Cruise Line Suggestion that is LGBT+ Friendly

[ScottC4746]

I have fallen in love two years ago with Celebrity and from the posts I have been seeing their new CEO doesn't know how to run a cruise line.

Some examples are:

• Premium drink package includes up to $17 but a majority of drinks hover north of that.
• Captain's Club Power Up offers are non-existent.
• A cruise for two is one price, but to book the exact same thing as a single reports are that it is 4 times or higher than that.

 

Can anyone suggest another cruise line similar to Celebrity (we considered Celebrity as a entry level luxury cruise line) that is still easy on the budget, about the same size, and LGBT+ friendly?  We left RCCL because they are getting too big ship wise and we don't need a theme park on board.  We sailed on HAL once.  While they were everything we were looking for, we felt like someone's grandchildren.  This was 2015 and we are now 51 and 59 this year.

We are both foodies and both love going to the theater in the evenings.  We love being able to sit and have a nice drink with nice background music going, not typical bar music thmpa thumpa thumpa.  We love being pampered and love being able to take as many meals in the main dining room as possible, breakfast, lunch, and dinner as we hate buffet quality.

 

Any suggestions?

[starri]

Virgin.

[CDNPolar]

We love Viking.  We have been on 10 Viking cruises now and a mix of ocean and river.

 

Although Viking is perhaps a bit higher priced on the surface, look at what is included:

* Every cabin has a balcony (Ocean)

* WiFi included

* Wine and beer included lunch and dinner

* One excursion included in each port

* Port fees and taxes included

* Transfers from and to airport/ship included if you arrange your air through Viking

* No extra cost for specialty dining

 

Viking did not stand out to us when we were first looking for a cruise line as the 2SLGBTQ+ preferred line, but we love it because it is quiet, with no kids (under 18) is not a party ship, and in our opinion the buffet food is an elevated quality.  (You have made to order options on the buffet at all meals too)

 

On a ship of 900 odd souls, you. may note a few other gay couples, and if requested Viking will host an LGBT get together.  Sometimes there is one and sometimes there is not, but we don't attend these anyway.

 

Viking crew have never been anything but respectful and accommodating which is why we keep going back.  We generally have at least 2 Viking cruises booked for the future.

 

Viking overall is a quiet ship with no casino, only one small night club (very small), no art auctions, no pictures for sale, etc.

 

Let us know who you choose and please report back after!

[ScottC4746]

3 hours ago, CDNPolar said:

We love Viking.  We have been on 10 Viking cruises now and a mix of ocean and river.

 

Although Viking is perhaps a bit higher priced on the surface, look at what is included:

* Every cabin has a balcony (Ocean)

* WiFi included

* Wine and beer included lunch and dinner

* One excursion included in each port

* Port fees and taxes included

* Transfers from and to airport/ship included if you arrange your air through Viking

* No extra cost for specialty dining

 

Viking did not stand out to us when we were first looking for a cruise line as the 2SLGBTQ+ preferred line, but we love it because it is quiet, with no kids (under 18) is not a party ship, and in our opinion the buffet food is an elevated quality.  (You have made to order options on the buffet at all meals too)

 

On a ship of 900 odd souls, you. may note a few other gay couples, and if requested Viking will host an LGBT get together.  Sometimes there is one and sometimes there is not, but we don't attend these anyway.

 

Viking crew have never been anything but respectful and accommodating which is why we keep going back.  We generally have at least 2 Viking cruises booked for the future.

 

Viking overall is a quiet ship with no casino, only one small night club (very small), no art auctions, no pictures for sale, etc.

 

Let us know who you choose and please report back after!

I understood that the one excursion in each port is usually a board a bus while we drive you around.  

[CDNPolar]

7 minutes ago, ScottC4746 said:

I understood that the one excursion in each port is usually a board a bus while we drive you around.  

 

Not true at all.

 

Included excursions can be 2 hours or 8 hours.  They can be walking tours or bus tours to outlying areas....  Often you will bus to a castle or a ruin of some sort.  This also depends on if this is a river cruise or ocean cruise.  There can be differences, but they are not JUST a bus ride around the city.

 

If you are boarding a bus then they will take you somewhere and you will get off and do a walking tour and sometimes get back on and go to the next location.

 

Many on the River cruises can be walking tours that start at the ship because you are docking so close.

 

We do most of the included tours because they are so well curated and very educational.  We have no problem paying for excursions, but on a 10-15 day cruise we might buy 3 optional excursions and the rest are the included, because Viking's included excursions are so good.

 

Here are some examples:

 

 

 

[CDNPolar]

19 minutes ago, ScottC4746 said:

I understood that the one excursion in each port is usually a board a bus while we drive you around.  

 

Oh, and I will add, that if included excursions were board a bus while we drive you around, you wouldn't catch me on one of them...  I would pay for all my excursions...  that would be a waste of my time.  I want to not only see, but feel, and experience the places that I am visiting.

[WestW]

Agree with CDNPolar about Viking. We just finished our 4th cruise and have 3 more booked in 2024 and 2025. Viking has an older demographic but we are fine with that. We are 70 and 59. We just returned from South America - Santiago to Buenos Aires - and saw the most LGBTQ couples aboard we’ve ever seen on Viking (at least 8 couples). 

[Lanwood]

We find Princess is more alike than not with Celebrity, and the line we tend to gravitate back to, as you'll see from our signature. Done most lines a few times over, but 23 with Princess.

We never really enjoyed the small luxury lines. Didn't fit well for us (47 and 45). Found them a bit limited (due to their size), but may work for yourself. We also like light music most times while enjoying a drink in lieu of loud and find we have choice of a location that will meet or mood at any time.

[CDNPolar]

17 hours ago, WestW said:

Agree with CDNPolar about Viking. We just finished our 4th cruise and have 3 more booked in 2024 and 2025. Viking has an older demographic but we are fine with that. We are 70 and 59. We just returned from South America - Santiago to Buenos Aires - and saw the most LGBTQ couples aboard we’ve ever seen on Viking (at least 8 couples). 

 

I think that Viking is gaining popularity in the LGBT community.  

 

No offence to anyone on this forum, as I lived through the 80's and 90's and was in a club 6 nights out of 7.  I partied and had my fun.

 

I am personally not interested in the party ships, or an Atlantis Cruise, as I just want peace and serenity now and Viking provides that for me (us).

 

My husband and I met when I was 51 and he is a bit younger.  He has never been interested in partying, at all, full stop.

 

There are many different cruise enthusiasts out there and that is why there are so many different cruise lines offering different products.  The big ships full of kids don't do it for us.  Noise and screaming and running and all the chaos is just not what we want.  We don't want 'disco' night clubs and dancing under the stars.

 

We cruise for the destination (rarely if ever Caribbean) and look for the knowledge and experience that we are going to gain, and Viking gives us that. 

 

There is a reason that Viking is billed as (even if self-proclaimed) "The Thinking Person's Cruise" and "Curated for curious travellers with true explorer spirits."

 

But, Viking won't do it for everyone...

[georgiaguy]

I’m not sure that the drinks part is correct. It is $17 limit but most of the drinks at world class and almost all of the martini bar drinks are covered based on menus from folks sailing recently. The one challenge has apparently been wine so maybe that could be what you are referring to. Other than that I probably cant add much, Celebrity is our favorite. We will be on the Ascent in a few weeks so let me know if you have any questions. 

[fshepinc]

I recently saw a review of Celebrity that said the company was reversing its position on solo cruisers -going back to more reasonable single supplements. That's a huge relief for me, as Celebrity has been my favorite line. I think most lines today are pretty LGBTQ-friendly, though it can vary a bit from ship to ship (like everything else). My only bad experience as a gay cruiser in recent years was aboard NCL. 

 

I find it gets harder to find a good cruise, as I am over Carnival, NCL, and Royal Caribbean. I don't like big ships and whole floating-amusement-park mentality. Food and service on all three of those lines have gone down significantly in the last few years. Just booked my first TA on QM2 -very much looking forward to that!

[Gretchendz]

For LGBTQ+ Inclusivity and acceptance, Virgin, Virgin, Virgin.

 

Not saying the other lines mentioned are not fine in this regard or that any of the other comments are wrong. But I am sending Virgin is a whole nother level. After all, the drag queen Diva runs the bingo. I don't even care for bingo and I go because it is do much fun.

And the whole vibe is adults only fun and freindly.

 

Very similar to Celebrity in terms of quality. BUT Virgin includes so much more in the upfront price--crew gratuities, wi-fi, group fitness classes, specialty dining is all included, more included drinks, gelato, and more. You do pay for drinks, but not with a hard-to-understand drink package. And most travel advisors who work with Virgin a lot can get you extra on board credit.

 

People see Virgin's prices and freak out because they have not added up all the things you mention OP. 

[CDNPolar]

6 hours ago, Gretchendz said:

 

 

People see Virgin's prices and freak out because they have not added up all the things you mention OP. 

 

Not suggesting that Viking is better than Virgin, only suggesting the same as you stated here.  Viking are an "almost" all inclusive with beer and wine (unlimited) at meals, Wifi, shore excursions, no up charges for specialty dining...  Often folks look at Viking's cabin charge and see it as expensive.  It is not when you calculate the total cost of the cruise.

 

I would say from what I know of Virgin (have not sailed yet) that for a younger crowd that wants more entertainment and especially in the evening, that Virgin would be for you.  Viking is a quiet ship with only one small nightclub (Open Late) and basically the sidewalks close up on Viking by 9pm after the show gets out.

 

One thing that I recently read about Virgin, is that unless you are paying for a suite class cabin, you don't actually get a real bed, but rather sofas that push together or pull out sofas and that these are not very comfortable.    I personally don't want to pay an upgrade fare just to get a real bed.

[Gretchendz]

1 hour ago, CDNPolar said:

 

Not suggesting that Viking is better than Virgin, only suggesting the same as you stated here.  Viking are an "almost" all inclusive with beer and wine (unlimited) at meals, Wifi, shore excursions, no up charges for specialty dining...  Often folks look at Viking's cabin charge and see it as expensive.  It is not when you calculate the total cost of the cruise.

 

I would say from what I know of Virgin (have not sailed yet) that for a younger crowd that wants more entertainment and especially in the evening, that Virgin would be for you.  Viking is a quiet ship with only one small nightclub (Open Late) and basically the sidewalks close up on Viking by 9pm after the show gets out.

 

One thing that I recently read about Virgin, is that unless you are paying for a suite class cabin, you don't actually get a real bed, but rather sofas that push together or pull out sofas and that these are not very comfortable.    I personally don't want to pay an upgrade fare just to get a real bed.

 

Totally agree about the vibe between Viking and Virgin. Even though there is a fair amount of partying on Virgin, if it is not your thing, there are plenty of quiet spots to enjoy. Especially the beloved red hammock on your balcony.  Although the Virgin crowd is getting old as they increase prices.  It is NOT for those offended by drag shows.

 

The beds are controversial with some. They are real beds, but some people find them firm and uncomfortable. One thing I think is better on Virgin is that, unlike most ships where they are side by side if separated into two individual beds, on Virgin they form an L shape. It makes for so much more useable space in the cabin.  But I won't lie, are some percent of sailors who hate them.

 

I find it odd because I prefer a soft mattress, but I have no problem with them. But maybe because I always sleep better at sea 🙂

[CDNPolar]

32 minutes ago, Gretchendz said:

 

Totally agree about the vibe between Viking and Virgin. Even though there is a fair amount of partying on Virgin, if it is not your thing, there are plenty of quiet spots to enjoy. Especially the beloved red hammock on your balcony.  Although the Virgin crowd is getting old as they increase prices.  It is NOT for those offended by drag shows.

 

The beds are controversial with some. They are real beds, but some people find them firm and uncomfortable. One thing I think is better on Virgin is that, unlike most ships where they are side by side if separated into two individual beds, on Virgin they form an L shape. It makes for so much more useable space in the cabin.  But I won't lie, are some percent of sailors who hate them.

 

I find it odd because I prefer a soft mattress, but I have no problem with them. But maybe because I always sleep better at sea 🙂

 

Beds and mattresses will always be subjective and controversial.  I guess that I also want the bed to be a bed, and I get the impression that during the day the "bed" is a couch, and it is converted at night cabin service?  This to me would not work.  We often have a nap in the afternoon... 

[Gretchendz]

7 minutes ago, CDNPolar said:

 

Beds and mattresses will always be subjective and controversial.  I guess that I also want the bed to be a bed, and I get the impression that during the day the "bed" is a couch, and it is converted at night cabin service?  This to me would not work.  We often have a nap in the afternoon... 

That is no longer true. It was originally.  Now they leave beds as beds. You can ask your attendant to do a conversion to couch. 

[9tee2Sea]

On 1/31/2024 at 9:59 AM, ScottC4746 said:

I have fallen in love two years ago with Celebrity and from the posts I have been seeing their new CEO doesn't know how to run a cruise line.

Some examples are:

• Premium drink package includes up to $17 but a majority of drinks hover north of that.
• Captain's Club Power Up offers are non-existent.
• A cruise for two is one price, but to book the exact same thing as a single reports are that it is 4 times or higher than that.

 

Can anyone suggest another cruise line similar to Celebrity (we considered Celebrity as a entry level luxury cruise line) that is still easy on the budget, about the same size, and LGBT+ friendly?  We left RCCL because they are getting too big ship wise and we don't need a theme park on board.  We sailed on HAL once.  While they were everything we were looking for, we felt like someone's grandchildren.  This was 2015 and we are now 51 and 59 this year.

We are both foodies and both love going to the theater in the evenings.  We love being able to sit and have a nice drink with nice background music going, not typical bar music thmpa thumpa thumpa.  We love being pampered and love being able to take as many meals in the main dining room as possible, breakfast, lunch, and dinner as we hate buffet quality.

 

Any suggestions?

I have never had any issues on NCL.  They have published LGBTQ+ meet ups every night ( usually around 7pm).  Sometimes it's a big friendly crowd, sometimes very stand off-ish.  

[GaryAndJennGoPlaces]

I would definitely suggest checking out Virgin. Totally different vibe onboard than other cruise lines, and has become our favorite

 

[Gretchendz]

36 minutes ago, GaryAndJennGoPlaces said:

I would definitely suggest checking out Virgin. Totally different vibe onboard than other cruise lines, and has become our favorite

 

Totally agree. Most lines nowadays are LGBTQ friendly but Virgin is on anther level!