Atlantis cruise gay

11 things I learned on my first gay cruise

You've probably heard of male lover cruises and wondered how they differ from "traditional" cruises. Are they exposed to straight people? Is it all about partying? What about the hook-up element?

I sailed with tour operator Vacaya in February 2023 on a one-week gay cruise retiring from Fort Lauderdale and heading to the Caribbean via Celebrity Cruises' Star Reflection cruise ship. For context, I'm a white, cisgender, gay man in my mid-30s. I had a lot of questions about what to await, given this was my second cruise ever and my first one with a queer tour operator.

Here are the top things I'd want someone considering or planning their first gay cruise to know.

People are friendly

The first thing that struck me about the sailing was that almost everyone was smiling and eager to interact. As an Australian living in the U.S. for almost a decade, I generally locate Americans to be open, talkative and curious. This cruise was like that … on steroids.

I would have set up it overwhelming if I weren't an extrovert, but since I'm a social butterfly, I was in heaven.

Tip: Taking the stairs between l

Ring in Pride Month with a LGBTQ+-friendly cruise.

Popular LGBTQ-friendly explore destinations

The best part about cruising is visiting several recent destinations during the same trip, and making new friends along the way. Not only undertake we sail to dozens of electrifying ports around the world, many of those ports are known for creature LGBTQ+ friendly, essence you won’t just feel right at home on our ship – you’ll also feel the love while exploring the shore.

Miami

Miami is world famous as a LGBTQ+ destination, from its family-friendly queer scene in South Beach to legendary gay nightclubs all over the city.

Key West

Key West is home to some of the world’s most colorful and inclusive Homosexual events, like flamboyant shows, gay and lesbian fishing trips, gay pool parties, and plenty of gay-owned restaurants, bars, and cafes.

Cozumel

One of Mexico’s most accepted gay areas, Cozumel is home to an annual Lgbtq+ fest celebration, as skillfully as several bars, restaurants, and hotels that cater specifically to the Diverse community.

Ibiza

One of the nightlife capitals of Europe, Ibiza is also known for its thriving homosexual scene. There are plenty of gay-friendly bars to choos

Symphony of the Seas

Gross Tonnage: 228,081

Length: 1,188 feet

Beam: 215 feet

Draft: 30 feet

Cruising Speed: 22 knots

Guests: 5,518

Crew: 2,200

Ship's Registry: Bahamas

Symphony Caribbean All-Gay Cruise 2026
World's Largest Lgbtq+ Cruise

February 1–8, 2026
Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas

The Worlds Biggest Gay Festival at Sea! Set sail on an all-new adventure when the Atlantis mega-cruise lands on the spectacular Symphony of the Seas for the first time! Indulge in the worlds biggest gay festival at sea featuring seven outrageously enjoyable nights of non-stop entertainment, jaw-dropping parties, and 5500 guys from around the world. Sailing from Miami to three dazzling Caribbean islands with plenty of hour to play onboard.

Get onboard the biggest all-gay cruise ever to set sail for a star-studded extravaganza of thrills an

I spent 10 days on one of Europe's biggest 'all-gay' cruises for $3,000. Here's what it was like on the ship.

In November 2021, I booked my first-ever cruise: An "all-gay" Atlantis tour around the Mediterranean via Royal Carribean. It would establish sail in August 2022.

I was a bit overwhelmed by the cost, since I spent $3,000 on a shared room. The price didn't even incorporate booze.

With over 4,000 passengers — the majority of them being queer men — this boarding on the Odyssey of the Seas was one of Europe's biggest gay cruises.

Within 48 hours of boarding, we had to find a negative COVID-19 test. I had an Italian breakfast while I nervously waited for my results.

When I boarded, I used the Royal Caribbean's messaging service on its app for $20 — I could contact fellow passengers if I knew their complete names.

I came prepared with my "business" cards, which are common on homosexual cruises. Many put their socials and room number on them to preserve track of who they meet.