Why I Chose Vacation Company Vacaya for My First Gay Cruise

Nonstop parties, unwarranted comments, and a lack of diversity were a few reasons why I avoided gay cruises. However, my perspective changed with Vacaya, a leading adults-only vacation company dedicated to inclusivity for the entire LGBTQ+ community and our straight allies.

Historically, I have felt insecure about my weight. If the marketing strategy for LGBTQ+ cruises does not include me or make me feel recognized as a chubby Black gay man, I tend to shy away. But when the opportunity to sail with Vacaya arose, I sought insights from friends about their experiences, focusing particularly on the company’s chartered sailings and resort vacations. I heard terms like “diverse,” “body positive,” and “it is what you make it,” which brought me comfort.

Therefore, I decided to step outside of my comfort zone and join over 1,500 passengers aboard the Celebrity Millennium for a week-long Caribbean cruise, visiting Aruba and Curaçao.

A Conscious Decision to Be Inclusive

Upon boarding the ship at Port Everglades in Hollywood, Florida, I was pleasantly surprised by the diversity among the passengers. While the age ranged broadly, the diversity reflected a true microcosm of the LGBTQ+ community with a variety of ethnicities and sexual orientations. This diversity challenged several preconceived notions I harbored about gay cruises.

The same inclusivity was evident in Vacaya’s programming and entertainment. Glee star Amber Riley captivated us by paying tribute to legendary divas like Chaka Khan and Aretha Franklin. Comedian Susie Mosher hosted a show that showcased fearless passengers belting their favorite songs. Additionally, The Skivvies performed humorous music mash-ups, while comedians Gene Moore and Geneva Joy delivered laughs galore. The charismatic drag queen Shangela led an engaging show, rounding out the lineup with a tribute to Beyoncé.

The Importance of Community and Diversity

Throughout the cruise, passengers expressed their creativity by dressing in elaborate costumes for themed parties, usually under the beat of DJs Corey Craig or Susan Morabito. Although the DJs primarily catered to electronic dance music (EDM), a number of passengers, including myself, wished for more music variety.

Moreover, I found it easy to connect with fellow passengers; the strong sense of community made it effortless to exchange cruise cards and cultivate friendships.

Practical Aspects of Cruising with Vacaya

This cruise was not a standard vacation for me, as I needed to work during the trip. I opted for Celebrity’s Xcelerate Stream package for two devices (phone and laptop). However, the unsecured Wi-Fi access was often unreliable. Therefore, my recommendation is to consider disconnecting from the internet during your cruise.

As is common on many cruises, separate prepaid packages for dining and beverages were available. I primarily dined at the Oceanview Cafe, a buffet offering international dishes. I splurged a bit more for meals at the Tuscan Grille and enjoyed an innovative dining experience at Le Petit Chef, which combines a delicious four-course meal with stunning 3D tabletop entertainment.

For activities, shore excursions in Aruba presented a delightful array of beach and wildlife experiences. I particularly enjoyed visiting the Dolphin Academy in Curaçao for an intimate animal encounter, though its cost was notable. Overall, this experience taught me the value of balancing relaxation with adventure.

Cruise Travel During a Pandemic

Today, it’s essential to address the real impact of COVID-19 on travel plans. A week prior to my departure, reports emerged about a Royal Caribbean ship being turned away due to an outbreak. Consequently, I found myself concerned that similar issues could affect our itinerary.

Despite these concerns, I consciously chose to embark on this cruise, equipped with negative COVID-19 test results taken within 48 hours of departure. Passengers were diligent, adhering to Celebrity’s protocols regarding masking indoors.

Final Thoughts on Health and Safety

Reflecting on this experience, my confidence in the safety measures built by both Celebrity and Vacaya allowed me to enjoy the cruise during the pandemic. Indeed, transparency in safety protocols was key to our peace of mind.

Final Takeaways

Looking back on my experience, I would gladly consider a future cruise as a solo traveler. In fact, some friends and I are contemplating joining Vacaya’s upcoming Caribbean cruise scheduled for February 2023. With Celebrity’s robust safety measures and Vacaya’s commitment to detail and an inclusive environment, I felt secure throughout my journey. Thus, I returned home with cherished memories and a sense of fulfillment.