Gay cruising

There are two types of gay cruises: those that use chartered ships and those that reserve blocks of cabins on amenable cruise lines, both of which are arranged through specialised agencies. If an agency charters an entire ship for a gay cruise - from small vessels to large mainstream ships - the cruise may cost significantly more than group cruises on standard vessels. However with a chartered gay cruise, passengers are assured of an entire cruise with like-minded people and have already proven popular, often selling out up to six months in advance. Gay cruises also have a very high number of repeat passengers.

Chartered gay cruises often hold specialised cocktail parties early in the voyage for passengers to get to know one another as well as costume contests, matchmaker games and singles parties. Prominent gay entertainers may perform and dance parties are frequent evening events. Shore excursions on gay cruises may be arranged to visit gay communities in ports of call and onboard seminars covering gay issues are also offered.

Gay cruisers can choose to participate in planned activities or selectively indulge in the sessions they are interested in. Gay cruising is a great way to meet people through organised activities and entertainment. Some agencies, such as R Family Vacations, also offer family-focused gay cruising, which gives gay and lesbian parents a chance to meet other families, providing interaction that can be invaluable for children.

Companies that organise gay cruising include RSVP Vacations, Atlantis Events and Olivia.