The big-ship cruise companies Atlantis, RSVP Vacations, Olivia and R Family Vacations continue to span the globe from the wondrous Galapagos Islands to the best of the Caribbean and the Mediterranean with unique, one-of-a-kind high-seas adventures for gay men and lesbians who love the thrill of arriving at a new port each day and who thrive in a social, flexible vacation environment.
Cruisers in search of more intimate and low-key vacations now have even more options in the form of small-ship cruises from RSVP Vacations, Travelpride and Romance Voyages, among others.
Ebony Pyramid and Nubian Dreams offer annual cruises for Black lesbian and gay cruise devotees who want to spend their time on board with members of their own community.
Whatever your style, you'll find a cruise vacation to float your boat. Below is a roundup of upcoming gay and lesbian cruise departures through July 2009. Be sure to check back next month for newly announced cruises or for any updates.
ATLANTIS (www.atlantisevents.com)
Barcelona to Rome Cruise aboard Navigator of the Seas
Barcelona to Rome
July 5-13, 2008
The largest all-gay cruise ever to sail to Europe will leave sunny Barcelona with 3,200 passengers on board the popular Navigator of the Seas: a floating palace with an ice skating rink, rock climbing wall, huge promenade and capacious deck space. Atlantis' famed social schedule makes good use of the ship's five-story theatre, '50s style diner, casino, cinema, restaurants and bars for everything from cabaret to concerts. Massive outdoor parties and themed tea dances fill decks every night, as the ship sails from Barcelona to Marseilles and Provence, then on to Capri, Santorini and Mykonos.
Copenhagen to Stockholm Cruise aboard Celebrity Constellation
Copenhagen, Denmark to Stockholm, Sweden
July 12-19, 2008
Atlantis sets its compass for some of the most thrilling ports -- and most gay-progressive and gay-welcoming cities -- of Northern Europe this coming summer on board the world's top-rated large ship. A total of 2,034 lucky guests get to experience gay-friendly Copenhagen, Denmark, Atlantis-style, before being taken by private train from Warnermunde to the bright lights and scintillating social life of German capital Berlin. Other ports of call include Medieval gem Talinn, Estonia, mighty St. Petersburg, Russia and rugged Helsinki, Findland. The ship makes its final stop in cosmopolitan Stockholm, Sweden, the cultural and business hub of Sweden.
The dramatic land itinerary is matched by the spectacular ship and its hectic entertainment schedule. Open seating and no dress code are featured in the two-story San Marco restaurant. Chef Michel Roux's menu stars at the impressive Ocean Liners Restaurant, with its open kitchen, dine-in wine cellar and elaborate tableside presentations. For more laidback dining, the Seaside Grill, Cova Café Milano and the health-conscious Spa Café are on hand. Seven bars and lounges, a casino, a movie theater and a three-story theater provide venues for socializing and celebrating. Atlantis' legendary outdoor tea dances will see the decks turn into the Baltic's hottest dance club at night. (Sold out!)
London to Barcelona Cruise aboard celebrity's Constellation
London to Barcelona
August 30-September 9, 2008
This hot highlights-of-Western-Europe cruise will leave London for sunny Barcelona with stops in Le Havre, Bilbao, La Coruna, Lisbon, Cadiz and Ibiza en route.
The spectacular ship, regularly voted the world's best, and the hectic entertainment schedule are yet more reason to saunter on board. Open seating and no dress code are featured in the two-story San Marco restaurant. Chef Michel Roux's menu stars at the impressive Ocean Liners Restaurant, with its open kitchen, dine-in wine cellar and elaborate tableside presentations. For more laidback dining, the Seaside Grill, Cova Café Milano and the health-conscious Spa Café are on hand. Seven bars and lounges, a casino, a movie theater and a three-story theater provide venues for socializing and celebrating. Atlantis' legendary outdoor tea dances will see the decks turn into the Med's hottest dance club at night.
Los Angeles to Los Angeles Mexican Celebration Cruise aboard Serenade of the Seas
Oct. 18-26, 2008
Atlantis' sixth annual Mexican Riviera Cruise, their most popular cruise, pulls up the gangplank in L.A. and sets a course for Mexico's most luscious beach towns. Along with an overnight stay in gay-friendly Puerto Vallarta, legendary soirees, top entertainers, five superstar DJs and all sorts of onboard shenanigans make this the Pacific's premier party. Ports of call also include Ixtapa, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas.
The 2,080 gay and lesbian guests aboard the Serenade of the Seas will enjoy all the amenities of Royal Caribbean's Radiance class ships, such as excellent specialty restaurants, nine-story glass atrium, rock-climbing wall, seven bars and lounges and more. A plethora of dining options feature Atlantis' signature open seating, no dress code and no assigned dining times.
RSVP VACATIONS (www.rsvpvacations.com)
Tahitian Treasure aboard Star Clippers' Star Flyer
Pape'ete, Tahiti to Pape'ete, Tahiti
November 27-December 7, 2008
Ten days, 170 potential new friends and a glamorous luxury sailing yacht to whisk you from one stunning island to the next. Taking in destinations most of us will only ever dream of, this French Polynesian odyssey skims the waves between vanilla and hibiscus-scented, palm-fronded isles, offering red hot entertainment, sizzling parties and world-class dining on-board. Destinations include Rangiroa Lagoon, Bora Bora, Raiatea and Moorea.
Eastern Caribbean Cruise aboard Holland America's ms Eurodam
Fort Lauderdale to Fort Lauderdale
February 21 - 28, 2009
RSVP sets sail to the Eastern Caribbean on Holland America's newest ship, with stops in Grand Turk, San Juan, St. John and Half Moon Cay.
The new ms Eurodam marks Holland America's next class of vessels and at 2,104 passengers is the largest ever constructed for the premium line. The glamorous ship will combine exciting public spaces, as well as Holland America's much loved plush Euro-top Mariner's Dream beds, deluxe robes, Egyptian cotton towels, flat panel TVs and DVD players.
Mexican Riviera Cruise aboard Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Star
Los Angeles to Los Angeles
April 18 - 25, 2009
The quintessential RSVP Mexican Riviera Cruise is back with a twist -- "Freestyle Cruising." Setting sail from Los Angeles, RSVP's first sailing aboard the spectacular Norwegian Star offers a winning combination of great ports, dining options and entertainment. Opt to go deep-sea fishing in Mazatlan, power shopping in Cabo San Lucas, and to experience the charms of Puerto Vallarta.
Europe's Heartland Cruise on Amadeus Waterways' ms Amalyra
Paris, France to Nuremberg, Germany
August 7-17, 2009
RSVP enhances the popular German Riverboat Cruise with a thrilling two-night stay in Paris, France, one of the world's most exciting cities. From Paris, RSVP takes 150 lucky passengers through the French countryside, via Rheims' famous champagne cellars and cathedral, to board the ship in Trier for a seven-day cruise on the Moselle, Rhine, and Main rivers with stops in Cochem, Koblenz, Rudesheim, Frankfurt, Miltenberg, Wertheim, Wurzburg and Bamberg before ending the cruise in Nuremberg. From here there is the option to go on to historic Prague. As well as daily doses of dramatic scenery, visits to charming villages and castles and wine tasting, the cruise also offers gay life on board and on land, and great shopping opportunities.
Legendary Danube River Cruise on Amadeus Waterways' ms Amalyra
Nuremberg, Germany to Budapest, Hungary
August 14-24, 2009
Experience Eastern Europe on an RSVP riverboat cruise with 150 new gay and lesbian friends. Starting off with two days in gorgeous Prague, passengers join the ship in Nuremberg and travel through the Bavarian forests of Germany to Regensberg and Passau, for an optional excursion to Salzburg and then continue along the Danube for two evenings and two full days in Vienna. From there the luxurious ship continues down the Danube to the historic capital Bratislava, Slovakia, before docking in vibrant Budapest, Hungary.
OLIVIA (www.olivia.com)
Cruising the Romantic Danube on Viking River Cruises
Nuremberg, Germany to Budapest, Hungary
July 27-August 3, 2008
Seven days on the Danube with the women of Olivia introduce some lucky ladies to the romance of Medieval Europe. Local food, wine and legends accompany passengers as they glide by beautifully preserved medieval towns, grand cities and quaint villages. Tour magnificent cathedrals and stroll narrow cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses in Germany. Discover the imperial architecture of magnificent Vienna and tour towns in the picturesque Wachau Valley. Explore both sides of Hungary's capital, traditional "Buda" and modern "Pest," and see from atop Fishermen's Bastion how the river divides the city. Every evening Olivia's packed schedule of world-class entertainment awaits.
Cruising the Romantic Danube on Viking River Cruises
Budapest, Hungaryto Nuremberg, Germany
August 3-10, 2008
Seven days on the Danube with the women of Olivia introduce some lucky ladies to the romance of Medieval Europe. Local food, wine and legends accompany passengers as they glide by beautifully preserved medieval towns, grand cities, and quaint villages. Explore both sides of Hungary's capital, traditional "Buda" and modern "Pest," and see from atop Fishermen's Bastion how the river divides the city. Tour magnificent cathedrals and stroll narrow cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses in Germany. Discover the imperial architecture of magnificent Vienna and tour towns in the picturesque Wachau Valley. Every evening Olivia's packed schedule of world-class entertainment awaits.
Music and Sports Mexican Riviera Cruise aboard Holland America's ms Oosterdam
San Diego to San Diego
October 4-11, 2008
With a dream team of celebrity athletes and musical superstars on board, Olivia's Women in Sports cruise sets sails for the sunny south. Heading up the A-team is sports and equal opportunities champion Billie Jean King. The cruise kicks off with a ceremony honoring King and continues with an All-Star basketball game featuring popular WNBA players and a Breakfast of Champions fundraiser. Stars of the entertainment field are set to include Vickie Shaw, Suede, Rene Hicks, Poppy Champlin and Julie Wolf. The cruise takes in quaint corners of Puerto Vallarta, lagoons, stunning sunsets and powdery beaches of Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas' idyllic waters and amazing rock formations.
The 1,848-capacity ms Oosterdam offers the two-tier Vista dining room, the intimate Pinnacle Grill, the relaxed Lido Restaurant and gourmet demonstration kitchen The Culinary Arts Center. Entertainment is presented in the Vista Show Lounge and the Crow's Nest club. Thermal suites and a hydrotherapy and thalassotherapy pool star in the Greenhouse Spa & Salon.
Amazing Galapagos Adventure cruise aboard Lindblad's MS Islander
Guayaquil, Ecuador to Galapagos, Ecuador
November 15-24, 2008 and November 22-December 1, 2008
The new Lindblad ship MS Islander, with only 24 cabins, is the ideal size for this adventurous and highly educational sailing expedition through the natural and animal wonders of the Galapagos Islands. A sturdy fleet of Zodiac rafts will transport the fortunate Olivia guests on this cruise as they visit some of the major islands in the chain and the awe-inspiring residents -- such as giant tortoises, fur seals, penguins, and frigate birds -- plus a few thousand more types of wildlife diversity. With expert guides, this special cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to discover one of nature's unspoiled gems -- under the aegis of Olivia's brand of comfort, education, and entertainment. (The last couple of days of the first cruise are on land, hence the overlap.)
35th Birthday Bash Caribbean Cruise aboard Holland America's ms Westerdam
Fort Lauderdale to Fort Lauderdale
November 23-30, 2008
Olivia's biggest cruise ever departs from sunny Fort Lauderdale, celebrating 35 years of the company's successful endeavors. Underwater life and nightlife get equal billing on Olivia's enticing Caribbean Cruise. Taking in Grand Turk, the fabulous shopping of St. Thomas and St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands<.strong>, St. Maarten and pristine private island Half Moon Cay, this trip visits coral reefs, beach cabanas, magical lagoons and miles of white sand beaches. Highlights of the Turks and Caicos include snorkeling and diving amid tiny seahorses, hawksbill turtles, coral gardens, and giant whale sharks, as well as onshore delights in the form of a treasure trove of pastel British colonial architecture.
The cruise also promises Olivia's most impressive entertainment line-up, with names already confirmed including Karen Williams, Vickie Shaw, Suede and Zoe Lewis, with the big name headliner yet to be announced.
The dazzling ms Westerdam offers spacious staterooms, many with verandahs for private dining and sunning. The Greenhouse Spa and Salon is the fleet's largest and most luxurious spa. Passengers can choose to dine poolside or doll themselves up and feast in the ship's two-story Vista Dining Room, Lido or Pinnacle restaurants.
Sailing Barbados aboard Windstar's Wind Surf
Bridgetown, Barbados to Bridgetown, Barbados
January 18-25, 2009
Olivia's enticing, intimate Caribbean cruise drops anchor by the beautiful beaches and gingerbread houses of Nevis and the half-Dutch, half-French island of Saint Maarten/St. Martin , on tiny, picture-perfect St. Barts , by , in Basse Terre, Guadaloupe , and under the imposing twin towers of the Pitons of St. Lucia, two volcanic peaks rising to more than 2,400 feet. Windstar's luxurious 312-passenger, Wind Surf, is a stunning sailboat that features state-of-the art amenities, ocean views in every cabin, flat-screen TVs with DVD players, iPod stations, L'Occitane amenities, and plush robes.
Sapphire Seas of Tahiti aboard Regent Seven Seas' Paul Gaughin
Papeete to Papeete, Tahiti
March 18-25, 2009
Vanilla and hibiscus fill the air as TravelPride's Tahitian cruise embarks on its adventure through Tahiti. There's a reason that the Society Islands are also known as "Paradise on Earth" and the rugged volcanic islands of Raiatea, Taha'a, Bora Bora, Moorea and Tahiti are said to be "the sirens of the South Pacific." Balmy days, sultry nights, jagged peaks, emerald rain forests and the company of 329 other pampered guests beckon would-be passengers on board this delectable cruise. During the week, those on board visit deep bays and reefs, multihued lagoons and deserted motu islands, vanilla plantations and craggy mountains. Black pearls and whale and dolphin sightings are other attractions.
Caribbean FUNraiser Cruise aboard ms Westerdam
Fort Lauderdale to Fort Lauderdale
March 1-9, 2009
In the first of Olivia's only two major cruises in 2009, island stops in Grand Turk, Puerto Rico, U.S Virgin Islands, and Half Moon Cay are only the tip of the fun iceberg. Olivia's entertainment schedule is always second to none, and so far Rene Hicks and Kate Clinton have been confirmed to bring smiles to the faces of the 1,800 women on board.
The dazzling ms Westerdam offers spacious staterooms, many with verandahs for private dining and sunning. The Greenhouse Spa and Salon is the fleet's largest and most luxurious spa. Passengers can choose to dine poolside or doll themselves up and feast in the ship's two-story Vista Dining Room, Lido or Pinnacle restaurants.
Tulips and Chocolate Rhine Riverboat Cruise aboard Avalon Tapestry
Amsterdam to Basel
April 12-19, 2009
This luxurious riverboat cruise glides from the Dutch metropolis past the city's stately homes to Gothic Cologne and onto Strasbourg and medieval towns in the Black Forest. The two-year-old ship is both gracious and spacious. All staterooms are outside and those on Royal Sapphire Decks have floor to ceiling sliding glass doors. Internet access is available and there's a health center with a hot tub.
Rome to Barcelona Cruise aboard Azamara Journey
Rome to Barcelona
May 16-23, 2009
Highlights of ancient Rome, fabulous shopping in Florence, the cliff-lined cove of Portofino, the gorgeous beaches and casinos of Monte Carlo, the towering 1,400-foot Rock of Gibraltar, and vibrant Barcelona are all on the itinerary for this intimate Olivia spring cruise.
The Azamara Journey offers decadent delights such as butler service, a multitude of verandas, two specialty restaurants, concierge amenities, a Spa and Wellness Center, coffee café, piano bar and wine bar, wine and champagne tastings and the company of almost 700 other women.
R FAMILY VACATIONS (www.rfamilyvacations.com)
Rosie O'Donnell and her spouse, Kelli, along with business partner Gregg Kaminsky, created a public relations smash -- and opened up an entirely new cruise market -- with the successful launch of their R Family Vacations cruise in July 2004, geared toward gay and lesbian parents and their kids of all ages. Two upcoming cruises will satisfy different tastes in the expanding gay and lesbian family travel market -- a small-ship expedition to the fabled Galapagos Islands in November is complemented by a traditional large-ship winter Caribbean cruise.
R Summer Adventure Cruise aboard Norwegian Dawn
New York to New York
July 13-20, 2008
Rosie and co set sail for the near north once again on their Summer Adventure Cruise.
With room for 2,200 passengers and an incredible choice of eating, drinking, dancing and playing options, the ship is set to be one floating fun palace for all the family. Ports of call include gay-friendly Halifax, atmospheric St. John, Bar Harbor, historic Newport and the gayest spot on the East Coast, Provincetown.
Sailing north from New York, the R Summer Adventure is crammed full of exciting stops, sights and excursions. North of the border, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick offer historic stops and stunning sights, including the beautiful Bay of Fundy. Back below the 49th parallel, lobster's on the menu in Bar Harbor; shopping and sunning are on the schedule in Provincetown; and more beach time awaits in Newport, Rhode Island.
TRAVELPRIDE (www.travelpride.com)
South of France Cruise Aboard Uniworld Grand River Cruises' River Royale
Marseille to Paris
July 5-12, 2008
Just 132 pampered guests get to scamper aboard the charming River Royale, a deluxe river cruise ship and the newest in France. Uniworld Grand River Cruises has been listed as one of Travel & Leisure's Top Ten Small Ship Cruise Lines and personal service on board is exquisite. Color schemes echo the Provencal countryside outside and lavishly appointed staterooms include private bathrooms, the finest amenities and spectacular views. An elegant lounge offers soft leather couches and rich d écor and a cozy library offers another nook to escape to. The restaurant has open seating. A fitness center boasts a sauna, outside Jacuzzi and massage options. Onboard entertainment includes a complimentary open-bar tea dance, DJ mixed music and videos and a first-class nightly lineup of live entertainment.
The cruise makes its way through the towns, villages and vine-draped hillsides of Burgundy and Provence, mooring pier-side alongside Roman ruins, centuries-old wineries, thriving market towns and stunning churches and cathedrals. The beautiful light of this area has inspired writers, poets and artists from Van Gogh to Cezanne to Gaughin. Ports of call include Lyon, culinary capital of France and the sun-drenched Rhône Valley.
New Year's Cruise II aboard Windstar's Wind Spirit
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
December 27, 2008-January 3, 2009
Leave the crowds, cold weather, and 2008 behind! Escape on this thrilling cruise that glides from "America's Paradise" St. Thomas, to the fascinating Barbuda, Anguilla, vibrant San Juan and Vieques in Puerto Rico, before reaching beach havens in St. Croix , and finally docking back at St. Thomas.
Allowing for a more intimate holiday cruise, the Wind Spirit is an exclusive craft, with space for only 150 discerning passengers. The ship boasts a casino, library, pool bar, lounge, veranda restaurant and main restaurant, as well as a salt-water pool and hot tub, water activity marina and fitness center. Spacious cabins feature flat-screen televisions, DVD and CD players, iPod docking stations, wireless internet access, Egyptian cotton linens and duvets and L'Occitane amenities. All cabins are oceanview.
The Tropical Paradise Luxury Cruise aboard Regent Seven Seas' Paul Gaughin
Papeete to Papeete, Tahiti
June 27-July 4, 2009
Vanilla and hibiscus fill the air as TravelPride's Tahitian cruise embarks on its adventure through Tahiti. There's a reason that the Society Islands are also known as "Paradise on Earth" and the rugged volcanic islands of Raiatea, Taha'a, Bora Bora, Moorea and Tahiti are said to be "the sirens of the South Pacific." Balmy days, sultry nights, jagged peaks, emerald rain forests and the company of 329 other pampered guests beckon would-be passengers on board this delectable cruise. During the week, those on board visit deep bays and reefs, multihued lagoons and deserted motu islands, vanilla plantations and craggy mountains. Black pearls and whale and dolphin sightings are other attractions.
ROMANCE VOYAGES (www.romancevoyages.com)
Galapagos Islands aboard Celebrity Xpedition
Quito to Quito
May 1-11, 2009
Romance Voyages shares with Travelpride a desire to create more intimate and culturally enriching cruise vacations for gay men. In past years, Romance has chartered ships for specialized itineraries that the big cruises can't go to, such as river cruises on the Rhine and the Yangtze in China. In May 2008, gay eco-tourists and fans of small ships can join this luxury Celebrity Xpedition cruise to the awe-inspiring Galapagos Islands -- home to more than 1,900 species of unique plants and animals. This active and educational cruise is the ideal way to experience nature's wonders from the comfortable base of a high-end cruise ship. Pre- and post-cruise stays in Quito, Ecuador, will allow guests to experience the colonial history and architecture of the capital.
Egypt/Nile Adventure aboard Sonesta Star Goddess Cairo/Luxor, Egypt to Luxor/Cairo, Egypt
February, 2010, dates to be confirmed
In February 2010, gay ancient history buffs and fans of small ships can join this luxury expedition to take in the wonders of strong>Egypt. Five days on land allow the opportunity to take in Memphis, the Step Pyramid of Zoser, the Sphinx and the only remaining ancient Wonder of the World, the Great Pyramid at Giza, while enjoying accommodations at the luxurious Mena House in Cairo. After these wonders, the group flies to Luxor to embark upon seven days on board the high-end Star Goddess, a 33-unit ship with an outdoor pool, running track, full service spa and dining room, deck bar and lounge. Historical highlights include the Valley of Kings, the Valley of Queens, the Colossi of Memnon, Aswan Dam and numerous other fascinating ports of call. Social highlights include the Captain's Party, an Egyptian Costume Party and a Martini and Disco Night.
NUBIAN DREAMS (www.nubiandreams.com)
Nubian Dreams Cruise aboard Carnival Miracle
New York to New York
October 8-16, 2008
The eight-day Nubian Dreams Cruise treats its 400 guests to a packed schedule of entertainment and educational events that include parties, comedy and music as well as events that emphasize health awareness, voter registration and philanthropy. Ports of call include San Juan, St. Thomas., and Tortola.
EBONY PYRAMID (www.ebonypyramidonline.com)
9th Annual Black Gay and Lesbian Pride: Caribbean Cruisin' 2008 aboard Carnival Imagination
Miami to Miami
October 9-13, 2008
Promising a "Splash of Excitement," Columbus Day weekend heats up with Ebony Pyramid's hot island cruise. Visiting Nassau and Paradise Island, this Bahamas odyssey features the best entertainers and special events for the BLBGT community. Highlights include a White Attire Reception, parties, seminars, a dance party, bingo, talent shows and a farewell cermony. Pre-club ps include sizzling vnttMiami club Twist.
