If you’re looking for your
perfect LGBT cruise, consider these two basic types: an all-gay charter cruise,
or a standard cruise that includes an organized gay group. We don’t want to
imply that cruises in general are not gay-friendly; in fact, many major cruise
lines work to make sure they are welcoming to LGBT communities. Still, knowing
that you’ll sail with an LGBT group can enhance your cruise experience.
The first all-gay cruise – in
which a tour operator hosts the cruise on a chartered ship – took place in the mid-1980s,
and they’ve been growing in popularity ever since. On this type of cruise, most
of the passengers are gay, which creates a high level of comfort for anyone
worried about experiencing homophobia while on vacation. The tour operator will
arrange entertainment and shore excursions that are gay-friendly, too.
Another option is joining a gay
group on a standard cruise. In this case, the tour operator doesn’t take over
the whole ship, but brings together a gay group that can range from just a few
to hundreds of passengers. The tour operator will make special arrangements –
such as parties, dinners, and shore excursions – exclusively for your group,
which can be important when visiting cultures that are not always friendly to
LGBT communities.
So, where can LGBT cruisers sail
during 2020? Here’s just a small sample of all-gay cruise itineraries:
Southern Caribbean, March
21-28, Celebrity Summit. The Summit will take a weeklong,
port-intensive cruise from San Juan, Puerto Rico, calling on St. Kitts, Aruba,
Curaçao and Bonaire and spending two days at sea.
Greece, Cyprus, and Israel,
Oct. 17-24, Azamara Pursuit. The Pursuit will take a roundtrip
cruise from Athens, calling on Santorini, Cyprus, and Jerusalem. You’ll have the
option to extend your vacation with a pre- or post-cruise land tour, too.
European Christmas Markets
River Cruise, Dec. 5-12 or Dec. 12-19, Emerald Star. You have a
choice of two routes – Amsterdam to Nuremberg or Nuremberg to Budapest – and whichever
you pick, you’ll visit some of the delightful Christmas Markets along Europe’s
Danube River.
Iceland Cruise, Aug. 30-Sept.
6, Ponant Le Jacques Cartier. This small and very luxurious ship will
circumnavigate the fascinating island nation, sailing roundtrip from Reykjavik
to see glaciers, fjords, geysers and wildlife (from adorable puffins to
majestic whales).
Talk with Anita, your
professional travel advisor soon to book your gay-friendly cruise for 2020.
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