The Ultimate Guide to Gay Cruises in 2025

Imagine a holiday where you can be entirely yourself, meet like-minded travellers, and explore stunning destinations—all while enjoying world-class entertainment, luxurious amenities, and unforgettable parties at sea. That’s what gay cruises offer, and in 2025, the options have never been more exciting. Whether you're a seasoned sailor of the LGBT+ travel scene or you're planning your very first gay holiday, this guide will help you understand everything you need to know about gay cruises in 2025.

What Are Gay Cruises?

Gay cruises are cruises designed with the LGBT+ community in mind. Some are full-ship charters operated by companies like Atlantis, RSVP, and Vacaya. These take over the entire ship and tailor the experience exclusively to gay and queer travellers. Others are partial-charters or hosted groups on mainstream cruise lines, offering a more intimate yet still community-oriented experience.

Its short and simple: They’re safe, inclusive, and fun.

You don’t need to be a party animal to enjoy one. While many cruises are known for high-energy nightlife, there are also options for culture lovers, foodies, and explorers. Whether you want to sunbathe on a private deck, dance under the stars, or join a wine tasting in Provence, there's a gay cruise in 2025 for you.

Why Choose a Gay Cruise?

Gay cruises remove the guesswork. You don’t have to wonder if the ship will be welcoming or if you’ll face awkward glances at the pool. These cruises are built with your comfort in mind. Everything from the entertainment to the shore excursions is designed to make LGBT+ travellers feel at ease.

Here’s why people choose them:

• Total acceptance from staff and fellow guests
• Curated entertainment by and for the LGBT+ community
• Easy access to destinations that celebrate queer culture
• Themed nights, pool parties, drag shows, and relaxed mixers
• Like-minded company for solo travellers and couples alike

Plus, many cruises include private beach parties, group city tours, and wellness activities. They’re ideal for forming new friendships or travelling as part of a community.

Types of Gay Cruises in 2025

There are two main types:

• Full-ship charter cruises: Atlantis, RSVP, and Vacaya book out the whole ship. Everyone on board is part of the gay cruise. Entertainment, activities, and even dining times are designed around a shared LGBT+ experience.
• Gay cruise group departures: Some trips are hosted by LGBT+ tour operators onboard larger mainstream ships. This means you get the group atmosphere without the entire ship being taken over. It’s more relaxed, often cheaper, and offers a balance between mainstream cruising and community spirit.

At Wide Awake Holidays, we’re proud to be agents for exclusive gay cruise brands like Atlantis, RSVP, and Vacaya. We also work with luxury cruise lines that welcome hosted LGBT+ groups. That means we can tailor your trip and package flights, transfers, and pre/post stays all under our ATOL protection.

Featured Itineraries for 2025

To help you find the right experience, we’ve highlighted some of the most anticipated gay cruise itineraries for 2025:

• Atlantis Mediterranean Cruise (August 2025): Set sail from Rome, stopping at Naples, Mykonos, and Barcelona. Expect lively pool parties, onboard drag shows, and cultural excursions in every port.
• RSVP Caribbean Winter Escape (February 2025): Departing from Fort Lauderdale, this cruise visits Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Labadee. Great for sun-seekers looking to escape the UK winter.
• Vacaya Iceland & Norwegian Fjords (June 2025): A spectacular scenery-packed voyage, perfect for travellers who want dramatic landscapes and a more relaxed cruise vibe.
• Gay Group Cruise on Celebrity Apex (September 2025): Hosted group sailing through the Greek Islands. Think Mykonos beach days, Santorini sunsets, and elegant onboard dinners.
• Sydney to Auckland Mardi Gras Cruise (March 2025): Celebrate Sydney Mardi Gras before departing on a trans-Tasman adventure with other LGBT+ travellers.

Each of these cruises can be booked with Wide Awake Holidays as a tailor-made package. We can include pre- and post-cruise hotels, flights, transfers, and even VIP events.

How Gay Friendly is Spain?

Spain is one of the most gay-friendly countries in the world. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2005, and it’s illegal to discriminate based on sexual orientation. LGBT+ workers are protected under employment law. The age of consent is equal, and public opinion is very supportive. Cities like Barcelona and Sitges are world-famous for gay culture.

Exclusive property: Axel Hotel Barcelona is a well-known hetero-friendly hotel offering rooftop bars and stylish rooms.

If you're sailing into Barcelona or Palma de Mallorca, you can explore vibrant gay neighbourhoods right off the ship.

Ask us about our current offer on Barcelona pre-cruise stays.

How Gay Friendly is Greece?

Greece legalised homosexuality in 1951 and introduced anti-discrimination laws in 2005. Same-sex civil partnerships were recognised in 2015. While marriage equality is still pending, the country has made major strides. Public opinion is improving, especially in urban and tourist areas.

Mykonos is one of the most iconic gay destinations in Europe. It’s safe, lively, and famously stylish. Expect beachfront clubs, boutique hotels, and a fun-loving crowd.

Exclusive property: Elysium Hotel Mykonos is a gay-exclusive hotel with stunning sea views.

Cruises stopping in Mykonos usually offer overnight stays — perfect for exploring the nightlife. Speak to us for offers.

How Gay Friendly is the Caribbean?

The Caribbean is a mix. Some islands are very welcoming, while others have more conservative laws.

That’s why full-ship charters with companies like Atlantis and Vacaya are ideal here. They ensure safety and inclusion on board, even if laws differ onshore.

Legal status varies:

• St. Maarten and Curacao are friendly and legally progressive.
• Jamaica and Barbados still have laws criminalising homosexuality.

Vacaya has worked hard to choose ports with good reputations for LGBT+ travellers.

For an overview of global LGBT+ legal protections, ILGA World’s latest map offers an excellent reference.

Cruise tip: Ask us which itineraries skip less inclusive islands and focus on safer destinations.

Jamie Says:

"Gay cruises offer something truly unique — a space where you don't have to explain yourself or worry about being accepted. For many of our clients, it's not just a holiday. It's a celebration of who they are."

Booking Protections with Wide Awake Holidays

When you book with Wide Awake Holidays, you get peace of mind. We are proud members of Protected Trust Services and hold an ATOL licence. That means your money is 100% protected.

Every tailor-made holiday we sell includes:

• Supplier Failure Insurance
• Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance
• ATOL-protected flights and cruises
• Personal service from start to finish

As a gay-owned UK travel company, we know our clients expect more than just good prices. We deliver tailored support, reliable advice, and access to over 200 suppliers. Whether it’s a five-star cruise or a boutique stopover hotel, we handle every detail.

How to Pick the Right Gay Cruise

With so many options in 2025, choosing the right one depends on what matters most to you. Ask yourself:

• Do you want a party cruise or a relaxed one?
• Are you travelling solo, as a couple, or in a group?
• Which destinations excite you?
• Do you prefer luxury or budget?

Quick tips:

• Atlantis Cruises: Big ships, big parties, lots of Americans
• RSVP Vacations: Friendly, slightly older crowd, more relaxed
• Vacaya: More diverse and inclusive, strong on community feel
• Group-hosted cruises: Ideal for first-timers or low-key vibes

What to Pack for a Gay Cruise

Keep it fun and flexible. Pack:

• Theme night outfits (you’ll get a list after booking)
• Casual daywear and swimwear
• Evening attire for dinners or shows
• Sunscreen, travel adaptors, and travel-size essentials
• Any medication and health documentation

Most cruises have laundry services, so no need to overpack. Don’t forget travel insurance and copies of documents.

Final Thoughts

Gay cruises in 2025 aren’t just about the itinerary. They’re about community, celebration, and freedom. Whether you're sunbathing in Mykonos or sipping cocktails in the Caribbean, you’ll be doing it among people who celebrate who you are.

At Wide Awake Holidays, we take pride in creating trips that reflect you. With our ATOL protection, personalised support, and insider access to exclusive gay cruises, you can relax knowing your holiday is in safe hands.

Ready to set sail? Call us on 01495 400947 or use the holiday enquiry form on our website. You can even book selected holidays directly online.



Let’s make your 2025 unforgettable.

Calendar of Gay Cruises and Sailing Holidays

Explore the World in Style with Our Handpicked Gay Cruises

Set sail on the ultimate adventure with our collection of unforgettable Gay Cruises, where luxury, community, and exploration combine in spectacular fashion. From sun-soaked Caribbean getaways to cultural voyages along the Nile, every itinerary has been chosen for its incredible atmosphere, exclusive entertainment, and welcoming onboard vibe. Whether you’re dreaming of joining the Atlantis Tropical Americas Caribbean Gay Cruise from Miami, exploring ancient wonders on the Treasures of Egypt Luxury Gay Tour & Nile Cruise, or dancing the night away on the Vacaya Caribbean All-Gay Cruise, you’ll find a voyage to match every mood and milestone.

The prices shown below are from prices per person and are subject to availability, so we always recommend enquiring early for the best cabins and deals.

Dedicated information pages are currently being created for each sailing — but you can already request more details right now using the enquiry form below.

When you book your Gay Cruise through Wide Awake Holidays, you’ll enjoy full ATOL protection, as we can package your cruise with flights, hotels, and transfers. Booking direct with the cruise operator may look simple, but it won’t offer the same level of consumer protection or flexibility. With us, your entire holiday — from flights to embarkation — is safeguarded under UK travel regulations, giving you peace of mind before, during, and after your voyage.

Our experienced travel specialists handle every detail, ensuring your booking is stress-free and your journey completely seamless. We can also advise on pre- or post-cruise stays, Pride events, and the best excursions for LGBTQ+ travellers in each destination.

 Ready to start your adventure? Complete the enquiry form below to ask about any of the cruises listed — or tell us your dream destination and we’ll help you find the perfect Gay Cruise for 2026 and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions