lesbiantravel.net

Gay cruises are one of the most popular vacation choices for gay and lesbian travelers. Taking a cruise is the ultimate in relaxation: simply get on the boat. There’s a ton of stuff to do once you’re onboard: eat and drink, enjoy entertainment, get spa treatments, swim, exercise, shop…the list goes on and on. What type of gay traveler are you? You’ll find options in each category for family gay cruises, singles gay cruises, or lesbian cruises. We’ve put together the top five gay cruising destinations to help you, so the hardest decision you’ll have to make is what to pack.

 

1) Alaska Gay Cruises

 

Alaska boasts more coastline than any other state, and you’ll see nature up close and personal on a gay Alaskan cruise. You’ll be able to tell your friends about the whales, bears, eagles and moose you saw along the way. Routes vary: some boats travel to Denali National Park while others head far north towards Prudhoe Bay. Most people don’t expect the balmy temperatures of an Alaskan cruise, nor the longer daylight hours. While ports of call vary, you’ll probably stop in Juneau, Skagway and Sitka. If you’re on a smaller gay Alaska cruise, you may even get closer to the fjords and glaciers along the way. To sample some local culture, visit an Alaskan Brewing Company, or hike the Mendenhall Glacier. You can choose from various departure and return ports including San Francisco, Vancouver or Seattle.

 

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

 

Baja California and the Mexican Riviera are the most popular cruise spots, each boasting colorful villages, open air markets, spicy cuisine, water sports (we’re talking scuba diving and parasailing, you), and of course, relaxing beaches. A great deal of the appeal of Mexico gay and lesbian cruises is that the temperature is warm and inviting year round. Dance all night in nearby hotspots, stroll small towns, explore a rainforest, swim through underwater caverns, and climb Mayan pyramids. (Remember also to drink your weight in margaritas).

 

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.

 

Tags: gay and lesbian cruises, Gay Cruises, gay cruising