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RIO GAY TOURS - PRIVATE TOURS (Rio de Janeiro) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Gay Rio Rio de Janeiro City Guide

Not letting its flawless golden beaches, verdant toucan-filled rainforest, or cosmopolitan city vibes go to its head, Rio de Janeiro boasts a playful charm that’s hard to find elsewhere. Whether it’s dancing the night away to sultry samba rhythms, snacking on smoky, street-side churrascaria, or hiking past monkeys in the lush mountains, there’s something for everyone in Rio de Janeiro. Elected as the world’s sexiest and best gay destination two years running and Carnival world capital since, like, forever, it’s little wonder why they call Rio the Wonderful City. As well as the gay-loving carnival street parties that take over the city at Easter and the Copacabana beach Pride Parade in November, Rio’s Farme de Anaedo Street in Ipanema flies the flag for the rest of the year. Wondering what to do in Rio de Janeiro for the vacation of a lifetime? Here’s your definitive Rio de Janeiro gay travel guide.

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The best hotels in Rio de Janeiro

Let’s start our Rio de Janeiro gay city guide with a roundup of the best places to stay in Rio. If you want to base yourself in Ipanema, then  Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro  is the obvious choice. In addition to impeccable service, this trendy 5-star hotel boasts a swoon-inducing infinity pool with luxurious day beds that look out over Rio’s magical natural landscape – where the Two Brothers mountain peaks meet the sea. More awesome views are to be had at La Suite by Dussol , a cliff-side retreat nestled within the exclusive hilltop neighbourhood of Joatinga. Here you’ll be greeted with intimate surroundings, light and spacious rooms and a world-class ocean view. Complete with its own palm-shaded infinity pool and a range of spa services, La Suite also has another secret advantage; its own private beach.

Not one to be outdone, Emiliano Rio is another of Rio’s best accommodation offerings fitted with a much-coveted outdoor infinity pool. Enviably located on the front of Copacabana Beach, this hotel features architecture to compliment the natural light and sea views surrounding, as well as all the necessary modern amenities. Additional services include an on-site spa, fitness centre and organic restaurant that cooks up contemporary Brazilian cuisine. Encircled by acres of lush greenery,  Vila Santa Teresa combines the luxuries of a historic, private villa with a boutique hotel in the heart of the city’s bohemian Santa Teresa district. The estate boasts soaring views of Rio de Janeiro’s infamous Sugarloaf Mountain and Guanabara Bay, a surreal backdrop that creates a sense of privacy and adventure.

Last but not least is the unique Hotelinho Urca Guest House , a gay-owned and operated B&B at the base of Sugarloaf Mountain. Backgrounded by Morro da Urca Rock and foregrounded by a small secluded beach, this stylish guesthouse is also just minutes away from the sandy shores of Praia Vermelha and Praia da Urca. A perfect base for lovers of sunsets, scenery and nature, this modern hotel with antique features comes with its own sun terrace, pool and unbeatable sea views.

Villa Santa Teresa | Photo: Dhani B

- Gay Rio - Rio de Janeiro

Hotel Fasano

Boasting a rooftop pool with stunning sea views, Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro offers luxurious beachfront accommodations on Ipanema Beach.

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La Suite by Dussol

Charming guesthouse which boasts an exquisite infinite pool and is finely decorated. Guests can enjoy a spa and wellness centre, as well as taste the recipes at the guesthouse´s a la carte restaurant.

Vila Santa Teresa

Offering a year-round outdoor pool and views of the sea, Vila Santa Teresa Hotel & Spa is situated in the Santa Teresa district in Rio de Janeiro.

Emiliano Rio

Boasting an outdoor infinity pool, Emiliano Rio is set in a privileged location in Rio de Janeiro, beachfront to Copacabana Beach.

Hotelinho Urca Guest House

Morro da Urca Rock stands behind this stylish guest house, located only 500 m from Praia Vermelha and Praia da Urca beaches. It boasts panoramic sea views from its sun terrace and pool.

Belmond Copacabana Palace

The elegant 5-star Belmond Copacabana Palace offers luxurious rooms with marble bathrooms and panoramic ocean views, located on Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beachfront.

Best Western PREMIER Arpoador Hotel

Located 300 m from the famous Ipanema Beach, Best Western PREMIER Arpoador Fashion Hotel features free a spa centre and on-site restaurant.

Explore more hotels like this in Rio de Janeiro

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Rio Gay Tours - Private Tours

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RIO GAY TOURS - PRIVATE TOURS (Rio de Janeiro) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

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A perfect Rio vacation with Marcelo! - Rio Gay Tours - Private Tours

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A perfect Rio vacation with Marcelo!

Traveling alone on a last-minute, hastily planned trip in a city where everyone warns you, 'YOU NEED TO BE CAREFUL,' can seem daunting. My time in Rio was incredible and not the least bit scary, thanks to Marcelo. Marcelo showed me the best of Rio, its beauty and culture, and also helped me understand the challenges and dangers. Besides his well-researched understanding of Rio's gay life (I did both the beach and nightlife tours), Marcelo is also extremely knowledgeable about Rio from a historical and cultural perspective. Marcelo promptly picked me up every morning (or night), and we had perfectly planned days and unforgettable experiences. Being with Marcelo is like being with a learned, fun, dear friend. He is so easy to talk to (in English) and was flexible when I needed to make schedule changes. He allowed me to bring a new friend along without charging extra, even though I offered. I would definitely suggest listening to his restaurant recommendations -- they were some of my favorite meals. I really can't say enough great things. He made my trip, and I would have been miserable on a bus tour.

The best decision I made for my first day in Rio was have Marcelo as my guide. His English is perfect and his knowledgeable details of the places we visited added so much texture to the rest of my trip. He’s such an amiable guy. We ended up having dinner together and just walking the city after a long day of touring. He started as my guide, but quickly became my friend. His car is super comfortable, too. You’ll not be sorry if you choose Marcelo. He’s the best!

Marcelo started out as my tour guide but instantly became my friend. If you’re looking for someone to keep you safe, provide knowledge of Rio and take amazing pictures, BOOK MARCELO. I could not recommend him more. Thank you for everything buddy!

Thank you Marcelo! I had a great time touring Rio and experiencing Carnaval with you! Super fun. I def would recommend your tours to my friends.

Marcelo was a fantastic guide to gay nightlife in Rio - especially because it was our first night in town for Carnaval. We’ve been to Rio a few times already, but the tour was still worth every penny. He gave us great knowledge about bars, clubs, saunas, and Carnaval parties - the kind only a local can offer. He was friendly and gracious too. He met us across the street from our AirBnB in Ipanema and led us on a Saturday night adventure around the city to LGBTQ+ clubs we hadn’t read about in US guidebooks. We had dinner together at a restaurant along the Escaderia Seladon. Then he walked us through the wildness of a weekend night in Lapa during Carnaval, pointing out great samba houses as well as interesting architecture. We ventured to two clubs - one we’d wandered past before and hadn’t even realized was a gay club; the second, on the waterfront in Botafogo, had amazing views of the harbor. The men on the dance floor were equally gostoso. I’d do a tour with him again in a heartbeat.

Marcelo spent 4 days/night and showed me the natural beauty, the people and the history of this amazing, diverse city. Before the trip, we communicated extensively and he designed the tours to cover various areas, vibes of the city including obligatory tourist spots as well as day and night and gay life of the locals. He was very intuitive and picked up my interests in architecture, history and culture early on then he integrated into the subsequent days. He was not just a tour guide, a wing man but also like a close friend and travel companion on my solo trip to Rio. He brought me to many beautiful places of the city, remote beaches, shared with me the rich, glorious history and introduced me to many of the delicious cuisines and fun local hang outs. I lost count of all the impromptu stops we made to accommodate my interests. I learned so much about the amazing city and country now I am considering a part time residence there. I would definitely recommend Marcelo to anyone who wants to fully experience the amazing Rio.

Rio Gay Tours - Private Tours

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Rio Gay Tours - Private Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Selected as the most popular gay destination in the world, gay Rio de Janeiro takes beach culture to a whole new level. With its year-round warm temperature and breathe-taking landscape, Rio has become the hallmark of gay beach travel. Experience Rio's popular Copacabana, the shopping, and the festivals that transport you to a place that moves at its own pace. We know the best places to eat, sleep, drink, and repeat so you don’t miss anything on your gay Rio de Janeiro adventure.

Frescobol Carioca & Mr. Porter Bring Rio Flare to Long Island

The brand displayed their Rio-inspired collection at a two-day pop-up.

Slideshow: Carnaval in Rio, 2017

Gay Rio de Janeiro since 1996

Gay Rio de Janeiro is a Favorite

Is it the sunny weather , the gorgeous people, the laid-back beach lifestyle , the rich culture, the fantastic scenery ,   legendary parties , Carnaval ? 

We guess it’s a combination of all factors. Rio is one of the most popular gay travel destinations in the world. It is estimated that one out of every five visitors coming to Rio are gay or lesbian *.

As Carioca courtesy demands, enjoy a cup of Brazilian coffee before we begin our journey into Gay Rio de Janeiro. Or an ice-cold açai berry smoothie sprinkled with freshly ground guaraná. We hope you enjoy the ride!

Is Rio for Me?

Of course! Rio is a city that caters to all tastes.

Is Rio LGBTQ+ friendly?

The short answer is yes. We are happy to elaborate.

When is high season?

Summer, from December to March, is High Season. Carnaval is the main event.

Travel Essentials

Everything to make your travel planning easier: visas, weather, language, money matters, getting around, phone, and Wi-Fi.

Main Attractions

Rio's most famous attractions come with a view. Enjoy the Corcovado and the Sugarloaf, parks, beaches, and lovely neighborhoods.

Where to Stay

We help you find your way around, explaining in detail the best areas to choose in Rio. The city offers accommodation in all price ranges.

Of course, it is! Rio offers a unique combination of lovely people, history, culture, nature, parties, and a sizable gay scene.

LGBTQ+ Rights

Brazil is among the countries with the highest social acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community, and the law is on your side. Know your rights.

The Gay Beach

Since the 1980s, the gay beach spot in Ipanema has been a Gay Rio de Janeiro reference. This is where all tribes get together, relax, and make friends.

Clubs & Parties

Gay Rio de Janeiro's nightlife is a big attraction. In addition to the clubs and local parties, the best circuit parties land in town during high season.

Carnaval in Rio

A celebration that lasts a whole month and peaks on Mardi Gras weekend. Parades, street blocos, and balls. If you want to party non-stop, this is it.

New Year's Eve

Over two million people attend New Year's Eve festivities at Copacabana Beach. Be there. Enjoy gay warm-up and recovery parties.

Pride Parade

Rio de Janeiro Pride Parade happens at Copacabana Beach, the 'Princess of the Sea.' The whole LGBTQ+ alphabet is well represented.

Safety Tips

Rio is a city of social contrasts and your behavior matters. Be streetwise and take precautions, such as ensuring your smartphone makes sense.

Gay Magazine

Gay Rio de Janeiro | This is where we publish novelties and articles on LGBTQ+ culture, travel, entertainment, and other favorites.

When we went online in 1996, we were among the first travel guides openly catering to the LGBTQ+ community. Sometimes, we open doors that nobody realized were closed.

At our full-service travel agency in Ipanema, we dealt in a professional capacity with international LGBTQ+ visitors for two decades. Use our expertise in your favor! Read more!

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RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL

To get the best experience in rio de janeiro you need to book one of our local friendly tour guides. they will be able to show you around, make you feel like a local. whether you want to see the tourist sites or visit places off the beaten track and discover new experiences, then our guides4me guide is there to make it happen..

Bianca is 33 years old, LGBT friendly and speaks English, Spanish and Portuguese.

She is graduated in tourism. in addition to this, she has masters in public policies and a phd in social sciences. she is an expert in culture and social heritage. she is a licensed guide with a lot of experience in both rio de janeiro and sao paolo. so if you’re looking for a friendly and knowledge guide, then book bianca, we can assure you, you will have a truly unforgettable experience., total cost for the guide services of bianca for one day (8 hours) = a booking fee of usd 33 via paypal, debit / credit cards, bank transfer or crypto currency plus usd 70 in cash to bianca after her services. this makes a total of usd 103., this excludes any transport, entrance fees or any food & beverage costs..

“Very professional and enthusiastic tour guide with official licence. Reliable, organized and fluent english-speaking with perfect knowledge about Brazil. I booked her for several trips and I can just recommend her. ” Markus , Finland

Phelipe is 36 years old, LGBT friendly and speaks English, Spanish and Portuguese.

A party animal who loves to have fun. a well experienced explorer who has visited many south american countries and the usa. in his free time, he enjoys reading, theatre, movies, arts and photography. if you want to feel you are exploring the city with a real friend, you can count on him as his moto is to make friends instead of guests., total cost for the guide services of phelipe for one day (8 hours) = a booking fee of usd 33 via paypal, debit / credit cards, bank transfer or crypto currency plus usd 90 in cash to phelipe after his services. this makes a total of usd 123..

“Phelipe was an excellent host and guide. He asked about my wishes and made great recommendations. We had dinner, some walking, enjoying the neighbourhood of Copacabana, and then he took me to a club. A good time and great company!” Pierre , France

Andrea is 51 years old, LGBT friendly and speaks English and Portuguese.

Jack of all trades and forever seeking and sharing knowledge. she loves movies and theatre. also an avid reader and enjoys a good book. in addition to this, she is a huge foodie and loves trying new restaurants. she wants to share all this food and cultural knowledge with her guests. you won’t be disappointed., total cost for the guide services of andrea for one day (8 hours) = a booking fee of usd 33 via paypal, debit / credit cards, bank transfer or crypto currency plus usd 70 in cash to andrea after her services. this makes a total of usd 103..

“Very professional and friendly tour guide with perfect knowledge about Rio de Janeiro. She knows some great restaurants, of which I would have never found without her, thanks ” Mags, Norway,

Manu is 50 years old, LGBT friendly and speaks English, Spanish and Portuguese.

He has been a tour guide since 2007 and is accredited by the brazilian government. he has a post graduate in tourism and is a qualified english teacher. having lived previously in the usa for 4 years, therefore his english is excellent. his hobbies are dancing and going to the movies, but he also loves the outdoors and is passionate about sailing and hang-gliding. so if you want a highly experienced guide who also loves a bit of thrill, then manu is your man, total cost for the guide services of manu for one day (8 hours) = a booking fee of usd 33 via paypal, debit / credit cards, bank transfer or crypto currency plus usd 90 in cash to manu after his services. this makes a total of usd 123., our other destinations in brazil are  ilha de itamaraca |  joao pessoa  |  manaus | natal | novo airao | parintins  |  pipa beach  |  recife | sao paolo | tamandare., rio de janeiro may not be the capital of brazil. however it definately has the vibe of a vibrant city. besides the famous beaches, you can enjoy its cuisine, people and music., why not visit the christ the redeemer. you can’t miss him, he will be looking down on you from mount corcovado. you may prefer to take a cable car to the top of sugar loaf mountain., if water sports are your thing. then why not take a boat to guanabara bay. or a fast boat to ilha grande or take some water transport to angros dos reis., whatever you choose to do in rio de janeiro, it will be a unique and memorable experience of a lifetime, with a guides4me guide, who will look after you and by the end of the trip you’ve made a best friend., a map of local hotels with discounts up to 60%, the cheapest flights to rio de janeiro, per month, latest blog post list.

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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

Tags: Travel , Cruises , Vacations

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