The 2012 gay cruise program

Jan. 30 2015

by M. Dedonder / misterb&b

Embarking on a gay cruise can be compared to stepping into a gay sauna for the first time: there's a sense of curiosity and eagerness, yet a hesitation to take that initial step. It's only after you've taken the leap that you truly understand the experience. To gain insight, it's invaluable to seek feedback from those who have been on such cruises before or to browse through photos from previous journeys (see our report on this Attitude 2011 cruise)!

It's important to differentiate between 100% gay cruises and cruises where gay groups are registered. On traditional cruises, there are often gatherings of "Dorothy's friends," an older term originating from the Wizard of Oz, which refers to onboard gays and lesbians looking to connect.

The primary fully gay cruises are predominantly American, held on massive ships that can be likened to floating cities, accommodating thousands of men. This concept has been around for over 25 years. On the other hand, more exclusive cruises are emerging that cater to a select group. These cruises, often between two European destinations, host just a few dozen passengers. They offer luxurious amenities on smaller, intimate ships, ensuring a cozy and friendly atmosphere.

La Démence Cruise © La Démence Cruise

Atlantis cruises

Regardless of your cruise preference, the agenda typically includes sunbathing, scenic stops, drag shows, parties, masquerade costumes, performances, sports, a touch of glitz, and the occasional hangover. It's a delightful escape amidst the vast ocean!

One of the most renowned cruises is the Atlantis, which marked its 20th anniversary this year. Famous for its festive and over-the-top atmosphere, it predominantly caters to an 80% American clientele. Everything on board is tailored to this demographic, so proficiency in English is a plus!

From January 29 to February 5, the Atlantis Caribbean cruise will sail on the "Allure of the Seas" — the world's largest cruise ship. It will host 5,400 gay and lesbian passengers on an epic voyage, starting from Fort Lauderdale and stopping in Haiti and Mexico. Those who prefer intimate settings might find this overwhelming, but it's a dream come true for those who relish grand gay celebrations. Early bird pricing is available at $1369 per person.

Another major Atlantis cruise is scheduled for the spring, from March 17 to 24. This southern Caribbean voyage will commence from Puerto Rico and make stops in Grenada, Barbados, Dominica, and Saint Barthelemy, accommodating nearly 2,500 passengers. Early bird pricing for this is $1149.

For those seeking a unique experience, Atlantis offers a cruise from July 24-31 through the chilly Baltic Sea waters. This cruise will journey from Copenhagen to Stockholm, passing through ultra-gay-friendly capitals such as Tallinn, Saint Petersburg, and Helsinki. The starting price for this voyage is $1389.

Lastly, Atlantis' prized annual Mediterranean cruise is already fully booked. This journey will kick off from Rome on August 24, sail through beautiful destinations like Mykonos, Santorini, Turkey, and Malta, and conclude in Italy on September 3.

Tea-dance on board the Allure of the Seas © misterb&b

In 2011, the Atlantis cruise aboard the "Allure of the Seas" hosted close to 5,500 gay and lesbian passengers.

Another brand under the Atlantis Cruises umbrella is RSVP Cruises. Catering mainly to an American clientele, RSVP is known to attract an older demographic than Atlantis. This audience is typically less oriented toward the "muscular" scene and nightclubbing.

The premier RSVP cruise for 2012 is scheduled from February 12 to 19 in the Caribbean. This voyage will accommodate 2,000 passengers, sail from Fort Lauderdale, and stop in the Bahamas and Puerto Rico. Early bird tickets for this cruise are priced at $1099.

Another highlight of RSVP is the Mediterranean cruise from June 29 to July 6. The cruise will start from Barcelona and feature a notable stopover in Morocco — a first for RSVP — before moving on to Ibiza. The starting price for this journey is $1199.

Additionally, RSVP is introducing an exclusive 100% gay cruise on the Danube, set from July 8 to 15. This cruise will travel from Budapest to Nuremberg, hosting 180 passengers. However, tickets for this voyage are already sold out.

It's also worth mentioning the Source Events cruise, set to depart from Miami on April 16, 2012. This cruise timed right after the Miami Beach Gay Pride, will embark on a four-day journey to the Bahamas.

What's the status of gay cruises in Europe?

It wasn't until 2009 that the first French-speaking gay cruise was launched, courtesy of Attitude Travels. This cruise set sail in 2010 and 2011, departing from Marseille. Plans for a 2012 voyage have yet to be announced.

Last year, a new contender entered the market: La Démence, a renowned gay party from Brussels, ventured into organizing gay cruises. Their inaugural cruise received positive reviews, attracting a lively crowd, though not as exuberant as expected from the brand's reputation.
The second edition of this cruise is scheduled to depart from Marseille on July 22, with stops in Naples, Sicily, and Ibiza. Early bird tickets are currently priced at 1332 euros.

On the more upscale end of the spectrum, we have the Concierge Travel cruises. They have planned an exclusive cruise for October 2012 that will navigate the Amazon River. Another offering from Concierge will sail the Mediterranean this coming August aboard a four-masted sailing vessel, the Star Clipper. This luxurious journey, limited to 170 passengers, is priced at 2795 dollars for early bookings.

Flags © Béatrice Leproux

For women interested in exclusive experiences, some organizations specialize in 100% lesbian cruises. Olivia, for instance, has planned an expansive Caribbean cruise from January 29 to February 5. This voyage will depart from Florida and sail to destinations such as Honduras, Belize, and Mexico, accommodating 1,300 women.

Another organizer, Sweet, has multiple cruises lined up for 2012. Notably, they're offering a lesbian cruise in the Mediterranean, set to sail from July 1 to 8, starting from Barcelona.

(updated January 30, 2020)