LGBT International Cruise Calendar 2016

AQUAFEST

Set sail with up to 400 fellow LGBT travelers on mixed clientele ships with custom entertainment, activities and parties that cater to all your seafaring needs. Comedy shows, film festivals, concerts with an all-star drag queen emcees, and access to the ship’s disco guarantee your nights will be jam-packed with action. During the day, enjoy views of castles and glaciers from the deck. On average, guests are 40 years old, with a mix of 70% men and 30% women. Bring your family along for the trip, or drop in on one of the many gay minglers to meet that special someone. If you’re a solo traveler, Aquafest can match you up with a cabin mate—and there’s really no better way to make a new friend at sea. www.aquafestcruises.com

ATLANTIS EVENTS

All-gay cruises from Atlantis are famous for their party vibe and impressive crowds. It would be hard to step aboard and not meet someone—or a few dozen people, more likely. Off the ship, you’ll kayak, scuba dive, and sight-see with other Atlantis guests. But don’t feel pressured—guests are equally encouraged to kick back and do absolutely nothing at all, too. Atlantis has a widely varying clientele of all ages and orientations, mostly men between 30 and 50. Women make up about 5-10% of the clientele, and mostly book as couples. About half of Atlantis guests are single. If that’s you, you can request a roommate for the adventure. www.atlantisevents.com

BRAND g

Brand g is a young company boasting veteran leadership from within the gay cruise industry. You’ll benefit from their careful and meticulous planning in the most awe-inspiring destinations. What to expect? Scuba diving, swimming in the ocean and snorkeling are always popular with Brand g guests. And if relaxed is more your style, opt for time in the Jacuzzi or a professional massage. There’s even a library and onboard lecture series for guests on some cruises. Your pick of bars and group events keep the conversation going throughout the trip. All-gay and mixed clientele options are available. Friends and family are always warmly welcomed. www.brandgvacations.com

CODA INTERNATIONAL TOURS

Coda doesn’t run “party trips” and instead fancies itself an optimal choice for the more seasoned, sophisticated traveler. On board, you’ll find luxurious state-rooms with private balconies, full-service spas, and a high staff-to-guest ratio. Sign up for a shore excursion, and you may well find yourself on a photo safari through Bora Bora or aboard a glass-bottomed boat. A typical guest is between 40-60 years old. Coda also offers pre and post-trip planning services for extended adventure and a smooth trip back home. www.coda-tours.com

HANNS EBENSTEN TRAVEL & ALYSON ADVENTURES

These trips are fit for the outdoor enthusiast who wants to check a few things off the bucket list, like walking the Great Wall of China or sleep- ing on the ice in Antarctica. Tours are intimate affairs of six to 25 people and are designed for gay men, though lesbians and allies are welcome on select trips. HE Travel calls itself a “pioneer” of gay travel after Hanns Ebensten, who was the first in the travel industry to offer gay tours as early as 1972. The company still prides itself on its personal approach and knowledgeable guides. www.hetravel.com

OLIVIA CRUISES

Olivia is a premier provider of lesbian cruises and resort getaways. The company books entire ships for thousands of women in a private, open setting. Themed cruises let you delve into regional European tastes, make a once-in-a-lifetime acquaintance with a giant tortoise, or engage in movement-building with fellow LGBT advocates. A rotating cast of celebrity chefs, comedians, and performers livens up each night aboard. Traveling alone? No problem— hundreds of others are doing the same and Olivia has its own social media site so you can connect pre-trip. If you’re long overdue for an extended vacation, tack on a custom “vacation stretcher” built just for Olivia guests. www.olivia.com

PIED PIPER TRAVEL

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

R FAMILY VACATIONS

This is a company capable of making the whole family happy with many 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

RSVP CRUISES

RSVP has been in the game of gay cruises for far longer than most companies, coming up on 30 years of service to 100,000+ guests. The company takes pride in its all-inclusive approach which invites travelers of any age, gender, nationality, and relationship status to hop aboard. Once there, you’ll be privy to singles’ dinners, theme parties, inspirational speakers and screenings of hot new films. RSVP also has a knack for attracting esteemed guests and performers to their stage for comedy, cabaret, and concerts. This year, RSVP will lead the “largest gay cruise ever” on their Caribbean trip. Each ship is chartered exclusively for RSVP guests. Women make up about 10% of RSVP clients, about half of guests are single and allies are welcome to travel along. www.rsvpvacations.com

SOURCE EVENTS

Source Events prides itself on catering to the mind, body and spirit of its guests. That’s why it offers onboard yoga, inspiring guest speakers, a professional staff of wellness experts, and two cruises that are completely in the buff with Gay Naturists International. You can expect a “cerebral” tour that satisfies both mind and soul. Trips are small, with 100-300 guests so you’ll get to know most of your fellow passengers. The Source clientele tends to tilt toward “mature passengers” (many of whom book repeat trips) with an average age of 47 and about 50% singles. www.sourceevents.com

SWEET

Sweet, a leading lesbian tour company, is all about cruises that are fun but also philanthropic, in that your vacation benefits the world around you. Sweet is one of the only companies to regularly incorporate optional community service projects into their cruises. All trips are also carbon neutral, which means the company offsets the pollution created by your travel. When you’re ready to kick back, the women of Sweet love exploring ports on custom excursions with their guests. On board, you’ll have a blast living it up at cocktail parties, theme nights, and karaoke. www.discoversweet.com

UNDERSEA EXPEDITIONS

Booking a trip with Undersea Expeditions, a scuba diving company, will put you in close proximity to striking underwater species including manta rays, sharks, and octopus. You’ll also get a glimpse into the cultural heritage of the region on group outings. This staff of licensed divers under- stands that there’s nothing quite like relaxing with a splendid meal once you’ve dried off, so each trip includes top-notch catering and comfortable accommodations so you can rest up for tomorrow’s adventure. Most trips operate out of a resort, with dive boats running throughout the day. Not certified? No problem—many trips include training and scuba dive certification for beginners. www.underseax.com