The most established lesbian cruise company is definitely Olivia. You can pick from totally singles lesbian cruises, or a mix of singles and couples. On a mixed singles and couples Olivia cruise, you’ll wear a different colour wrist band if you’re single, so other people on the cruise know you’re traveling solo. As well, some mixed cruises will have separate dining rooms so the singles can mix and match.

You can opt for an all-singles lesbian cruise if you prefer to mingle with singles during your vacation. It may be daunting to think of sailing the seas alone, on a lesbian cruise, with nobody to eat dinner with, nobody to sit by the pool with, and nobody to spend your days and nights with. But, you know what? It’s not. It’s a chance to see amazing sights, meet new people, and be comfortable traveling single.

Coming up in October is the Olivia Caribbean Halloween cruise. Check out eight reasons to book a cruise this fall:

1. Guests like Elvira Kurt, the Wau Wau Sisters and Carlease.
2. Leisha Hailey from the L Word has just been added for a personal Q&A.
3. A Halloween costume contest with a $1,000 prize.
4. Good Vibrations sex seminars with sexologist Dr. Carol Queen. Some of the workshop topics include: Flirting 101; Spicing it up with Toys, Spice Up Your Vacation, and You’re into What? When someone you love is kinky.
5. 1250 lesbians aboard the ship ready to celebrate Halloween.
6. Stops in Belize, Cozumel, Key West and Guatemala for Fantasy Fest. There are only four nights a year that cruise ships can stay past sunset, and this is one of them.
7. Entertainment like the Oldywed/Newlywed game and hilarious comedy performances.
8. Larger-than-normal Holland America staterooms, beautiful sea views from dining rooms, and gorgeous teak deaks.

The best cruise deals I’ve seen are actually on Travelocity (lowest cruise rates are guaranteed). Take Advantage of Travelocity’s Top Cruise Deals.

1) Alaska Gay Cruises

Another Alaska Sunset

2) Caribbean Gay Cruises

A Caribbean cruise is all about sun, sand and rum. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to stretch out on the seemingly endless stretches of beach, and enjoy local highlights like rainforest zip-lining, calypso music and traditional Caribbean restaurants. I highly recommend swimming with sea turtles, diving or snorkeling to check out the sea life. Take your pick from Eastern, Western or Southern Caribbean destinations, all of which have busy local markets, hot nightlife and of course, laid back island hospitality. Anytime is the right time to go, but temperatures soar in the summer.

3) Mexico Gay Cruises

Sunday Market

4) Hawaii Gay Cruises

Hawaii is perfect if you don’t have a lot of time to spend getting to the port and back. The Caribbean and Mexico are amazing destinations, but you need to have a good chunk of time to get there and really explore them. Spend your days sunbathing on the stunning beaches, visit lush jungles and volcanoes, hang out at a luau, and dine on fresh fish and seafood. Hawaii is uber touristy at Spring Break and Christmas, with summer having the smallest crowds. Hawaii is notorious for rainy periods – don’t let a week long downpour spoil your vacation. Make sure you know what the weather will probably be like before you book.

5) Europe Gay Cruises

What better way to explore the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Western Europe or the Transatlantic than a European cruise? Visit the top museums and art galleries in the world, see ancient architecture and landmarks, and sample each areas cuisine. If you want warmth, go in summer, if you prefer smaller crowds, wait until fall, or if you are looking for cheap prices, head over in winter. If you choose a European gay or lesbian cruise, don’t go with the intent not to overindulge – sample freshly baked pastries and breads, potent cheeses, rich desserts and amazing wines until your pants burst. Also recommended: bring some dressy outfits as going out to dinner or a nightclub in Europe is a classy affair.