Cruise lines feature special pre- or post-hotel package that allow you to extend your vacation in either your port of embarkation or debarkation.

To complement the spirit of discovery that travel evokes, many cruise lines feature an extensive program of on-board enrichment seminars hosted by distinguished guest experts. In addition to lectures highlighting the history and sights of ports you will be visiting, there may also be special in-depth presentations ranging from Renaissance works of art and strategic financial planning to epicurean secrets of French cuisine.

When the stars come out, a cruise ship really turns on. There’s dancing, live entertainment, nightclubs and lounges, feature films, and parties with all your new friends. Most ships also have casinos. What’s more, there are many special events like the Captain’s Cocktail Party, Passenger Talent Night, Broadway-style shows and Las Vegas-type revues.

On a cruise, you do what you want, when you want. You can do everything or do absolutely nothing. It’s your vacation!

So much you’ll have a hard time choosing! You can explore on your own or take guided tour (referred to as shore excursions). Search ancient ruins or hunt for shopping bargains. Ride a raft over river rapids, or a horse across miles of hills and beaches. Climb a waterfall or pyramid. Follow the footsteps of history or the wake of a waterskiing boat. If there’s still time, play golf or tennis. Learn how to windsurf. Sun and swim at some of the world’s best beaches. Catch a record marlin. Sail, snorkel or scuba dive. Take a cable car to the top of a mountain. Explore dark catacombs. In short, cruising is the perfect way to sample a number of new destinations and try all the things you’ve ever dreamed of doing, while never having to pack and unpack!

Wherever you want! Cruises visit over 1,800 ports worldwide and practically every destination accessible by water. And you can embark on your cruise vacation from a wide variety of North American ports or exciting and exotic locations around the globe.

Never. On a cruise vacation, the entertainment is on the house. There’s no cover, minimum or charge for an admission ticket. The shows are live, films first-rate and all included in your cruise fare.

Not at all. Being at sea gives you a feeling of total freedom that no land-based resort can offer. There’s plenty of room. And it will probably take two or three days just to discover everything that’s on board. Plus, you get the added adventure of exploring many exciting ports of call. Cruise ships are floating resorts with all the choices fine resorts have to offer. You can lie back in a lounge chair, breathe in the sea air, soak up the sun, read good books, or watch the ever-changing seascape.
If you’re more active, join in exercise or dance classes, and sports contests. Practice your tennis stroke or golf swing, or take in some fresh air on the jogging deck. Or you can swim stretch out in the sauna or work out in the gym. You can also see a feature film, attend an enrichment lecture by experts, play backgammon or bridge. And that’s just when you’re on board!

Cruise lines feature special pre- or post-hotel package that allow you to extend your vacation in either your port of embarkation or debarkation.

The rate that you see posted for the cruise is the rate per person and assumes that at least two people will be occupying the cabin.  For example, if the posted rate is $499, then the total cost for the cabin would be $998 – even if you occupy the cabin by yourself.  Airfare, port charges, taxes and gratuities are often NOT included in that posted rate.  Some cabins can accommodate a third and fourth passenger at a reduced rate.

Cruising is the best vacation value! There are cruises vacations to suit every budget. Your cruise fare includes meals, your stateroom, on-board activities and entertainment, plus transportation from port to port. You’ll know what your vacation will end up costing you before you go. (Typically, your only extra expenses will be drinks, specialty restaurants, optional shore excursions, and personal services such as massage or hairstyling.)

Pack like you would for any resort. Cruise vacations are casual by day, whether you’re on the ship or ashore. In the evening, ships vary as to dress. Some of cruise lines have formal nights where tuxedo’s and gowns are more likely to be worn.  As on shore, attire is dictated by occasion. At the Captain’s Gala, for example, you’ll probably want to wear something more formal, such as a dark suit or cocktail dress; perhaps even a tuxedo jacket or gown.

Reflecting today’s lifestyle trends, many cruise lines now feature a more relaxed and casual approach to dress throughout the cruise – while on others, formal dinners or parties are part of the fun. But don’t buy a tuxedo just for the trip. Even on the most formal of ships, a dark suit and tie are fine for the dressiest occasions. Plus, many ships offer tuxedo rental services.

As long or short as you want, from three days to three months.

There are cruises designed to suit virtually every interest and personal preference. The choices include: boutique, luxury cruises with globe-trotting itineraries; large, contemporary ships with a fantastic array of recreational facilities; classic vessels evoking the time-honored traditions of cruising; special-interest or exploration cruises specializing in unique destinations with an accent on cultural enrichment.  There are cruises lines that feature soft adventure expeditions to such unusual and rustic frontiers as Antarctica, the Amazon Rain Forest or African Serengeti. Or discover historical legacies closer to home with enlightening itineraries to New England, French Canada and the Colonial America coast. For experienced travelers, destination-focused cruises specialize in culturally-rich ports of call with itineraries dedicated to illuminating such historic, world-class treasures as the antiquities of classical Greece, the Polynesian paradise of Hawaii or the fabled splendor of Norwegian fjords. For many, the perfect vacation includes the non-stop fun and sun of a tropical resort-style cruise to the Caribbean, where you can sample a variety of island cultures and cuisines while working on a terrific sun tan. Plus, many cruise lines create special “themes” on-board, with entertainment ranging from jazz festivals and classical music concerts to golf clinics and murder mysteries at sea!

A fly/cruise or an air/sea vacation package includes, along with your cruise ticket, either free or reduced-cost airfare to and from the ship’s port of embarkation. These convenient money-saving options are available from most major North American cities and include ground transfers between the airport and ship as well as baggage handling.

Mostly all of today’s cruises ships are “one-class” with the exception of a few Cunard vessels. Everyone can use all the ship’s facilities. The price of a cabin is based primarily on its size and location. Regardless of the category you book, you’ll enjoy the same courteous service, menus, activities, and entertainment as everyone else on board.

Again, there are choices and more choices. During the day, there are many different dining options- in the formal dining room, on deck, in a pizzeria and at an espresso bar, to name just a few. At night, most ships offer several venues. Some ships’ dining rooms can accommodate all guests at one time, called a “seating”. Many ships offer you a choice of several seating times, and others encourage you to come to dinner whenever you like. More traditional ships have two seatings in their formal dining rooms, which differ only by time: typically 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. To choose, just decide whether you prefer to dine early or late – then have us request your preference when you book your cruise. Frequently, you can choose to enjoy dinner someplace other than the formal dining room, such as in an intimate restaurant that features Italian, Chinese, Japanese or Southwestern cuisine. More and more cruise lines are opening up their informal lido areas to evening dining, where the dress and dishes always are casual, and sometimes, you can even eat out under the stars. And a large number of ships offer romantic in-cabin dinners. The choice is yours!

Everything you’ve heard about cruise ship dining is true. At each meal, you’ll find a varied selection of entrees (appetizers, salads, soups, vegetables, and desserts, too), and each day the selection will be different. If you’ve ever want to experiment with a cuisine or try a dish, you can fell free to order more than one entree or appetizer (or dessert!). But, just because your cruise ship offers plenty of delicious food, doesn’t mean you’ll come home out of shape. You can choose low-cal, spa, vegetarian or fitness menu selections that are just as tempting as a regular menu. Best of all, the one thing you’ll never see on a cruise ship menu is a price. Because your meals are included!

Most ships can accommodate salt-free, low-carbohydrate, low cholesterol, Kosher, or other diet preferences. However, this request must be made in advance, so be sure to advise us when you book your cruise.

Experienced cruisers say they prefer sitting at a table with several other diners; some lifelong friendships have been made this way. But the cruise lines are geared to accommodate each guest’s wishes, and it is possible to request a table for two or four. In the unlikely event that you do wish to change tablemates, speak with the maitre d’, who will make every effort to seat you with more compatible dining companions…discretely and politely.

Everything you’ve heard about cruise ship food is true. At each meal, you’ll find a varied selection of entrees (appetizers, salads, soups, vegetables, and desserts, too), and each day the selection will be different. If you’ve ever want to experiment with a cuisine or try a dish, you can fell free to order more than one entree or appetizer (or dessert!). But, just because your cruise ship offers plenty of delicious food, doesn’t mean you’ll come home out of shape. You can choose low-cal, spa, vegetarian or fitness menu selections that are just as tempting as a regular menu. Best of all, the one thing you’ll never see on a cruise ship menu is a price. Because your meals are included!

Most ships can accommodate salt-free, low-carbohydrate, low cholesterol, Kosher, or other diet preferences. However, this request must be made in advance, so be sure to advise us when you book your cruise.

About Gay Group Cruising: Our gay group cruises are a very affordable and enjoyable cruise vacation. We create the opportunity for you to make new friends as you meet and socialize with our gay and lesbian guests as well as other passengers, straight and gay, who are aboard. We can also arrange some private parties and cruise excursions just for our group. We can also organize your commitment ceremony. We can also plan a private party for that someone special in your life – perhaps a surprise birthday celebration?

- You will receive great service and we represent hundreds of vendors so we have your interest in mind.
- Strength in numbers-if you have a problem on your own you are a single individual, but since 1994 GayTravel.com has booked literally millions of $$ worth of cruises. If you have a problem and you have used us, the vendor is much more likely to work with you since your are a GayTravel.com client.
- It doesn't cost you any more and often may cost less.
- Your business allows us to continue to expand the breadth and level of services to you, our valued client

Well, it is just that! The entire ship has been chartered for us. These cruises are only marketed to Gay & Lesbians. So, imagine if you will, an exceptional vacation surrounded by hundreds of your fellow Gay & Lesbian passengers. These cruises will truly bring memories to last a lifetime.

Most ships have 110-volt outlets in the staterooms and even feature hair-dryers in your cabin. If this is important to you, make sure you ask your agent to check about the specific cruise you have selected.

Almost all cruise ships have laundry facilities and many provide dry-cleaning services. There is, however, an additional charge for professional laundry and dry-cleaning services. Many ships also have self-service launderettes.

Rarely. Popular cruise itineraries ply some of the calmest waters in the world. In addition, stabilizers on modern ships, availability of advance weather information, and development of effective preventative medications have, for most of the part, reduced or eliminated the incidence of motion discomfort.

Again, there are choices and more choices. During the day, there are many different dining options- in the formal dining room, on deck, in a pizzeria and at an espresso bar, to name just a few. At night, most ships offer several venues. Some ships’ dining rooms can accommodate all guests at one time, called a “seating”. Many ships offer you a choice of several seating times, and others encourage you to come to dinner whenever you like. More traditional ships have two seatings in their formal dining rooms, which differ only by time: typically 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. To choose, just decide whether you prefer to dine early or late – then have us request your preference when you book your cruise. Frequently, you can choose to enjoy dinner someplace other than the formal dining room, such as in an intimate restaurant that features Italian, Chinese, Japanese or Southwestern cuisine. More and more cruise lines are opening up their informal lido areas to evening dining, where the dress and dishes always are casual, and sometimes, you can even eat out under the stars. And a large number of ships offer romantic in-cabin dinners. The choice is yours!

While cruise ships are not comprehensive medical facilities, cruise lines understand that some people may have health needs during a cruise. Thus they are committed to providing first response and emergency care to guests until they can be transferred to a shore side medical facility. Most cruise lines have 24-hour medical services and staff operating under guidelines developed in conjunction with the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). Along with the cruise lines , we encourage vacationers to obtain medical insurance, travel with adequate supplies of medical prescriptions and devices and to disclose pre-existing conditions before sailing.

Just about every full-size ship has public rooms or a conference center to offer as meeting space for private or corporate groups. Many feature dedicated meeting facilities. If you’d like to make meeting or incentive travel arrangements, just let us know and we’ll coordinate schedules and arrange for any special needs. Your ship may also be able to offer audio-visual equipment, communications, meeting coordinators, secretarial and printing services and more.

Photo identification is required for all guests, crew-members and visitors boarding a cruise ship. US citizens require a passport or a birth certificate (original or certified copy) plus a picture ID card issued by a federal, state, or local government agency. Children under 16 do not require a picture ID card. Non-US citizens require a valid passport and visas (when necessary) in addition to an Alien Registration Card (ARC or “Green” Card) if an individual is a Resident Alien living in the US. Requirements for visas, passports and other travel authorization documents vary based on your nationality and country of residence.

So much you’ll have a hard time choosing! You can explore on your own or take guided tour (referred to as shore excursions). Search ancient ruins or hunt for shopping bargains. Ride a raft over river rapids, or a horse across miles of hills and beaches. Climb a waterfall or pyramid. Follow the footsteps of history or the wake of a waterskiing boat. If there’s still time, play golf or tennis. Learn how to windsurf. Sun and swim at some of the world’s best beaches. Catch a record marlin. Sail, snorkel or scuba dive. Take a cable car to the top of a mountain.

Pack like you would for any resort. Cruise vacations are casual by day, whether you’re on the ship or ashore. In the evening, ships vary as to dress. Some of cruise lines have formal nights where tuxedo’s and gowns are more likely to be worn.  As on shore, attire is dictated by occasion. At the Captain’s Gala, for example, you’ll probably want to wear something more formal, such as a dark suit or cocktail dress; perhaps even a tuxedo jacket or gown.

There’s no such thing as a typical cruise passenger! All kinds of people take cruises now . . . all ages . . . from all walks of life . . . singles, couples and families.

Most ships have 110-volt outlets in the staterooms and even feature hair-dryers in your cabin. If this is important to you, make sure you ask your agent to check about the specific cruise you have selected.

Either send us an email message or call us at 1-800-GAY-TRAVEL or 1-858-794-0895.

Cruising is ideal for people traveling alone, because it’s so easy to meet other people. In fact, most ships have parties for singles – early on, so you can get to know other guests right away. Many ships even offer gentlemen hosts who can be dance partners, dinner companions or fourth at cards. Some ships also have single cabins as well as single rates for double staterooms.

Most ships have 110-volt outlets in the staterooms and even feature hair-dryers in your cabin.  If this is important to you, make sure you ask your agent to check about the specific cruise you have selected.

Most ships can accommodate salt-free, low-carbohydrate, low cholesterol, Kosher, or other diet preferences. However, this request must be made in advance, so be sure to advise us when you book your cruise.

Virtually all ships have smoking and non-smoking sections in the public rooms and on the deck. In fact, many dining rooms, and even some entire ships, are now totally smoke-free, reflecting passenger requests. If you want your dining table in a non-smoking area, just tell us. On board, you can advise the maitre d’.

No – there is a great variety. Cruise ships range from intimate sailing ships to vessels stretching longer than three football fields. You can sail with fewer than 100 fellow guests or with more than 3,000. Enjoy atmospheres ranging from casual to formal, contemporary resort-style cruise, or immerse yourself in the culture of a destination on a special interest cruise.

Reflecting today’s lifestyle trends, many cruise lines now feature a more relaxed and casual approach to dress throughout the cruise – while on others, formal dinners or parties are part of the fun. But don’t buy a tuxedo just for the trip. Even on the most formal of ships, a dark suit and tie are fine for the dressiest occasions. Plus, many ships offer tuxedo rental services.

Quite easily. Most ships have a daily newsletter with news, headlines, selected stock quotes and sports scores. Most staterooms are equipped with televisions and have satellite or cellular telephones. You can also call someone on shore through the ship’s radio officer while at sea. In addition, most ships have fax capabilities and a growing number have computer cafes with Internet access for e-mail communication.

Tipping is a matter of individual preference. A general rule of thumb is to plan for about $3.00 per person per day for your cabin steward and dining room waiter, and about half that amount for your busboy. Other shipboard personnel can be tipped for special services at your discretion. (A few cruise lines include tipping in the price and will so inform you, while others maintain a no tipping policy.)