Best line for LGBT and families

[KatieBug28]

Hi everyone!

 

I am relatively new to cruising (only 3 cruises, all on Carnival), so I was hoping I could get your input on a multi-generational family trip I am trying to put together.

 

I'm looking for your opinion on the best line that is LGBT friendly for my uncles, but also has a great children's program. I know most of the lines are LGBT friendly at least in theory, but I did worry that fellow passengers might be an issue. I just want to be sure my uncles feel safe and that they can be themselves.

 

Is there a particular line you'd recommend? I was thinking maybe Disney or Royal Caribbean? I know Disney is wonderfully LGBT friendly, but is there enough for adults with no children to be entertained? Also, is departure port and itinerary a factor? I saw a few gay and lesbian couples and families on our Mexican Riviera cruise out of Long Beach, but not so much on others. We're thinking of Alaska or the Caribbean for this family trip.

 

Anyway, any advice you have would be much appreciated! Happy cruising to all!

[CanadaTraveller]

I have little/no experience on other lines besides Norwegian, but have always found their cruises friendly, open, and fun. I have been told by parents that their children's programs are excellent, and the cost is generally much lower than Disney. The other factor for any gamblers is Disney does not have casinos. I am not a gambler, but Norwegian does have some pretty huge casinos. Another factor could be that on all my cruises, there was a very active LGBT gathering, with very good attendance each night. We have made some great friends over the last few years from those gatherings. Best of luck, but from what I have read, most cruise lines are LGBT friendly so I don't know if there is a bad choice.

[EagleRockers]

My husband and I have been cruising for almost 30 years. Our favorite line in Royal Caribbean. We have also enjoyed cruises on Princess, Celebrity and Norwegian. I think your uncles would feel comfortable on any of those lines.

[tv24]

My husband and I have been very comfortable on Cunard, Holland America, Crystal, Azamara, Celebrity, Seabourn, and Royal Caribbean. We have never encountered any serious homophobia on any of these lines. So I would recommend that you find a line with good programs for kids. To that end, based upon my own experience, stay away from Cunard, Crystal, Azamara & Seabourn, which have very few activities for kids, some none at all.

[Phxazzcruisers]

We are extremely comfortable on Azamara and Celebrity, our lines of choice. We have never had a bad cruise on the many we have been on

[KatieBug28]

Thanks for the replies everyone! I will look into Norwegian and Royal, those seem like they would be a good fit for everyone. My girls are fairly well behaved, but I don't think I'm quite brave enough to bring them into the MDR on Celebrity or Cunard :p

 

Hopefully we'll be able to find a trip that will have something for everyone. We usually do national park trips (Yosemite, Mount Rainier, Glacier, etc.) for our reunions, so this will be a new one for us! I may be back with more questions. So glad I found this board! I had no idea about Jamaica being so homophobic, for example. Won't be booking a trip there!

[klr6773]

My family has done two Disney cruises. While they certainly cost quite a bit more than some of the other lines,they were simply stunning trips. Finances are a factor to us,so that's one of the first things you have to look at- budget.

 

The girls had a blast at the kid's clubs. Moms had some nice quiet time here and there in the adults only areas. The lack of a casino did not bother us. The waiter on the Fantasy was wonderful and especially treated the girls like princesses the entire week. Castaway Cay is a wonderful private island experience.

 

There were several LGBT couples and families,including newlywed ladies that my daughters were so excited to run up and congratulate. We have never felt different or treated unfairly when we travel as a family.

 

 

Our next family sailing will probably be either NCL or RCI in a few years,as we are looking to move across the country and know pricing will take Disney out of the running. The girls seemed very excited about all of the things the larger ships have to offer..

 

 

I can certainly try to answer any questions you have about Disney..

[dpcmh]

We took our first cruise on DCL last year, and we have another booked this year. LOVED it!!!

 

Being a gay male couple in our mid 40s, we felt at home. We met so many new friends and were treated wonderfully by the crew!

 

As for things to do, we are fine hanging at the adult pool all day and spent time in the Rainforest room of the spa. We took adult only excursions, and the adult only beach at Castaway Cay is heaven. If low tide, there is a neat sandbar just off shore to hang out on and play. At night, the adult clubs weren't well attended, but we made our own fun with the group that was there. We got to know the adult club stuff pretty well, and they were part of the fun.

 

To be fair, we are huge WDW fans, so this could contribute to our love of DCL. If a relaxing voyage is your speed and not looking for all night dance parties, I highly recommend it! I don't see much mention of DCL on this particular board, so I'd be happy to answer any questions.

 

How we got sold on DCL, we met so many couples and gay couples with children during Gay Days at WDW who couldn't stop raving about it. We finally made the plunge and happy we did.

 

I can't speak for the kids activities, but there are tons of happy and repeat families who will testify to DCL on the DCL board for this topic. I would love to cruise DCL with a nephew or neice!!!!!

Edited March 28, 2015 by dpcmh

[Kenito]

I think the itinerary is also important, but my guess is Carnival or Princess. Carnival does have a good kid's program.

[Single Cruiser]

I've found Norwegian very welcoming... They also tend to attract a younger more liberal crowd than some of the more traditional lines.

[artmetis30]

I've only cruised with Carnival so far so my experience is limited to them. My husband and I just had our honeymoon cruise on the Carnival Liberty and they crew and staff went out of their way to make a same-sex couple feel so welcome!! I would highly recommend it as far as LGBT-friendly. They had a Friends of Dorothy meeting on 5 days of the 7 days.

 

As far as kids programs, there were plenty of kids on the ship and they seemed to have a blast!

 

Best of luck!!

 

Ricky

[Cruiser Bruiser]

Norwegian gets another big thumbs up from this sailor. LGBT friendly vibe, gatherings posted every night in the Freestyle Daily, and excellent programs for children. As others have said, you would likely do well with any of the major lines. Keep in mind that cruising is a lot like going to Vegas with the shows, gambling, drinking, etc. That's not to say that cruising isn't family friendly, but the cruise industry definitely is happy to take money from everyone. What happens on the ship stays on the ship. :p