How to Make the Most Out of a Gay Cruise
There are plenty of things that make a cruise great: food everywhere you look, stunning views in all directions, lounge chairs in the sun, and of course, fabulous parties.
Gay cruises are a unique and fun way to relax, dance, and meet men in a safe space. Here are some tips to help you make the most out of your next cruise.
Dress to Impress
There’s nothing like the feeling of the ocean breeze caressing your bare skin and the warm sun settling on your shoulders. That’s why cruises are the perfect vacation for anyone who wants to relax and soak up the rays.
With that in mind, it’s important to pack appropriately for a gay cruise so you can have the best possible experience. From bringing the right attire to preparing for a cruise’s plethora of events, it’s essential to be ready for anything on your next adventure at sea.
Gay cruises are known for their abundance of theme and costume parties. These are a great opportunity for you to shine or just be completely wowed by the creativity and audacity of your fellow cruisers.
Don’t forget to pack your favorite pair of stilettos. But be sure to also bring a few pairs of flats and sandals for some of the longer excursions on offer. Also, don’t forget sunscreen! It’s one of the most common items people regret not packing before a cruise. The more prepared you are, the more fun you’ll have!
Be Prepared for Sex
Gay cruises often feature a ton of parties and social mixers, and they can get crowded. If you want to make sure you can meet other men, check out the apps Grindr and Scruff before your trip. You can also sign up for the cruise company’s social events, which will be arranged for you.
If you’re in a monogamous relationship, make sure you and your partner are on the same page about sex before you book your cruise. If you’re looking for casual sex, the sauna, dance floors and other on-board activities are great places to start. There are even rumored to be plenty of “boom-boom-boom” moments on these trips, which is why some couples opt for a cabin right near the action.
If you’re cruising as part of a group, don’t forget to bring personalized gay cruise cards with your photo and contact information. These will help you keep in touch with your new friends during and after the trip. In fact, they’re a great way to advertise yourself, especially during the nightclubs and other social events onboard.
Pack Extra Swimsuits
If you’re thinking about taking a gay cruise for the first time, or even if you’ve taken straight cruises before, there are some things you need to know. Gay cruises are unique in that they create a community of like-minded travelers where genuine bonds are formed over the course of the trip. This is largely due to the fact that many LGBT passengers come from countries where they are not comfortable being openly gay, so being in this safe space allows them to let loose and be themselves.
Unlike a normal cruise, there are more opportunities to meet people on gay charters because they are focused on singles and couples mingling. For example, Cunard cruises host onboard gay mingles and events, while Vacaya offers sensitivity training to staff on their LGBT trips and advertises LGBTQ meet-ups in their daily onboard newspaper.
As with all cruises, you should pack plenty of sunscreen and sanitary items to ensure you stay healthy during your voyage. Also remember to keep a few extra outfits and swimsuits in your carry on in case your luggage gets lost or is delayed during your journey.
Bring Your Stilettos
There is a wide range of gay cruises on offer, from luxury trips to more budget-friendly options. Look at different itinerary options, and pick a ship that best matches your travel goals and interests.
Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, explore an exotic destination, or participate in fun classes and games, a gay cruise is sure to have something for everyone. And don’t forget the sunscreen!
On a cruise, you’ll be exposed to new people from all over the world. Consider printing out some custom cruise cards with your name and contact info. Give them to your new friends when you meet, and it will be easy to stay in touch both during and after the trip.
Gay cruises are famous for their large mixers, and this is an excellent way to make connections with fellow travelers. It’s also an opportunity to show off, as many cruises have costume and theme parties. Bring a pair of heels to wear for these events, and you’ll be sure to turn heads. But be careful not to overdo it — the high volume of person-to-person contact can cause norovirus, or the stomach flu.
Decorate Your Cabin Door
Whether you want to embarrass your partner with a funny door sign or simply let everyone in your travel party know which room is yours, cabin decorations are an easy way to make your cruise even more fun. As long as your cruise line allows it, you can decorate your stateroom door any time during the cruise, not just when celebrating a special occasion.
Many people use their cruise door to show off a particular interest or hobby, such as surfing or cooking. Others use it to mark the occasion of a honeymoon, wedding anniversary, birthday, or graduation. Others prefer to decorate their cabin doors according to the location of the ship, such as a rainbow flag, palm trees, or a beach umbrella.
Some cruisers even put a magnetic whiteboard on their cabin door, a great idea if you’re traveling with a group of friends and need to quickly communicate. Just be sure to avoid anything inappropriate, as it may get removed by the cruise line and could offend other guests. This is particularly important in ports of call where homosexuality is illegal and some cruisers might not be accepting.