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Best cruise lines for gay cruises

22 June 2020

Pride Flags

In recent years the cruise industry has taken huge strides in making cruise holidays more inclusive, with many offering fantastic programmes onboard to celebrate the LGBT community. These gay friendly events and activities are a great way to mingle and make unforgettable memories no matter where you are in the world, though if you're stuck on which line is best for you, read on for the best gay cruise lines!

Celebrity Cruises


Cruise type: Large ship luxury cruises
Price range: Mid to high

Having been awarded LGBT Friendly Travel Company of the Year, as well as Best Large Ship Cruise Line for LGBT Passengers, Celebrity Cruises is undoubtedly an industry leader in offering some of the best gay cruises. Whether you're looking for a luxury, romantic weekend city break, or would like to see your dream cruise wedding come to life, you're spoiled for choice for LGBT holidays with Celebrity across their fleet of gay cruise ships. What's more, with Celebrity Cruises' Always Included program, you won't have to worry about extra charges once onboard.

Celebrity Cruises highlight

Looking for a truly unforgettable way to celebrate Pride? Celebrity Cruises are proud to host an annual Pride Party at Sea! From deck parties as the sun goes down to colourful costume and crafts activities, a gay cruise with Celebrity is a great way to kick off Pride, whether you're holidaying with family, your partner or going solo.

Celebrity Cruises gay weddings

There's nothing quite like a cruise wedding, and with Celebrity Cruises, your same-sex marriage is legally recognised at sea. Officiated by the captain themselves, you can choose from a range of packages to suit you and your partner's budget and tastes. Simply choose your itinerary and your perfect wedding package, and Celebrity will ensure your dream wedding comes to life.

Best cruise lines for gay cruises Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Spa


Royal Caribbean


Cruise type: Large ship family cruises
Price range: Low to mid

Renowned for their 25-vessel fleet of mega ships and Gay Travel Approved, Royal Caribbean is a top choice for family-friendly gay cruises. Through their ongoing commitment to celebrate diversity and inclusivity, Royal Caribbean is often chartered for exclusive LGBT sailings, and can provide legal gay weddings onshore in selected ports. However, no matter where in the world you're going and who you're going with, you're in for an action-packed LGBT-friendly cruise.

Royal Caribbean highlight

Thanks to the endless array of innovative activities onboard, a Royal Caribbean gay cruise is a great choice for a family-friendly holiday. Guests of all ages will love the thrilling zip lines, the indoor skydiving simulators and the favourite Flowrider surf machine. Remember - these activities aren't just for kids! However, if you're looking to let your hair down and dance the night away, Royal Caribbean have a host of adult-only escapes, including the serene Solarium.

Royal Caribbean gay weddings

During port days, Royal Caribbean are happy to provide the perfect destination wedding packages so you can have the wedding of your dreams. Legal same-sex marriages are available onshore in select ports, while symbolic ceremonies can be enjoyed at sea. Whichever you choose, Royal Caribbean are on hand to ensure the finer details - from the cake to the breakfast-in-bed - all come together to create the perfect wedding cruise.

Best cruise lines for gay cruises Royal Caribbean
Lounge

Carnival Cruise Line


Cruise type: Large ship family cruises
Price range: Low to mid

One of the largest cruise lines in the world, Carnival Cruise Line welcomes LGBT guests not only onboard, but also throughout the company. They've been recognised for their commitment to the LGBT community, such as sponsoring Pride events and introducing non-discrimination policies across the line. However, when onboard a Carnival gay cruise, you'll be delighted to find gay friendly events and activities throughout the programme, as well as an abundance of entertainment and facilities especially suited to fun-loving families.

Carnival Cruise Line highlight

It's safe to say that a Carnival cruise is a real hit with those who love adventure and excitement! A sea day will never be dull thanks to the huge range of entertainment and activities on offer. Try your hand at the hit game show Family Feud, or marvel at the views from the SkyRide. Speed down slides at WaterWorks, defy gravity at Sky Zone and don't forget to grab a refreshment at Red Frog Tiki Bar!

Carnival Cruise Line gay weddings

Tie the knot in the stunning setting of your favourite destination thanks to Carnival's LGBT wedding ceremonies. With a range of add-ons available to make your day extra special, Carnival Cruise Line are ready to help you celebrate. It's worth keeping in mind that while some ports may not allow legal same-sex weddings, Carnival offer symbolic ceremonies here and at sea, meaning you can still commemorate your marriage on your cruise holiday.

Best cruise lines for gay cruises Carnival Cruise Line
Lip Sync Battle

Disney Cruise Line


Cruise type: Large ship family cruises
Price range: Mid to high

A firm favourite for family cruisers, Disney Cruise Line have established themselves as inclusive and diverse for the LGBT community, whether you're visiting the parks or enjoying a cruise holiday. Teeming with Disney magic, kids will love meeting their favourite cast members and take part in a huge range of activities, while parents can enjoy adult-only entertainment as the sun goes down in a friendly and welcoming setting.

Disney Cruise Line

For the true Disney fanatics, you can hop onboard a themed Disney cruise. From Star Wars to holiday themes, on select itineraries Disney Cruise Line offer an exclusive programme of activities revolving around your favourite cast, as well as Christmas, Halloween and New Years.

Disney Cruise Line gay weddings

Since 2007, Disney have welcomed same-sex marriages within their resorts and onboard their cruise holidays. From the perfect bouquet to express your style to magical music by a pianist, Disney Cruise Line have pulled out all the stops to ensure you get the fairytale wedding of your dreams.

Best cruise lines for gay cruises Disney Cruise Line
Disney Characters

Azamara Cruises


Cruise type: Small ship adult cruises
Price range: Mid to high

Boasting intimately sized ships with luxury facilities, Azamara Cruises are perfect for LGBT couples and gay solo travellers looking for a quieter, more sophisticated gay cruise holiday. Awarded the Best Small Ship Cruise Line for LGBT Passengers, they're raising the bar in offering inclusive activities such as Meet and Mingle cocktail parties, unrivalled Broadway-style entertainment and vibrant Pride themed activities.

Azamara Cruises highlight

Azamara Cruises pride themselves on creating the best range of hand-selected excursions that will immerse you in the heart of the destination. You'll be delighted to have longer periods of time in port, numerous overnight stays and the guidance of Excursion Specialists. What's more, on certain chartered sailings, you'll find exclusively gay and lesbian events both onboard and onshore, so you'll always be in great company whether you're travelling solo or with your loved ones.

Best cruise lines for gay cruises Azamara Cruises
Ship Deck

Crystal Cruises


Cruise type: Luxury adult cruises
Price range: High

A firm favourite for ultimate luxury adventures, Crystal Cruises have established themselves as an inclusive cruise line with smaller vessels. As well as lavish accommodation and amenities, and world-class personalised service, you'll find exciting excursions and a wide range of onboard activities and entertainment catering towards gay cruisers. In fact, some Crystal sailings coincide with LGBT events around the world, meaning you can enjoy one-in-a-lifetime festivals such as Pride combined with an unforgettable cruise holiday.

Crystal Cruises highlight

Looking for something even more unique? Crystal Cruises offer a range of exclusive themed cruises, covering popular topics such as film, music, fashion, theatre and classical art. These award-winning itineraries combine the experience of being at sea with your favourite interests, which you'll be able to share with like-minded guests.

Best cruise lines for gay cruises Crystal Cruises
Pool Deck

Gay river cruises

For those who enjoy their gay cruise on a smaller scale, a gay river cruise is a fantastic option, allowing guests to experience a new city, town and village almost every single day along the waterways of Europe, Asia and America. During your time onboard, guests can expect a gay-friendly programme of events and activities, such as cocktail parties and live music.

Top gay river cruise lines include:

Whether you're embarking on a cruise for the very first time, looking for a new way to celebrate Pride, or just want to enjoy an LGBT holiday with your family, the cruise industry is quickly leading the way in inclusivity. For those planning their gay wedding or honeymoon cruise, we recommend booking ahead to ensure you can secure the perfect itinerary.

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