Updated October 2026 for the 2027 cruise season, with new dates, ships, ports and starting prices.
Okay, let's talk about gay cruises, because every year somebody asks me the same thing: which one should I actually book? And here's the thing. A few years ago the answer was pretty much "Atlantis, or Atlantis." Now there are cruises built specifically for Black gay men, bear cruises, luxury small-ship charters, river cruises through Europe and cheap little Bahamas weekends. That's a LOT of options, and they are not all the same vibe.
So I went back through this whole list and updated it for 2027. For every cruise you'll get the next sailings I could confirm, the ship, where it leaves from and the starting price the operator is advertising. These are published starting fares as of October 2026, and they change (and sell out) fast, so always check with the operator before you get attached to a cabin. I also added where to stay before you sail, depending on which port you're leaving from, because missing your ship because your flight was late is NOT the story you want to tell.
Full Charter or Group Sail? Know What You’re Booking
Before we get into the list, you need to know this, because it changes everything about the trip. A full charter means the gay company books the whole ship. Every single person on board is part of the party, the whole ship is programmed for you, and you're not sharing the pool deck with somebody's grandma from Ohio. Atlantis, VACAYA and Brand g are the big names here.
A group sail means a gay or Black LGBTQ+ group books a block of cabins on a regular cruise. You get your own private parties, events and meetups, but the rest of the ship is regular passengers. These are usually cheaper and smaller, and honestly, a lot of the Black gay cruises run this way. Neither one is better, they're just different. Want a floating Pride festival? Go charter. Want a tight-knit crew and a lower price? Go group.
2027 Gay Cruises at a Glance
| Cruise | Type | Next sailing I could confirm | Leaves from |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Odyssey Pride | Black gay men, luxury | Oct 31–Nov 6, 2026 (2027 TBA) | San Juan |
| 2. The Pride Aftershow | Black gay men, group sail | 2027 interest list open | Miami |
| 3. BMEN Cruise Party | Men of color, group sail | July 10–15, 2027 | Virgin Voyages (port TBA) |
| 4. Atlantis | All-gay charter | Mar 7–14, 2027 + more | Miami, San Juan, Barcelona, Athens |
| 5. Big Gay Cruise | LGBTQ+ group sail | Jan 28–Feb 6, 2027 + more | Miami, Galveston |
| 6. VACAYA | LGBTQ+ charter | Feb 14–21, 2027 + more | Fort Lauderdale, Europe |
| 7. Brand g | Luxury LGBTQ+ charter | June 8–15, 2027 + more | Amsterdam, Athens, more |
| 8. BearCruise | Bears and friends | May 6–10, 2027 + more | Miami, Southampton, Boston |
| 9. Virgin Voyages gay takeovers | LGBTQ+ group sails | Apr 17–24, 2027 | Miami |
| 10. LGBTQ+ groups on major lines | Group sails | Jan–Oct 2027 | Miami, Portsmouth, Mallorca |
1. Odyssey Pride: The Black Gay Luxury Cruise
Odyssey Pride is billed as the first luxury cruise made specifically for Black gay men, and the inaugural sailing is happening RIGHT NOW, as in Halloween 2026. It's a seven-night Caribbean trip on Virgin Voyages' Valiant Lady out of San Juan, Puerto Rico, with a pre-party in San Juan the night before, then stops in Curaçao, Aruba, Martinique and St. Kitts & Nevis.
It is NOT cheap. Starting prices were around $4,262 per person sharing a cabin and $4,399 for a solo cabin, but they're selling it as all-inclusive. If you've ever been on a "gay" cruise and counted the Black men on one hand, you already understand why something like this matters. Dates for a 2027 sailing haven't been announced yet, so follow Odyssey Pride on Instagram (@odysseypride) and jump on it when they drop.
Next sailing: October 31 to November 6, 2026 (2027 dates TBA)
Ship: Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady
Leaves from: San Juan, Puerto Rico
From: About $4,262 per person, double occupancy
Website: odysseypride.com
Getting into San Juan early? Walk Old San Juan, hit the beach in Condado, or book a day trip to El Yunque rainforest or the bioluminescent bay. See the best things to do in San Juan on GetYourGuide.
Sailing From San Juan? Here’s Where to Stay
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hotel El Convento – Old San Juan icon – Click here for rates & availability
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Condado Vanderbilt – Condado luxury – Click here for rates & availability
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ O:LV Fifty Five – Adults-only Condado – Click here for rates & availability
⭐⭐⭐⭐ AC Hotel San Juan Condado – Solid Condado value – Click here for rates & availability
⭐⭐⭐ Caribe Hilton – Beach resort classic – Click here for rates & availability
2. The Pride Aftershow: A Black Gay Group Sail on Virgin Voyages
The Pride Aftershow is a smaller group cruise celebrating Black gay men, organized by travel advisor Hank Smart through Dream Vacations. The 2026 sailing went out of Miami on Virgin Voyages' Resilient Lady with stops in Grand Turk and Bimini, and cabins started around $1,145 per person sharing. That's a WAY easier price point than a full luxury charter, which is exactly why I like having it on this list.
Because it's a group sail, you get your own parties and events with the crew, plus everything Virgin includes, like Wi-Fi, no buffets and an adults-only ship. The 2027 trip hasn't been posted yet, but they're taking names on an interest list, so get on it now if you want first dibs. And since this books through the organizer, book through their page, not straight through Virgin, or you won't be part of the group.
Next sailing: 2027 dates TBA (interest list open)
Last sailing: August 8 to 13, 2026, Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady
Leaves from: Miami
From: About $1,145 per person, double occupancy (2026 pricing)
Book through: The Pride Aftershow page
Flying into Miami a day early? A Biscayne Bay boat tour past the celebrity mansions is the move. Browse Miami boat tours on GetYourGuide.
Sailing From Miami? Here’s Where to Stay
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ InterContinental Miami – Harborfront, near port – Click here for rates & availability
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hilton Miami Downtown – Central and easy – Click here for rates & availability
⭐⭐⭐⭐ citizenM Miami Worldcenter – Modern, great value – Click here for rates & availability
⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Elser Hotel – Suites by Bayside – Click here for rates & availability
⭐⭐⭐ Shelley Hotel – South Beach budget – Click here for rates & availability
3. BMEN Cruise Party: Men of Color on Virgin Voyages
BMEN is a party for gay men of color and friends, run by Wes and Friends, and the first one actually happened back in 2018 at The Grand Resort and Spa in Fort Lauderdale. It came back on the water with Virgin Voyages in 2026, and BMEN Part 2 is already on the calendar for July 10 to 15, 2027.
This one is more about the party and the community than luxury, so expect themed nights, a big crew and a lot of fun. You book your Virgin cabin and buy a BMEN pass to be part of the events. The website doesn't list the ship or ports yet, so text the organizer before you book flights. Most Virgin Caribbean sailings leave from Miami, so if that's where it lands, the Miami hotels above have you covered.
Next sailing: July 10 to 15, 2027
Ship: Virgin Voyages (ship and port TBA)
How it works: Book your cabin, then buy a BMEN pass
Website: wesandfriends.com
4. Atlantis Events: The Classic All-Gay Charter
Atlantis is the OG. Thousands of mostly gay men, the whole ship chartered, DJs, Broadway-level shows, drag and theme parties every single night. If you want the full floating-Pride experience, this is it. Their 2027 lineup is stacked, and a lot of it is on Virgin Voyages ships now.
The big one is the Epic Caribbean on Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas, March 7 to 14, 2027, from Miami to Nassau, Cozumel and Roatán, starting at $1,499. There's also a Southern Caribbean sailing on Virgin's Valiant Lady from San Juan (March 27 to April 3, from $1,499), Barcelona to Rome on Resilient Lady (August 8 to 17, from $1,799) and the Greek Isles round trip from Athens on Scarlet Lady (August 22 to 29, from $1,299), with Mykonos and Santorini on the itinerary. Still trying to sail in 2026? The Thanksgiving Caribbean cruise leaves Miami November 22, from $1,299.
And if you're a Puerto Vallarta person like me, the November 7 to 14, 2026 Atlantis cruise from San Diego stays late in PV. My gay guide to Puerto Vallarta will tell you exactly what to do with that night.
Next sailings: Mar 7–14 (Caribbean), Mar 27–Apr 3 (Southern Caribbean), Aug 8–17 (Barcelona to Rome), Aug 22–29 (Greek Isles), 2027
Leaves from: Miami, San Juan, Barcelona, Athens
From: $1,299 to $1,799 per person, double occupancy
Website: atlantisevents.com
Starting in Barcelona? Get there early and do a day or two in the city. See the best things to do in Barcelona on GetYourGuide.
Sailing From Barcelona? Here’s Where to Stay
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Axel Hotel Barcelona – Gay Eixample icon – Click here for rates & availability
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hotel Arts Barcelona – Beachfront luxury – Click here for rates & availability
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ W Barcelona – Beachfront party – Click here for rates & availability
5. Big Gay Cruise: The Budget-Friendly Gay Party
Big Gay Cruise is a group sail, not a full charter, so you're on a regular Royal Caribbean ship with a big LGBTQ+ crew of a few hundred people and your own drag shows, parties and events. That's also why it's one of the cheapest ways to do a gay cruise, which, hello.
The 2027 headliner is a nine-night Southern Caribbean trip on Freedom of the Seas, January 28 to February 6, from Miami to Curaçao, Aruba, Cabo Rojo in the Dominican Republic and CocoCay. Inside cabins were starting around $1,500 to $1,750 for two people, depending on where you look. Short on time? There's a four-night Bahamas trip on Wonder of the Seas, May 3 to 7, 2027, and a Halloween cruise from Galveston in fall 2027. One heads-up: you also need their All Access Pass (about $169) to get into the events, so budget for it.
Next sailings: Jan 28–Feb 6 (Southern Caribbean), May 3–7 (Bahamas), Oct 30–Nov 4 (Halloween), 2027
Ships: Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas
Leaves from: Miami and Galveston
Extra: All Access Pass, about $169
Website: biggaycruise.com
Sailing out of Miami? Use the Miami hotel list above.
Real Talk: Get Travel Insurance Before You Sail
I know, I know. But cruises are actually one of the easiest trips to mess up. A delayed flight, a missed ship, getting sick at sea or a medical bill in a port where you don't speak the language can turn a $1,500 vacation into a $10,000 problem real quick. Please don't board without coverage.
Get Travel Insurance (Seriously, Don’t Skip This)
Look, I know insurance isn’t the sexy part of planning a trip. But I promise you do NOT want to be the person paying out of pocket for a hospital visit after a scooter accident, some bad street food, or a surprise trip to the ER in a country where you don’t speak the language. I use SafetyWing because it’s built for people like us who bounce from country to country, and you can sign up even after you’ve already left home.
6. VACAYA: The Inclusive LGBTQ+ Charter
VACAYA charters whole ships for the full LGBTQ+ community, so it's not just gay men. You'll see lesbians, trans folks, couples and friends all on the same boat, and people LOVE the vibe. If the Atlantis circuit energy isn't your thing, this is a great alternative.
Their 2027 Caribbean cruise is on Celebrity Beyond, February 14 to 21, from Fort Lauderdale to Puerto Plata, San Juan and St. Maarten, starting at $2,446. Then they go big: a Total Eclipse Mediterranean cruise on Oceania Allura (July 27 to August 6, 2027) timed to the solar eclipse on August 2, from Trieste through Dubrovnik, Kotor, Corfu, Malta and Mallorca to Barcelona. The cheaper cabins there are already gone, so expect to pay suite prices. Their Europe river cruises for Pride and Christmas 2027 were already sold out when I checked.
Next sailings: Feb 14–21 (Caribbean), Jul 27–Aug 6 (Mediterranean), 2027
Leaves from: Fort Lauderdale; Trieste, Italy
From: $2,446 per person (Caribbean)
Website: vacaya.com
Fort Lauderdale is a gay beach town in its own right, so give yourself a night. See things to do in Fort Lauderdale on GetYourGuide.
Sailing From Fort Lauderdale? Here’s Where to Stay
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Pier Sixty-Six – Luxe, near port – Click here for rates & availability
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina – Waterfront marina – Click here for rates & availability
⭐⭐⭐ Hyatt Place Cruise Port – Budget, port-close – Click here for rates & availability
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hotel Maren – Beachfront boutique – Click here for rates & availability
⭐⭐⭐ The Grand Resort & Spa – Gay men only – Click here for rates & availability
7. Brand g Vacations: Small-Ship Gay Luxury
Brand g is for the grown and sexy. Smaller luxury ships, river boats and expedition yachts, a couple hundred LGBTQ+ guests instead of thousands, and more focus on the destination than the dance floor. It's not cheap, but this is the one I'd look at if you want to see Europe with gays without a 3 a.m. foam party.
For 2027 there's Castles of the Rhine from Amsterdam to Basel (June 8 to 15, from $4,899), Prague and the Danube (August 6 to 15, from $5,199), and the Luxury Greek Isles and Turkey cruise round trip from Athens on Atlas's 190-guest World Traveller (September 12 to 23, from $8,499), with Mykonos, Istanbul, Bodrum, Rhodes and Hydra. If you really want to flex, they also have French Polynesia in October 2027, from $14,499.
Next sailings: Jun 8–15 (Rhine), Aug 6–15 (Danube), Sep 12–23 (Greek Isles & Turkey), Oct 3–17 (French Polynesia), 2027
Leaves from: Amsterdam, Prague, Athens, Papeete
From: $4,899 per person
Website: brandgvacations.com
Leaving from Athens? You're not flying all that way and skipping the Acropolis. Book Acropolis tickets and tours on GetYourGuide.
Sailing From Athens? Here’s Where to Stay
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Piraeus Theoxenia – Right in Piraeus – Click here for rates & availability
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hotel Grande Bretagne – Syntagma legend – Click here for rates & availability
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Electra Palace Athens – Acropolis-view pool – Click here for rates & availability
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Herodion Hotel – Under the Acropolis – Click here for rates & availability
8. BearCruise: For the Bears (and Their Admirers)
Photo courtesy: BearCruise
BearCruise has been doing this for 15 years, and it's exactly what it sounds like: bears, cubs, otters, daddies and everybody who loves them, with dance parties and themed nights on regular cruise ships. It's a group sail, so prices stay reasonable.
The quick one is MayDaze on Virgin's Valiant Lady, May 6 to 10, 2027, from Miami to Key West and Bimini. In August they do the British Isles on Norwegian Star out of Southampton (August 5 to 15, from about $2,110 for an inside cabin, taxes included), and in October there's a 15th anniversary cruise from Boston to San Juan on Celebrity Summit, from about $1,089. Bear-friendly side note: Bears on Deck also sails from San Juan on Celebrity Constellation, March 6 to 13, 2027. Into bear culture on land too? Here are the best bear weeks in the world in 2027.
Next sailings: May 6–10 (Bahamas), Aug 5–15 (British Isles), Oct 20–29 (Boston to San Juan), 2027
Leaves from: Miami, Southampton, Boston
From: About $1,089 per person
Website: bearcruise.com
Leaving from Miami? The Miami hotel list above works for MayDaze.
9. Virgin Voyages Gay Takeovers
Have you noticed how many cruises on this list are on Virgin Voyages? That's not an accident. The ships are adults-only, Wi-Fi and basic drinks are included, there are no buffets, and the whole brand leans queer-friendly, so a LOT of LGBTQ+ groups book with them.
One of the easiest ways in is the TravelingGays Gay Cruise Takeover on Scarlet Lady, April 17 to 24, 2027, from Miami to San Juan, Puerto Plata and Virgin's Beach Club at Bimini. They're throwing in onboard extras and a bar tab when you book through them, and fares have been showing up from around $900. Want to go sooner? Big Gay Cruise x Virgin sails Scarlet Lady from Miami November 14 to 19, 2026, to Grand Turk and Bimini. You book the cabin with Virgin and add their $49 pass.
Next sailings: Nov 14–19, 2026 (Big Gay Cruise x Virgin); Apr 17–24, 2027 (TravelingGays)
Ship: Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady
Leaves from: Miami
Website: TravelingGays 2027 cruise
10. LGBTQ+ Group Cruises on Major Cruise Lines
If a full gay charter feels like too much, or you want to bring your straight best friend without them feeling some type of way, a group sail on a regular cruise line is the sweet spot. You get your own events and people to hang with, plus all the normal cruise perks.
A few to look at for 2027: Outbound's British Isles cruise on Azamara Journey (June 30 to July 7, from Portsmouth to Dublin, Belfast, Liverpool and Honfleur, interiors from $1,997), which they say is specifically NOT a circuit party. HiBearNation on Virgin's Brilliant Lady from Miami (January 25 to February 4). And if you're in Europe, the TUI Rainbow Cruise round trip from Palma de Mallorca (September 28 to October 3), around €1,100 to €1,200 for an inside cabin.
Next sailings: Jan 25–Feb 4 (HiBearNation), Jun 30–Jul 7 (Outbound), Sep 28–Oct 3 (TUI Rainbow), 2027
Leaves from: Miami, Portsmouth, Palma de Mallorca
From: About $1,997 (Outbound interior)
My Tips for Booking a Gay Cruise
Fly in at least one night early. I'm serious. The ship will NOT wait for you, and Miami, Fort Lauderdale and San Juan are all fun enough that a pre-cruise night is a bonus, not a chore. Book early too, because the cheap inside cabins on the big gay charters go first, and a lot of 2027 sailings are already sold out in the lower categories.
Read what's actually included. Some group cruises need a separate pass for the events (Big Gay Cruise, BMEN), some charters include way more than others, and on group sails you have to book through the organizer, not the cruise line, to be part of the group. And if you're Black and you're wondering where you'll actually feel at home, start with Odyssey Pride, The Pride Aftershow and BMEN, then branch out. Planning the rest of your year? Here are my best solo travel destinations for Black gay men in 2027.
Get Travel Insurance (Seriously, Don’t Skip This)
Look, I know insurance isn’t the sexy part of planning a trip. But I promise you do NOT want to be the person paying out of pocket for a hospital visit after a scooter accident, some bad street food, or a surprise trip to the ER in a country where you don’t speak the language. I use SafetyWing because it’s built for people like us who bounce from country to country, and you can sign up even after you’ve already left home.
FAQ: Gay Cruises in 2027
Are there Black gay cruises?
Yes. Odyssey Pride is a luxury cruise built for Black gay men (its first sailing leaves San Juan on October 31, 2026), The Pride Aftershow is a Black gay group sail on Virgin Voyages, and the BMEN Cruise Party for men of color sails with Virgin July 10 to 15, 2027.
What is the cheapest gay cruise in 2027?
Group sails are usually cheapest. Big Gay Cruise's short Bahamas and Halloween sailings start under $1,100 for two people in an inside cabin (plus the event pass), and TravelingGays' Virgin takeover and BearCruise's Boston to San Juan cruise start around $900 to $1,100 per person. The cheapest full charters, like Atlantis, start around $1,299 per person.
What is the difference between a gay charter and a gay group cruise?
On a full charter, like Atlantis or VACAYA, the company books the whole ship and every guest is part of the event. On a group cruise, a gay group books cabins on a regular sailing and hosts private events, while the rest of the ship is regular passengers.
Which gay cruises leave from Miami?
Atlantis (Allure of the Seas, March 2027), Big Gay Cruise (January and May 2027), BearCruise MayDaze, TravelingGays on Scarlet Lady and The Pride Aftershow have all used PortMiami. Odyssey Pride's first sailing leaves from San Juan, and VACAYA's 2027 Caribbean cruise leaves from Fort Lauderdale.
When should I book a gay cruise?
As early as you can. The big charters open bookings more than a year out, and the cheaper cabins sell out first. Several 2027 sailings were already sold out or waitlisted in October 2026.
Do I need travel insurance for a gay cruise?
I wouldn't sail without it. Insurance can help with missed departures, trip delays and medical care at sea or in port, which can get very expensive. Check what your policy covers before you go.
Check out these related articles:
The 10 gay cruises worth booking in 2027, including Black gay cruises like Odyssey Pride, The Pride Aftershow and BMEN, with dates, ships, ports, prices and pre-cruise hotels.