Recognised around the world as one of the biggest events in history, Pride commemorates the anniversary of the Stonewall riots in 1969, and with countless cities and towns hosting their own Pride Parade, you may be wondering how to combine this celebration with your cruise holiday. Check out our list of the best places to enjoy Pride cruises, whether you're looking to immerse yourself in the rugged landscapes of Iceland or want to sun it up in the Mediterranean!
Parties and activities celebrating the gay community tend to predominantly take place throughout June, however, you may find more events going on until as late as August. Parades are great fun for the whole family to enjoy, so whether you're travelling on a gay cruise solo, with a partner or bringing the kids along, you can be sure there's a way for everyone to get involved.
New York - Transatlantic crossing cruise
When: June
Celebrating Pride where it all began is a truly unforgettable experience that all members of the LGBT community will talk about for years to come. Departing from a wide range of ports in the UK, set sail on a Transatlantic crossing to the Big Apple, followed by a luxury hotel stay so you can get the most out of New York's Pride parties and events.
The pinnacle of New York Pride is the unmissable march featuring over 110 colourful floats representing countless organisations in support of Pride. However, if you're eager to get stuck into entertainment and activities, head to PrideFest for LGBT street festival fun, including stalls, concerts andsome of the best food and arts vendors in the gay community. For cruisers over the age of 21, head to Pride Island for music and DJ's until the sun goes down.
Embark on a Transatlantic crossing cruise to New York with:
San Francisco - North America cruise
When: June
San Francisco has taken the celebrations a step further by hosting the Trans March, the biggest transgender Pride event in the US. As well as this, you'll find street parties and fairs, with bars, restaurants, clubs and even residents opening their doors for all to celebrate the gay community on the Saturday of Pride weekend. During a cruise to Alaska in the summer, San Francisco is just one of the vibrant stops on the itinerary, though if you're looking for maximum sun bathing opportunities, hop on a West Coast sailing.
Embark on a North America cruise with:
Reykjavik - Icelandic and Norwegian Fjords cruise
When: August
For those looking to mark the anniversary of Stonewall surrounded by impressive mountainscapes and fjords, a cruise to Reykjavik is the perfect choice. Usually combined with visits to the British Isles or Norwegian Fjords, Reykjavik is a quirky and friendly city that welcomes visitors of all ages and walks of life. Kick off the celebrations with the family march, before enjoying a concert in the square.
Embark on an Icelandic cruise with:
Sydney - Australasia cruise
When: February
One of the most famous LGBT events in the world and popular with big name headliners, Sydney's Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras has to be at the top of your Pride bucket list. When combined with an Australasia cruise you'll see some of the most famous sights in this corner of the world, along with this vibrant parade. Looking for a gay family cruise? An itinerary to Sydney is perfect for cruisers of all ages thanks to this celebration's family-friendly activities. What's more, celebrating Pride in Australasia means you'll be treated to endless winter sun.
Embark on an Australasia cruise with:
- Azamara Cruises
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Princess Cruises
Amsterdam - European river cruise
When: August
A European river cruise is a fantastic way to see as many of your favourite cities in one gay cruise holiday and, if you pick the right itinerary, you'll be able to enjoy numerous Pride events too. However, one of the best is Amsterdam Pride which takes place in August. From parties until the sun comes up to LGBT film festivals and exhibitions, whether you like a lively programme of activities or are looking to immerse yourself in Amsterdam's LGBT history, this is an unforgettable stop on a European river cruise.
Embark on a European river cruise with:
- Emerald Waterways
- Scenic River Cruises
- TUI River Cruises
Barcelona - Mediterranean cruise
When: June
Kicking off the festivities under the Mediterranean sun is Pride Barcelona held in Spain. Teeming with culture, entertainment, parties and activities celebrating the gay community, start or finish your cruise in Barcelona to truly get the most out of this colourful weekend. Marvel at the parade before letting your hair down at the after parties, which feature live performances from some of the most iconic names in Spain's LGBT community.
Embark on a Mediterranean cruise with:
- Disney Cruise Line
- Costa Cruises
- P&O Cruises
São Paulo - South America cruise
When: June
Painting the streets every year in June, Sao Paulo Pride is the largest Pride celebration in the world, with almost five million participants each year. The parade is the main attraction and a truly colourful and unforgettable marvel to witness, however, there's an endless list of other events and activities to enjoy. Get on your feet to some live music or a dance performance, fill up on delicious cuisine at the street market and listen in on debates between some of the most inspiring voices in the gay community.
Embark on a South America cruise with:
Wherever in the world you decide to sail, and whoever you decide to sail with, we guarantee that Pride cruises are a truly unforgettable way to commemorate an event that kicked off liberation for the gay community. From the sun-drenched sands of a beach in Barcelona to the picturesque canals of Amsterdam, or even further afield to the land down under, there's a huge range of gay cruises for singles, couples and families to choose from.
