LIFE ON THE OPEN SEAS has become increasingly welcoming for LGBTQ+ travelers as cruise lines of all sizes create specialized offerings around the world.
To track these opportunities, Tzell Travel Group, an international agency that focuses on upscale and corporate travel, maintains a team dedicated to the LGBTQ+ cruise market. Gregg Kaminsky, cofounder of R Family Vacations — a Tzell affiliate that designs vacations for LGBTQ+ families and their friends — is a recognized expert on cruising options for LGBTQ+ guests.
“There are two types of LGBTQ+ cruises: group sailings and full-ship charters,” he explained. “Both offer fantastic experiences. The appeal is traveling with like-minded people while enjoying tailored entertainment and programming. Two of the largest companies in this space are Atlantis Events — where I served as vice president for seven years — and Olivia Travel. Atlantis primarily serves gay men, while Olivia focuses on lesbians.”
Although those brands, along with Atlantis-owned RSVP Vacations, are prominent, the range of alternatives keeps expanding. For example, R Family will host an LGBTQ+ group cruise aboard the new Celebrity Edge and an Out on the Seine river itinerary on a Uniworld ship, both scheduled for 2019.
Other specialized operators include GaySail, which runs sailing cruises for gay men across Europe, Latin America and Asia, and Katarina Line, a Croatian small-ship company that offers seven-day Adriatic gay cruise packages.
At the same time, mainstream cruise lines increasingly highlight their LGBTQ+-friendly policies and onboard programming. To pick the right option, travelers should do research and ask questions. Jeff Rutledge, CEO of AIG Travel, recommends checking a cruise line’s advertised inclusivity and reaching out to the line’s representative or a knowledgeable travel agent to learn more.
Rutledge also cautions travelers to verify the LGBTQ+ climate at planned ports of call. “Even when you’re on a ship that provides a welcoming environment, attitudes and laws in foreign ports can vary,” he said. Confirming local customs and regulations for each destination helps ensure a safer, more enjoyable journey.
With careful planning, LGBTQ+ travelers can choose from a wide and growing selection of cruises — from dedicated charters and curated group sailings to inclusive mainstream voyages — making life on the open seas a rewarding option for many.