TOP GAY CRUISES IN 2023 : A GUIDE ON HOW TO PICK THE BEST ONE FOR YOU

Cruises have become part of gay culture. Gay cruising boats falls into three categories: circuit huge ships, medium sized ships and intimate small sailing boats like yacht or catamaran.

All types will travel you around wonderful coastlines surrounded by like-minded gays from around the world. A super easy way to make friends. You’ll generally do seaport hopping at gay-friendly locations. You’ll also have the opportunity to relax on beaches along with enjoying daily swim stops. You will sail several hours then arrive in a port with enough time to explore the city or town, which usually the organizer have planned restaurants and gay bars to visit for you.

Let’s go straight to the point, here are the best gay cruises on Earth:

CIRCUIT PARTY CRUISES

Get your harnesses, sexy underwear, costumes (and credit card) ready for the wildness of circuit party cruises, because it’s that time of the year to pick one before they sold out!

1. Atlantis Events Gay Cruises

An Atlantis all-gay cruise is so much more than just a vacation. It’s an opportunity to discover new places, meet new friends, and discover new ways to play. For over 30 years, they created a space for gays to be their authentic selves with other friendly, passionate, like-minded guys. There’s power in the gay experience.

Each new day with Atlantis brings a new adventure. They take you to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with day trips to some of the most exotic places on the planet. From there, you get to decide what to do! On board, you’ll find everything from sparkling pools and hot tubs to luxurious day spas, gourmet food and wine to dazzling live entertainment, classes, demonstrations, circuit parties, tea dances, and more.

They hand select every singer, dancer, drag performer, musician, comic, acrobat, cabaret act, and DJ who performs on their ships. In addition to truly amazing live shows, they also offer a huge variety of daytime activities–from glass blowing demonstrations to motivational speakers to wine tastings–all curated for your pleasure.

Their ships feature comfortable staterooms with large beds, cozy bathrooms, and ample storage. Most rooms have private balconies overlooking the sea and offer spectacular views. Most ships provide 24-hour room service and a wide range of movies, including top LGBTQ cinema, to stream on demand. And twice a day, your dedicated steward will service your room with an attention to detail found only in the best 5-star hotels.

Next available destinations at time of writing:

• Athens to Venice – July 5th to 15th, 2023.
• Italy, France, Ibiza – August 28th to September 6th, 2023.
• Los Angeles to Mexico – October 23th to 30th 2023.
• Singapore to Bangkok – November 11th to 20th 2023.

Price: from 1700 USD.

Crowd index: very sexy males.

2. La Démence’s “The Cruise”

If you love La Démence’s circuit party in the European Union capital Brussels; you will love their cruise version as well. It has existed for the past 10 years. Expect the same level of craziness (in a good way of course). In 2023, “The Cruise by La Démence” will be sailing the Ravenna and Ionian seas, stopping by Italy, Albania, Greece and Malta.

Explore cities full of culture and history, spectacular nature and pristine beaches. On your own, or on an organized tour. Offering late sails in some ports of call, La Démence Cruise allow you to discover the destinations without having to rush.

Onboard this floating village, various large pools, jacuzzies and sundecks for every taste, guarantee you can get all the sun and water you want.

Afternoons, DJs spin chilled lounge music around the pools. Relax with new and old friends, take a dip, chat, order a refreshing drink. Or slip away to one of our quiet decks, where all you hear is the sound of the breeze and the sea. If tan lines aren’t your thing, head up to our nudist deck – a discrete haven for nude sunbathers.

With several restaurants onboard plus room service, you will never go hungry. The ships feature an à-la-carte dinner restaurant, a full buffet with extended opening hours, and a late-night buffet, all complimentary. For a reasonable fee, you can enjoy the different specialty dining restaurants.

Sporty? Head to the ocean-view gym or test your grip on the climbing wall. Want pampering? Book a treatment at the Spa and Beauty Salon. Have you met someone you’d like to sit in the dark with? Sneak into the 24-hour darkroom. Shopaholic? Various duty free shops are calling.
In addition, they organize fun activities like the Mister The Cruise competition, the hilarious High Heels Run, the Belly Flop, Handbag Throwing, Bingo and much more.

Royal Caribbean is known for its excellent theatre shows. Marvelous spectacles offered every evening by the ship’s international team of professional dancers and singers, along with their own artists.

When: from July 9th to 16th, 2023.

Price: from 1200 EUR (possible to pay in installments).

Crowd index: very sexy.

GRAND TOURISM GAY CRUISES

Medium sized ships offer a more “traditional” holiday experience, often luxurious and therefore more expensive. These boats also have a wide range of amenities, including bar, spa, gym, entertainment, and can hold from 50 up to 250 people.

If you’re looking for a romantic and private experience with your lover, then this category is the best fit for you. It’s a no brainer if you have a good budget, prefer luxury travel and want to build those memorable moments together. 

3. Source Journeys Gay Cruises

For over 20 years, Source Journeys has been specializing in all types of gay travel, but for the sake of this post we’ll focus of course on their cruises.

Rhine River (Switzerland, France, Germany, The Netherlands)

One of Europe’s most iconic rivers awaits you on this epic journey along the Rhine River, which begins in Switzerland and visits France, Germany, and Holland! Best of all, Source has curated this itinerary to deliver you to Amsterdam Pride with its signature Canal Boat Parade. Experience why this is truly one of the most extraordinary Pride celebrations in the world!

This private LGBTQ+ voyage is aboard the Panorama, one of Avalon’s luxurious Suite Ships, featuring its one-of-a-kind open-air balconies. You’ll also have the luxury of cruising your way.  From biking and hiking to sightseeing or wine-tasting, it’s your choice.

Aboard their ship, it’s all included. Enjoy fine dining, free-flowing wine, and spirits. Dance under the stars, and enjoy Source signature entertainment, and theme parties. Stay fit with yoga and fitness, enrich yourself with Source talks at sea, or just enjoy the front-row seat as you sail past ancient castles.

Galapagos Islands

For an extraordinary luxury voyage in the Galapagos Islands, get closer to the natural world than you have or ever will, coming home with a radically different understanding of our planet. Snorkel with playful sea lions and penguins.  Kayak among sea turtles, hike past dancing blue-footed boobies and experience the magic of one of the greatest natural history destinations in the world.  You’ll encounter flora found nowhere else on earth.

Nile – Egypt

The Great Pyramids of Giza and other treasures of Egypt have beckoned travelers for more than two millennia. On this luxury small group journey, visit venerable tombs and temples to piece together the life and times of one of the world’s greatest ancient civilizations. Visit bustling Cairo, the Great Pyramids, the Sphinx, and the new Grand Egypt Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of antiquities, including artifacts recovered from the great Tutankhamen’s tomb.

Cruise the fabled Nile in style — like the pharaohs once did — on the luxurious Sanctuary Retreats Sun Boat III, disembarking at iconic sites as well as little-known temples. Ride like a local on camelback and sail in a felucca on the Nile. Go off the beaten path, flying to Abu Simbel, one of the most awesome monuments of ancient Egypt.

Pick one of their cruises if you’d rather a more traditional tourism and laidback experience than the circuit cruises above. It’s more suited for an “adult” crowd and couples.

Next Source Events cruises at time of writing:

• Rhine River: Basel to Amsterdam (Switzerland, France, Germany) – July 29th to August 5th, 2023.
• Galapagos: September 9th to 17th,, 2023.
• Nile River: Egypt – December 7th to 16th, 2023.

Price: starting at 4500 USD for the Rhine River, 7500 USD for the Nile and 9700 USD for the Galapagos. (It’s luxury!).

Crowd index: adults and couples.

4. Out Adventures

Just like Source Journeys above, Out Adventures provides all types of of LGBGT vacations, but for the sake of this article, let’s talk about their cruises. They have cruises planned for French Polynesia, Greece, Croatia and France.

Dates: April 21st to 28th, 2023
Destination/Route: Round trip from Tahiti, French Polynesia

Sail through the South Pacific aboard this boutique gay cruise. Alongside up to 46 like-minded men, you’ll depart from Tahiti, visiting five of the country’s most beloved islands: Bora Bora, Huahine, Taha’a, Raiatea, and Mo’orea. On each island, you can expect countless once-in-a-lifetime activities to choose from. For example, you could spend your morning snorkeling indigo lagoons and your afternoon 4X4ing through banana groves. For the culturally inclined, enjoy optional private tours of ancient marae (temples) and local villages. And heck, don’t neglect our vessel’s many amenities including kayak and SUP rentals.

Price: from 4000 USD

Crowd Index: eclectic.

INTIMATE AND NUDE “GAY SAILING TRIPS”

Small gay sailing boats usually hold from 5 to 20 guests. You can imagine that it is therefore much easier to connect with the other guests. You simply can’t avoid meeting your travel companions as the experience is so intimate.

Also, with this smaller setup you also feel the actual sailing experience (the sun, the sea and the wind) in a much stronger way.

There is also more freedom to adjust itineraries or stop for a swim (which is not possible on larger boats). Actually, you can literally just jump off the boat due to its tiny size. The experience on a small sailing boat is not ‘roughing it’ by any means, but the space and shared quarters are smaller and more casual. 

Clothing optional (meaning being naked) is often an option, recommended or a requirement depending on the trip you chose.

5. Pride Sailing Holiday Cruises

Pride Sailing Holidays offers 7-day island hopping experiences in Mykonos, the Ionian Sea (Greece) and the Aeolian Islands (Sicily, Italy) amongst others.

Regarding their Mykonos itinerary is best suited for those who enjoy beach parties and cocktails. It’s the ideal party sailing itinerary. Plus, top it all of with it’s amazing beaches, rich culture, and great food.

​Crowd Index: Eclectic.

6. GaySail Cruises

GaySail organizes gay cruises and sailing holidays for gay guys of all nationalities. They sail throughout the historical islands of Greece, among the ancient cities of Croatia, off the white beaches of Saint Martin & Saint Barth & Anguilla in the Caribbean, in exotic Tahiti and in tropical Thailand.

Each year they offer over 45 gay sailing cruises and about 15 private cruises. With over 30 years of experience they know the nice itineraries, the lovely spots, the quiet bays and the cozy restaurants. They sail with 1-3 sailing yachts or catamarans together, which can host 10-14 people on each yacht.

Dinner (not included) is normally in one of the local restaurants and sometimes they have dinner on board or a BBQ on the beach.

When: many dates throughout the year.

Price: from 1535 EUR.

Crowd Index: Eclectic.

CHEAP ONE DAY GAY CRUISES BOAT PARTIES

7. Gay Boat Party by Away Events

Whenever you stop by Gran Canaria, the Gay Boat Party by Away Events is a must stop. Away Events is a group of 4 friends in Maspalomas in the Canary Islands, who have been organizing different events in distinct corners of the world like Paris and Barcelona to a festival all the way in Thailand.

Away Events bets on a human experience with their boat party which happens every single week.

When and where:

• Every Thursday – Naked Boat (MEN only) starting at 15:30 (3:30pm). Gran Canaria.
• Friday, Saturday & Sunday – Volcanic LGBT+ boat starting at 15:00 (3:00pm), Gran Canaria.

Price: from 50 EUR.

Crowd: sexy and eclectic.

Why a Gay Cruise?

There are a lot of great benefits of choosing a sailing trip as a holiday or vacation compared to other types of normal land travel experiences. Here are a few things to consider when deciding. 

Easy to meet new people – one great aspect of taking a gay sailing trip is that most of the guests are friendly and open to meeting new people. On the larger sailing ships, there are many activities that help connect guests to give you a better chance at meeting people as well. 

How to Choose the best cruise for YOU

Try them all! Just kidding! Figuring out which is the best cruise is subjective. People have different mood of the moment, budgets or destinations in mind. To make it easier for you, we have compiled here below the most notable ones, those with years of experience and the greatest reviews.

So, it will come down to your preferences, the atmosphere you are looking for. The size, destination and budget will pretty much be also deciding factors.

Gay cruises typically last about a week and cost minimum 1200 EUR (that’s excluding the 1 day pool parties with can be between 30 to 60 EUR).

Keep in mind that you have to add the price of flights or transportation into your budget to the location of the departing and arrival port. The entry-level price to a gay sailing trip typically starts around $1,500 per person for a week-long trip.

What’s included?

The price usually includes the cabin, some or all meals. And for the larger ship onboard entertainment.

Unless you book an all-inclusive, the following items are usually not included in the price: cocktails, pre and post hotel stay, flights + airport transfers, land attractions and tours or excursions, .

Good to know, the small boats allow your to bring your own alcohol. (Just stop at a shop in port to stock up your faves). It is not the case which larger ships as they usually bans this.

Traveling solo?

That’s perfectly fine, most gay cruise companies offer a cabin program where they will match you with a roommate (so you don’t have to pay for the full price of a 2-person room). You most likely won’t be leaving the cruise solo.