Thread: Itinerary Insights

There are nearly as many favorite itineraries for gay and lesbian passengers as there are gay cruisers themselves. With the exception of Jamaica or Grand Cayman, where the climate is less tolerant (and downright homophobic in some instances), gay and lesbian passengers enjoy almost every port and ship available today.

Some specific itineraries with a high gay and lesbian following include glamorous Mediterranean summer cruises that hit gay hot spots like Mykonos or Ibiza, and cultural capitals like Rome, Venice and Barcelona. It may be a stereotype, but pulsating nightlife and fine gourmet dining and arts attractions do hold a lot of appeal for many gay and lesbian cruisers. The Caribbean is perennially popular, especially the very gay-friendly ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao), as well as the French-speaking outposts like Martinique and Guadalupe.

Crave variety? Many gays love the quick Bahamas or Mexican Riviera getaway or splendors of New England in the fall, especially on the more upscale Regent and Crystal ships. Gay and lesbian fans of unspoiled nature and dramatic scenery are in love with Alaska (as everyone is), and some of the smaller ships with eco-tourist itineraries to the Galapagos and Antarctica such as Celebrity Xpedition attract substantial numbers of gay clients. Brazil and Argentina appeal to many gay cruisers on Latin American voyages by Holland America and other lines, who go to revel in sexy Carnival samba, relaxed beach culture, and cosmopolitan cities like Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires.

And, as I just posted elsewhere, Transatlantics are also popular- No, that's not why I'm about to book my twelfth!

Cunard has a large following, to the point that on the QMII, they've renamed the Comodore Lounge on board the "Comodorothy" On every crossing I've been on, there have been many, many gay men.

Other that a passion for the Cunard "Queens," one explanation may be as simple as economics. Two incomes, no kids = more disposable income, and the time to travel to Europe by ship in addition to a land vacation.

And then there's the glamour of camp classics like "Now Voyager" with Bette Davis, or "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" with Marilyn Munroe and Jane Mansfield. We, some of us, crave the glamour of days gone by, and a TA is the perfect way to relive that.

Yes, these are vast stereotypes, but, in general, most experienced cruisers will tell you that, as sophistication level goes up, so does acceptance. I remember cruising as a child, and mom met a gay couple, and everyone else on the ship was so blase about it. (Good practice for mom- since two out of five of her sons... )

We've cruised on most mainstream lines, and always felt welcome. Perhaps living in San Francisco, and going to Provincetown almost every year for the past 27 years, I don't seek out an exclusively gay experience on a cruise ship. But others LOVE the gay charters...

Andrew