PIED PIPER
One of the largest gay cruise operators in the world, Pied Piper Travel has unmatched year-round access to the top global cruise destinations. Trips vary considerably in size, from 15-900 fellow passengers on mixed ships. Staff emphasize that you may freely opt into group activities, or go it alone if you so choose. The company is entering its third decade of facilitating top-notch gay group travel. Every trip includes a welcome cocktail night, reserved dining tables, private shore excursions and an official tour host. With both short and long trips in every month of the year, Pied Piper is your best bet when other cruise calendars don’t match up with your vacation days. www.gaygroupcruises.com
| DATE | DAYS | DESTINATION |
|---|---|---|
| February 9-19 | 11 | Mardi Gras and Caribbean |
| February 4-18 | 15 | South American Carnival |
| February 18-March 4 | 15 | South America and Antarctica |
| March 9-19 | 11 | Cuba |
| March 10-17 | 8 | Costa Rica |
| April 1-15 | 15 | China, Korea, Japan |
| April 7-14 | 8 | Bahamas |
| April 13-27 | 15 | Transatlantic |
| May 4-18 | 15 | Stars of South Africa |
| May 17-27 | 11 | Pacific Coast |
| May 27-June 3 | 8 | Galapagos |
| May 27-June 3 | 8 | Bermuda |
| June 7-19 | 13 | British Isles |
| June 10-17 | 8 | Transatlantic |
| June 23-July 7 | 15 | Scandinavia |
| July 1-6 | 7 | Independence Day Celebration |
| July 20-30 | 11 | Greek Isles |
| August 17-24 | 8 | Alaska |
| August 18-Sep. 1 | 15 | Iceland and Ireland |
| August 30-Sep. 8 | 10 | Italy and Dalmation Coast |
| September 4-14 | 11 | Danube River |
| October 9-24 | 16 | Panama Canal |
| October 16-25 | 10 | Transatlantic |
| October 30-November 11 | 13 | Holy Land Cruise |
| November 3-18 | 17 | Transatlantic |
| November 24-December 1 | 8 | Post-Thanksgiving |
| December 15-22 | 8 | Transatlantic |
| December 16-23 | 8 | Caribbean |
| December 22-Jan. 3 | 13 | Christmas and NYE’s Cruise |
R FAMILY VACATIONS
This is a company capable of making the whole family happy with a suite of kid-friendly activities available on most cruises. They don’t sacrifice the adult fun, though—you’ll mix and mingle with other guests at cocktail receptions, welcome dinners and a Captain’s Gala. Take advantage of daily chances to venture out, like on a walking tour of Cologne, a visit to the Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum or a port side wine tasting. Love theatre but also want to set sail? A special Broadway-themed cruise from New York City to Halifax and back should do the trick. www.rfamilyvacations.com
| DATE | DAYS | DESTINATION |
|---|---|---|
| March 4-11 | 8 | Miami to Western Caribbean |
| April 22-May 1 | 8 | Tulips, Windmills Amsterdam Cruise |
| December 2-9 | 8 | Holiday Markets Budapest to Passau |
