The best gay cruises for 2027 fall into three groups. First come full-ship charters, where everyone on board is part of the LGBTQ+ event: Atlantis for a big party, VACAYA for an all-LGBTQ+ crowd, Olivia for women, and Brand g for small luxury ships. Next are group cruises on regular ships, run by companies like Big Gay Cruise and BearCruise. Last are mainstream lines with a good record on inclusion, led by Virgin Voyages and Celebrity Cruises. Below are 15 options that are operating or have sailings on sale at the time of writing, plus tips on choosing one and staying safe in port.
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Full-Ship LGBTQ+ Charters
On a charter, the company books the whole ship. It brings its own entertainers, DJs and themed parties, and the cruise line’s crew runs everything else. You get a ship where nobody has to think twice about holding hands at the pool.
1. Atlantis Events
Atlantis is the biggest name in gay cruising. Its sailings are mostly for gay men, though everyone is welcome. Expect huge deck parties, big-name performers and a lively, social crowd. Coming up: a San Diego to Mexico cruise on Holland America’s Koningsdam (November 7-14, 2026), a Thanksgiving Caribbean cruise on Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady (November 22-29, 2026) and a 7-night Caribbean cruise from Miami on Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas (March 7-14, 2027). There’s also a Southern Caribbean cruise from San Juan on Valiant Lady (March 27-April 3, 2027). Its Baltic cruise on Oceania Marina in July 2027 is listed as sold out. Interior cabins on the Allure sailing have been advertised from around $1,500 per person.
2. RSVP (part of the Atlantis family)
RSVP began in 1985 and was one of the first gay cruise companies. It now sits under Atlantis and sails only now and then, and we found no confirmed 2027 RSVP sailing at the time of writing. If you liked RSVP’s smaller, more relaxed style, check Atlantis for any new RSVP-branded sailings.
3. VACAYA
VACAYA runs all-LGBTQ+ vacations for gay, lesbian, bi, trans and queer travellers and their friends. The mood is welcoming and mixed, and it isn’t only about partying. Its 10th-anniversary Caribbean cruise sails February 14-21, 2027. Later in 2027 there’s a “Total Eclipse” Mediterranean cruise timed for the August 2 solar eclipse, plus Antarctica and Christmas markets trips. VACAYA has also planned a small-ship “Arabian Nights” cruise for March 2027 that starts in Saudi Arabia. Travel writers have questioned that choice, so read the destination notes below before you book that one.
4. Olivia
Olivia has been running trips for lesbian and queer women for more than 50 years. Its 2027 line-up includes an “XOXO” Caribbean cruise on Holland America’s Eurodam in February and a small-ship Japan voyage with Windstar. There’s also a Barcelona to Lisbon sailing in June, a Greek Isles cruise in October that stops at Lesbos, and several river cruises in Europe.
5. Brand g Vacations
Brand g is the luxury choice. It uses small ships, from river boats to expedition yachts with about 40-200 guests, and its fares include most extras. A highlight is a Greek Isles and Turkey voyage on Atlas Ocean Voyages’ World Traveller (September 12-23, 2027), advertised from around $8,500 per person. River trips on the Rhine and Danube and a Mekong voyage are also planned.
6. The Cruise by La Demence
La Demence started as a well-known Brussels club night, and its yearly Mediterranean cruise has been running since 2011. It’s very much a party cruise for men, usually on an older mid-size ship, which keeps fares lower than the bigger US brands. 2027 dates weren’t confirmed when we checked, so contact the organisers directly.
Small-Ship and Adventure Options
7. Out Adventures
Out Adventures runs small-group trips on yachts, river boats and expedition ships. In 2027 that includes Croatia yacht weeks, the Galápagos, a Mekong river cruise, an Iceland circumnavigation and Antarctica in December. It suits travellers who care more about scenery and guides than drag brunches.
8. Outbound and Source Journeys
Smaller organisers like Outbound and Source Journeys book small, upscale ships for LGBTQ+ groups. One example is Outbound’s British Isles cruise from Portsmouth (June 30-July 7, 2027), with interior cabins advertised from around $2,000. Source Journeys has trips such as Galápagos and Antarctica sailings.
9. GaySail and Pride Sailing Holidays
Want something really small? These companies run crewed catamaran and yacht weeks for roughly 10-28 guests in places like Greece, Croatia, the Balearics and the Caribbean. You’ll swim every day and visit quieter harbours, and the cabins are compact.
Group Cruises on Mainstream Ships
A group cruise means a block of cabins on a regular sailing. You get private parties, meet-ups and sometimes your own shore trips, and you share the ship with other passengers. Fares are often lower than a charter, and there are more dates and ports to choose from.
10. Big Gay Cruise
Big Gay Cruise brings groups of several hundred people onto big mainstream ships. Its January 28-February 6, 2027 Southern Caribbean cruise on Freedom of the Seas goes from Miami to Curaçao, Aruba and Perfect Day at CocoCay. Interiors have been advertised from around $1,500. It also has sailings on Virgin Voyages and Royal Caribbean from the US West Coast and Galveston.
11. BearCruise
BearCruise is a group program for bears, cubs, otters and their friends. It runs on mainstream ships, including Holland America and Virgin Voyages, in the Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska and Europe. It’s a friendly, social option at regular cruise prices.
LGBTQ+-Friendly Mainstream Cruise Lines
12. Virgin Voyages
Virgin’s ships are adults-only (18+) and casual, with no dress codes. Drag shows and Pride parties are part of the regular schedule, and its ships are popular for Atlantis and Big Gay Cruise charters. Cruise Critic readers named it Best for LGBTQ+ Travelers in 2025. Wi-Fi, basic drinks and tips are included in the fare. Our Virgin Voyages ships ranked by reviews can help you choose a ship.
13. Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity led the way on equal marriage at sea. Most of its fleet is registered in Malta, which made it possible in 2018 for its captains to legally marry same-sex couples on board, starting on Celebrity Equinox. Its ships are regularly used for LGBTQ+ charters too, and VACAYA’s February 2027 Caribbean cruise is reported to be on Celebrity Beyond (confirm with VACAYA). The mood is modern and relaxed, and onboard Pride events are common.
14. Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean’s mega-ships host the largest gay charter of 2027 (Atlantis on Allure of the Seas) and Big Gay Cruise groups too. On regular sailings the crowd is mixed and family-heavy, and onboard LGBTQ+ meet-ups are often listed in the daily programme, so check yours.
15. Holland America Line
Holland America’s mid-size ships come up again and again for LGBTQ+ charters, from Olivia on Eurodam to Atlantis on Koningsdam. Its calmer, music-focused style suits travellers who want comfort and good ports more than all-night parties.
Charter vs Group Cruise: Which Is Right for You?
| Full-ship charter | Group on a regular ship | |
|---|---|---|
| Who’s on board | Almost all LGBTQ+ guests | Your group plus regular passengers |
| Entertainment | Custom parties, performers, DJs | Ship’s own shows plus group events |
| Price | Often higher; cheaper cabins sell out early | Usually close to standard fares |
| Choice of dates | Limited; one sailing per event | Much wider |
Charters often sell out months, sometimes a year, ahead. If you’re watching prices, our guide to cruise deals for 2027 covers when to book.
Safety and Legal Tips for LGBTQ+ Cruisers
- Check the laws at each port. Same-sex relationships are still illegal in some places cruise ships visit, including Jamaica and parts of the Caribbean, the Middle East and Africa. Courts in several Caribbean countries, including Saint Lucia in 2025, have struck down these laws, but local attitudes can be slower to change. Your government’s travel advice is a good place to check.
- Book excursions through the ship or a trusted LGBTQ+-friendly operator in less welcoming ports. Charter companies often arrange their own vetted tours.
- Be careful with dating apps in port. Scams and entrapment have been reported in some countries.
- Read the code of conduct. Charters set rules on public behaviour in port, and some destinations ask groups to keep a lower profile.
- Staying on board is always an option. On a charter day in port, the ship is often at its quietest.
Pride sailings are just one kind of charter; our guide to the best themed cruises for 2027 covers music, fan and hobby cruises too.
Many of the same promoters also run genre-themed charters, so it is worth browsing the music cruises sailing in 2027 if you want a concert line-up at sea.
FAQs
What is the biggest gay cruise in 2027?
Atlantis’s March 7-14, 2027 Caribbean cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas is set to be the largest. It’s a full-ship charter on a ship that holds around 5,000-plus guests.
Are there cruises for lesbians and queer women?
Yes. Olivia focuses on women and runs ocean, small-ship and river cruises. VACAYA and Brand g also welcome women and the wider LGBTQ+ community.
Do I have to be gay to go on a gay cruise?
No. Most charters welcome friends and allies, but expect the programme and atmosphere to centre on the LGBTQ+ community.
How much does a gay cruise cost?
At the time of writing, big-ship charters and groups usually start at around $1,400-$2,000 per person for an interior cabin. Small-ship luxury trips often run $7,000-$12,000 or more. Prices change often, so check with the operator.
