is a fledgling company, having launched in 2019 with its first season of trips, it offers a solid product.

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Our popular LGBTQ+ Welcome Parties are open to all guests fleetwide and take place on the first night of almost every cruise. This event is a great ice breaker and opportunity for people to meet. In addition to the Welcome Party, Celebrity also hosts various LGBTQ+ events and social hours onboard.

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Solo Travelers

The online VACAYA community is incredibly welcoming, so we’ve created an official Facebook Group specifically for Solo Travelers looking for a roommate. We call it our “Solo Travelers Playground” – a place for you to meet other solo adventurers. In addition, each of our vacations has an official Facebook Groups Page. These are great resources for finding other Solo Travelers who are also looking for a roommate. In our experience, the most successful pairings are those initiated by the people actually looking. Simply post in our Solo Travelers Playground or in the individual event groups that you’re seeking a roommate and let others come directly to you. This method gives you the opportunity to interview prospective roommates beforehand, allowing you to make a strong pre-trip bond. Assuming you find a match on your own, you can both simply book a room together as any friends would.

JOIN OUR SOLO TRAVELERS FACEBOOK GROUP Don’t want to share a room? No problem. Sometimes it’s just more convenient and comfortable to have your own room, which is why we offer Solo Travelers a “My Own Room” option – a single room all to yourself. At our Oasis resorts, we offer a single supplement on an as-available basis. While we have less flexibility on our cruises, if you’re willing to pay both halves of the normal double occupancy and gratuities rate (plus one port charge fee), we are happy to accommodate you in your own room.

Never traveled solo before? We can get you sorted. Check out some of our most frequently asked questions , or get in touch with us any time! A General Note to Solo Travelers About VACAYA Add-On Experiences:

SOLO TRAVELER SUCCESS TIPS

  So you’ve decided to travel on a VACAYA trip as a Solo Traveler … now what?

Each VACAYA trip is different, based on its type, its location, and the overall number of guests. So you’ll find that each has its own unique identity. However, each of our event types – Bliss (big-ship cruises), Oasis (resorts), and Luxe (small-ship cruises) – offers myriad opportunities to connect with other travelers. From Solo Traveler Cocktail Hours to special dinners to game nights (and those are on top of all the other scheduled group activities), you’ll always have moments of connection with other travelers.

We often hear about “cliques” on our and other companies’ trips and we’d like to address that topic truthfully and transparently. Yes, they do exist. What looks like a “clique” as an outsider looking in is usually a group of friends who’ve met each other on a prior trip and have now reconnected on this trip. The social bonds that happen on our trips is intense and can sometimes last a lifetime.

So what’s the best way to turn a “clique” into a “click” as a Solo Traveler? This is where your confidence comes into play – even if you’re shy. As a Solo Traveler, you should walk right up to that group and say, “Hello! You all seem to be having the best time. I’m John and I’m traveling by myself this trip and I’d love to join in all the fun!”

There’s not a single group that won’t invite you in with open arms. Before you know it, you will have “clicked” with a whole group of new friends.

We recognize that level of confidence takes a certain boldness, but it’s the single best way to put yourself out there and start building those connections on Day 1.

VACAYA has nurtured a long list of Solo Travelers who’ve traveled with VACAYA over and over again. We spoke with a few of them about the DOs and DON’Ts of being a successful Solo Traveler. Here are their tips for success:

• Say hi to EVERYONE. Every single time you pass someone in the hall, by the pool, in the restaurants, or on excursions give them a warm hello. That simple gesture will instantly set the stage for any deeper connections that may come later.
• Smile! Often, authentically, and without fail. Everyone is on holiday and the happier and more jovial you appear on the surface will transform you into a magnet – drawing more and more people into your orbit.
• Laugh! Like smiling, a hearty and genuine laugh has healing powers beyond measure.
• Stay positive. While we understand life can sometimes be a bit dark, fellow guests typically don’t want to play therapist. Everyone has paid to escape the real world – if only for a week. So it’s best to leave the negative baggage at the pier. That doesn’t mean you can’t share your story. In fact, we encourage you to share it with others – that’s what forges strong bonds. But a constant “woe is me” vibe can quickly turn others off and they’re less likely to want to hang out with you if everything always comes with a Debbie Downer energy. This one is super important and requires constant self-analysis. If you decide to share a heavy story, be sure to balance it with something more positive, uplifting, and/or humorous. Then you’ll be seen as someone who is multi-faceted and not just an Eeyore. Don’t be an Eeyore.
• In that same vein… recognize that both the charter event and the social fabric that’s built on each trip is complex. From the outside, it’s easy to sit on the sidelines and think “Why didn’t VACAYA do it this way?” or “I would have done it differently.” One of the biggest pitfalls we’ve seen new Vacayans face is going off on VACAYA (for whatever reason) in our Official Social Media Groups or at our events. It’s proven the fastest route to social self-annihilation.

These charter events are a living breathing beast of an undertaking with different stakeholders, ever-shifting operating procedures, and distinct goals at every level. With VACAYA, you have the most experienced charter team on earth pulling it all together. Every issue has been looked at from every angle to make the best decision for all involved – chief among them our guests. So while you might not like some facet of the experience, it’s always best not to go off on the issue in the public forums. Talk directly to The V Team and we’ll do our best to explain why something is the way it is or we’ll say, “You know what? You’ve seen this from a completely different angle than any of us ever has and we love your take! Thank you.” There’s a constructive way to provide feedback and one where the masses will literally turn against you. We’ve seen the latter too many times and we’d like you to avoid that pitfall. So if you have an issue about something we’re doing or have done, talk to  us . That’s the quickest way to resolution and a sure-fire way to avoid being ostracized.

• Roll the dice sometimes. Sure, it might come up snake eyes every now and again, but these trips are finite experiences; our time together is limited. So take a break from “the norm” and put yourself out there in new ways. Using the VACAYA motto “Open sea. Open mind.” as your inspiration, we encourage you to open yourself up and say “yes” more than “no.” Doing so leads to infinite reward.
• Keep it cool. There’s a fine line between being super fun and suddenly overbearing – especially when drinking is involved. Stay balanced and don’t dominate or overpower a group discussion. Give others the grace to take everything in and respond accordingly.
• Book excursions. There’s no faster way to build connections than through shared experiences. The excursions we offer range from sedate city tours to adrenaline-pumping activities. No matter your speed, jump in and do . It’s the  doing  that builds connections.
• Don’t be a jerk. Nothing turns people off more. Being unkind to other guests or to the staff will almost certainly put you in social exile. And it’s really hard to recover from that.
• A logical extension to that is… don’t be a jerk on social media – especially in the official VACAYA groups. Nothing puts a sour taste in fellow guests’ mouths more than someone being a jerk to others in social media. The truth – whether you want to admit it or not – is that everyone is keeping score to a certain extent. So support, lift up, or make people laugh. That’ll win them over before you ever step foot on a trip.
• Don’t be “that guy (or gal).” We want you to have fun, but we all know and recognize when someone crosses that line from tipsy to drunk. The best advice we can give to drinkers (Solo Traveler or otherwise) is to know and respect your limits. If you feel like you’ve made that transition to “sloppy mess” (and you know when you have), it’s probably time to go to bed.
• Don’t be a braggadocio. It’s a turn off in nearly all social settings, but especially on VACAYA trips. Ok, so you have money. Fantastic. Many onboard do – especially on the Luxe trips – but walk the walk, don’t talk the talk. Buy a round of drinks or even dinner ashore some time if you’d like to make a great impression, but going on and on about the vineyards and multiple homes you own can be a real turn off. Not to all, of course, but to many. It’s ok to pickle those facts in when appropriate to a conversation, but do it with social grace – not in an “I’m better than you” kind of way. Doing so will almost always lead to being ostracized, which is the exact opposite of the “clicks” you’re trying to make.
• Don’t stand on the sidelines. To connect, you have to get in the game. We recognize this is tough for some people, but that’s why The V Team is there – to help each and every Vacayan reach their full social potential, maximizing your “clicks.”

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Single & Ready To Mingle? Check Out These Singles Cruises

C onventionally, cruising was more prevalent among newlyweds, budget-conscious families, and retirees. Today, there has been a dramatic paradigm shift in the cruising industry. It is now being embraced as a form of travel for single cruisers of all ages. It offers an opportunity for singles to meet other singles and have a great time with people they meet.

After all, who doesn’t yearn for a trip offering onboard dining, floating resort accommodations, and entertainment on some of the best adventure cruises money can buy? And who knows, this could be the time to meet someone special and leave the single life behind. What is the best cruise for singles in 2023? Are there certain cruise lines that cater better to those traveling solo? It's time to check out the best singles cruise options for lone travelers.

UPDATE: 2023/07/14 10:40 EST BY NICHOLAS MAYAMBA

Best Cruises For Solo Travelers

Lady luck might finally smile on single cruisers! Cruise ship operators are tailoring their services to solo travelers looking for love at sea. From luxury amenities to keep passengers entertained throughout the trip to exciting programs encouraging mingling, this refreshed list adds two more exciting options to the best cruises for singles worth checking out.

Related: 12 Things We Won't See Again On Cruises By The Year 2030

Norwegian Bliss

Norwegian Bliss offers comfort and privacy in equal doses. It has elegant studio staterooms that accommodate multiple solo cabins. A designated lounge for such travelers is stocked with beverages and snacks. This lounge offers extra privacy since only studio passengers can access this area. It also has numerous venues for active singles interested in mingling and keeping the party going.

Singles can indulge in group-oriented activities like racing others on the Bliss Speedway. Other activities include wine tastings at the Michael Mondavi Family Wine Bar or cocktails while engaging in great conversations at O’Sheehan’s Pub.

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyage offers the perfect cruises for singles. The company typically accommodates travelers hoping to ditch the baby boomer’s way of cruising. From spectacular private beach bonfire parties to organic food choices and deluxe interior design, what else could solo travelers want from such a cruise? Virgin Voyages is famed for small-scale eateries, inventive modern performances, and a hundred percent complimentary Wi-Fi, unlike other cruises that offer buffets and Broadway-style musicals.

Discovery Princess

Whoever coined the term ‘paradise’ must have been in Discovery Princess. It features live auctions, a picturesque gallery to read through, and ship-wide public art displays. From attending dancing lessons to having epic nightlife and educational cocktail storytelling experiences, Discovery Princess will offer solo travelers endless activities to keep them making memories to last a lifetime.

Travelers will not have genuinely experienced Discovery Princess without sampling world cuisine from Michelin-star chefs and specialty coffees at the International Café in the European–style Piazza.

Holland American Line

This is a fantastic option for those embarking on solo travel around the world . But Holland is best suited for slightly older singles. These ships are the ultimate cruise for travelers hoping to mingle with mature and eligible solo travelers heading for a luxurious getaway. Here, the majority are divorcees or widowers.

Although it is a bit pricier than its counterparts, the quality is top-notch, and the services are out of this world. For instance, Holland American provides a restrained number of solo cabins on their most recent ships, which are more spacious than the Norwegian’s staterooms. They are also equipped with ocean-view windows.

Take advantage of Holland America's Club Orange amenities program to enjoy perks like a dedicated concierge line, complimentary stateroom upgrades, and an in-room breakfast menu.

Cunard Line

Cunard Cruise Line offers amazing singles-only cruises. However, it is a bit different from other cruises. Cunard ships, particularly the Queen Mary 11, are usually involved in more extended travel plans. Since the cruise entails numerous ocean crossings, more senior and refined travelers get attracted to the Cunard line. There is a considerable probability of singles finding each other on the Cunard Line since travelers have more sea days than port days.

Carnival Panorama

Carnival Panorama provides remarkable value for single cruisers. It has an exceptional variety for solo travelers in their 20s and 30s, thus making mingling incredibly seamless. From incredible deck dance parties to trivia competitions and social club parties, its general vibe is upbeat.

Solo travelers also tend to have incredible fun in the sun. The adults-only Serenity Deck is the ultimate escape from the frenzy of public venues. The lounge is only accessible to travelers above 21 years old and features sea-view hot tubs, luxurious loungers, and shaded cabanas for relaxation.

MSC Cruises

MSC is loved by the millennials, including lots of singles. Solo travelers will have more time to interact with a bigger mix of individuals as passengers keep boarding at different ports during a seven-night cruise in Europe. The singles will love the European vibe that incorporates late-night discos.

Nieuw Statendam

Solo travelers who love nature will have unforgettable moments aboard Holland America’s Nieuw Statendam. The luxurious cruises through the Southern Caribbean are magical. Sunseekers will have incredible experiences at Amber Cove, a new port outside Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic. The aquatic attraction offers breathtaking views and unique experiences. Cruisers can enjoy the swim-up bar and picturesque seaside cabanas at zero charge.

There are also seasonal cruises to check out; travelers can get the most out from cruise trips for the holiday season , for example. Alternatively, if they prefer to go solo backpacking around the world, globe-trotters can check out Hostelworld's new Roamies app designed for solo backpackers .

Royal Caribbean Ovation Of The Seas

Solo travelers using Royal Caribbean will be pleasantly surprised with the fun presented on this ship. The most notable feature of this Royal Caribbean singles cruise is the virtual window in the interior’s studio staterooms. The windows make it easy for travelers to experience everything outside that window while cruising. The solo studio option also entails an ocean-view stateroom with a balcony.

Royal Caribbean is also filled with intricate and unique surprises. Travelers can live a day unlike any other with a cruise to CocoCay, a private island destination in the Bahamas. Here, solo travelers can mingle as they indulge in fun activities such as ziplining, snorkeling, helium balloon riding, etc.

Remember to step into the North Star while cruising on the Ovation of The Seas. This unique rotating capsule offers stunning 360-degree views of the surroundings.

Uncruise Adventures

Uncruise Adventures is one of the best cruise ship options to leave adventurers with unforgettable memories. Their small size makes it seamless for singles to connect. The line provides travel plans to some incredible and remote places that have been nerve-wracking to even the major cruise lines. With Uncruise Adventures, solo travelers aren’t expected to pay for double occupancy.

Halong Bay Party Cruise

Take one's cruise to a new level with a dedicated cruise for young adults. The Halong Bay Party Cruise provides booze and music with plenty of activities. Enjoy being in the company of other fun-loving young people on a party cruise. Halong Bay is located in northeast Vietnam and is famous for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands with tropical rainforests. Activities include sightseeing, kayaking, swimming, rock climbing, beach volleyball, and more. The cost is around $160 for two days and one night.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line is famous for attracting one of the youngest demographics in the industry. They have over two dozen "Fun Ships" that are jam-packed with party-related attractions. They have plenty of bars, open-air poolside deck parties, live music, and on the ships, Carnival Vista and Carnival Horizon breweries. Imagine enjoying beer brewed onboard the cruise ship. They also boast some of the best nightclubs out at sea.

Related: 20 Things People Need To Know Before Stepping Onto A Cruise Ship

Disney Cruise Line

Disney's ships are known for their younger crowds - some are even dedicated to teens. Some of their boats, like Disney Fantasy, have clubs for teens and tweens. They can have karaoke, dance floors, and other activities. That being said, Disney's ships are better tailored to families with children - but some of their ships may be just what fun-loving solo travelers may be looking for.

Fiesta Party Cruise

Not all cruises need to be overnight. If one is going to Miami, consider marking on a nighttime Fiesta Party Cruise . Enjoy seeing Miami at night and dance to one's heart's content to the sound of the DJs while enjoying drinks from the onboard bar. They have multiple trips on Fridays and Saturdays. The cruises last from 9.30 pm to midnight; they also take more weeknight trips during the summer.

Celebrity Cruises

Another fantastic cruise line for singles is Celebrity Cruises. Generally, these ships offer a fun atmosphere, plenty of clubs and bars, and opportunities to meet new friends and singles onboard. It's also worth noting that various Celebrity Cruises ships offer single staterooms:

• Celebrity Edge
• Celebrity Apex
• Celebrity Beyond
• Celebrity Ascent

With these four cruise ships, single passengers can opt for their own little space, away from all the hustle and bustle of the main party decks and other suites. However, if a single person still wants to book a suite, all Celebrity ships have great options with solo queen or king beds. The destinations, including the Bahamas, Mexico, Europe, and even Alaska, are also quite fun.

There are plenty of things to do onboard a Celebrity Cruise and people to encounter! The brand recently unveiled its "Celebrity Beyond" ship , which may be the perfect next-stop for single vacationers.

Related: 20 Cruise Myths People Somehow Still Believe

Viking River Cruises

Another cruise line to consider for singles looking to mingle on the open waters is Viking. Generally, Viking River Cruises are smaller ships with fewer people, giving them a more intimate vibe. Many solo travelers recommend using Viking Cruises for vacationing, as the boat feels more like a community.

One thing to remember, however, is that Viking Cruises often run deals for two people, so it might be a fun idea to bring another single friend along for the ride. These boats usually have fewer spots to hang out beside the pool, restaurants, or bars, meaning everyone has to be together. Depending on someone's strategy for meeting new people onboard their cruise ship, this could mean better chances at a connection. It can't hurt to say hello and see where that takes everyone!

U River Cruises

Tailored towards millennials, this incredible cruise adopts a hip approach guaranteed to impress singles on an unforgettable 10-day river expedition. The sleek vessels offer exotic cruises around the world with a focus on Europe. And The River Princess is perfectly suited for solo travelers with romantic ambitions.

Its 128-passenger capacity offers a sense of privacy, sophisticated ambiance, and delightful public spaces to mingle with other singles. Passengers can check out the different lounges on the ship with a chance to meet other travelers over a glass of cocktail.

For cruisers who enjoy their own company, there is a library with interesting books to read.

Ruby Princess

Boasting unique amenities like movie screenings under the stars and soothing massages at the adult-themed Sanctuary, the Ruby Princess cruise sounds like the perfect cruise for couples. Still, solo travelers can get in on the fun. There's plenty of entertainment onboard, including duty-free shopping stores, a 9-hole putting course, and a fantastic Discovery at SEA program.

The exterior cabins offer dramatic balcony views, and the culinary options are as diverse as they are sumptuous. When darkness sets in, travelers get the opportunity to mingle at the casino or top-deck nightclub as they dance to the wee hours.

Things To Do | UPDATED: A South Florida guide to June’s LGBTQ+…

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Things to do | updated: a south florida guide to june’s lgbtq+ celebrations for pride month.

Our roundup includes insider information on concerts, exhibits, panels and benefits staged to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall riots in New York City, a pivotal moment in gay and lesbian history.

All through June — ‘Take PRIDE! A 100-Year Retrospective of LGBTQ+ Milestones’ exhibit

Galleria Fort Lauderdale and History Fort Lauderdale is hosting this exhibit of major moments in LGBTQ+ history — locally, statewide and nationally — throughout the month of June. The exhibit has free admission in June during mall hours, and it is located near Swarovski, between Macy’s and Dillard’s. Visit historyfortlauderdale.org .

June 1-Sept. 30 — ‘Stonewall “INN” Stonewall’

This immersive exhibit recreates the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar that on June 28, 1969, became ground zero for a riot between patrons and the New York Police Department. It features a video recording of the bartender who worked at Stonewall Inn and was there the night of the uprising. Admission to the exhibit is free. The Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library is at 1300 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Visit stonewall-museum.org/stonewall-inn-stonewall .

June 14 — LOVE IS LOVE…and an Open Bar

The Rebel Wine Bar in Oakland park will hold this social mixer and give a portion of the proceeds to the Stonewall Pride Parade & Street Festival, which takes place the next day in Wilton Manors (see the next news brief). There will be a beer and wine open bar as well as bar specials and giveaways. DJ Nat Smallish will spin vinyl. For 6 to 8 p.m., tickets are $35. For 6 to 9 p.m., tickets are $49. To order, go to rebelwinebar.com/pride2024 .

June 15 — Stonewall Pride Parade and Street Festival

This all-day event on Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors starts with a street festival from 3 to 11 p.m. Saturday, June 15, with more than 100 vendors and performances on seven stages, followed by a Glow Night Parade at 8 p.m.

“This event is about celebrating and supporting the LGBTQ+ community locally and across the globe,” said Wilton Manors Mayor Scott Newton . “We couldn’t be prouder to be a safe space for the more than 50,000 people who come together from all across the country and world to celebrate love, acceptance and inclusion.”

General admission tickets are available online now through Friday, June 14, for $10 per person and include festival entry at special prepaid lines. The day of the event, general admission tickets will be $13 per person and may be purchased with a credit card only (no cash accepted) at the main entrances. VIP tickets are available for $125 in advance or $175 the day of the event (air-conditioned tent, snacks, drinks) and $250 in advance and $275 the day of the event (air-conditioned tent, access to lounges, drinks, food).

There will also be a Women’s Lounge for $65 in advance ($85 the day of) and a Black Excellence Lounge for $65 admission ($85 the day of).

All Wilton Manors Stonewall Pride entrances, VIP tents and lounges are cashless. Visit stonewallpride.lgbt .

June 16 — FlockFest SPLASH

This pool party and T-dance will take place at The Easton Rooftop Pool & Lounge from noon to 5 p.m. This is a 21-and-older event. Spinning will be DJ Cesar HernandeZ . Early-bird tickets are $15 and $30 at the door (if available; credit/debit cards only ). VIP tickets are $75 and include access to special area and bar as well as valet parking and a $10 food voucher. To order, go to flockfestevents.org/splash . The Easton is located on the ninth floor of Courtyard Fort Lauderdale Downtown, 721 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale.

June 20 — “Dive into Pride”

This Pride Month event was rescheduled from Friday, June 14, because of weather. The International Swimming Hall of Fame ,  High Dive Global  and FLoatarama will all host what they are billing as an Exclusive High Dive Experience from 5 to 8 p.m. at the renovated Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center . There will be:

• High diving show
• Tour to the top of the tallest diving tower in the Western Hemisphere
• Virtual-reality, high-dive experience
• Open bar and appetizers
• Music from DJ Trevor Oldroyd

Tickets are $85. To order, go to highdiveglobal.ticketspice.com/dive-with-pride . The Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center is located at 501 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale.

June 20 — ‘Introduction to Pride Authors from South Florida’

As this event’s title promises, Gregg Shapiro — himself an author of nine books and anchor on Queer News Tonight — will highlight notable authors in contemporary LGBTQ+ literature, including:

• Caridad Moro-Gronlier, newly named poet laureate of Miami-Dade County
• Julie Marie Wade, a 2024 Lambda Literary Award finalist
• Jubi Arriola-Headley, writer of the recently published poetry collection “Bound”
• Rick Karlin, author of “Last Call South Florida,” a history of LGBTQ+ bars from West Palm Beach to Key West

Admission is free for the discussion from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 20, at the Boca Raton Public Library, 400 NW Second Ave. Visit bocalibrary.libcal.com .

June 27 — “Being Black & Gay”

Vocalist/author/activist Terry Dyer will perform an intimate concert accompanied by musician Christopher Hamblin at Hunters Nightclub on June 27. Doors open at 6 p.m.. with showtime set for 6:30 p.m. General admission is $25, and VIP seating costs $45 (includes a beverage). To order, go to huntersftlauderdale.com . A portion of the proceeds benefit Pridelines Youth Services. Hunters Nightclub is located at 2232-2238 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors. Call 954-630-3556.

June 29 — Sixth Annual Family Pride Day at MODS

The Museum of Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale is having this free community event from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For details, go to mods.org/event/sixth-annual-family-pride-day . Among the activities, guests can:

• Participate in a Rainbow Science Lab, make and take Pride flags, create colors with prisms, and design rainbow tie-dyed T-shirts
• Experience an explosion of colors with a Pride KaBOOM! Show
• Meet MODS’ resident animal ambassadors
• Meet partners and friends of the LGBTQ+ community

June 29 — The Stonewall Ball

This year, the fundraiser for the Compass Community Center (that serves Palm Beach County) will have the theme of  “Love, Lights & Liberation.” There will be an award ceremony, cocktail reception with light bites, live entertainment and a silent auction from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 29, at Hilton West Palm Beach, 600 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. It will be followed by a dance party with DJ Legato , late-night snacks and a cash bar from 9 p.m. to midnight. Tickets for the awards ceremony and cocktail reception are $150 per person. The dance party tickets are $50 per person. There are also elected official tickets for $500 and influencer tickets for $1,000 (recognition from the podium during the VIP Awards, as well as listed in the program marketing materials as supporters of the event). Visit compasslgbtq.com/stonewallball .

June 29 — ‘Pride: Then, Now & Forever: A Multigenerational Concert Celebration’

The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida will share decades of music, stories and voices that resonate with LGBTQ+ audiences during its concert at 8 p.m. Saturday, June 29, at The Parker, 707 NE Eighth St., Fort Lauderdale. In addition to chart-toppers such as “It’s Raining Men,” “Dancing Queen,” “Y.M.C.A.” and “Believe,” there will be the world premiere of “We’ve Come Through The Storm” and “Don’t Say Gay” (created exclusively for the GMCSF). Tickets range in price from $43.75 to $68.75. Visit gmcsf.org or parkerplayhouse.com .

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Key findings about online dating in the U.S.

Online dating in the United States has evolved over the past several decades into a booming industry , transforming the way some people meet matches . A new report from Pew Research Center explores the upsides and downsides of online dating by highlighting Americans’ experiences and views about it. Here are 12 key takeaways.

Pew Research Center conducted this study to understand Americans’ experiences with dating sites and apps and their views of online dating generally. This analysis is based on a survey conducted among 6,034 U.S. adults from July 5-17, 2022. This included 4,996 respondents from the Center’s American Trends Panel (ATP), an online survey panel that is recruited through national, random sampling of residential addresses. This way nearly all U.S. adults have a chance of selection. It also included an oversample of 1,038 respondents from Ipsos’ KnowledgePanel who indicated that they are lesbian, gay or bisexual (LGB), with oversampled groups weighted back to reflect proportions in the population. The survey is weighted to be representative of the U.S. adult population by gender, race, ethnicity, partisan affiliation, education and other categories. Read more about the ATP’s methodology .

Here are the questions used for this analysis, along with responses, and its methodology .

Terminology

• Online dating users refers to the 30% of Americans who answered yes to the following question: “Have you ever used an online dating site or dating app?”
• Current or recent online dating users refers to the 9% of adults who had used a dating site or app in the past year as of the July survey.
• Partnered refers to the 69% of U.S. adults who describe themselves as married, living with a partner, or in a committed romantic relationship.
• LGB refers to those who are lesbian, gay or bisexual. These groups are combined because of small sample sizes. Additionally, since this research is focused on sexual orientation, not gender identity, and due to the fact that the transgender population in the U.S. is very small, transgender respondents are not identified separately. Read the report for more details.

A note about the Asian adult sample

This survey includes a total sample size of 234 Asian adults. The sample primarily includes English-speaking Asian adults and therefore may not be representative of the overall Asian adult population. Despite this limitation, it is important to report the views of Asian adults on the topics in this study. As always, Asian adults’ responses are incorporated into the general population figures throughout this report. Asian adults are shown as a separate group when the question was asked of the full sample. Because of the relatively small sample size and a reduction in precision due to weighting, results are not shown separately for Asian adults for questions that were only asked of online dating users or other filtered questions. We are also not able to analyze Asian adults by demographic categories, such as gender, age or education.

Three-in-ten U.S. adults say they have ever used a dating site or app, identical to the share who said this in 2019 . That includes 9% who report doing so in the past year, according to the Center’s survey of 6,034 adults conducted July 5-17, 2022.

Online dating is more common among younger adults than among older people. About half of those under 30 (53%) report having ever used a dating site or app, compared with 37% of those ages 30 to 49, 20% of those 50 to 64 and 13% of those 65 and older.

When looking at sexual orientation, lesbian, gay or bisexual (LGB) adults are more likely than their straight counterparts to say they have ever used a dating site or app (51% vs. 28%).

Men are somewhat more likely than women to have tried online dating (34% vs. 27%), as are those with at least some college education when compared with those with a high school education or less.

Adults who have never been married are much more likely than married adults to report having used online dating sites or apps (52% vs. 16%). Adults who are currently living with a partner (46%) or who are divorced, separated or widowed (36%) are also more likely to have tried online dating than married adults.

There are no statistically significant differences in the shares of adults who report ever using an online dating platform by race or ethnicity: Similar shares of White, Black, Hispanic and Asian adults report ever having done so.

Tinder tops the list of dating sites or apps the survey studied and is particularly popular among adults under 30. Some 46% of online dating users say they have ever used Tinder, followed by about three-in-ten who have used Match (31%) or Bumble (28%). OkCupid, eharmony and Hinge are each used by about a fifth of online dating users. Grindr and HER are used by very few online dating users overall (6% and 3%, respectively) but are more widely used by LGB adults than straight adults. Additionally, 31% of online dating users mention having tried some other online dating platform not asked about directly in this survey. (Read the topline  for a list of the most common other dating sites and apps users mentioned.)

Tinder use is far more common among younger adults than among older Americans: 79% of online dating users under 30 say they have used the platform, compared with 44% of users ages 30 to 49, 17% of users 50 to 64 and just 1% of those 65 and older. Tinder is the top online dating platform among users under 50. By contrast, users 50 and older are about five times more likely to use Match than Tinder (50% vs. 11%).

One-in-ten partnered adults – meaning those who are married, living with a partner or in a committed romantic relationship – met their current significant other through a dating site or app. Partnered adults who are under 30 or who are LGB stand out from other groups when looking at this measure of online dating “success”: One-in-five partnered adults under 30 say they met their current spouse or partner on a dating site or app, as do about a quarter of partnered LGB adults (24%).

Online dating users are somewhat divided over whether their experiences on these platforms have been positive or negative. Among those who have ever used a dating site or app, slightly more say their personal experiences have been very or somewhat positive than say they have been very or somewhat negative (53% vs. 46%).

Some demographic groups are more likely to report positive experiences. For example, 57% of men who have dated online say their experiences have been positive, while women users are roughly split down the middle (48% positive, 51% negative). In addition, LGB users of these platforms are more likely than straight users to report positive experiences (61% vs. 53%).

Roughly a third of online dating users (35%) say they have ever paid to use one of these platforms – including for extra features – but this varies by income, age and gender. Some 45% of online dating users with upper incomes report having paid to use a dating site or app, compared with 36% of users with middle incomes and 28% of those with lower incomes. Similarly, 41% of users 30 and older say they have paid to use these platforms, compared with 22% of those under 30. Men who have dated online are more likely than women to report having paid for these sites and apps (41% vs. 29%).

Those who have ever paid to use dating sites or apps report more positive experiences than those who have never paid. Around six-in-ten paid users (58%) say their personal experiences with dating sites or apps have been positive; half of users who have never paid say this.

Women who have used online dating platforms in the past year are more likely to feel overwhelmed by the number of messages they get, while men are more likely to feel insecure about a lack of messages. Among current or recent online dating users, 54% of women say they have felt overwhelmed by the number of messages they received on dating sites or apps in the past year, while just a quarter of men say the same. By contrast, 64% of men say they have felt insecure because of the lack of messages they received, while four-in-ten women say the same.

Overall, 55% of adults who have used a dating app or site in the past year say they often or sometimes felt insecure about the number of messages they received, while 36% say they often or sometimes felt overwhelmed.

Among recent online daters, large majorities of men and women say they have often or sometimes felt excited by the people they have seen while using these platforms, though large majorities also say they have often or sometimes felt disappointed.

When asked why they’ve turned to dating sites or apps in the past year, 44% of users say a major reason was to meet a long-term partner and 40% say a major reason was to date casually. Smaller shares say a major reason was to have casual sex (24%) or make new friends (22%).

Men who have used a dating platform in the past year are much more likely than women to say casual sex was a major reason (31% vs. 13%). There are no statistically significant gender differences on the other three reasons asked about in the survey.

About four-in-ten U.S. adults overall (42%) say online dating has made the search for a long-term partner easier. Far fewer (22%) say it has made the search for a long-term partner or spouse harder. About a third (32%) say it has made no difference.

Adults under 30 are less convinced than their older counterparts that online dating has made the search for a partner easier. These younger adults are about evenly divided in their views, with 35% of those ages 18 to 29 saying it has made the search easier and 33% saying it has made the search harder.

When it comes to the choices people have on dating sites and apps, 43% of adults overall say people have the right amount of options for dating on these platforms, while 37% think choices are too plentiful. Fewer (13%) say there are not enough options.

Most U.S. adults are skeptical or unsure that dating algorithms can predict love. About one-in-five adults (21%) think that the types of computer programs that dating sites and apps use could determine whether two people will eventually fall in love. But greater shares of Americans either say these programs could not do this (35%) or are unsure (43%).

Americans are split on whether online dating is a safe way to meet people, and a majority support requiring background checks before someone can create a profile. The share of U.S. adults who say online dating is generally a very or somewhat safe way to meet people has dipped slightly since 2019, from 53% to 48%. Women are more likely than men to say online dating is not too or not at all safe.

There are also differences by age: 62% of Americans ages 65 and older say online dating is not safe, compared with 53% of those 50 to 64 and 42% of adults younger than 50. Those who have never used a dating site or app are particularly likely to think it is unsafe: 57% say this, compared with 32% of those who have used an online dating site or app.

At the same time, six-in-ten Americans say companies should require background checks before someone creates a dating profile, while 15% say they should not and 24% are not sure. Women are more likely than men to say these checks should be required, as are adults 50 and older compared with younger adults.

These checks do not have majority support among online dating users themselves, however: 47% of users say companies should require background checks, versus 65% of those who have never used a dating site or app.

Younger women who have used dating sites or apps stand out for experiencing unwanted behaviors on these platforms. A majority of women under 50 who have used dating sites or apps (56%) say they have been sent a sexually explicit message or image they didn’t ask for, and about four-in-ten have had someone continue to contact them after they said they were not interested (43%) or have been called an offensive name (37%). Roughly one-in-ten of this group (11%) have received threats of physical harm. Each of these experiences is less common among women online dating users ages 50 and older, as well as among men of any age.

Among all online dating users, 38% have ever received unsolicited sexually explicit messages or images while using a dating site or app; 30% have experienced continued unwanted contact; 24% have been called an offensive name; and 6% have been threatened with physical harm.

About half of those who have used dating sites and apps (52%) say they have come across someone they think was trying to scam them. Men under 50 are particularly likely to say they have had this experience: 63% of men in this age group who have used dating sites or apps think they have encountered a scammer on them. Smaller shares of men ages 50 and older (47%) and women of any age (44%) say the same.

Note: Here are the questions used for this analysis, along with responses, and its methodology .

• Online Dating
• Romance & Dating

Emily A. Vogels is a former research associate focusing on internet and technology at Pew Research Center .

Colleen McClain is a research associate focusing on internet and technology research at Pew Research Center .

For Valentine’s Day, facts about marriage and dating in the U.S.

Dating at 50 and up: older americans’ experiences with online dating, about half of lesbian, gay and bisexual adults have used online dating, about half of never-married americans have used an online dating site or app, from looking for love to swiping the field: online dating in the u.s., most popular.

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ABOUT PEW RESEARCH CENTER  Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of  The Pew Charitable Trusts .

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Same-Sex Japanese Dating Reality Show ‘The Boyfriend’ Launched by Netflix

By Patrick Frater

Patrick Frater

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Netflix will next month upload its first Japanese same-sex dating reality TV series, “ The Boyfriend .”

The show takes nine men to a beach house in order to find love. For a month, they live together and take turns working shifts at a coffee truck, forging deep friendships and learning about themselves along the way.

The show will also be hosted by an eclectic mix of personalities including Megumi, Horan Chiaki, Thelma Aoyama, drag queen Durian Lollobrigida and Yoshimi Tokui.

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The topic is a challenging one in a country that remains largely socially conservative, and which is generally considered less LGBT -friendly than most other developed countries.

The last few years, however, have seen several legal developments that may indicate a change in the established order. Tokyo’s metropolitan government issued special same-sex partnership certificates from November 2022. But these certificates have negligible legal value. In June 2023, the Japanese government went one step further and passed a law which aims to ‘promote understanding’ of LGBTI people.

Netflix simply describes “The Boyfriend” as part of its 2024 slate that aims to showcase unique Japanese stories and perspectives . The series comes after the success of recent original local storytelling, such as “Sanctuary,” “House of Ninjas” and “City Hunter.” It has also added new seasons of reality TV series “Love Village” and comedy talk show “Last One Standing.”

“I discussed with the cast how growth and valuable experiences stem from shared friendships, youth and struggles, not just romance. This led to many unexpected miracles on set,” said Hishida Keisuke, chief producer and director – Kyodo Television): 

“I’m so happy with how this series took shape. I listened to each participant with a goal to produce a show that left everyone feeling valued and loved,” said Taiki, producer and casting director.   Watch the trailer here.

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