cruise la demence

The Cruise by La Demence | A Gay Couple Cruising around Europe

A Gay Couple Cruising around Southern Europe

Gay Couple Cruising The Cruise La Demence: Finally, 2016 was the year we attended a Gay Cruise for the first time. It was exciting to experience meeting all those great people from all over the world in a 100% gay-friendly environment on the cruise ship SOVEREIGN. The Cruise by La Demence from Belgium is one of the best-known European Gay Cruise organizers. Their cruises are popular for great (theme) parties, a well-chosen DJ lineup, and good day trips on the cruise itinerary. Especially for French-speaking gay men, the shows were a great opportunity to celebrate the one-week gay experience. After the 2017 edition, we are finally back on The Cruise, showing the best of the gay men-only voyage.

For all of you who will attend the LD cruise for the first time in 2023: Enjoy our gay travel articles about our previous cruise experiences with La Demence and get inspired by all reports of “Gay Couple Cruising The Cruise La Demence” for attire for all the costume parties. Stay tuned during our Gay Cruise 2023 on Facebook ,  Twitter , YouTube , and  Instagram . See you onboard the Explorer of the Seas!

Karl & Daan.

The Cruise by La Demence 2023

Once again, we will board a cruise ship to attend the annual gay cruise THE CRUISE by La Demence. This year, we will travel around the Adriatic and the Ionian Seas on a great Royal Caribbean ship. Starting from Ravenna, Italy, the cruise ship will cruise in a southern direction for a stop in Albania, Greece, Euro Pride country, Malta, followed by Sicily before returning to Ravenna. And, of course, there will be numerous theme and costume parties, from the Lady’s T-Dance to a trip Out in Space.

10 Essential Tips for the European Gay Cruise THE CRUISE by La Demence

Great News! We will attend The Cruise 2023 by La Demence

The cruise 2017 with couple of men.

Once again we had a blast on our second The Cruise 2017! Additional to an entirely new cruising route starting from Lisbon to Madeira and the Canary Islands,  great new theme and costume parties and more than 2000 gay men were waiting for us on the sister ship of last year’s cruise ship, the Monarch. Join us on our second cruise experience and one-day explorations on Madeira and Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean with photos, videos, events, and stories from gay men cruising on the European gay cruise The Cruise by La Demence.

The Cruise by La Demence: Our Gay Couple Travel Diary of The Cruise

Our Best Photos & Video of the “Lady T-Dance” Party at The Cruise

Sexy! Funky! Fancy! “Disco T-Dance” Party at The Cruise by La Demence

Our Best Photos & Video of the “Where are you from” T-Dance Party

The cruise 2016 with couple of men.

All you need to know about planning a gay Cruise by La Demence around Southern Spain, what you can expect o the ship, what you should pack, what you can leave at home: the following articles give you an inside what a gay cruise can be like. And you will see, even for gay couples a cruise together with hot gay men is not a problem at all, at least not out of our couple of men’s perspective. Additional to the cruise information, we create small one-day gay travel guides for our stops around the southern coast of Spain starting with a Gay Couple City Weekend in Barcelona.

If you are planning to join another gay cruise, we recommend checking our gay-friendly accommodations worldwide , at least for the days before or after a cruise with other gay men. But have a look yourself and enjoy our gay cruise photos, videos, and gay stories of a Gay Couple Cruising The Cruise La Demence 2016. Enjoy our Gay Couple Cruise Diary , Tips, and Tricks for a Gay Cruise with La Demence , and of course, your gay cruise.

A Gay Day at the Gay Beach & Ibiza Town

Barcelona in Summer: Gay Travel Tips for Catalonia

12 hours in Málaga: A Gay Couple’s City Trip in Southern Spain

Casa Milà (La Pedrera): A Gay Travel Guide to Gaudi’s Architecture

Our Gay Couple Diary La Demence Cruise 2016

Surf House Barcelona Food & Drinks with Beach View

Port Cable Car Barcelona: Our “flight” with the Red Gondolas of Teleférico del Puerto

The Ultimate Guide on Finding the Best Gay Cruise

Cruising can be for anyone. No, not that type of cruising – although that too can be for anyone – but going on a gay cruise ship. Whether you opt for calmer seas on a smaller vessel, or the stormy waters of a bigger party boat, you're guaranteed a good time on a gay cruise. You'll be surrounded by like-minded LGBTQ+ shipmates, and a crew whose jobs are centered around providing the best – and gayest – experience possible. All this sets gay cruises apart from their heterosexual counterparts. 

After making the decision to take the plunges and book a cruise, the tricky part is choosing the perfect one for you. Not only deciding how big you want your ship to be, but the wheres and the hows of your cruise.  Your potential options range from the sunbaked shores of the Mediterranean and Caribbean, to the Baltic Sea, or even the frozen wonderland of Alaska. Then there’s the matter of how much onboard entertainment you want? Are you looking for snorkeling and culturally diverse inland trips, or rooftop dance parties and drag bingo? Maybe some combination of the two. Regardless, there's something to suit every type of LGBTQ+ journeyer on a gay cruise..

You can opt for a small ship with a more intimate feel with companies like Source Journeys or Brand g Vacations or take one of the more popular, large ships with companies like Atlantis , VACAYA , or La Demence . For the ladies, Olivia is the major player in the market and many of these companies have been around for 20 years or more.

Why Take a Gay Cruise?

• Easy to meet new people – one great aspect of taking a gay cruise is that most of the guests are friendly and open to meeting new people. On a straight cruise, guests come with friends or family and already have a social group established. On a gay cruise, there are many activities that help connect guests to give you a better chance at meeting people.
• Travel alone – most gay cruise companies offer a cabin match program where they will assign you a roommate, so you don’t have to pay for the full price of a two-person room if you’re traveling alone.
• Awesome parties – If you book a cruise with one of the large ship companies like Atlantis , La Demence or VACAYA , you’ll be in for a treat with awesome parties. The over-the-top events are usually themed, often outdoors and guests are encouraged to dress up.
• Great entertainment – most of the big gay cruise lines bring on big headliners or “gaylebrity” performers. Into drag queen bingo? How about performances from some of the top gay celebrity comedians, entertainers and famous drag queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race?
• Be yourself – probably one of the most attractive parts about a gay cruise is the comfort zone. The entire ship is full of LGBT guests and all staff has been extensively trained to provide you with a welcoming and gay-friendly experience. It’s a very open environment and one where you can relax and be yourself without fear of harassment.
• Social impact – some companies aim to not only offer a unique travel experience but also make a difference through social impact in the communities they visit. Companies like Source Journeys strive to do good in the world by offering volunteering opportunities in certain destinations as well as supporting local nonprofits through volunteering or financial support.

The History of the Gay Cruise Industry

The concept of LGBT-specific travel started in the ’70s and was pioneered by Hans Ebensten , who began taking gay men on tours rafting through the Grand Canyon as well as to Carnival in Rio de Janeiro. As LGBTQ+ people became more visible and acceptance shifted, several more companies began creating trips for the LGBTQ+ community. The concept of a gay cruise was the perfect environment because the ship itself was isolated on the ocean and all the attendees could be completely themselves without fear of judgment or harassment. The first all gay cruises were started by RSVP in 1987, followed by the other pioneers Atlantis Events (1991) and Olivia , who started offering lesbian cruises in 1990. Over the years other companies joined the field like VACAYA , Source Journeys , La Demence , Out Adventures and more.

Types of Gay Cruises

Gay cruises generally fall into one of the following categories.

• Large full-ship gay cruises – this is the most common and popular gay cruise where you can expect top-of-the-line cruise ships from well-known companies like Royal Caribbean, Virgin Voyages, Celebrity Cruises or Norwegian Cruise Lines. The number of guests typically from 1,000 to 5,000 depending on the company, ship and route. The longtime players (20+ years) like Atlantis , RSVP and Olivia all fall into this category, as well as the other players in the market like VACAYA (5 years) and The Cruise by La Demence (11 years).
• Small full-ship gay cruises – smaller companies like Source Journeys , Brand g , Out Adventures and other LGBTQ+ tour operators organize smaller cruises. The number of guests could range from 20 to 500 depending on the company and route. Source Journeys and Brand g offer a luxury travel experience compared to the other operators so you can expect a higher-end offer with more luxurious ships and services. Source Journeys even goes as far as to offer elevated experiences that enrich the lives of their guests and empower them to do good in the world.
• Gay river cruises – gay river cruises are popular in Europe and typically visit destinations like France, Germany, Austria, The Netherlands or Belgium, just to name a few. They are similar to small full-ship gay cruises, with the exception that they cruise on a river as opposed to the open ocean. The number of guests typically ranges from 50 to 300 depending on the company and route. River cruises are organized by companies like Brand g , VACAYA , Source Journeys and Olivia .
• Partial-ship gay cruises – some LGBTQ+ tour operators with a smaller audience or client base will organize a small group on a mainstream cruise. These often take place on large cruises ships. Most of the guests onboard are straight, however, a group of perhaps 50-100 LGBT guests might be onboard. Meals and group activities are typically organized to keep the group together throughout the trip.
• Gay sailing trips – there are a number of companies that offer gay sailing trips in different destinations around the world. It’s important to note that the experience on a small sailing boat of around 10-20 people is quite a different experience than a gay cruise. It’s more intimate, relaxing and casual than a gay cruise. However, larger sailing ships holding between 20 to 300 guests might feel a bit more like a small gay cruise. We even offer our own Two Bad Tourists gay sailing trips since 2018, visiting Greece and Croatia with a Europe-based gay sailing company. Other sailing companies include GaySail and Everything to Sea .

Is a Gay Cruise Right for You?

First, you need to decide whether taking a cruise, in general, is something you want to do. Not everyone likes cruising due to the nature of the experience, but many do. Second, if taking a cruise definitely interests you, next you’ll need to decide if you prefer a gay cruise or a mainstream cruise. Here are a few things to consider.

• Your cabin, meals and entertainment are included in the price
• The ship will be exclusively LGBTQ+ guests
• Cruises can be crowded and there isn’t a lot of privacy
• You can visit many new destinations in one trip, but you only have a short time at each port to explore
• Gay cruises can be a bit more expensive than mainstream cruises due to the elaborate parties and unique entertainment onboard

Gay Cruise & Sailing Companies

Below is a list of various companies that operate gay cruises and sailing trips. Some have been around for decades while others are relatively new to the market. We’ve also listed the types of cruises that the companies generally offer.

• Atlantis Cruises  – large full-ship
• VACAYA – large full-ship, small full-ship, river cruises
• RSVP – large full-ship
• La Demence – large full-ship
• Olivia (lesbian) – large full-ship, river cruises
• Brand g Vacations  – small full-ship, river cruises
• Source Journeys – small full-ship, luxury cruises
• Out Adventures (both gay & lesbian) – small full-ship
• R Family Vacations – small full-ship, river cruises
• HE Travel – small full-ship, sailing
• Everything to Sea  – sailing
• GaySail – sailing
• HolidayPride – sailing, small full-ship
• Two Bad Tourists – sailing (yes, that’s us!)

How to Choose the Best Gay Cruise or Company

Determining which gay cruise or trip to take is completely subjective. People have different preferences, budgets or destinations in mind when it comes to booking a trip. All the companies listed here are recommended and have good reviews, but you want to make sure you pick the right trip for your travel style and preferences. Below are a few tips to consider when booking your trip.

• Party focus – the large, full-ship takeovers like Atlantis , VACAYA and The Cruise by La Demence tend to be very party-focused and many guests go on these cruises just for the party atmosphere. They might not even get off the ship at the ports. La Demence is the most intense with its parties, with Atlantis as a close second. Both are circuit party style, while VACAYA is more diverse and pop themed, with top 40 music.
• Destination – decide if you are going on a gay cruise for the ports of call, for the gay cruise experience in general, or both. Some people might prioritize the destination over the parties so be sure to check out the route and places you’ll visit to help you decide. Large ships like Atlantis and VACAYA tend to go to more touristic ports while companies like Source Journeys,   Brand g or Out Adventures focus on smaller, more intimate ports which can only be visited by small ships.
• Budget – the price of the trip is an obvious factor. You’ll need to add the price of flights or transportation into your budget so the location of the departing and arrival port should be part of your planning process. The entry-level price to gay cruise typically starts around $800 per person for a week-long trip.
• Size – it’s important to decide if you prefer a large group or small. Large groups and full ship takeovers offer great parties and header liner entertainment, but some people may want to avoid the crowds and opt for a more intimate experience on a smaller ship.
• What’s included? – most gay cruises include the cabin, meals and onboard entertainment in the price. However, unless you book an all-inclusive trip with Brand g , these items are typically not included in the price: pre and post hotel stay, land tours and excursions, specialty drinks/alcohol and airport transfers.
• The crowd – the type of people who go on each gay cruise varies and might be a determining factor. Atlantis , RSVP and La Demence are about 99% gay men and Olivia is 99% lesbian women. Out Adventures offer both gay and lesbian small ship cruises. VACAYA has a mission to be more diverse and inclusive for the entire LGBTQ+ community, though their trips are still probably 80-90% gay men. RSVP and Brand g tend to have an older crowd, with the latter having more luxurious and all-inclusive trips. Finally, Source Journeys is a high-end operator who also tends to attract middle-aged men who seek ‘once-in-a-lifetime' experiences but they are consciously working to be more inclusive to the entire LGBTQ+ community.

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The 9 best gay cruises for 2024 (+ planning tips).

Dance parties, drag queen performances and fun destinations await on these LGBTQ voyages.

The Best Gay Cruises

Courtesy of The Cruise with La Demence

Embark on an all-gay or LGBTQ-friendly cruise for excellent entertainment, food and excursions.

Whether you are looking to hop aboard a Pride Week cruise with a major line or sail away with a smaller company that specializes in LGBTQ voyages, the following cruise operators promise a fun, safe and memorable vacation.

(Note: While many of these cruise lines sail to LGBTQ-friendly ports of call, travelers should research destinations to learn more about cultures, customs and safety in each location and determine what's right for them.)

Virgin Voyages

Atlantis events, brand g vacations, celebrity cruises, royal caribbean international, the cruise with la demence, source journeys.

Gabriel Goldberg | Courtesy of VACAYA

Founded by avid travelers Randle Roper, Patrick Gunn and John Finen, VACAYA bills itself as the first all-LGBT travel company in the full-ship charter/resort buyout sector of the travel industry to launch in more than 25 years.

"[VACAYA] was sparked by our own vacations, where we all had encountered two very different experiences," says Gunn. "The all-gay cruises were liberating, empowering and fun, but limited to a small spectrum of people. And while everyone loves a good time, there's more to a memorable vacation than just parties. Mainstream vacations offered more activities and destinations, and were accessible to a diverse set of people, but didn't always feel like a friendly, judgment-free environment."

As such, VACAYA set out to bring LGBTQ travelers from across the spectrum together in a welcoming, inclusive setting, while offering varied onboard activities and immersive itinerary options. Cruisers will enjoy traveling to ports around the world, in the Caribbean , the Galápagos, Europe , Antarctica and more. You can participate in shipwide events ranging from themed deck parties to performances by LGBTQ entertainers to rejuvenating yoga classes. Note that VACAYA's cruises are for adults only.

Previous cruisers had abundant praise for VACAYA's voyages, highlighting the company's responsiveness when booking and the kindhearted staff, as well as the genuine connections they made with other passengers on board. Many were also impressed by the events and entertainment options throughout their sailings.

In 2024, VACAYA will offer a number of voyages worldwide. The seven-night Caribbean Cruise on Celebrity Apex in February will sail round-trip from Fort Lauderdale, with several fun-filled days at sea in addition to stops in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Antigua. In August, VACAYA has a 12-night river cruise in Northern Europe on board Advance by Transcend Cruises; this sailing includes the Amsterdam Pride event. The 11-night Antarctica expedition on Atlas Ocean Voyages' World Navigator in December 2024 is sold out, but you can join the waitlist.

Courtesy of Virgin Voyages

The Virgin brand has long been known for its celebration of the LGBTQ community, and cruise line Virgin Voyages is no different. The strictly adults-only cruise operator aims to provide a unique experience, with onboard tattoo parlors, impressive live entertainment, and dining options that include more than 20 eateries and menus created by Michelin star chefs. This line gets the stamp of approval from previous LGBTQ cruisers, who praise the ships' gender-neutral bathrooms, diverse staff and onboard shows with resident drag queens.

Virgin Voyages offers gay-specific sailings through travel companies like Atlantis Events, but its more mainstream itineraries still offer a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere that attracts LGBTQ cruisers year-round. Virgin hosts a number of events during Pride Month each year, including deck parties and interactive social media campaigns.

"Each June here at Virgin Voyages, we like to go big for Pride Month with larger-than-life events … all monthlong," the cruise line says in a statement on its website. "It's an important time for us – both internally within our crew and for our sailors – to honor and celebrate the LGBTQ community; who for so long has had to continually fight for equality and the right to be seen, heard and included."

Virgin Voyages sails to a variety of LGBTQ-friendly countries, including New Zealand, Greece and Spain. In June 2024, consider a seven-night sailing aboard Scarlet Lady departing from Barcelona with stops in Marseille and Cannes in France as well as Spain's Palma de Mallorca and Ibiza.

Read: The Best Cruise Lines for the Money

The world's largest gay and lesbian travel brand, Atlantis Events was founded in 1991 and welcomes more than 20,000 travelers annually on LGBTQ vacations. For its all-gay cruises, Atlantis charters megaships from popular lines like Royal Caribbean International , Norwegian Cruise Line and Virgin Voyages in addition to smaller vessels with companies like Oceania Cruises so cruisers will have a fully immersive experience.

On board, travelers can enjoy all the perks these ships have to offer (think: pools, hot tubs, sports courts and plenty of dining choices), plus special events like drag performances, motivational speakers, LGBTQ movies on demand in each cabin and high-energy circuit parties across the ship.

"As an LGBTQ cruiser, you're looking for a ship with lots of entertainment, including dance parties and events," says Marcos Martinez, founder of Men Who Brunch, a Black gay lifestyle blog. "One of the best cruise [lines] for gay cruising is Atlantis, since you'll be able to meet hundreds of attractive men and party all day and night on the ship."

Atlantis hosts primarily gay men; women make up about 5% to 10% of bookings, according to the Atlantis website. Previous cruisers said the atmosphere on board was fun, friendly and welcoming, though some noted that the company's customer service could be better, especially when it comes to details about the cruise.

Due to the company's popularity, its three 2024 cruises are already sold out.

Read: The Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean

Courtesy of Brand G Vacations

Specializing in all-gay river cruises – and now luxury ocean liners – Brand g Vacations was founded in 2011 and explores destinations all over the world. Chartered river cruises typically welcome between 40 and 200 LGBTQ passengers (and their straight allies), which allows cruisers to get to know one another in a smaller setting. Guests tend to skew more mature (think: 40 and older), and the line attracts both men and women.

Onboard entertainment differs slightly from larger ocean voyages: Expect more cabaret-style entertainment than massive all-night dance parties. Cruisers will also enjoy performances by drag queens, gay Broadway stars and more, on top of typical river cruise perks like sightseeing and lavish meals. Past guests recommend choosing Brand g if you're looking for a well-planned, relaxed and luxurious experience over a busier, more party-heavy vacation.

Brand g aims to provide a nearly all-inclusive cruise experience , with Mercedes or small van airport transfers, upscale hotel stays prior to embarkation, and unlimited alcoholic beverages as well as meals included in the fare. As such, prices tend to be on the high end. Plus, cruisers can feel good about their trip knowing that Brand g donates to causes in the U.S. and around the world that assist LGBTQ refugees, AIDS organizations, LGBTQ centers and more.

In 2024, Brand g sails through unique waterways around the world, including the Amazon, the Loire, the Danube, the Mekong, and the Columbia and Snake rivers in the Pacific Northwest. The line's small cruise ship charters also take guests to Iceland, Spain, Morocco, Italy, Croatia and other European destinations.

Read: The Top River Cruise Lines

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Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises sets the scene for an excellent vacation for gay travelers, from its extravagant annual Pride parties to its daily LGBTQ programming throughout the year. The mainstream line has received numerous awards for its inclusivity, receiving accolades from the Cruizie Awards, TTG Travel Awards and Travel Weekly's Magellan Awards for being one of the best cruise lines for LGBTQ passengers.

LGBTQ cruisers can start their vacations off on a high note with a special welcome party on the first night of their voyage to meet other travelers on board. After night one, there are other social events for gay cruisers to party and hang out together. Additionally, Celebrity Cruises was the first cruise line to legally marry a couple at sea in 2018, and it continues to perform same-sex marriages on its ships.

Past cruisers enjoyed their voyages with Celebrity, noting that the line was welcoming, the food was delicious, and there were plenty of areas to hang out as a group with fellow LGBTQ passengers or other companions throughout the ship.

Although all itineraries are gay-friendly, consider booking a sailing during Pride Month in June for an extra special experience. Onboard entertainment during this month includes guest entertainers, a flag raising ceremony, Celebrity's signature Pride Party at Sea and more. The Italian Riviera & France cruise will depart from Barcelona on June 8, 2024, on the new Celebrity Ascent; this 10-night Mediterranean sailing stops at ports in France, Italy and Malta. Private travel companies like VACAYA also charter Celebrity ships for all-gay voyages throughout the year.

Read: Cruise Packing List: The Top Essentials for Any Cruise

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Specifically marketed toward lesbians and LGBTQ women, Olivia has hosted more than 350,000 travelers by land and sea over five decades. Cruisers can choose between river voyages or ocean sailings to destinations around the world. On the lesbian cruises, expect a mix of nostalgic decade-themed dance parties, folk singers, writing workshops, karaoke and other activities. Cruisers can also relax poolside, spend some time in the onboard spa or take it easy in one of the ships' lounges.

Travelers who are looking to connect with others who share similar backgrounds can do so in one of Olivia's specialized programs. There are group and solo traveler meetups, as well as programs like Sisters, which is for LGBTQ women of color; Gen-O, for cruisers 40 and younger; Women in Uniform gatherings, for veterans and those currently in the armed forces; and events for OWLs (which stands for "older, wiser lesbians"). Past cruisers on Olivia's voyages report feeling a true sense of community and belonging on board, resulting in a fun, carefree trip.

In June 2024, set sail with Olivia from Edinburgh, Scotland, to Dublin on Windstar Cruises' Star Legend. Or, visit the islands of Tahiti on the line's Star Breeze in September. Other cruise itineraries include Alaska, the Greek Isles, Mexico and the Panama Canal.

Read: The Best Girls Trip Ideas

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International provides a welcoming and inclusive experience for LGBTQ travelers. The popular cruise line frequently partners with Atlantis Events to offer all-gay voyages throughout the year, but even the standard sailings earn praise.

Highlights of the sailings are the ships' entertainment options (including the Tony Award-winning musical "Mamma Mia!") and attentive staff, according to past cruisers. Itineraries typically include LGBTQ meetups at the beginning of each cruise for gay travelers to meet like-minded passengers. Outside of the sailing experience, Royal Caribbean has also publicly committed to supporting the LGBTQ community throughout the year, and it was the first cruise line to earn the title "Gay Traveler Approved" from GayTravel in 2016.

In 2024, consider a Royal Caribbean voyage that sails to gay-friendly destinations. "Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, [is] full of gay bars, clubs and gay beaches," says Martinez. Hop aboard Navigator of the Seas in May for a seven-night sailing round-trip from Los Angeles that stops in Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Ensenada, Mexico. Navigator of the Seas also hosts a seven-night itinerary throughout the year that calls on Mazatlan, Mexico, as well.

Ready to plan a cruise? Find the best value sailings on  GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Courtesy of The Cruise With La Demence

According to past cruisers, if you're looking for one of the best party scenes on the open seas, consider an all-gay cruise with La Demence. Powered by a popular gay nightclub in Brussels with the same name, La Demence – French for "the madness" – primarily caters to a European crowd. Most passengers are male, though women are also welcome.

On board, passengers should expect to dance the night away at massive deck parties that last into the wee hours of the morning. The line prides itself on its top-notch DJs, impressive light setup and electric party atmosphere. Previous cruisers had high praise for the itineraries – which exclusively visit gay-friendly locations – as well as the fruity cocktails, themed nights (costumes strongly encouraged) and glamorous entertainment. Enjoy unique events like drag bingo, high heel runs and more.

La Demence sails every summer to European destinations like Greece, Italy and Malta. The 2023 cruise was chartered on Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas. Fares include all food and nonalcoholic beverages, plus access to all parties, shows and the onboard gym.

Read: The Top Party Cruises

Source Journeys has been planning luxury vacations for LGBTQ travelers for more than 20 years. The Miami-based company, with the vision of founder and chief executive officer Craig Smith, offers small group land tours and full-charter cruises for like-minded travelers with a focus on giving back to the communities they visit. The company also supports LGBTQ organizations, such as the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force and the Human Rights Campaign.

Past guests of their tours say their fellow travelers were as fun and interesting as the destinations. They appreciated the excellent personalized planning for the trips by Smith and his life partner, Rafael Rodriguez.

The company's cruises in 2024 include a seven-night Galápagos sailing in late September on a Relais & Chateau luxury yacht: Ecoventura's new ship, Evolve. The intimate ship accommodates just 20 passengers. Source Journeys is also offering a seven-night river cruise through Burgundy and Provence, France, in June on Avalon Waterways' Avalon Poetry II, as well as a seven-night voyage from Venice along the Dalmatian Coast. This ocean cruise scheduled in August is chartered on Star Clippers' masted sailing ship, Royal Clipper.

Frequently Asked Questions

When it comes to gay cruising, gone are the days of discreet "Friends of Dorothy" meetups. The term – a euphemism that dates back to the 1950s – was once used to indicate gay social events on daily cruise line programs, without explicitly calling out members of the community on board. It's a far cry from today's LGBTQ cruising industry, which loudly and proudly celebrates passengers from all walks of life.

According to experts, LGBTQ cruising is a market that will only continue to grow. Travelers can take their pick between cruise operators tailored specifically to queer communities and major cruise lines that offer festive Pride celebrations and inclusive onboard entertainment. As travel on the high seas continues to grow in popularity for vacationers, gay and lesbian travelers should consider setting sail on a fun-filled cruise vacation for their next trip.

When planning a cruise, vacationers should first consider what their ideal sailing looks like.

Gay-friendly vs. all-gay sailings: Cruisers should think about whether they'd like to travel aboard a gay-friendly mainstream line – such as Celebrity Cruises or Virgin Voyages – or opt for an all-gay, full-ship charter with a third-party vacation company.

"Each and every LGBTQIAPK person has a different level of comfortability in their 'outness,' " says Patrick Gunn, co-founder and chief marketing officer of LGBTQ vacation company VACAYA. Of VACAYA's all-gay charters, he adds, "For one magical week, our community gets to be the majority and live life out loud in the blissful utopia VACAYA creates on a gay cruise. That single change from being an always-minority to a sudden majority can have a profoundly positive real-world effect on individuals."

• Travel style: Some cruise operators (think: Atlantis Events and La Demence) are known for their electrifying all-night parties, which may be perfect for gay groups of friends. Meanwhile, other companies like VACAYA and Olivia look to provide a more diverse selection of activities, ranging from tea dances (LGBTQ parties that, historically, included tea service) to philanthropic service activities to immersive onshore experiences.
• Ports of call: Some of the most LGBTQ- and gay-friendly destinations for cruises include: Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Sydney; Barcelona, Spain; Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan; Helsinki; Quebec City; Auckland, New Zealand; Mykonos, Greece; Reykjavik, Iceland; Amsterdam; Tel Aviv, Israel; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and San Francisco. Countries that gay travelers may want to avoid include the Maldives, Jamaica, Morocco, Malaysia and Haiti, as homosexuality is illegal in these destinations.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has visited destinations around the globe on nearly every type of ship built, including the newest megaships, luxury yachts, expedition vessels, traditional masted sailing ships and intimate river ships on the Mekong River. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Cruise Lines
• The Top Solo Cruises (No Supplement Fare)
• The Top Themed Cruises
• The Top 3-Day Cruise Itineraries
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

Vacation Ideas for Every Traveler

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The cruise by la Demence 2016 edition July 22 2016 by misterb&b

For the past week, I had the experience of a lifetime on board The Cruise by La Demence . Cruising the beautiful Mediterranean alongside some of the most attractive men I've ever seen, visiting some of the most historic and opulent cities of the world, building friendships that will last the rest of my life - these were all things that made by journey aboard incredibly special and one that I'll never forget.

Our trip began in beautiful Barcelona . Before I boarded the cruise ship - called the Sovereign - I spent an extra day exploring this incredible city. There was so much on offer in the city that natives affectionately call BCN. Most importantly, Barcelona is one of, if not the most, gay-friendly city in all of Europe.

I absolutely loved the amazing architecture in Barcelona, especially Gaudí’s Guëll Park. The medieval splendor of the Barrio Gótico was also incredibly impressive. And that was before I hit the gay beaches: Barceloneta or Mar Bella. There were so many sexy men along these beaches - and throughout the entire Eixample neighborhood! But even the incredibly attractive gay men on the beaches of Barceloneta and Mar Bella didn't hold a candle to the kind of men I was about to meet onboard the Sovereign.

Once I boarded the ship in Barcelona, I was transported to another world. It was one that was almost magical: fun, friendly, and sexy guys along with plenty of activities, good food, and the pleasant ambience of the Mediterranean. That's what set my gay cruise experience apart.

After embarking from Barcelona, the opportunities presented on this cruise become immediately clear. La Demence team has worked incredibly hard to create environment where anyone - singles, couples, or groups of friends - can relax, have fun, and enjoy every moment.

On the first night aboard the Sovereign, I danced the night away - and made new friends doing it! The DJs aboard the ship were some of the most talented I've encountered at any the best clubs in Los Angeles and New York; La Demence has gone to incredible lengths to ensure these musicians are perfectly suited to the gay audience and today's hottest beats. 

I was pretty tired the first night, so I didn't hit the after party -- but the beats went on all night long and some of new friends said it was the time of their lives. I made a mental note and made sure I'd stay up past sunrise later in the trip.

We spent all of the second day of our journey at sea - and what a beautiful sea it is. The weather was perfect, which is typical for July and exactly why La Demence schedules their cruises for this time of year. I joined my cabinmate for a morning yoga session, which was led by an expert instructor. I'm relatively new to yoga but, despite being much more experienced than I am, the other guys in the class were incredibly friendly. 

Some of the guys wanted to eat after yoga, so we grabbed lunch at one of the restaurants onboard the ship. Then, I went back to my cabin to rest and, let me tell you, it was absolutely perfect for on-board relaxation. Even though my room had just a single porthole to the sea, it still yielded a beautiful view of the Mediterranean. The queen bed was comfortable and opulent, and the en suite bathroom offered plenty in the way of essential convenience.

Most important, as a single on the cruise, I was assigned to share a cabin with someone I didn't know before. I was a bit apprehensive at first, but it was a match made in heaven. My cabinmate and I have already been staying in touch and I can't wait until we are able to reconnect when I visit his city in a few months time.

In the afternoon, I took it easy with an appointment at the onboard spa. I had one of the most relaxing facials I have ever gotten in my life and loved the opportunity to gab with new friends about all the exciting events that were taking place on the ship and in the world. It was incredible!

Still at sea, I had a nice dinner at one of the ship's a la carte restaurant. It was healthy, with plenty of choices and options that appeal to guys who eat clean. It was the perfect set up for another night dancing under the stars of the Mediterranean with some of the sexiest men I had ever met. 

On Day 3, a couple of the guys I had met and the spa joined me to explore beautiful Málaga. The city was absolutely welcoming and we had a great time at many of the incredible historic and cultural sights. The architecture was incredible, especially the town's Gothic cathedral. One of my new friends was an art buff, so we also visited the city's Picasso museum. It was well worth it. Afterward, we shopped at several of Málaga's chic stores and I even cheated on my diet at one of the towns many modern bars by sampling fritura Malagueña, the delicious local fried fish. It was terrific!

I was stuffed so I skipped dinner back aboard and spent some time getting ready for the night ahead. And what a night it was! The DJs from the night before were back at it again and, with everyone starting to know each other, the dance floors were pulsing with the beats and the touch of so many attractive guys dancing together. 

The next morning we arrived in Cádiz, a city that completely lived up to its historical reputation. My cabinmate and I took a side trip to the beautiful city of Seville, the capital of Andalucia, where we enjoyed an amazing lunch at one of its bodegas. When we got back to Cádiz, we still had time to take a walking tour of the historic city center. It's peppered with interesting artifacts from Christopher Columbus' time in the city as well as a plethora of very exotic plants!

When we got back aboard the ship, I was exhausted. But I rallied with some of my new friends to go to dinner at the Wú Fusion restaurant on board the Sovereign. The asian fusion food was incredible - the kind you'd get at the best restaurants in New York or Paris. 

That set me up for an incredible night at the ship's Broadway Theatre. While cruise ship performances sometimes get a bad rap, the actors and dancers on board the Sovereign were absolutely incredible. I was spellbound and so was the rest of the audience. And I particularly loved the drinks that were served during the show; the cocktails were a perfect complement.

That night I stayed up late for the After Party on the pool deck. It was a blast, with hot guys and flowing drinks. There's a reason why La Demence calls the After Party - and all their incredible pool deck parties - Europe’s hottest and friendliest floating open-air gay party land. No detail was left unfollowed, down to the hot lights that showed off the even-hotter bodies on the dance floor. It was incredible. 

We were at sea the next day, Day 5 of our trip. I woke up late, enjoyed a nice lunch, and then partied at the pool. The swimsuits were plenty revealing and the other sexy guys throughout the pool deck were all friendly and open to chatting. The drinks flowed and the sun shined - it was a perfect day! 

In the afternoon, I went to the Tea Dance. There was a dance floor on the pool deck and the same DJ talent, but it was a more relaxed, light-hearted atmosphere perfect for the early evening hours. That night I enjoyed watching the High Heels Run across the ship. It was absolutely hilarious, and my friends and I couldn't stop laughing. 

The next day we arrived in Ibiza . There's a reason this place is an incredible gay landmark. The beaches were incredible. Some of the hottest men flock to the Es Cavallet gay beach on the island every summer and with La Demence you get to see them up close and personal. 

In addition, Ibiza's historic Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the friendly crew on the Sovereign helped steer me and my friends in the right direction so we knew exactly what sites to visit and what historic landmarks weren't worth our time.

Our stop in Ibiza was an incredible day on an incredible island. When we all grabbed a drink at dinner back aboard the ship, all my friends and I agreed that we couldn't wait to get back to Ibiza and that our journey had let us do it in one of the coolest ways possible.

I took a detour to the Sovereign's casino that night and - unexpectedly - had one of the best experiences of the whole trip. This isn't a dingy casino in the middle of nowhere, it's a pulsating, sleek and modern pleasure palace. The dealers were sexy and fun, the drinks were delicious, and the other gamblers were friendly and open. In short, it was everything I didn't expect but everything I loved about the entire trip.

That night I hit the greatest part of them all, an absolute blowout on the roof deck. I danced and partied with an incredibly sexy Australian - there are sexy guys from all over the world aboard the Sovereign - and had the time of my life doing it. (There's more to the story, but I'll leave that to your imagination!)

With that behind me, I prepared for our final stop: Valencia. Another city with a rich history, my friends and I loved the slower pace as we toured its historic old town. The modern museum complex (The City of Arts and Sciences) was particularly impressive.

Back aboard the ship, I couldn't believe that our journey was almost ending. The final night's parties were incredible, perfect for chatting with new friends and basking in the glory of the Mediterranean in summer. After this final tea dance, all my new friends and I crowded into the buffet for dinner - I think they saved the best food for last.

While this cruise definitely isn't cheap, it is incredible value for everything you get along with your journey. As I've mentioned the Sovereign is a nice cruise ship, the staff is friendly, the food is delicious, and the entertainment out of this world. There is something for everyone on this trip - and each day is a new and incredible adventure surrounded by other outgoing, fun gay men.

After experiencing The Cruise by Le Demence in 2016, I don't know how my life was ever complete without it. I am already planning on going on this once-in-a-lifetime trip next year and I'm working on convincing by best friends to do it with me. But whether you go as a single, a couple, or a pack of friends, you are guaranteed to having an amazing time.  

Photo credit : Matthieu with Karlisworld

Below are more pictures of the 2016 The Cruise by La Démence

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All our partner hotels offer you a LATE CHECKOUT

(only when booked through the below links)

WARWICK BRUSSELS ★★★★★

Our main partner hotel, located in the historical heart of Brussels, in the gay area, and 10 min. walk from Fuse club. Beside the Central Station with direct trains to and from airport. Late checkout at 15h00 (only when booked through the below links) Bookings through this link

nhow BRUSSELS BLOOM ★★★★

This new Urban and contemporary Art hotel will offer you an entirely new experience! The Creative Hub is a place where all different types of creativity come together, just like different people come together. Spacious rooms, late check out at 15h00 (only when booked through the below links), gym with panoramic view over Brussels and easy direct access to the Party. Bookings through  this link

NH COLLECTION BRUSSELS CENTRE ★★★★

Premium hotel in the city centre with spacious rooms, late check out at 15h00 (only when booked through the below links), hotel Gym and easy direct access to the Party. Breakfast with panoramic view over the city. Bookings through  this link

THE AUGUSTIN ★★★★

Boutique hotel that has just received a complete renovation. At walking distance from Brussels Midi train station, Fuse club, the city center and the gay neighbourhood. Very nice cocktail lounge bar and garden terrace. Late checkout at 16h00 (only when booked through the below links) Bookings through this link using promo code “Demence”

Design & high-tech hotel in the European Union district Direct metro to city center (4 stations) Late checkout at 16h00 (only when booked through the below links) Bookings through this link and indicate the code 14264 in the Corporate / Promo box

RENAISSANCE ★★★★

Renaissance Brussels offers spacious and comfortable rooms in a 4* environment. Relax before the party and enjoys our private indoor & heated swimming pool or get in shape in our fully equipped and professional Gym (including sauna), free of charge. At only 3 metro stops from the Fuse Club and a short walk from shops on boulevard de Waterloo. Easy connections with direct trains to and from the airport. Late checkout at 16h00 (only when booked through the below links) Book through this link

PULLMAN BRUSSELS CENTRE MIDI HOTEL ★★★★

The 4* Pullman Brussels Centre Midi will welcome you at only 12 walking minutes from Fuse Club in a spacious and designed fully furnished room. Perfectly located at the Midi train station at only 2min from your tram, Thalys, Eurostar, TGV, metro and bus. You will find a gym with a daylight as well as a sauna both included with your room on the 3rd floor of the hotel. Enjoy the late check-out until 16h00 (only when booked through the below links) Book through this link

WARWICK BARSEY HOTEL ★★★★

Located on the famous avenue Louise known for its luxurious shops. At walking distance from a tramway station leading to the city center and to Fuse Club (6 stations) Late checkout at 15h00 Bookings through this link 

Please use the Lead Booker’s E-mail address. You will find the Booking Number in the confirmation mail sent by The Cruise.