Editor’s note: Matt Moffitt of TPG sailed on a free trip offered by Vacaya. The opinions expressed below are purely his own and have not been reviewed by the tour operator.
The sun lazily peeks through the curtains, signaling the beginning of a new day on the Vacaya cruise gay journey. With so many activities available, what should you decide to do during the day (and night)?
In February 2023, I sailed with Vacaya on a one-week gay cruise out of Fort Lauderdale and across the Caribbean on board. Celebrity‘ Celebrity Reflection cruise ship. this is first gay journey I joined, so I was curious about what activities would be available and how the schedule would be different from a more “traditional” itinerary.
For cruise news, reviews and tips, subscribe to TPG’s itinerary bulletin.
If you’re about to go on one of the larger excursions in Vacaya, here’s what you can expect from a typical day on board. (Note that the more boutique tours the tour operator offers, the different schedules and much smaller groups and boats.)
8:00am: A leisurely morning start
Rise and shine. You’ll start your day with a stroll to the breakfast buffet, which is already busy with hundreds of passengers (mostly gay men) refueling and chatting about the night’s happenings .
If you’re hungover and/or want some serenity, grab your plate and head to the outdoor deck at the back of the ship to enjoy the fresh air and stunning ocean views while you dine.
9am: Ashore tour if you’re in port
Vacaya’s port stops on Caribbean cruises that tend to return. Don’t overdo it – pick the places you really want to explore and feel free to skip a port or two for more relaxation on board.
When you’re at the port, it’s like a regular cruise with tradition shore excursions, such as snorkeling, off-road riding, and walking tours. Or you can decide to explore on your own, like I did when I visited the National Museum of the Cayman Islands, just a short five-minute walk from the port in Grand Cayman.
Sign up for our daily newsletter
10am: Swim day if you’re at sea
If the ship is sailing through open water, get ready for a hectic day of billiards. The pool deck is a lively hub of activity, with passengers enjoying the sun-drenched atmosphere together. Finding an available deck chair can take a bit of patience, but it’s a great opportunity to strike up a conversation with new people and make a connection.
If you want a pampering moment, now is a great time to hit the gym – which was surprisingly not crowded at any of the times I visited – or to the spa or steam room. slightly dry for refreshing relaxation.
While most themed events take place in the evening, a handful of specialized activities, such as bingo, take place during the day. One activity that struck me as a great initiative was the make-up class for transgender and non-gender guests, part of the operator’s efforts to increase inclusion across their excursions.
16h: Afternoon ‘V-Dance’
Afternoon is when the real fun begins. For half a day of the week-long cruise, you’ll dress up for “V-Dance,” a Vacaya dance on the traditional afternoon T-Dance, popular in gay vacation spots like Fire Island and Provincetown.
My favorite was “She’s A Mess V-Dance” on the last day, when the passengers wore an outfit they had worn for the week. It was an interesting mess indeed; For example, one passenger paired their leather belt from the lingerie party with Cupid’s bow from the Valentine’s Day event and accented it with a fabulous wig!
6pm: Dinner
Just like on a regular cruise, you’ll arrive at the dining area at your scheduled time, where you can sit down to dine in a traditional restaurant setting or, if you want to maximize your time, take your time. Explore buffets.
The atmosphere during dinner is similar to what you see on a traditional yacht. A special feature that I appreciate is the meeting for solo travelers each evening at the bar outside the restaurant, after which we will all dine together at a large group table.
If you can stay away from the afternoon party, I recommend sitting earlier than 6pm instead of later. Having dinner early gives you time to catch a show and get ready for the rest of the night’s festivities.
7:30pm: Queue-focused entertainment
Vacaya hosts an eerie themed performance in the auditorium every night, which includes drag shows, Penis Puppetry, and vaudeville performances. There are usually two screenings — at 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. — and I recommend getting in line early to get a good seat.
After the show is over, it’s time to head back to your cabin to prepare for the night carnival. You can play games with companions and new friends while preparing for the dinner party.
10:30pm: Theme party
The night is still young, and it’s time to immerse yourself in the evening’s themed party. There’s a party…Everyone. Single. Night. So be sure to speed yourself up and stay well hydrated.
Whether it’s the “Changing Room” for a lavish Superbowl-inspired party, a lingerie party celebrating body positivity, or a Valentine’s Day themed event, every night brings to a unique experience that meets the diverse interests and desires of the gay community.
The parties take place by the pool, where laughter and joy mingle with the sea breeze. Embrace the freedom to be who you really are, surrounded by people you accept and honor for who you are.
1 a.m.: After the party
As the night enters its final chapter, an interactive after-party awaits—if you will. The basketball court is set up as an intimate play space, complete with swings and inflatable sofas.
The rest of the night is up to you and when you’re ready, it’s time to retreat to your cozy cabin, recharge your body and mind, and prepare to do it all over again the next day. after.
If this sounds like an ideal way to cruise, Vacaya offers a ride tailored to queer travelers and their allies most months of the year to different places like Brazil, Italy, Africa and Antarctica.
Planning an itinerary? Start with these stories:
