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Gay Cruises & Sailing Holidays
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Every trip built from scratch around your dates, pace and preferences.
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One named person and a 24-hour number while you travel.
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Out Of Office books luxury gay-friendly sailing and cruise experiences, not the typical gay cruise circuit. We work with premium cruise lines including Seabourn and Virgin Voyages, private yacht charter operators, and small-ship expedition vessels that welcome LGBTQ+ travellers naturally rather than organising large-scale themed events. These are sophisticated vessels with professional crews, chef-prepared meals, and itineraries focused on destinations. Not mega-ships with foam parties and buffet lines.
Options span multiple regions and departure dates throughout the year: private catamaran charters in the Caribbean and Mediterranean, chartered river cruises through European wine regions, small-ship expedition sailings in the Galápagos and Amazon, and private yacht charters along the Côte d’Azur. From an intimate 12-guest sailing to a chartered river boat carrying 120 LGBTQ+ passengers through Burgundy, the vessels we work with prioritise quality over capacity.
Wake up anchored off a different island each morning. Swim directly from the boat into clear water before breakfast. Watch coastlines pass from the deck while someone else handles navigation. Sailing gives you access to places that don’t have airports or ferry terminals, anchorages where you’ll be one of three boats instead of three hundred tourists.
Seabourn’s intimate ships carry a maximum of 458 passengers and focus on destination-intensive itineraries. Virgin Voyages operates adults-only vessels with a modern approach that skips formality without sacrificing quality. Both lines build in overnight stays in cities like Barcelona, Venice, and Athens, giving you time to experience destinations beyond the port.
Featured trips
When to Book a Cruise or Sailing Trip
Book river cruises 12-18 months ahead. European river vessels carry 120-200 passengers maximum, and popular sailings through Burgundy, the Danube, or the Rhine sell out early for spring and fall departures.
Summer dates stay available longer but bring crowds and heat.Ocean cruises with Seabourn and Virgin Voyages open for booking 18-24 months out. Early booking gets you cabin choice (midship balconies go first) and sometimes reduced rates. That said, luxury lines occasionally release unsold inventory 90-120 days before departure at significant discounts if they need to fill specific cabins.
Private yacht and catamaran charters require 6-12 months lead time for peak season (Caribbean December-April, Mediterranean June-September, Maldives November-March). Shoulder seasons offer better availability and sometimes better pricing, though weather becomes more variable.Wave season (January-March) brings the cruise industry’s biggest promotions.
Lines announce their next year’s schedules and offer perks like onboard credits, included airfare, or cabin upgrades to fill early inventory. If you’re flexible on dates and routes, this is when to book. If you want a specific departure or cabin, book as soon as it opens.
Related reading
Gay Sailing Charters in the Caribbean: Luxury Yacht Experiences
The Caribbean offers more straightforward sailing conditions for LGBTQ+ travellers than most ocean destinations. Island nations here range from actively welcoming (St Barths, US Virgin Islands) to legally hostile (Jamaica), but the luxury yacht charter infrastructure operates with professional neutrality regardless of local attitudes. Most crews working the high-end charter circuit come from Europe, Australia, or the US, bringing service standards that don't vary based on passenger orientation.
Read
The Ten Best Gay Group Trips for 2027 & 2028
For some, the prospect of travelling solo can seem a bit daunting. Joining a luxury gay group tour can be the ideal solution. We offer many hugely popular gay group getaways to a diverse array of destinations. All you need to do is show up and enjoy the ride: the itineraries for our LGBTQ group travel have been meticulously organised by destination experts who excel in creating memorable experiences for gay group travel.
ReadWhat Luxury at Sea Actually Means
Luxury at sea starts with space. Mass-market cruise ships pack 3,000+ passengers into public areas designed for 2,000. Luxury vessels maintain higher space-per-passenger ratios. Seabourn’s ships average 56 gross tons per passenger vs 35-40 on mainstream lines. Virgin Voyages eliminates kids entirely, which changes the atmosphere immediately.
It continues with staff ratios. Luxury ships run close to 1:1 crew-to-passenger ratios, sometimes higher. This means your cabin attendant handles 8-10 cabins instead of 20+, restaurant servers manage 4-table sections instead of 8, and someone actually knows your name by day two.
Dining quality separates luxury from premium. Mainstream ships serve 3,000 meals simultaneously from central galleys. Luxury vessels operate multiple restaurants with smaller kitchens, actual chefs (not production cooks), and menus that change based on ports and seasonal availability. Virgin Voyages includes all restaurants in the base fare. Seabourn operates reservation-free dining where you can eat when you want rather than assigned seating times.
Included vs upcharge matters. Luxury fares include gratuities, premium alcohol, specialty dining, WiFi, and shore excursions. You’re not constantly reaching for your wallet or running a tab. Premium and mainstream ships charge separately for alcohol packages, specialty restaurants, WiFi, and most decent shore excursions.
Itineraries reflect the difference most clearly. Mass-market ships need ports with infrastructure to handle 3,000 people disembarking simultaneously, which limits them to major cities. Small luxury ships can dock at places like Kotor, Portofino, or Hydra where the entire town has 2,000 residents. They stay late or overnight in ports where big ships leave by 5pm.
Related reading
The Law vs. Reality: Gay Travel to the Maldives
A holiday to the Maldives is certainly something at the top of many people's bucket lists. Not only does it offer some of the most beautiful resorts on the planet but the people are friendly, the atmosphere laid back and the drinks aplenty. It also boasts some of the bluest, clearest waters on all of the planet. For many luxury travellers, the Maldives has to be seen at least once in a lifetime.
Read
The Best Gay-Friendly Caribbean Islands
The Caribbean, with its crystal waters, flawless weather and white sand beaches, is a dream destination for many travellers. With a temperate climate year-round, the Caribbean ensures consistent appeal regardless of the season. The beaches are famed for having pristine white sand, pink sand (e.g., Pink Sands Beach in Harbour Island, Bahamas), and even dramatic black volcanic sand (e.g., beaches in St. Vincent and the Grenadines).
ReadFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Gay Cruising
What makes a cruise gay-friendly and LGBTQ inclusive?
A gay-friendly cruise ensures an inclusive environment where all passengers feel welcome and respected. Features often include:
- Dedicated LGBTQ spaces and events on board.
- Staff trained in inclusivity and diversity.
- Itineraries that include LGBTQ-friendly destinations.
- Social activities tailored for LGBTQ+ travelers, such as themed parties and networking events.
Are there specific gay cruises for singles?
Yes, there are numerous gay cruises for singles designed to help like-minded individuals meet and socialize. These cruises typically offer:
- Singles mixers and social events.
- Group activities that encourage interaction.
- A friendly and open atmosphere conducive to making new connections.
What destinations are covered by gay cruise packages?
Gay cruise packages cover a wide range of destinations, including:
- The Mediterranean (e.g., Greek Islands, Bodrum)
- The Caribbean (e.g., French Polynesia, Caribbean islands)
- The Amazon Jungle
- River cruises in Europe (e.g., Netherlands, Germany)
- Luxury round-the-world itineraries
Each package is tailored to provide a unique and memorable experience, catering specifically to the interests of LGBTQ+ travelers.
How do gay river cruises differ from ocean cruises?
Gay river cruises typically offer a more intimate and relaxed experience compared to ocean cruises. They focus on:
- Scenic journeys through picturesque rivers and inland waterways.
- Cultural and historical tours of port cities.
- Smaller ships that allow for more personalized service.
- Opportunities to explore multiple destinations without the crowds of larger ocean liners.
These cruises are ideal for travelers seeking a tranquil yet engaging cruising experience.
What are the benefits of choosing LGBTQ cruises with Out Of Office?
Choosing LGBTQ cruises with Out Of Office ensures:
- Access to the most gay-friendly cruise providers.
- Personalized cruise packages tailored to your preferences.
- Expert advice and support from our dedicated sales concierge team.
- A safe and inclusive environment where you can fully enjoy your vacation.
Our extensive experience in gay travel guarantees a seamless and enjoyable cruising experience.
Can I find gay and lesbian cruises that cater to different budgets?
Absolutely! Out Of Office offers a variety of gay and lesbian cruises to fit different budgets, including:
- Luxury cruises with top-tier amenities and exclusive services.
- Budget-friendly catamaran trips for more affordable options.
- All-inclusive gay cruises that cover most expenses within the package.
This ensures that every traveler can find a cruise that suits their financial preferences without compromising on quality.
What should I consider when booking a gay cruise?
When booking a gay cruise, consider the following:
- Destination: Choose a cruise that visits destinations you are interested in exploring.
- Cruise Line: Select a cruise line known for its gay-friendly and LGBTQ inclusive policies.
- Itinerary: Look for itineraries that offer activities and excursions tailored to LGBTQ+ travelers.
- Budget: Determine your budget and find a cruise package that offers the best value.
- Duration: Decide how long you want your cruise to be, whether it’s a short getaway or a longer adventure.
Our team at Out Of Office can help you navigate these factors to find the perfect gay cruise for your needs.
Your personal travel specialist, from the first conversation to the flight home.
Start planning→
Suggested trips
Miami & Caribbean Cruise
Tailor-made HolidayExperience Miami's welcoming energy, Caribbean sailing, and island time in the Bahamas, all in one luxury trip. This nine-day trip opens in Miami, a city whose LGBTQ+ history runs deep along South Beach and Ocean Drive, where Art Deco facades and an easy, sun-soaked pace set the tone for the days ahead.
9 days tailor-made from £5,550 per person View trip
Italy & Dalmatian Coast Cruise
Tailor-made HolidayVenice's canals, a string of Adriatic ports, and Rome's oldest streets, seen at the pace only a ship allows. This tailor-made itinerary and Seabourn gay cruise pairs Italy with the Dalmatian Coast, moving from Venice's canals to a string of Adriatic ports before closing in Rome.
15 days tailor-made from £7,555 per person View trip
Luxury Mediterranean Cruise: Athens to Barcelona
Tailor-made HolidayThis itinerary pairs Athens's ancient core with a week at sea through some of the Mediterranean's quieter ports, closing in Barcelona. It's built around one of Seabourn's signature Mediterranean sailings, with the two city stays framing the cruise on either end. The trip begins in Athens at the King George Hotel, positioned in the city's historic centre.
14 days tailor-made from £5,825 per person View trip
French Riviera Yacht Charter: Sailing the Côte d’Azur
Tailor-made HolidayReady to join the global jet set aboard a private yacht along the world's most glamorous coastline? Picture this: champagne chilling on deck as you glide past billion-dollar superyachts in Monaco's harbour. The scent of lavender drifting from hillside villages while you anchor in secluded turquoise coves that can only be reached by sea.
3 days tailor-made from £3,790 per person View trip
Bora Bora by Private Catamaran
Tailor-made HolidayThis luxurious French Polynesia island hopping itinerary is ideal for anyone who wants to make the most of their tropical holiday in paradise. We always recommend sailing between the islands of French Polynesia – there are far too many beautiful South Pacific jewels to visit just one. Staying on a private catamaran charter gives you the ultimate freedom, while living in unmatched luxury.
9 days tailor-made from £6,225 per person View trip
Ecuador’s Luxury Amazon Cruise: Napo River, Yasuní & the Andes
Tailor-made HolidayYasuní National Park holds more species of plants and animals in a single hectare than exist across all of North America, and this seven-day journey through Ecuador spends four full days living inside it.
7 days tailor-made from £2,460 per person View trip
Greek Island Hopping: The Cyclades
Tailor-made HolidayExperience Greece's dazzling azure seas and sun-drenched islands aboard a private luxury yacht on this indulgent island-hopping adventure. Set sail from vibrant Athens into the heart of the Cyclades, an archipelago perfect for an off-the-beaten-path gay or lesbian getaway. Over seven relaxing days, your captain will navigate to hidden coves and secluded beaches on islands few tourists reach like Sifnos, Serifos and Kythnos.
7 days tailor-made from £3,170 per person View trip Two Islands
Island Hopping in the Maldives: The Out Of Office Collection
Tailor-made HolidayWhy stay on one island in the Maldives when you can stay on two? This is especially appealing for seasoned Maldives travellers. The luxury resorts, overwater bungalows, stunning reefs, and exceptional service make the Maldives an unbeatable destination, and we reckon it's definitely worthwhile exploring more than just one resort and island. The Island Hopping Collection brings together some of our favourite resorts that you can combine in a single trip.
7 days tailor-made from £3,750 per person View trip
Gay Honeymoon in Bora Bora: Tahiti, Taha’a & More
Tailor-made HolidayBora Bora is the honeymoon most couples picture when they imagine French Polynesia: overwater bungalows suspended above a lagoon that shifts through every shade of blue, Mount Otemanu rising behind it, and a level of privacy that has made the island one of the most reliably LGBTQ+ welcoming honeymoon destinations anywhere in the South Pacific.
8 days tailor-made from £8,655 per person View trip
Island Hopping Thailand: Koh Samui, Koh Phangan & Koh Tao
Tailor-made HolidayOur handcrafted itinerary takes you to three of the most impressive islands Thailand has to offer - ideal for a gay honeymoon in Thailand. Spend time unwinding in Koh Tao, Koh Samui, and Koh Phangan. Embark on on of our most popular and enchanting Thailand itineraries, meticulously designed to promise an immersive blend of relaxation, exploration, and vibrant nightlife, set against the backdrop of Thailand's stunning seascapes.
10 days tailor-made from £3,650 per person View trip
Island Hopping In The Seychelles
Tailor-made HolidayEmbark on an extraordinary journey of unrivaled luxury and natural splendour with our exclusive Seychelles island-hopping itinerary. Nestled in the heart of the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles archipelago beckons with its enchanting blend of pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and captivating wildlife. Begin your adventure by setting sail for La Digue, a secluded island paradise renowned for its postcard-perfect beaches and untouched wilderness.
9 days tailor-made from £2,230 per person View trip
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Tailor-made HolidayThe Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection operates three custom-built superyachts delivering hotel-level service in yacht-sized vessels. These ships accommodate 298-448 guests (depending on vessel) in all-suite configurations, positioning between traditional luxury cruises (1,000+ passengers) and true private yachts. The experience mirrors staying at a Ritz-Carlton property that happens to move between ports, with consistent service standards, suite-style accommodations, and dining that doesn't rely on buffets or regimented seating times.
7 days View trip
Gay Group Trip: Journey to Antarctica
Group TripEmbark on an extraordinary luxury expedition as we once again set course for Antarctica, a destination that has captured the imagination of travellers like nowhere else on Earth. Glide through a frozen seascape of towering glaciers and translucent icebergs glowing in endless shades of blue. Watch whales surface beside the ship, penguins gather along icy shores, and seals lounge quietly in the polar sun.
11 days group departure from £6,855 per person View trip
Gay Group Trip: Luxury Amazon Cruise & Machu Picchu
Group TripThis all-inclusive Peruvian journey brings together extraordinary biodiversity, ancient civilisations, and a fully chartered LGBT+ Amazon River cruise, culminating in an immersive Machu Picchu experience. Thoughtfully curated for travellers seeking depth as well as comfort, this is a journey that reveals Peru at its most captivating. Begin in Lima, a sophisticated coastal capital celebrated for its culinary excellence and rich colonial heritage.
12 days group departure from £7,630 per person View tripMore sailing and cruise ideas worldwide
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Luxury Croatia Yacht Charter: Split, Hvar & Dubrovnik
Tailor-made HolidayExplore Croatia from the perfect vantage point as you sail across the Adriatic; venturing into magical saltwater lakes, taking in medieval architecture and sampling the best food Croatia has to offer.
7 days tailor-made from £4,835 per person View trip
Dubrovnik, Mostar & Kotor: A Balkans Coastal Discovery
Tailor-made HolidayThree countries, three very different histories, and barely three hours of driving between any of them. This itinerary treats Dubrovnik as a base rather than a single stop, using it to reach two neighbouring countries most travellers never quite make time for. A day trip crosses into Bosnia and Herzegovina to reach Mostar, a city defined by its 16th-century Ottoman bridge and a history of destruction and rebuilding still visible at every turn.
5 days tailor-made from £2,005 per person View trip
Los Cabos: Adventure Beyond the Resort
Tailor-made HolidayBeneath its resort reputation, Los Cabos holds some of the richest marine life in Mexico and a desert most visitors never see. Los Cabos has built its reputation on resort pools and beachfront cocktails, but the water and the desert surrounding the peninsula hold a different kind of trip entirely, one that queer and trans-focused dive operators in the region have already been running for years.
7 days View trip
The Happiest Place on Earth: A Honeymoon in Fiji
Tailor-made HolidayA honeymoon in Fiji means stepping into a way of life: not just the sunshine and the sea, but a sense of community that Fijians extend to visitors without much hesitation.
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Luxury Ireland Tour: Killarney & the Beara Peninsula
Tailor-made HolidayThe beauty of Killarney's lakes and the Beara Peninsula beyond them speaks for itself. Century-old grounds running to the water, ruins reachable only by kayak, and roads so remote you may not pass another car all day. This trip begins on the shore of Lough Leane, where the water is calm enough most mornings for a private kayak crossing to Innisfallen Island, home to the ruins of a seventh-century monastery reachable no other way.
5 days View trip
Luxury French Riviera: Nice, Monaco & Saint-Tropez
Tailor-made HolidayThe French Riviera blends coastline, culture, and an upwardly mobile social scene that feels unmistakably European, moving from the relaxed of Nice to the wealth of Monaco and the beach clubs of Saint-Tropez. This itinerary is designed to flow naturally, with just two bases and enough time in each to settle in properly. Expect private transfers, carefully timed experiences, and reservations that make the difference between a good trip and a seamless one.
8 days tailor-made from £6,755 per person View trip
Argentina and Antarctica: Journey to the End of the World
Tailor-made HolidayArgentina is a country of dramatic contrasts, and nowhere is that more evident than on a journey that ends in Antarctica. This itinerary brings together the very best of the country, from the energy and elegance of Buenos Aires to the raw natural power of Iguazu Falls and the vast landscapes of Patagonia, before continuing to the southernmost edge of the world.
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Luxury Turks & Caicos Experience
Tailor-made HolidayTwo sides of the Turks and Caicos Islands and one unforgettable week. Vibrant reef-fringed Providenciales followed by the private island seclusion of COMO Parrot Cay. Begin in Providenciales, where Grace Bay's world-famous shoreline sets the scene for your first few days. Whether you're snorkelling the barrier reef, exploring the turquoise stillness of Chalk Sound, or simply claiming your stretch of sand, Provo has a way of filling a week without ever feeling rushed.
8 days tailor-made from £5,100 per person View trip
Luxury Greece trip: From Athens to Naxos
Tailor-made HolidayThis journey through Greece combines history, island life and thoughtful luxury, moving at your own pace allowing the holiday to feel effortless. Beginning in Athens, the birthplace of democracy and philosophy, the itinerary introduces Greece through its most iconic landmarks and vibrant modern culture. From here, the journey continues to Crete, where ancient mythology meets rugged landscapes and a slower rhythm of life.
12 days tailor-made from £10,745 per person View trip
Brazil’s Eco-Luxury Lodges: Amazon & Pantanal – Amazon Cruise & Jungle Lodge Experience
Tailor-made HolidayThis 8-day luxury itinerary through Brazil invites you to sustainably experience the Amazon and Pantanal in utmost comfort. With exclusive access to remote rainforest and wetland ecosystems, this journey is designed for nature lovers seeking eco-luxury travel in Brazil. Begin your journey with a private Amazon River cruise from Manaus, where solar-powered vessels and expert guides lead you deep into the jungle’s heart.
8 days tailor-made from £5,895 per person View trip
Mamma Mia! Luxury Filming Locations Tour of Greece
Tailor-made HolidayJourney through the filming locations of the now legendary 2008 musical, combining cinematic nostalgia with luxury Greek island experiences in LGBTQ+-popular destinations. The film was primarily shot on the Greek islands of Skopelos and Skiathos in the Sporades archipelago, with additional scenes captured in Damouchari, Pelion. On this tour, "I Have a Dream" becomes a reality.
10 days tailor-made from £4,500 per person View trip
Scandinavia Luxury Tour: Nordic Capitals & Fjords
Tailor-made HolidayFour countries, twelve days, and a single thread of water and rail running through all of them. This is the grand tour of the Nordic capitals, Helsinki, Stockholm, Oslo, and Copenhagen, with Norway's fjords as the wild heart of the trip. You travel the way the region always has, by sea and by train. An overnight ferry carries you across the Baltic from Finland to Sweden.
12 days tailor-made from £6,295 per person View tripFrequently asked questions
What does Out Of Office do?
Out Of Office is a luxury LGBTQ+ travel company specialising in tailor-made holidays and extraordinary journeys around the world. We create bespoke luxury holidays, LGBTQ+ honeymoons, safaris, cruises, beach escapes, private tours and group trips, with every itinerary designed around you. Our travel specialists combine global expertise, first-hand destination knowledge and trusted local partners to create seamless, highly personalised experiences.
Is Out Of Office a gay travel agency?
Out Of Office is an LGBTQ+ owned and run luxury travel specialist, with particular expertise in gay and LGBTQ+ travel. We understand the additional considerations that can come with travelling as an LGBTQ+ person or couple, from local laws and customs to finding genuinely welcoming hotels and experiences.
We welcome every traveller, including friends, families and allies. Many of our clients are not members of the LGBTQ+ community, but choose Out Of Office for our luxury travel expertise, personalised service and discretion.
Do you create tailor-made LGBTQ+ holidays?
Yes. Every tailor-made trip with Out Of Office is designed from scratch around your interests, travel style, budget and the way you want to experience a destination. We can arrange luxury hotels, private transfers, flights, guides, excursions, cruises and special experiences as part of one personalised itinerary. The journeys shown on our website are there to inspire you rather than restrict you; only clearly identified group departures operate as fixed itineraries.
How do you choose LGBTQ+ friendly hotels and destinations?
We combine first-hand destination knowledge with trusted local expertise to recommend luxury hotels, resorts and experiences where LGBTQ+ travellers can feel informed and welcome. We also consider the laws, customs and attitudes of each destination, because LGBTQ+ rights and experiences differ around the world. Our team regularly visit many of the properties we work with and where a destination requires greater awareness, we give you clear and considered advice so that you can make an informed decision about where and how you travel.
Stellar service. Stellar products. Stellar people and it gets so much better when you pick up the phone and call.
Anthony S.
Super client centred service. From first contact I have had warm, efficient, friendly and flexible service.
John
I’m confident in giving Out Of Office a 5-star review! They are one of the leaders in this space without a doubt.
Tiberiu
We plant trees for every booking
For every booking made with Out Of Office we commit to planting trees in your name to help reduce the impact of travel on future generations. You'll even get a link to see where your trees are planted in the world via our partner Ecologi.
We donate to Rainbow Railroad with every booking
Rainbow Railroad helps LGBTQ+ people escape state-sponsored violence and persecution. A donation goes with every trip we sell, funded by us and never added to your price.
Start Planning Your Trip
Tell us where you would love to go, when you are thinking of travelling and what kind of trip you have in mind. One of our LGBTQ+ travel specialists will create a tailor-made itinerary designed around your destination, style and preferences.
One named specialist, first enquiry to homecoming. No call centre, and nothing is charged until you decide to book.