What Is the Most Gay Friendly Cruise Line?

By Anna Duncan

When it comes to cruising, finding a gay-friendly cruise line can make all the difference in the world. Not only will you feel more comfortable and accepted, but you’ll also be able to connect with like-minded individuals and have a more enjoyable trip overall.

So, what is the most gay-friendly cruise line? Let’s take a closer look.

The Criteria

Before we dive into the specifics of each cruise line, it’s important to establish what we mean by “gay-friendly.” For our purposes, a gay-friendly cruise line is one that:

  • Has policies in place that protect LGBTQ+ passengers and staff from discrimination and harassment
  • Offers same-sex couples the same benefits and privileges as opposite-sex couples
  • Provides LGBTQ+ specific programming and events onboard
  • Is known for being welcoming and accepting of LGBTQ+ individuals

The Contenders

Now that we know what we’re looking for, let’s take a look at some of the top contenders for the title of “most gay-friendly cruise line.”

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International has consistently been recognized as one of the best cruise lines for LGBTQ+ travelers. They have received perfect scores on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index for several years in a row, indicating their commitment to diversity and inclusion. Royal Caribbean also offers same-sex marriage ceremonies onboard their ships, making them one of the few cruise lines to do so.

Celebrity Cruises

Like Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises has received perfect scores on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index. They also offer same-sex marriage ceremonies onboard their ships. In addition to these policies, Celebrity Cruises is known for being particularly welcoming to LGBTQ+ travelers.

Disney Cruise Line

While not specifically marketed as a gay-friendly cruise line, Disney Cruise Line has made efforts to make their ships welcoming to LGBTQ+ individuals and families. They have implemented policies to protect LGBTQ+ passengers and staff from discrimination and harassment. They also offer same-sex couples the same benefits and privileges as opposite-sex couples.

Other Options

While the three cruise lines mentioned above are some of the best options for LGBTQ+ travelers, there are many other cruise lines that offer a welcoming and inclusive environment. Some other options to consider include:

  • Norwegian Cruise Line
  • Carnival Cruise Line
  • Azamara Club Cruises
  • Oceania Cruises

The Bottom Line

So, what is the most gay-friendly cruise line? While there are several great options to choose from, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Disney Cruise Line are among the best.

No matter which cruise line you choose, be sure to do your research ahead of time and look for policies that prioritize diversity, inclusion, and acceptance. With a little homework, you’re sure to find a cruise line that makes you feel right at home.