What Makes a Cruise ‘All LGBTQ+’? Understanding Full-Ship Charters, Group/Partial Charters and Your Own Charters

If you’ve ever searched for an LGBTQ+ cruise and been overwhelmed by the options, you’re not alone. From gay groups to full-ship takeovers, the terminology can be confusing, and what you book will shape your entire experience onboard.

At Purple Light Vacations, we’ve been on over 50 cruises and worked with the best LGBTQ+ tour operators in the world. So, we’re breaking down the differences and helping you figure out which cruise style is your perfect fit.

Full-Ship LGBTQ+ Charters

The vibe:  Varies significantly based on the charter company, size of the trip and the cruise itinerary. Can be intimate and low key or party intense with spectacular laser parties and DJs. In their own way, however LGBT charter cruises each offer a kind of floating Pride festival meets chosen-family vacation.

These are the unicorns of LGBTQ+ cruising—where every passenger onboard is part of the community. Charter companies like VACAYA, Olivia, Atlantis, Brand g or Source Journeys take over the entire ship, curating the entertainment, shore excursions, and daily schedule specifically for LGBTQ+ guests.

VACAYA Presented Vanessa Williams on Their Caribbean Cruise Last Year

Our Purple Light Group Was Excited to Start our Atlantis Cruise from Hong Kong to Tokyo

Jonathan with Brian and James from Brand g. Brand g is Known for their all-LGBT Top Notch River and Smaller Ocean Cruises and Land Vacations.

LGBT Charter Cruises Often Include Fun Theme Parties

What to expect:

• Drag shows, dance parties (on larger ships/certain charter companies), LGBTQ+ speakers and entertainers, themed nights

• Shore excursions that may be specifically tailored to the LGBT community

• A strong sense of community and inclusiveness

• Full creative control over entertainment and activities

• Freedom to fully be yourself, 24/7

• On certain LGBT cruises things, you would not see on a mainstream cruise such as more late-night dining options and public areas where sexual activity is permitted.

Who it’s for:
Perfect if you’re looking to immerse yourself in queer joy with anywhere from a little over a hundred (to thousands) of like-minded travelers. There are many different options. Please contact us to discuss which one might be right for you.

Gay Group Cruises/Partial Ship Charters

The vibe: LGBTQ+ bubble within a larger ship.

In a partial charter, LGBTQ+ travelers make up an organized group onboard a mainstream cruise. The group may be quite small or have several hundreds of people. While you’ll share the ship with other guests, your group if it is large enough will have its own exclusive programming—think cocktail hours, private excursions, or themed dinners. Pied Piper, a company out of NYC that we work with regularly is the primary company known for LGBT group cruises as their main focus.

Welcoming Party on a Pied Piper Gay Group Post Thanksgiving Cruise

Brian Justin Crumm Performed for the Pied Piper LGBT Group

What to expect:

• Dedicated LGBTQ+ activities and meetups dependent on the size of the LGBT group

• Some shared public spaces with non-group guests

• Lower price point than full charters

• Many more itinerary/date options each year

• A balance of community and wider cruise amenities

Who it’s for:
Ideal for travelers who want a connection or just want to be sure they are with other members of the LGBT community but don’t mind blending into the broader cruise environment. Also, a great first step if you’re new to LGBTQ+ travel.

Your Own LGBTQ+ Sailing

The vibe: Personalized, small-group travel with expert guides. Thank yacht rental/charters

 The host ensures a seamless experience, arranges private excursions, and fosters group connection throughout the journey.

One of the Catamarans That We Could Charter for Your LGBT Group in Greece/Turkey Through Our Partner Magical Sunsets

Yacht Charters Provide Far More Flexibility If You Want to Set Your Own Itinerary

What to expect:

• A mix of free time and curated group activities

• Personal attention from your host

• More control of your activities, cuisine on board and other aspects of your cruise experience

• Opportunities for deeper connection in a smaller group

• Exclusive perks when booked through a trusted agency like PLV

Who it’s for:
Perfect if you prefer a more intimate group, want more control over your itinerary and daily activities,  love learning through your travel, and want the structure of a hosted experience without a party cruise vibe.

So… Which Cruise Type Is Right for You?

That depends on what kind of experience you want. Do you love high-energy parties with thousands of fellow travelers? Go for a full-ship charter. Want a community feel with some quiet time to recharge? Hosted or partial charters might be your sweet spot.

And no matter what kind of cruise you’re dreaming of, we can help you find the right fit—and often with added perks you won’t get booking direct.

Let’s Find Your Next LGBTQ+ Cruise

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned cruiser, our expert planning takes the guesswork out of the process. We know which charters and ships to trust, which cabins are best, and how to match you with the right experience.

Ready to cruise with confidence?
Contact us today to start planning—or ask us what’s coming up next.