Best Cruise Lines for Gay Cruises and Same-Sex Weddings
Updated: April 2024
In recent years, the cruise industry as a whole has continued to make huge improvements to the inclusivity of cruise holidays – especially when it comes to people who identify with any part of the LGBTQ+ spectrum. Now, with many offering fantastic programmes to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and promote diversity around the world, it’s never been a better time to hop on an unforgettable cruise getaway.
If you’re scouring the web for specifically gay-friendly events and activities, which are a great way to mingle and make memories no matter where you are in the world, or the best places to celebrate Pride more generally, you’re in luck. Below, you can find out more about the best gay cruise lines ahead of the summer, Pride celebrations, and beyond. Of course, though, anyone who identifies with any part of the LGBTQ+ spectrum will be welcome on any of the following - and you can find more top tips on LGBT cruises and LGBTQ+ cruise travel right here.
Celebrity Cruises
Cruise type: Large ship luxury cruises
Price range: Mid to high
Having been awarded LGBTQ+ Friendly Travel Company of the Year several times, as well as Best Large Ship Cruise Line for LGBTQ+ Passengers multiple years consecutively, Celebrity Cruises is undoubtedly an excellent choice when it comes to the best gay cruises and best gay cruise lines – it’s really something of an industry leader in this regard! Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend away, a luxurious city break, or to see your dream cruise wedding come to life, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to LGBT holidays with Celebrity Cruises. Their fleet of gay-friendly cruise ships offer fantastic cuisine and exciting activities, and you can even pick up some inclusive Celebrity Cruises drinks packages if you don’t want to worry about extra charges while enjoying the bars onboard.
Celebrity Cruises Highlight
After an unforgettable way to celebrate Pride this year, or in the future? Celebrity Cruises proudly host an annual Pride Party at Sea! From fun deck parties as the sun sets to colourful costume parties and craft activities, a gay cruise with Celebrity Cruises is a great way to kick off Pride – whether you’re holidaying alone, in a couple, or with friends and family.
Celebrity Cruises Gay Weddings
There really is nothing quite like a cruise wedding and, with Celebrity Cruises, your gay wedding will be legally recognised at sea! Officiated by the captain themselves, you can choose from a range of exciting packages to suit your tastes, needs, and budget. All you need to do is pick your itinerary, choose the perfect package for you, and then celebrity will ensure your dream wedding comes to life onboard.
Royal Caribbean
Cruise type: Large ship family cruises
Price range: Low to mid
Boasting a fleet of 26 huge cruise ships and award-winning LGBTQ+ friendly cruises, Royal Caribbean is a fantastic choice for family-friendly gay cruises. Through their ongoing commitment to celebrate diversity and inclusivity onboard, Royal Caribbean is often chartered for exclusive LGBTQ+ sailings and Pride 365 recognises the cruise line as an organisation publicly committed to being an active year-round supporter of the LGBTQ+ community. It can also provide legal gay weddings onshore in selected ports, if that’s something you’re interested in when looking at upcoming Royal Caribbean dates. Either way, though, no matter where in the world you are, you’re in for an action-packed and unforgettable LGBTQ+ friendly cruise with Royal Caribbean.
Royal Caribbean Highlight
Thanks to a seemingly endless array of innovative activities and attractions onboard, a Royal Caribbean gay cruise is a great choice for a family-friendly holiday. Guests of all ages will love the thrilling zip-lines, the indoor skydiving simulators, and the fantastic Flowrider surf machine. But, these activities aren’t just for kids – adults can enjoy all of them too! And, if you’re looking to let your hair down and dance the night away, Royal Caribbean ships always have a host of adult-only escapes, including the serene Solarium and a selection of bars and lounges. If that tickles your fancy, be sure to check out the Royal Caribbean drinks packages available and avoid any extra charges when it comes to drinks during your cruise holiday.
Royal Caribbean Gay Weddings
During select port days, Royal Caribbean are happy to provide perfect destination wedding packages so you can have the wedding of your dreams during your holiday. Legal same sex marriages are available while onshore, and symbolic ceremonies can be enjoyed at sea. Whichever you choose, Royal Caribbean are on hand to ensure everything – and all the finer details – comes together to create the perfect wedding cruise.
Carnival Cruise Line
Cruise type: Large ship family cruises
Price range: Low to mid
One of the largest cruise lines in the world, Carnival Cruise Line welcomes LGBTQ+ guests both onboard and throughout the company. They’re recognised for their commitment to the LGBTQ+ community, sponsor Pride events, and have introduced numerous non-discrimination policies throughout the cruise line. When sailing on a Carnival gay cruise, you’ll be delighted to find LGBTQ+ friendly events and activities throughout the available programme, and an abundance of entertainment and facilities especially suited to fun-loving families.
Carnival Cruise Line Highlight
It’s safe to say that a cruise holiday with Carnival Cruise Line is a real hit with those who love adventure and excitement. A day on the sea will never be dull thanks to the huge range of entertainment and activities on offer; sometimes you can try your hand at the hit game show Family Feud, other times you can marvel at the views from the impressive SkyRide. Or, why not splash about and speed down slides at the WaterWorks! The Red Frog Tiki Bar is also a great place to grab refreshment throughout the day – doubly so if you pick up one of the Carnival Cruise Line drinks packages for your holiday.
Carnival Cruise Line Gay Weddings
You can tie the knot in the stunning setting of your choice thanks to Carnival Cruise Line’s LGBTQ+ wedding ceremonies. With a range of add-ons available to any one of the Carnival Cruise Line dates you choose, they’re there to help you celebrate your love. One thing that’s worth keeping in mind, though, is that some ports may not allow same-sex weddings; Carnival, though, does offer symbolic ceremonies ashore and at sea, meaning you can still commemorate your marriage on your cruise holiday.
Disney Cruise Line
Cruise type: Large ship family cruises
Price range: Mid to high
A firm favourite for everyone looking for a little magic, Disney Cruise Line have established themselves as an inclusive option for the LGBTQ+ community, whether you’re visiting one of the incredible parks or enjoying a cruise holiday. Full of fun at every turn, guests young and old will enjoy meeting their favourite cast members and characters, taking part in a huge range of activities, and soaking the sun while on the seas. There’s also adult-entertainment and activities, so don’t worry if you think you’ll need a break from the kids.
Disney Cruise Line Highlight
If you’re a true Disney fanatic, you need to hop onto a Disney cruise. From classic Disney characters, to Star Wars and Marvel Cinematic Universe heroes, there are itineraries to suit every fan; some even offer an exclusive programme of activities focused on select members of Disney’s cast of characters, as well as those inspired by Christmas, Halloween, and New Years.
Disney Cruise Line Gay Weddings
For almost two decades now, Disney has welcomed same-sex marriages and LGBTQ+ weddings both in their resort parks and onboard their cruise holidays. From the perfect bouquet to magical music by a classical pianist, Disney Cruise Line will pull out all the stops to make sure you get the fairytale wedding of your dreams. So, make sure you’re checking out all the upcoming Disney Cruise Line dates right here.
Azamara Cruises
Cruise type: Small ship adult cruises
Price range: Mid to high
With a fleet of smaller ships equipped with luxury facilities, Azamara Cruises is a perfect option for LGBTQ+ couples and gay solo travellers looking for a quieter, more sophisticated gay cruise and LGBTQ+ friendly cruise holiday. Winning awards for being the Best Small Ship Cruise Line for LGBTQ+ Passengers in the past, they’re raising the bar in offering inclusive activities such as Meet and Mingle cocktail parties, unrivalled Broadway-style entertainment, and vibrant Pride-themed activities.
Azamara Cruises Highlight
Azamara Cruises prides themselves on creating the best range of hand-selected tailor-made excursions that will fully immerse you in the heart of the destination you choose to travel to. You’ll be delighted to have longer periods of time in port with Azamara Cruises, with numerous overnight stays included in your itineraries and guidance from Excursion Specialists. What’s more, on certain sailings, you’ll find both exclusively gay and specifically lesbian events both onboard and onshore – although, anyone who identifies with any part of the LGBTQ+ spectrum will likely be welcome to these. With upcoming Azamara Cruises dates, you’ll always be in great company, whether you’re travelling solo or with your loved ones.
Azamara Cruises Gay Weddings
If you’re looking to tie the knot at a rate of knots (okay, that one was bad!), then you’ll be pleased to know that Azamara Cruises offers a selection of additional services to help you have your dream cruise wedding. You’re going to have some trouble finding information specific to same-sex marriages with Azamara Cruises, but the cruise lines’ reputation as being incredibly inclusive and LGBTQ+ friendly does suggest that any same-sex celebrations will be more than welcome. It’s worth keeping in mind that same-sex weddings may not be allowed at some ports, and it may be worth getting in contact with Azamara Cruises themselves with specific questions if you’re looking forward to celebrating your wedding on the water.
Crystal Cruises
Cruise type: Luxury adult cruises
Price range: High
A firm favourite among those who enjoy the fine balance between luxury and adventure, Crystal Cruises have established themselves in recent years as an inclusive cruise line with a fleet of smaller vessels sailing worldwide. With world-class personalised service provided in lavish accommodation with equally-lavish amenities, you’ll find a range of exciting excursions and activities onboard – with entertainment catering towards LGBTQ+ guests on most itineraries. In fact, some Crystal sailings coincide with major LGBTQ+ events around the world, making it a fantastic cruise line to celebrate Pride. If this is something you’re interested in, make sure you check out all the upcoming Crystal Cruises dates right here ahead of the summer.
Crystal Cruises Highlight
If you’re looking for something even more unique from your cruise holiday, Crystal offers up a range of themed cruises throughout the year, covering everything from film, to music, specific fashions, and even theatre and classical art. These award winning itineraries combine the experience of being at sea with your favourite interests, which you’ll be able to share with like-minded guests.
Crystal Cruises Gay Weddings
For those of you wanting to celebrate your special day with Crystal Cruises during your cruise holiday, you’ll be pleased to know that this cruise line offers tailor-made packages with award-winning planning and amenities both onboard and ashore. They’re a little on the expensive side, but you should have no issues organising a same-sex marriage ceremony with Crystal Cruises. As always, though, it’s worth double-checking the laws of the countries you’re visiting if you’re hoping to have a destination wedding, and discussing the details with Crystal Cruises themselves.
Virgin Voyages
Cruise type: Premium adult-only
Price range: Mid
With Pride parties aplenty and itineraries littered with LGBTQ+ specific events and activities, you’ll be more than welcome – both as a solo gay traveller, or an LGBTQ+ couple – on Virgin Voyages. A primarily adult-only cruise line, you’ll be able to enjoy any one of the available Virgin Voyages Bar Tab - a drinks package available - on an LGBTQ+ cruise with luxury service, gender neutral bathrooms throughout, and an unforgettable inclusive experience.
Virgin Voyages Highlight
If the main thing you’re looking for in an upcoming cruise holiday is a stress free experience, then Virgin Voyages really is the perfect cruise line to sail with this summer – and beyond. With numerous premium dining options on every cruise ship, amenities like Wi-Fi and exercise classes often included in your fare, and a selection of sensational spas available, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more relaxing cruise getaway. Any and all upcoming Virgin Voyages dates you decide to check out will be more than welcoming to anyone who identifies with any part of the LGBTQ+ spectrum, too.
Virgin Voyages Gay Weddings
At the moment, Virgin Voyages is not offering any wedding celebration packages – so, you’ll have to look at another cruise line if you specifically want to have your big day during a cruise holiday. However, there are countless other celebration packages available and a Virgin Voyages cruise would be a fantastic option for any honeymoon cruise holidays you might have planned – LGBTQ+ couples included. So, if you want to celebrate a wedding with Virgin Voyages, it might be best to have the actual ceremony elsewhere and then enjoy a celebratory cruise with friends and family afterwards.
Other Cruise Lines Perfect for Gay Cruises and LGBTQ+ Cruise Holidays
If you’re looking for a warm and welcome cruise holiday as a gay solo traveller, a lesbian couple, or anyone who identifies with any part of the LGBTQ+ spectrum, you’ll find your options a lot more open than you might think. Norwegian Cruise Line, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Cunard are all LGBTQ+ friendly and offer a variety of LGBTQ+ specific activities and events during their cruises. Those of you looking to host a same-sex wedding with these cruise lines, though, may be disappointed – not because the cruise lines themselves aren’t wholly supportive of it, but due to changing laws in nations such as Bermuda. So, as always, if you’re planning to celebrate your marriage with a cruise holiday, it’s best to double check the local laws and regulations of anywhere you might be visiting beforehand – it’s better to be safe when making these important decisions.
Book Your Next Cruise Holiday With Iglu Cruise Today
If you want to experience a luxury cruise holiday with some of the finest cuisine and entertainment available on the seven seas, you should book your next cruise getaway with Iglu Cruise today. With so many of the best cruise deals available throughout the year, you’ll be certain to find the perfect escape for your budget and tastes.
In the meantime, here are a selection of blog posts worth checking out if you want to learn more about cruise ships, cruise holidays, and the industry as a whole: