Special notes: With its parent company's perfect rating on the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index and a rich history of hosting gay and lesbian charters and groups, there is little doubt that Royal Caribbean is a welcoming cruise line.According to historian and author Tim Blanning, the term cruising originates from the Dutch equivalent kruisen. The Rising Tide Bar is a hoot, and we always saw 'family' there." ( CntPAcruiser) What Cruise Critic members are saying: "My husband and I met lots of people on Oasis and Allure, some through the roll call, but mostly just bumping into them in one of the bars.
These mega-ships hold more than 5,000 passengers each. Royal Caribbean also likes to live large with four of the world's largest cruise ships: Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas. The line is also very tech savvy, offering some of the best internet service at sea, along with robot bartenders on some newer ships. The line puts a great deal of focus on onboard activities with such innovations as indoor skydiving and surf simulators. Royal Caribbean is one of the largest cruise lines in the world, boasting an ever-expanding fleet of 24 vessels. Azamara has been extremely proactive in marketing to LGBTQ travelers, and its ships are frequently booked for gay and lesbian group travel. The index is a national benchmarking survey and reports on corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ workplace equality. Special notes: Azamara is part of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., which received a perfect rating on the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index. What Cruise Critic members are saying: "We have always had a wonderful time on Azamara! They are always very gay friendly." ( Phxazzcruisers) Azamara gets a great deal of praise for its inclusive amenities such as select alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, gratuities and self-service laundry. The line has been known to host parties where the ship's mast dons the Pride flag in certain welcoming ports. Another of the line's strengths is its "Destination Immersion" program, which means longer port stays, affording passengers an opportunity to more fully explore and experience destinations. The following list highlights 10 gay- and lesbian-welcoming cruise lines, illustrating a rainbow of cruise travel opportunities that are bound to suit nearly any taste.Īccommodating merely 690 guests each, Azamara's three ships - Azamara Journey, Azamara Quest and Azamara Pursuit - are very appealing to travelers seeking a more intimate experience. There are exclusive all-gay and all-lesbian charters hosted by companies such as Atlantis Events, RSVP Vacations, Brand g Vacations, Olivia and VACAYA non-exclusive cruises for gay and lesbian groups through travel agencies such as Pied Piper Travel and, of course, the ability to book directly with a preferred cruise line.
Indeed, many are proactively marketing to gay and lesbian travelers through traditional advertising, social media, onboard programming and sponsorships of LGBTQ events and organizations.Īlong with this increasing openness of cruise lines, the options for gay and lesbian cruisers have never been better. In short, the gay and lesbian market is one the cruise industry cannot ignore.Īs a result, nearly every cruise line has adopted policies banning discrimination based on sexual orientation, with a growing number also including gender identity. That enthusiasm isn't limited to the virtual world, as many gay and lesbian passengers are much more comfortable, compared to just a few years ago, in being open about their sexual orientation while onboard, and quick to call out incidences of perceived homophobia by fellow passengers or cruise-line staff.
There are now dozens of Facebook pages and online forums, such as Cruise Critics' Gay and Lesbian Cruisers board, where information about cruise lines is readily shared. Gay and lesbian cruise passengers haven't been shy about their enthusiasm, either. It's really no surprise, given there is data suggesting that the percentage of gay and lesbian travelers who take cruises is the same as - or even slightly higher than - the percentage of heterosexual travelers who cruise.
The cruise industry has come a long way, not merely acknowledging but embracing its gay and lesbian passengers and LGBTQ travel.