5 Dream Cruise Itineraries for Gay Travelers
1. The Panama Canal
You can cruise many of the world’s canals. But the Panama Canal stands alone. Well-traveled gay cruisers will want to add this to their bucket list! Transiting from the Atlantic to the Pacific, in either direction, remains among this writer’s all-time top travel experiences. While a number of cruise lines offer “partial” Panama Canal experiences, I strongly recommend a full transit between the oceans, with a voyage starting in Los Angeles and ending in Fort Lauderdale.
A full transit of the Panama Canal is a MUST for your cruise bucket list! Photo: © Randall Shirley
2. The Hawaiian Islands
Hawaii boasts astonishing physical beauty and gay-friendliness. (The 50th state was the first to attempt to legalize same-sex marriage more-than 25 years ago.) However, this paradise offers no uncomplicated way to get around. Cruising gives you a way to visit the major islands without having to pay for hotels or queue at airports for pricey inter-island flights.
Although you can get to Hawaii round-trip from the West Coast on 2-week itinerary, my personal favorite remains the 7-night itinerary departing from Honolulu and visiting all four major islands, offered by NCL on their Pride of America. Some on board call it the “ gay Pride of America .”
3. The St. Lawrence River / Fall Colors Cruise
Mark and Dale returned from this voyage a few years ago with raves . My husband and I booked it for Fall, 2019, departing Quebec City and ending in Boston. I’ve previously visited most of the ports as a “land” traveler, and already know the exceptional treat this itinerary will be. As a gay traveler, I especially look forward to visiting ultra gay-friendly Canadian towns such as Halifax. The colorful leaves along the river will add to the romance.
4. A Transoceanic Voyage
Sometimes called “repositioning” cruises, many of these itineraries used to be in the best-kept-secret category. That seems have changed. Some itineraries have grown very popular, with higher prices and ships heavily sold.
My husband and I sailed just the Vancouver to Hawaii portion of a Celebrity repositioning cruise a couple of years ago and the ship was packed , including the portion onward from Hawaii to Australia. Many friends use trans-ocean voyages to start a trip to/from Europe. Since many of my gay cruise fans love time spent onboard ship as much as the ports we cruise to, these itineraries—with many back-to-back sea days—can make the perfect gay vaycay.
5. An All-gay Charter
I’ve sailed aboard on a lot of ships — both mainstream and all-gay itineraries — and all-gay voyages remain unique. Nothing compares to the freedom of sailing entirely with our own kind, that takes even the most-jaded, gay-ghetto-living gay person into a new dimension. Contrary to stereotypes, these cruises don’t function as floating bath-houses or endless parties (although you may find elements of these environments, all-gay cruises offer much more than that). All-gay cruises provide community building, friend-making, mind-freeing experiences that cannot be replicated outside the confinement of a cruise ship.
Note: Cruise travel and traveling-while-LGBTQ both go better if arrangements are made by someone who understands the ins and outs of cruise ships as well as lesbigaytrans culture. We strongly advise using the services of a travel agent who can get you the best deal on the ship accommodations that will suit you plus understand the preferences and concerns of queer travelers. We highly recommend the services of Adam Martindale , an out gay travel agent with decades of experience in the travel industry, including experience working on cruise lines.
