5 Best Cruise Lines for LGBTQ+ Travellers

Today marks the beginning of Pride Month. First and foremost, Pride is an opportunity to raise awareness and join the fight against homophobia and transphobia. However, it is also an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the LGBTQ+ community. LGBT is an acronym for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender. As society’s understanding, acceptance and inclusion of diverse sexual preferences and gender expressions have expanded, so has the acronym. The term has thus been updated to LGBTQ+ to incorporate those who identify as queer or are questioning their sexuality. 

A brief history

Pride occurs in June to commemorate the Stonewall riots in Manhatten, New York, in 1969. The riots were in response to a police raid at the Stonewall Inn. The Stonewall Inn was a place of refuge for many members of the gay community. In the early hours of 28 June, four undercover policemen and women entered the bar and arrested those suspected of cross-dressing. Violence quickly ensued between the two parties as the patrons resisted arrest.  The next day, members of the community began to protest against the discriminatory and violent actions of the police. The riots were a catalyst for the Gay Rights Movement. A year after the uprising, the first gay marches took place in Chicago, New York and San Francisco. However, June was not officially declared Pride Month until 2000, during Bill Clinton’s final year of presidency.  Cruising has become increasingly popular among the LGBTQ+ community. In fact, the percentage of LGBTQ+ travellers who cruise is higher than the percentage of heterosexual travellers who cruise. According to Travel Pulse, only 2% of the general population have been on a cruise. That compares with 16% of LGBTQ+ travellers who have been on a cruise. In addition, many cruise lines now hire out their ships for LGBTQ+ events. Some go one step further, offering all-gay and all-lesbian cruise holidays.  For Pride Month 2022, we have narrowed down the five best cruise lines for LGBTQ+ travellers. 

Azamara Club Cruises

Azamara is perfect for LGBTQ+ couples and solo travellers looking for a quieter, more sophisticated cruise holiday.  Awards include:  

• Best Small Ship Cruise for LGBTQ+ Passengers (2013-2019)
• Best Onboard LGBTQ+ Gatherings (2016-2019)  

Cruise highlights include:  

• Dedicated LGBTQ+ friendly cruises to LGBTQ+ friendly destinations 
• Regular Meet & Mingle cocktail parties 
• Regular onboard Pride parties 

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity is perhaps the most LGBTQ+ friendly cruise line there is. The company goes above and beyond to make all guests feel welcome onboard. Awards include: 

• LGBTQ+ Friendly Travel Company (2016)
• Best Onboard LGBTQ+ Gatherings (2020) 
• Best Large Ship Cruise Line for LGBTQ+ Passengers (2019-2022) 

During a standard cruise, LGBTQ+ guests can expect: 

• LGBTQ+ welcome parties 
• Regular social hour events 
• Onboard legally recognised same-sex marriage ceremonies - in 2018, Celebrity became the first-ever cruise line to marry a same-sex couple.

However, it’s Celebrity’s Pride Party at Sea scheme that really sets it apart from other cruise lines. In the past, events have included: 

• Rainbow Party 
• Pride silent disco 
• Pride flag-raising ceremony 

The line also sponsors Miami Beach Gay Pride and partners with Tie the Knot. Furthermore, Celebrity is the only cruise line with a dedicated LGBTQ+ page on its website. 

Holland America Line

Holland America offers a collection of cruises that begin in Auckland during Auckland Pride and end in Sydney during Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Other cruise highlights include: 

• At least one LGBTQ+ meet-up on every sailing 
• Regular entire-ship charters for LGBTQ+ travellers 

Furthermore, the line supports several LGBTQ+ organisations, including the National LGBTQ+ Task Force and the San Diego LGBT Community Centre. 

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean is the only cruise line to receive the sought-after distinction of being ‘Gay Travel Approved’.  Awards include: 

• Best Onboard LGBTQ+ Gatherings (2015) 

Cruise highlights include: 

• Reduced single supplement for all solo travellers 
• Same-sex marriage ceremonies at select ports of call
• Regular LGBTQ+ meet-ups (organised by guests via a bulletin board) 

The line is also a member of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association and has scored a perfect rating on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index.  

Viking Cruises

Viking prides itself on being an LGBTQ+ friendly cruise line. River cruises have become increasingly popular with gay and lesbian travellers, with more port stops in LGBTQ+ friendly destinations (such as Amsterdam, which we’ve detailed below) and more chances to meet like-minded people on a smaller, more intimate ship.  Awards include: 

• Best River Cruise Line for LGBTQ+ Passengers (2019)

Highlights include:

• Regular LGBTQ+ meet-ups 
• Regular entire-ship charters for LGBTQ+ travellers

It’s also worth noting that Princess Cruises has one of the highest return rates for LGBTQ+ travellers - so while they’re yet to win any LGBTQ+-specific awards, they must be doing something right!

Best destinations for LGBTQ+ travellers

Travel is universal, but for members of the LGBTQ+ community, it can be a little more complicated. Despite much progression, acceptance of homosexuality remains sharply divided worldwide. Travel exposes us to different cultures, new perspectives and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. But threats of violence and fear of discomfort can rob that opportunity from millions of LGBTQ+ individuals. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, you may prefer to visit places already established as LGBTQ+ friendly, book gay-friendly hotels and seek out like-minded people. You may also wish to time your trip with an upcoming Pride event.  Below, we have catalogued the five most progressive, accepting and inclusive destinations for LGBTQ+ travellers and included details on upcoming Pride celebrations. 

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam has been named one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly cities in the world. For first time visitors, the Pink Point kiosk is a great resource. It’s a dedicated LGBTQ+ information booth that provides travellers with tips and recommendations on all things queer. Reguliersdwarsstraat is a firm favourite, lined with LGBTQ+-owned cafés, restaurants and bars, including Café Mandje, which Bet van Beeran opened in 1927, and Exit Café, which is open all hours.  Amsterdam Pride is one of the most unique Pride celebrations in the world. In 2022, celebrations will begin on 30 July and end on 7 August. Highlights include Pride at Zandvoort and an 80-boat Canal Parade.  LGBTQ+ friendly cruise lines operating sailings to Amsterdam include Azamara Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean International and Viking Cruises.

Auckland, New Zealand 

Lonely Planet has characterised Auckland as a safe and welcoming place for LGBTQ+ tourists to explore. Karangahape Road, affectionately known as ‘K Road’, is a hub for the gay community, brimming with shops, art galleries and cafés. The street is also home to the city’s liveliest LGBTQ+ nightlife. The Eagle Bar is a popular venue for pre/post-dinner drinks. Alternatively, head to the Family Bar and Club for an unforgettable night out.  Auckland Pride is New Zealand’s largest Pride festival. In 2023, celebrations are expected to take place between 1 and 26 February. The festival will comprise 70 individual events, highlights of which include the Big Gay Day Out and Auckland Pride Party.  LGBTQ+ friendly cruise lines operating sailings to Auckland include Azamara Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Viking Cruises. 

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona has become one of Europe’s most popular LGBTQ+ destinations. L’Eixample, more commonly known as Gayxample, is one of the biggest LGBTQ+ districts on the continent, lined with LGBTQ+-owned salons, book shops and cafés. Top nightspots include Punto BCN and Sky Bar by Axel. Platja de la Mar Bella is another popular spot, offering a gay-friendly nudist area. Finally, Chiringuito BeGay is a popular venue for members of the LGBTQ+ community to enjoy delicious food and cocktails right on the seafront. Barcelona Pride is the largest Pride event in the Mediterranean. Previous celebrations have attracted more than a quarter of a million visitors. In 2022, festivities will begin on 13 June and end on 26 June. Highlights include the Pride Parade and international DJ performances.  LGBTQ+ friendly cruise lines operating sailings to Barcelona include Azamara Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and Viking Cruises.

New York City, USA

New York City is a must-visit for all LGBTQ+ travellers. The city’s most prominent LGBTQ+ neighbourhood is Hell’s Kitchen, where rainbow-coloured flags fly high on virtually every corner. The 9th and 10th Avenues are brimming with LGBTQ+-owned cafés, restaurants and bars. Go-to nightlife spots include ‘New York’s Best Gay Bar’ Industry and the Wild West-themed Flaming Saddles Saloon. But no trip would be complete without a visit to the West Village, where the Stonewall riots took place all those years ago.  NYC Pride is one of the biggest Pride celebrations globally, with over five million people in attendance for the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising. In 2022, NYC Pride will begin on 26 June and run for two weeks. Pride Island will return this year, headlined by German singer-songwriter Kim Petras.   LGBTQ+ friendly cruise lines operating sailings to New York include Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises and Viking Cruises. 

Sydney, Australia 

Sydney has also made our list. Darlinghurst is one of the city’s most eccentric neighbourhoods, with rainbow-coloured walkways and one of the largest street art communities in the world. The Darlinghurst Bookshop has sold queer books, magazines and films since the early 80s. The neighbourhood is also home to Sydney’s most vibrant LGBTQ+ nightlife. The Eagle Sydney and Universal Sydney are two of the best watering holes, so we’ve been told.  The Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras is one of Australia’s biggest tourist drawcards. In 2023, celebrations are expected to take place between 19 February and 5 March. Highlights include the Mardi Gras Film Festival and the Candyland Closing Pool Party. 2023 will be a huge year for Sydney as it has also been selected to host World Pride.  LGBTQ+ friendly cruise lines operating sailings to Sydney include Azamara Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean International.