Hit the Deck

Sashay up the gangplank and take to the high seas with the thrilling flotilla of exhilarating cruises on offer from big-ship cruise companies Atlantis, RSVP Vacations, Olivia, and R Family Vacations. If a more intimate on-board environment and a more low key itinerary appeal, set your sights on the slew of scintillating small-ship and niche cruises from RSVP Vacations, TravelPride, and Romance Voyages, among others. Whatever your tastes, you?ll find a dream trip about to embark.

Read on for a roundup of the hottest upcoming gay and lesbian cruise departures through July 2009. Be sure to check back next month for newly announced cruises.

ATLANTISwww.atlantisevents.com

Los Angeles to Los Angeles Mexican Celebration Cruise aboard Mariner of the Seas -- sold out

Oct. 18-25, 2009

On board The 3,200 gay and lesbian guests aboard Mariner of the Seas will enjoy all the amenities of Royal Caribbean's thrilling ships, such as excellent specialty restaurants, five-story theatre, rock-climbing wall, and a slew of bars and lounges. A plethora of dining options feature Atlantis' signature open seating, no dress code and no assigned dining times.

On shore Atlantis' seventh annual Mexican Riviera Cruise, its most popular cruise, sets a course for Mexico's most luscious beach towns. Ports of call include Puerto Vallarta, Ixtapa, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas.

On the itinerary Legendary soirees, top entertainers, superstar DJs and all sorts of onboard shenanigans make this cruise the Pacific's premier party.

Liberty Caribbean Cruise

Miami to Miami

January 17-24, 2010

On board 3,700-passenger Royal Caribbean Liberty of the Seas

On shore Labadee, Haiti; Georgetown, Cayman Islands; Cozumel, Mexico

On the itinerary Atlantis? legendary January trip is the world?s largest gay cruise. Royal Caribbean's stunning Liberty of the Seas is set, once again, to become a floating gay and lesbian paradise with entertainment, spectacular parties, and outrageous activities. Just some of the water-borne wonders include surfing FlowRider, climbing a multi-course rock wall, and sparring in the boxing ring. An outdoor water park, indoor ice rink, sports pool and full-size volleyball court are also available to keep cruisers active. A four-story theater, ice shows, comedy and live music shows, and dances on the decks provide social shenanigans. The largest spa at sea and mind-blowing hot tubs that hang off the edge of the ship provide the utmost in relaxation.

Auckland to Sydney Mardi Gras Cruise aboard Holland America Volendam

Auckland to Sydney

Feb. 17-28, 2010

On board Join 1,400 other party-minded passengers on this all-gay cruise out of Auckland to the world?s largest gay event. Sun by one of two stunning pools, take a cooking class in the culinary center, pamper yourself in the expansive spa, or take an iPod tour of the ship?s extensive art collection. Atlantis? signature casual dress and open-seating dining stars on board.

On shore Thrilling ports of call include Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin, New Zealand and Melbourne and Sydney, Australia.

On the itinerary Leading gay and lesbian entertainers from the U.S. and Australia take to the boards of the 800-seat theater and the intimate cabaret lounges. The upper pool deck is the site of spectacular parties under the stars and T-dances.

Solstice Cruise

Fort Lauderdale to Fort Lauderdale

March 7-14, 2010

On board 2,800-passenger Celebrity Solstice

On shore Coco Bay, Bahamas; St. Barth?s; St. Thomas, U.S.V.I; Samana, Dominican Republic

On the itinerary Cabaret, theater, parties at sea, and expeditions to some of the most delicious destinations in the Caribbean.

Shanghai to Hong Kong Cruise

March 20-30, 2010

On board The 694-passenger Azamara Quest offers luxurious state-of-the-art accommodations, complimentary butler service, club space, martini bar, and cabaret lounge.

On shore Shore expeditions include stops at amazing destinations including Buzan, South Korea; Hiroshima, Kyoto, Osaka, and Kagoshima, Japan; Taipei, Taiwan; and final port of call cosmopolitan Hong Kong.

On the itinerary Wander through millennium old temples, admire volcanoes, dance on deck, and indulge in some pampering in the on-board spa.

Hong Kong to Singapore Cruise

March 30-April 9, 2010

On board The 694-passenger Azamara Quest offers luxurious state-of-the-art accommodations, complimentary butler service, club space, martini bar, and cabaret lounge.

On shore Hong Kong; Hue, Vietnam; Nha Trang, Vietnam; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Bangkok, Thailand; Ko Samui, Thailand; Singapore.

On the itinerary Gourmet and social delights of cosmopolitan Hong Kong, frenetic Bangkok, pristine beaches, pagodas, and palaces.

NUBIAN DREAMSwww.nubiandreams.com

Nubian Dreams Cruise 2 aboard Carnival Miracle

New York to New York

Oct. 7-15, 2009

On board The eight-day Nubian Dreams Cruise welcomes 150 guests (an affinity group on board a mainstream cruise) on their second annual expedition.

On shore Ports of call include Nassau, Half Moon Cay, and Grand Turk.

On the itinerary Join a packed schedule of entertainment and educational events that include parties, comedy from Tammy Peay, and music as well as events that emphasize health awareness, and philanthropy.

Part One | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four | Part Five | Part Six

Our complete guide to LGBT cruises 101:

First Gay Cruise

The Best Gay Cruise Companies

Top 10 ?Straight? Cruises