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.