Top 10 Gay Cruises

There is no "typical" passenger on an all-gay cruise except The ships chartered for all-gay cruises can range from small sailing vessels Such as " (Windjammer Sailing Vessels)" (www.windjammer.com) for many travelers, vacation is a time to mix with people from other cultures and other lifestyles. Some gay cruisers want to be surrounded by both gay and straight passengers. And when you decide on a gay-friendly sailing, you’ll enjoy a greater number of choices – more ships, more dates, and a bigger selection of pricing options – than you will when you choose an all-gay cruise.

For many gay and lesbian travelers, the opportunity to spend the majority of their cruise vacation in an all-gay environment is more important than the destinations themselves. If you're interested in a customized vacation experience, and an entire cruise ship filled with other gay cruisers, then an all-gay cruise is probably the way to go.

An all-gay cruise is, first and foremost, out-and-out fun. You're among friends – surrounded by hundreds of kindred spirits on a first-class cruise ship chartered exclusively for gay and lesbian passengers. It's the perfect place to relax, be yourself, and explore the world around you. You'll enjoy all the amenities you'd expect from a "traditional" cruise, plus customized activities, entertainment, and events designed to ensure a distinctively gay experience

Top 10 gay-friendly cruises

So given the almost limitless cruising choices these days, which cruise lines have earned the reputation for being particularly gay- and lesbian-friendly? Based on interviews with gay and lesbian cruisers, travel agents, and personal experience, here is an unscientifically fabulous list of the top 10 cruise lines for gay and lesbian travelers.

Radisson Seven Seas (www.rssc.com; 877-505-5370) This ultra-premium cruise line offers the same type of luxury experience as Crystal, Seabourn, and others in its class, but has a more laid-back vibe. All open seating means there is never a need to break bread with any closed-minded folks, and the polished staff members don't bat an eye when asked for a king bed instead of doubles. The M.S. Paul Gauguin, which sails exclusively through the romantic Tahitian islands year-round, is a gay honeymoon favorite.

Crystal Cruises (www.crystalcruises.com; 866-446-6625) This top-rated ultra-premium cruise line boasts many loyal, luxury-loving gay and lesbian guests who enjoy special seminars and flawless service; they can even check out gay-themed movies in the ship's library. Passengers mix and mingle freely, enjoying gourmet cuisine and excellent Broadway-quality entertainment.

Princess (www.princess.com; 800-774-6237) "There's a reason it's called Princess," reports one cheeky fan of the popular 14-ship cruise line. With Personal Choice dining, gay-friendly crew and staff, and some of the largest ships afloat (the new Diamond and Sapphire each holds 2,670 passengers), Princess includes almost every cruising feature, including pulsating dance floors.

Celebrity (www.celebrity.com; 800-722-5941) The nine ships of this upscale cruise line get high marks for their gay-friendly staff and the diverse mix of passengers on board. Those with visions of gorgeous male and female Latin bodies doing the samba all night regularly book the 14-night Celebrity cruise that hits Rio de Janeiro during Carnival.

Holland America (www.hollandamerica.com; 800-426-0327) This classy, 13-ship line emphasizes high-quality, diverse cuisine, which appeals to gay gourmands. As with Celebrity, many gays cruisers who don't want to spend a small fortune for a long cruise opt for Holland America. One gay couple reports when they danced together on a recent cruise, no one seemed to notice (or care).

Norwegian (www.ncl.com) This large cruise line started an industry trend with its "Freestyle Cruising" (no set dinner times, open seating, relaxed dress). This midrange line hosts many gatherings for gay groups, often with various parents, siblings, and friends in tow. Norwegian launched its Pride of Aloha ship in gay-friendly Hawaii in Jully 2004.

Cunard (www.cunard.com; 800-728-6273) The Commodore Lounge bar on the Queen Mary 2 already has been given the nickname of "Commodorothy" because of the high concentration of gays who liven it up each evening. Assigned seating by cabin category is in tune with the formal, old world experience, and all passengers are treated with respect.

The Yachts of Seabourn (www.seabourn.com) With only three ships of 200 guests each, the luxury yachts of Seabourn ply smaller, colorful harbors around the world. The intimate ship size means that just about everyone is included in the onboard activities. These ships attract experienced gay and lesbian cruisers who enjoy visiting lesser-known destinations in a refined atmosphere.

Royal Caribbean (www.royalcaribbean.com; 800-949-1332) By sheer dint of having the largest fleet (19 ships at latest count), any Royal Caribbean cruise will include many gays and lesbians. Those who like their vacations "big" favor the glamorous 3,000-plus-passenger Explorer of the Seas or Voyager of the Seas. Active passengers can enjoy the onboard rock-climbing wall, ice-skating rink, and in-line skating.

Windstar (www.windstarcruises.com; 800-544-0443) The three Windstar ships (more accurately, small motor-sailed yachts) are renowned for bringing back the meaning of the word "sailing." Gays and lesbians love the gourmet cuisine, spas, fitness centers, water-skiing, and kayaking.

2008 GAY & LESBIAN GROUP CRUISE SAILINGS

After all everyone goes on vacation to have a good time, relax, explore, indulge, and escape. Gay vacations address these desires with many of the same elements as straight ones: beautiful beaches, fine cuisine, exotic destinations and much more.