Cruise Ship Vacations for Gay Singles or Couples

There are a few different ways to experience gay and lesbian ocean cruising. Gay men and lesbians can travel aboard mainstream ships, they can travel with a gay group or gay charter on a regular ship, they can go on a trip that is targeted at gay and lesbian singles and couples, or they can go on a cruise that caters specifically to gay men and lesbians and their families. There are some areas of the world that are known for being particularly unwelcoming to gay people, and these places include Islamic countries like Turkey and the Middle East, and also some Caribbean Islands like Jamaica and Grand Cayman. Of course, all-gay charters will know to avoid these stops.

Cruises targeted specifically at gay and lesbian travelers have gained acceptance and popularity in recent years. They are a great opportunity to take a vacation from the world, and from the judgmental members of society back at home. Gay men and lesbian couples do not have to be insecure about showing affection to one another because the environment is friendly and accepting. It is great to be able to feel free and relaxed while you take an ocean cruise with your partner, or with the family that you and your partner have built together. Here are a few of the ocean cruises out there:

R FAMILY VACATIONS
R family has been one of the most widely publicized vacation services for gay people and their families. The company has gained so much attention because its co-owner is comedian Rosie O’Donnell’s wife, Kelli O’Donnell. Since there are millions of gay households in the United States that include children, it is no wonder that a cruise vacation should be dedicated to that sect of the population. Going on a cruise with other gay families gives children with gay parents the opportunity to get to know other kids who have grown up with gay parents too. They might not have a friend at school to relate to in that way, but on a gay family cruise ship everyone is in the same boat (pun intended). Also, it is great for gay parents to get together to share their experiences and advice with other parents. It can give gay families a great sense of community. In fact, there are seminars discussing issues that affect gay parents, such as surrogacy, artificial insemination, and adoption. Rosie O’Donnell herself has done variety hours on board. The cruise ship set sail for the first time in June 2004.

GAYRIBBEAN CRUISES
Gayribbean Cruises is owned and operated by TravelOUT Inc., in Dallas, Texas. Like R Family, you do not have to be gay to go on the cruise. If you are an accepting person, you are welcome. Basically, when it comes to gay cruises, the only people who are not allowed are homophobic people (and they will not be missed)! However, you can opt for an all-gay cruise with RSVP or Atlantis. Gayribbean caters less to families, and more to couples. They sail on a variety of ships to locations worldwide. They have casinos, Vegas-style shows, and poolside entertainment.

AQUAFEST GAY AND LESBIAN GROUP CRUISES
Aquafest cruises feature private gay and lesbian shows with guest celebrities, gay and lesbian game shows, gay and lesbian film festival at sea, theme dance parties, group dining, sporting events, dining room table gifts, and singles and couples get-togethers. All meals, entertainment, and accommodations are included in the cost of the cruise. If you are single, you can request that you get a room with another single traveler, and they will do their best to accommodate. Aquafest is a group travel event for gays and lesbians, but it is not an all-gay cruise. They cater to gay groups to go aboard ships with a mixed clientele. Their group of gay travelers ranges from 30 to over 200 guests.

ZENITH TRAVEL
Zenith Travel specializes in providing gay and lesbian travel throughout Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands, and Peru. The company was the first gay-owned and operated travel agency in Ecuador. They boast a professional and fully bilingual staff. On one of their Galapagos trips, they offer tours of the volcanic islands, and you’ll be able to see the exotic animals of the region, such as flamingos and albatrosses. You also get to scuba dive and snorkel. This is a great travel company for an adventuresome group or couple!

OLIVIA CRUISES
The leader in lesbian ocean cruises is a company called Olivia. They have been in business for over thirty years, and their goal has been to “change the world through the empowerment and visibility of women.” They charter trips and fill resorts with all lesbian travelers. This fabulous company offers cruises, resorts, family vacations and active cruises. They have Mayan cruises, trips to Antarctica, Alaska, the Bahamas, the Greek Isles and Venice, an eastern Caribbean cruise, and a Tahiti cruise. On the action cruises, travelers get to experience the best in adventure and luxury. Travelers will enjoy walking, biking, and even kayaking in places such places as Hawaii and Grand Canyon.