Best Gay Cruises 2025: Atlantis, Gay Sail & more

Whether you’re looking for a party cruise with Atlantis Events or a luxurious, all-inclusive with Brand G, this guide covers all the major LGBTQ+ cruises around the world. Discover everything from high-octane parties at sea to refined river cruises, each designed to bring LGBTQ+ travelers together in incredible destinations. From tropical escapes and scenic European rivers to themed journeys hosted by famous drag queens, our guide ensures you’ll find the perfect cruise to match your vibe. Get ready to set sail on an unforgettable, perhaps life-changing gay adventure.

Atlantis Cruises

What to expect: The ultimate party cruise

Atlantis Events is the world’s largest gay cruise operator and the most famous name in the game. Atlantis charters huge cruise ships (often from Royal Caribbean or Celebrity) and transforms them into week-long gay wonderlands. What to expect? High energy and thousands of scantily clad guys. Atlantis cruises often host 2,000–5,500 guests – their 35th-anniversary Caribbean cruise has 5,500 gay travelers on the Allure of the Seas, making it “the world’s biggest gay festival at sea”​. 

By day, you’ll lounge by the pool or join activities, but by night, the ship comes alive with theme parties that are basically floating circuit raves. Picture thousands of men dancing under laser lights on the pool deck to top DJs, drag queens and pop stars performing live (Atlantis has featured entertainers like Cher, Kylie Minogue, RuPaul’s Drag Race alums, etc., depending on the cruise). It’s non-stop entertainment – from Broadway-style shows in the theater to comedy sets, drag bingo, and infamous retro T-dances​. 

Atlantis is especially known for its friendliness to first-timers; despite the party reputation, you’ll find all ages and types on board, and it’s easy to make friends at shared dining tables. They sail in the Caribbean (winter) and Europe (summer), and sometimes the Pacific. Their itineraries are often attractive big-name routes (e.g., Mediterranean with stops in Spain and Italy, or an all-gay Caribbean cruise out of Miami). If you and your partner or friends love big parties and a massive social scene, Atlantis is unmatched for scale. Just be ready for sensory overload – some call it Gay Mardi Gras at sea! And yes, there is plenty of romance and mischief happening – the hot tubs and cabin corridors see their share of action. Atlantis’s motto, “the way we play,” says it all​. Unique selling point: Sheer size and spectacle. Atlantis creates “the world’s largest gay cruise gatherings” with elaborate themed events and superstar entertainment. It’s basically a week-long Pride festival on a ship. They also cater primarily to gay men (though lesbians and others are welcome, the demographic skews male).

VACAYA

What to expect: Luxurious and mind-expanding trips.

A newcomer shaking up the scene is VACAYA, launched in 2018. VACAYA markets itself as “the most inclusive LGBTQ+ vacation company on the planet”​. They aim to reinvent gay cruises by truly welcoming everyone under the rainbow – gay, lesbian, bi, trans, non-binary, queer, plus straight allies – and designing experiences for a mix of ages and types​. VACAYA charters large cruise ships (their Caribbean cruise has a big ship similar to Atlantis scale) and also does resort takeovers. 

Their approach blends Atlantis-style big parties with some fresh twists. For example, VACAYA has placed an emphasis on women and trans folk visibility (they actively encourage lesbian travelers and host specific women-centered programming, which historically was lacking on some gay male cruises). They also introduced things like volunteer opportunities at ports (giving back to communities) and creative themes. One signature: they were the first to do an all-LGBTQ+ cruise to Provincetown – dropping anchor for the famous P-Town Carnival. 

They also organize mind-expanding trips, such as their Kimberley Expedition Cruise through one of Australia’s last great wildernesses. Sailing aboard Seabourn’s luxurious Pursuit, this all-gay/all-LGBTQ+ journey from Darwin to Broome combined a high level of luxury with a spirit of discovery.

VACAYA’s onboard vibe is party-friendly but perhaps a tad more mixed and less body-perfect than the stereotype on certain gay cruises – in a good way. As a new player, VACAYA is building its own loyal fanbase. They typically sail the Caribbean and Mexico (on big ships) and have done European river cruises too. If you want the big cruise atmosphere but with a diverse crowd (and maybe slightly fewer circuit boys, slightly more variety), VACAYA is a compelling choice.

Gay Sail

What to expect: More affordable, often outrageous and sometimes nude.

Gay Sails provides a more affordable, often outrageous and sometimes nude approach to all-gay cruising, focusing on small-group sailing experiences around some of the Mediterranean’s most stunning coastlines. Instead of massive ships packed with thousands of passengers, Gay Sails uses intimate yachts—typically hosting between 8 to 16 guests—which creates a more social, friendly atmosphere on board. You’ll spend your days island-hopping, swimming in hidden coves, exploring picturesque villages, and dining at local tavernas. The itineraries are thoughtfully designed but flexible, allowing for a more organic travel experience that feels less like a cruise and more like an extended gay sailing holiday with friends.

One of the main differences between Gay Sails and more expensive operators is the pricing model and overall vibe. While big-name luxury gay cruises offer large-scale entertainment, celebrity DJs, and fine dining, they also come with a hefty price tag and a more commercial, party-driven experience. Gay Sails keeps things casual and affordable by focusing on the essentials: beautiful destinations, good company, and the freedom of the open sea. You won’t find cabaret shows or buffet lines here—instead, expect group dinners at seaside restaurants, spontaneous swim stops, and easygoing evenings chatting on deck under the stars.

The crew also plays a big part in setting the tone. Gay Sails charters are hosted by welcoming, experienced skippers who often join in the fun while ensuring smooth sailing. It’s a more hands-on, inclusive style of travel where guests often form genuine friendships—something that can get lost in the crowd on larger cruise ships. For gay travelers looking for something more laid-back and cost-effective, Gay Sails is an appealing alternative to the typical big-brand cruise scene.

Brand g Vacations

What to expect: The ultimate luxury LGBTQ+ cruise

If you’re looking for something more upscale and culturally immersive, Brand g Vacations might be your match. Brand g focuses on luxury small-ship cruises and land tours for LGBT+ travelers and their friends​. They’re relatively newer (since 2011) but have quickly earned a top reputation in the luxury cruising niche. 

What makes Brand g different? They charter smaller ships like European river cruise boats (usually 100–150 passengers) or intimate ocean vessels like yachts and expedition ships. The vibe is upscale, all-inclusive, and relaxed. Think gourmet dining, including shore excursions (wine tastings in France, castle tours on the Rhine, etc.), and high-touch service. Brand g’s passengers are often men in their 50s/60s (with some younger or older), including many couples celebrating anniversaries. The atmosphere is social but not rowdy – cocktails on deck as you glide past castles, maybe a tasteful piano entertainment at night. That’s not to say Brand g is boring; they do throw fun dance parties even on their river cruises, just on a smaller scale: e.g., an 80s night or a costume party on the Danube. 

They also emphasize inclusivity – their trips welcome gay men, lesbians, trans folks, and straight allies, all together (you’ll often see a mix of gay couples and perhaps a straight friend or two). Another hallmark: Brand g is almost all-inclusive in pricing; fares cover drinks, excursions, tips, so you get a seamless luxury experience​. Itineraries include European rivers (Danube, Rhône), small Caribbean cruises, and even exotic locales like Mekong River in Asia or African safaris with a group. If your style is more boutique hotel than mega-resort, Brand g offers that boutique experience at sea. Unique selling point: Luxury and intimacy. Brand g provides a 5-star, boutique cruise feel where everything is included and curated​. It’s great for travelers who want an LGBTQ+ environment but also appreciate fine wine, culture, and smaller group settings. You will need quite deep pockets to sail with Brand g.

Out Of Office

What to expect: Luxury tailor-made travel

Our sister brand Out Of Office offers luxury tailor-made itineraries to destinations all over the world. They specialise in organising tailor-made sailing itineraries to destinations like Greece and Croatia. Booking with Out Of Office is the best choice if you’d like to have a sailing trip custom made to your requirements by travel experts. Booking an island hopping trip around Greece yourself can be tricky. If you book with Out Of Office you just need to show up and your sailing itinerary will be taken care of.

Sailing Highlights

• Itinerary: Experience a luxury trip tailored to your requirements.

• Travel concierge: You’ll have a 24-hour travel concierge on hand to deal with any issues you may face.