celebrity cruise japan october 2023

12 Night Best of Japan

Find out how crowded are ports - cruise ship traffic during this voyage. Click on each port for more details.

Yokohama, Japan

Shimizu, Japan

Kobe, Japan

Kochi, Japan

Busan, South Korea

Hakodate, Japan

Aomori, Japan

Celebrity Millennium - September 30, 2023

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September 30, 2023

September 30 - 12, 2023

Celebrity Millennium

Celebrity Cruises

12 Night Best Of Japan

from Yokohama, Japan

The September 30, 2023 cruise on the Celebrity Millennium departs from Yokohama, Japan. On this 12 Night Best Of Japan sailing, the ship will visit a total of 10 different cruise port destinations, including its departure port. The Celebrity Millennium sets sail on a Saturday (September 30, 2023) and returns on a Thursday (October 12, 2023).

The Celebrity Millennium was built in 2000 and is amoung Celebrity's 16 ships in it's fleet. The Celebrity Millennium is included in the cruise line's Millenium Class. In the cruise ship stats below you'll find the Celebrity Millennium vs all other Celebrity ships.

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Japan's second largest city and one of its leading seaports, Yokohama belongs to the extensive urban-industrial belt around Tokyo called the Keihin Industrial Zone. The city has four universities; a variety of Christian churches, Shinto shrines, and temples; and numerous parks and gardens, notably Nogeyama Park, which was created after the earthquake of 1923. It is the site of Kanazawa Library, founded in 1275, which houses a large collection of historical documents.

Japan's second largest city and one of its leading seaports, Yokohama belongs to the extensive urban-industrial belt around Tokyo called the Keihin Industrial Zone. The city has four universities; a...

Shimizu city, a port and fishing center located in Shizuoka Prefecture, exports tea, oranges, and canned food. Shimizu also produces motorcycles, ships, and musical instruments and is home to petroleum and aluminum refineries. Nearby is Miho-no-matsubara, a breakwater famed for its beauty. Located between Tokyo and Osaka, Shimizu is conveniently located for touring central Honshu.

Shimizu city, a port and fishing center located in Shizuoka Prefecture, exports tea, oranges, and canned food. Shimizu also produces motorcycles, ships, and musical instruments and is home to...

Famous for its succulent Kobe beef and cosmopolitan flair, this booming port town sits between the Rokko Mountains and Osaka Bay. Home to many foreigners, this commercial center is the most international in western Japan, containing a remarkable architectural mix of Swiss chalets, Muslim mosques, and Russian Orthodox churches, tucked between traditional Japanese buildings.

Famous for its succulent Kobe beef and cosmopolitan flair, this booming port town sits between the Rokko Mountains and Osaka Bay. Home to many foreigners, this commercial center is the most...

This large, bustling port is the starting point for tours to the ancient cities of Kyoto and Nara, the cultural fountainheads of classical Japan. Kyoto's Imperial Palace and the shogunal Nijo Castle remain glorious symbols of the power the city held for over 1,000 years. But you may wish to stay in Osaka itself for a few days to experience the delightful cuisine, including okinomiyaki (Japanese pancakes), tako yaki (fried octopus balls, and more.

This large, bustling port is the starting point for tours to the ancient cities of Kyoto and Nara, the cultural fountainheads of classical Japan. Kyoto's Imperial Palace and the shogunal Nijo Castle...

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Pusan is South Korea's second largest city and largest port, handling most of the nation's foreign trade. Lying at the head of the Naktong River basin, it has served as a main southern gateway to Korea from Japan. Historic landmarks include the Kyongbok Palace, built in 1394 by the first monarch of the Yi dynasty; the Changdok Palace, containing many valuable relics; and the Toksu Palace, which houses the National Museum and Art Gallery.

Pusan is South Korea's second largest city and largest port, handling most of the nation's foreign trade. Lying at the head of the Naktong River basin, it has served as a main southern gateway to...

Opened to U.S. ships in 1854 and then in 1857 to general foreign trade, Hokodate was the chief port of Hokkaido until recently replaced by Sapporo. It is linked with Aomori on Honshu by the Seikan Tunnel. A commercial and industrial center, the city's main industries are fishing, shipbuilding, and food processing. Of interest is the Goryokaku, the fort where the Tokugawa shogun made his last stand.

Opened to U.S. ships in 1854 and then in 1857 to general foreign trade, Hokodate was the chief port of Hokkaido until recently replaced by Sapporo. It is linked with Aomori on Honshu by the Seikan...

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Celebrity overbooked in Japan Oct 2023 cruise

By neil April 20, 2023 in Celebrity Cruises

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Over a thousand people were canceled by celebrity on Oct 2023 Southern Japan trip.  That is half the people of the cruise passengers.   Most the passengers booked one year ago and Celebrity say it is overbooked.  We certainly have lot of unhappy customers.   The option one offer a fix time with different iterary next year.  Many people already purchased the air tickets which is more than the 500 dollars offer as compensation upon approval.   Many customers loss time and money on this trip due to Celebrity problems.   Many loss confidence with Celebrity for future cruise.  

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April 20, 2023

Over a thousand people were canceled by celebrity on Oct 2023 Southern Japan trip.  That is half the people of the cruise passengers.   Most the passengers booked one year ago and Celebrity say it is

Andrea Illescas

April 25, 2023

Just for your information the March 28 Japan Cruise is also oversold. We just received notification that our cruise is being cancelled with the same generic email that they are sorry. I will not be su

April 29, 2023

Celebrity Millennium April 9, 2024 was also overbooked. We had 2 balcony cabins that were cancelled but our interior room was not.  Trying to Lift and Shift all 3 cabins to April 2025 but it's looking

@neil  This is not a good look for Celebrity Cruises. Since this itinerary was such an amazing one, it's really hard to make up for this lost itinerary! I didn't realize that over 1,000 cruise passengers received the cancellation email. That's a large group of upset passengers! This oversold Celebrity Millenium cruise was to depart from Tokyo and the flights to the area aren't notoriously cheap. I agree several guests are going to lose faith in the cruise line, but mistakes do happen. Royal Caribbean recently oversold Wonder of the Seas  for a spring break itinerary, and since this is the world's largest ship and a popular time of year, it was really hard to match. Many Royal Caribbean guests were pretty frustrated by this overbooking. 

Cruising Caribbean

@neil  Were you included in this group of over-booked cruise guests? If so, what do you think you will end up doing instead of cruising on this Japan itinerary? I noticed that Celebrity Millenium has a few different "Best of Japan" itinerary options around the same time frame that could offer a similar cruise experience! The most difficult part is likely changing flights and rearranging your potentially accounted-for schedule.

On 4/20/2023 at 6:15 PM, neil said: Over a thousand people were canceled by celebrity on Oct 2023 Southern Japan trip.  That is half the people of the cruise passengers.   Most the passengers booked one year ago and Celebrity say it is overbooked.  We certainly have lot of unhappy customers.   The option one offer a fix time with different iterary next year.  Many people already purchased the air tickets which is more than the 500 dollars offer as compensation upon approval.   Many customers loss time and money on this trip due to Celebrity problems.   Many loss confidence with Celebrity for future cruise.  

Where did you read that 1000 people were affected on this cruise thanks? In fact, 9 Millennium cruises, 8 in Japan and 1 from Singapore, from September 2023 to April 2024 are affected.

@Pukekolive  I was also curious how @neil  got that information. Wow, that was more than I first realized! How did you notice that all of these itineraries were affected? That is a huge mistake on Celebrity Cruises' end. I hope this sort of overbooking doesn't occur again. Were you affected by this mistake?

How is it even possible to make such a large number of overbooked guests? Did the system crash and wipe out previous bookings etc. I can understand if there were a few due to glitches maybe, but the number is far too big for that I would have thought 

Just for your information the March 28 Japan Cruise is also oversold. We just received notification that our cruise is being cancelled with the same generic email that they are sorry. I will not be surprised if the April in also in the same situation.

Kendall James-Vargas

@Andrea Illescas  I truly hope this doesn't happen again in April! I'm very saddened to hear you were affected by this overselling. I was hopeful that there weren't so many cruise guests affected by this mishap but clearly, that was wishful thinking! I agree with PaulB that this was a very large glitch, it certainly wasn't minor. This itinerary is really amazing so it's really frustrating due to the lack of alternatives on the market. Princess Cruises  does offer some Japanese itineraries that could be an option for guests willing to explore something different.  https://www.princess.com/learn/cruise-destinations/asia-cruises/japan/  

Celebrity Millennium April 9, 2024 was also overbooked. We had 2 balcony cabins that were cancelled but our interior room was not.  Trying to Lift and Shift all 3 cabins to April 2025 but it's looking sold out too.  Maybe they are just hiding the rooms online until they can fit in the cancelled customers.

We booked for April 2024 in March of 2022.

@April  I wonder if the majority of the rooms that ended up overbooked were balcony staterooms. Based on this, that is almost what it sounds like. It is possible that the  Celebrity Millennium April 2025 itinerary is showing full due to the shifting of guests from the   April 9, 2024  itinerary. Are there any other dates and itineraries that could match up? In due time the "sold out" message will likely be removed once the canceled guests respond to Celebrity Cruises  with their desired outcome post-cancellation email. I hope you are able to get the staterooms you are looking for on another  Celebrity Millennium itinerary! It's particularly difficult when you are cruising with a larger group with differing preferences. Have you called the cruise line and asked about the potential to shift to April 2025? 

CarolynAustralia

Solstice was the ship due to due the Japan season in 2022 and a lot of people lifted and shifted to 2023 due to Japan's restrictions then, however Millennium is doing the Japan season in 2023. Millennium carries quite a few less passengers than Solstice. Celebrity's systems allowed overbooking for a period which has resulted in some cabins being double booked. 

@CarolynAustralia  This is a very understandable reasoning behind what happened with these overbookings. It's still very frustrating that this overbooking occurred. This Celebrity  Millennium's Japan itinerary is truly an amazing one, so I understand why so many canceled guests are so frustrated. It's a hard-to-beat itinerary on a pretty great ship! Have you cruised on an itinerary like this in the past?

@Andrea Illescas  & @April  & @CarolynAustralia  Although this Celebrity Cruises overbooking is such a buzz kill, I just noticed that Princess Cruises is offering a great deal for some Diamond Princess itineraries cruising in Japan.  If you are cruising in a group, this promotion offers free third and fourth guests. I recommend exploring these itineraries if you are looking for a similar cruise itinerary, on a great ship, for a good rate! 

There is an awful lot of oversold sailings lately from the cruise lines. I don't understand how this is possible so frequently. Surely it can't always be computer issues, if so then maybe they should get rid and start again. Not very good is it

Guess what? Royal Caribbean Line just did it again, overselling yet another itinerary  just a few days before embarking! What a shame. This keeps happening over and over again! I don't understand why the cruise lines can't get it right. Unless of course, this is a strategy. This same ship, Allure of the Seas, happened to be overbooked for another itinerary that cruised last week. RCL needs to figure this out.

They will be losing an awful lot of customers if they keep going. Someone needs to save it with clever PR

I don't think there is a truly reasonable explanation for this issue to continue happening over and over again. Happening once or twice until it's figured out, I understand, but continuously like this is just unreasonable. I agree that Royal Caribbean should come up with some sort of public explanation because clearly even those unaffected are starting to take notice. For a pretty popular cruise line, these reoccurring mistakes shouldn't continue with this sort of frequency. 

On 5/9/2023 at 2:01 PM, PaulB said: They will be losing an awful lot of customers if they keep going. Someone needs to save it with clever PR

Maybe some free Bud Light on every cruise will bring them back...

@FJB yeah that should do it 👍

@FJB  This is great comic relief! I think that angle would definitely attract the RCL fan club. Bud Light has had some serious backlash lately. I'm not sure if you have been following any of the negative publicity lately but apparently, all of this beer backlash  will likely be affecting suppliers. I' m sure this popular brewing company will find its way back into the spotlight in a more positive way. Sometimes making a bold PR move is very successful and other times not so much. I'm hopeful Bud Light lovers will move on from this.

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Japan Cruises

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Luxury Cruises to Japan

During a cruise to Japan with Celebrity, you'll visit extraordinary cities with an ancient culture that seamlessly blends with the country’s ultra-modern architecture and lifestyle. Japan cruises offer you the chance to discover captivating Shinto shrines, stroll through meticulously-planned formal gardens, savor the freshest sushi, and visit some of the world's most beautiful mountain scenery.

Visit Tokyo, where you can explore the city's intricate temples, shop in its bustling markets, and enjoy its diverse and delicious food. You'll also visit Kyoto, where Buddhist temples and the gracefully curved nagare-zukuri style of architecture contribute to the city’s celebrated beauty. Admire Mount Fuji, the highest mountain in the country, its snow-capped cone a symbol of Japan. Uncover the rich history, serene nature, and modern buzz of Japan on a luxury cruise to Asia with Celebrity Cruises.

Japan Cruise Highlights

Authentic cultural experiences.

Japan has one of the deepest, best-preserved cultures anywhere on earth, and you'll get to experience this first-hand on cruises to Japan. In Tokyo, with its skyscrapers and Shinto shrines side-by-side, you'll feel the intricate balance of old and new Japanese culture. In Kyoto, explore more than 1,600 temples and shrines, including the iconic Kinkaku-Ji, or "Golden Pavilion." Enjoy traditional Japanese music, folkloric dance, and art, all on one incredible journey that brings you cultural enrichment at every turn.

Unique Cuisine

Dining in Japan is a treat, offering extraordinary diversity, creativity, and adventurous ingredients. You can find fresh, delicious sushi and sashimi, but look out, too, for fantastic yakitori (skewered chicken), tempura (vegetables or seafood fried in a light batter), udon (thick wheat noodles), and much more.

Natural Wonders

Japan is a land of natural beauty and wonder, and you'll have the opportunity to see some of the country's most beautiful natural sights during your cruise. Visit majestic mountains, sacred hot springs, and charming botanical gardens. Enjoy cherry blossoms in spring, or see the stunning red leaves of fall. No matter when you choose to cruise, Japan's natural beauty will be on display for you to cherish.

Featured Japanese Cruise Ports

A Japan cruise will take you to a diverse mix of ports. Some of these ports, like the famous capital city of Tokyo, offer a city experience full of skyscrapers, fine dining, and a chance to witness the day-to-day life of many who live in Japan. Other ports you’ll visit during a cruise around Japan provide a more tranquil setting with opportunities to get out into nature and visit ancient temples and shrines. In addition, many of our Japan cruise itineraries offer overnight ports of call to experience the nightlife of Japan; these may take place in Kobe and Kyoto.

Japan Cruise Itineraries

Cruises to Japan embark in Tokyo and Singapore and last for 12 or 13 nights. Sail to some of northeast Asia’s most celebrated cities and explore the country’s dazzling natural beauty. From mountains to beaches, exciting markets and fascinating museums, Celebrity brings you the best of Japan in these exciting itineraries.

Itineraries

Why cruise to japan with celebrity cruises.

On a cruise to Japan with Celebrity, you will enjoy award-winning service, fine dining, and exciting entertainment. Sit back and relax with a glass of your favorite wine at Cellar Masters. Take in a fiery Japanese sunset and watch a movie under the stars from your comfortable seat on the Rooftop Terrace. Kids will love Camp at Sea, with different activities to stimulate their sense of creativity as you head to your next destination.

These fabulous Japan cruises will take you to ports like Kyoto, where you spend the night, with plenty of time to explore the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You'll also sail to Hakodate, a port famous for its fresh seafood, hot springs, and stunning mountain views. Marvel at the majesty of Mt. Fuji and enjoy a traditional Japanese tea ceremony in Kochi. On your next vacation, cruise to Japan with Celebrity for cultural immersion in luxury and style.

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Millennium Japan October 12-November 5th 2023 (late I know). Strange Celebrity Experience.

By cruiseerf , December 24, 2023 in Celebrity Cruises

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First off let me say that the Millennium Japan cruises were lovely.  Japan is different fascinating, interesting and checks all the boxes for Exotique.   Add in Korea and you have an AMAZING destination cruise which this truly was.   We had booked Sky suites on the Solstice years prior covid etc and had been bumped onto the smaller Millennium and it was fine.  Suites were much smaller....but overall as a destination cruise, doable.   Food in all restaurants was ok with Tuscan Grill being the weakest.  That said, we were out almost everyday eating at fine sushi restaurants and various styles of Japanese and Korean foods...so by nightfall we were mostly tired and still full from our lunches.  We had tours arranged in Every Port.  

About 6 months prior to our cruise, our travel agent emailed us that several passengers had received notices that our cruises had had an "inventory control problem" and had double booked passengers into cabins that were not there.   Therefore some passengers were getting Bumped from our cruises (we were on B2B).  Thankfully we never received this notice but I believe there was a past thread about this.   Our ship had between 1800-1900 passengers and was lacking its full load of 2200.   We were told that the Japanese gvt required them to stay at least 10-20% less than full as a safety precaution (after the previous japan covid debacles).....So I think this bumping of passengers was less of inventory control and more of trying to work with Japanese authorities to not "Jam and cram" their ships making them more a of a Petri dish.   This was an interesting fact.  

The 4,  Sep-Oct Nov Japan cruises on Millennium all showed "closed" on our travel agents website....according to her even on Celebrity's website.    There was not a cabin to sell, Move or adjust.   All 4, 12 day cruises were Closed off.   Which was strange when we received our move up offers?  IF the cruise is so full, Why are we being offered upgrades?  But apparently full and closed are two different terms?  Our 5 sky suite cabins bid for all upgrades in the ranges provided for our first cruise (would have been an additional 10-12K of revenue).  Sadly, None of our upgrades were approved and other guests we met in The retreat also had the same experience.   October 12th cruise......We had only 65% of our suites occupied and with both Royals and Celebrity Suites sailing empty yet nobody had processed these upgrades????  The financial loss for Celebrity on this is HUGE, especially as new management is doing everything they can to maximize revenue??  This made no sense?  

Second cruise occurs and again we receive our upgrade possibilities and again, NONE of our upgrades are accepted.   For the October 24th cruise we sailed with suites at less than 50% occupancy.   We had 1 PH, 2-3 Royal suites and several Celebrity suites all sailing empty with sky suites yet again?  When I asked the hotel director Andrea Muegge why the onboard revenue did not see these empty suites and offer them to the B2B passengers at a discount the week prior?  At that point it is lost inventory.  She was very nice and said yes "Someone should probably have caught that".... would you move now?  And I said absolutely not (we were on day 18 of 24 at this point)...But somebody dropped the ball here $$$.    She said she should bring it up with the powers that be.....Which you know is as good as the circular file cabinet....  Again, With over 50% of the suites sailing empty...And upgradeable inventory which would not have changed passenger count......Why did someone close out these 4 sailings losing potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars?  

Celebrity uses an outside company to process the upgrades, the company owns the algorithm that decides who is upgraded where when etc.   They analyze the cruises and determine the upgrade priorities.  Then this is sent to Celebrity home office for review and then it is forwarded to the ship for final review (because they could have passengers trying to stay on etc)....And then home office authorizes the upgrade company to proceed and they all make $$$ and passengers are happy as well.   A true win win.    

So my question and one I sent to Laura Hodges Bethge was a clear, What happened here?  Why was nobody trying to maximize revenue on these cruises?  Who was in charge here?  As both a Very frequent guest and a stockholder ((yay RCL) why were these cruises destined to not succeed it seems?   

As you can imagine I received back a phone call from a Lady in the "executive offices".....she tried to tell me they have protocols and appreciated my feedback.  The call was useless.  She did not understand that NONE of the protocols had been followed and that was my point...... She "Understood" but could answer no questions....and I had to call her back several times as she was in work spottily.   Nowhere.  

So There is the strange story of the Millennium Japan cruises.   We are Very happy we took the opportunity to re visit Japan and it was a fantastic way to do it.   I just wish we had more clarity of what was going on here regarding cabins?  As an aside, when we were leaving on the November 5th the suites were once again at 50% occupancy.....what to say.   Management needs a look at this.  

Wishing everyone Happy Holidays, Safe cruising and effortless travels.   We would wholeheartedly recommend Celebrity cruises for Japan again......or any cruiseline.....so nice not to haul luggage and so easy to see the country.   Cheers!  

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Why worry about empty cabins if you had a great time 🤔

Usually they fill all the rooms in the Retreat even if the ship is less than 30% occupied. Perhaps they decided that they needed to limit the number of people in the Retreat areas (Luminae, MC, and sundeck) to comply with Japan's request. I know, they still could have allowed move up between suites for Retreat passengers but maybe that is not possible with the current move up protocols. Too bad they didn't offer suite guests the opportunity to move up when boarding. It does seem like they dropped the ball but there may have been other considerations. 

 I wonder if a different issue was at play here.  All of the suites you mentioned being empty are suites that are served by an actual Butler.  Maybe there was insufficient Butler staffing to accommodate those suites should they have been filled. 

Who knows.  In any case the last time I worry about or even consider is what suites are sailing empty.  I booked what we want for a cabin.  We do sometimes participate in the Move Up program but I seldom follow it closely and never wonder what happens after I receive my "unsuccessful" email. 

Thanks for comments.   The ship was Fully staffed, Butlers and all as the SE Asia cruises were expected to be full in the retreat.  I had thought that as well.   Yes, it was an amazing way to see Japan.... But someone at Celebrity's home office Really Dropped the Ball here and I thought perhaps someone else had clarity.  Now back to the Wine pricing ;)))))   

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October Cruises

Your favorite destinations without the crowds

October is one of the most underrated months to travel. On an October cruise to southern Europe, for example, it’s still warm, but the summer crowds have faded away, making this the perfect time to explore the Alhambra’s Palace in Granada, Barcelona’s dramatic architecture, and Lisbon’s hilly streets and enchanting neighborhoods.

Embark on the adventure of a transatlantic crossing, where relaxing days at sea are bookended by exciting ports, from rocky Gibraltar to dreamy Bermuda, fringed by pink sand beaches and coral reefs. You could also head on a wildlife adventure to the Galapagos, a miraculous archipelago where you can swim with penguins, see giant tortoises, and get close to sea lions and charismatic-looking iguanas.

Itineraries

Top october cruise destinations, spain & portugal.

Skip the summer heat on an October cruise to Spain and Portugal. Indulge in a colorful paella in Valencia and take a tour from the ancient port of Cadiz to Jerez, home of sherry. Visit gorgeous Granada to admire the exquisite Alhambra’s Palace. In Malaga, you can see Picasso’s birthplace and enjoy fresh seafood on the beach. Portugal’s enchanting city of Porto is the perfect opportunity to sit by the banks of the Douro River with an iced port and tonic, watching the world go by.

The Galapagos is a year-round destination and thrilling to visit whenever you choose to go. In October, seal lions are tending their pups, while flamingos are nesting and giant tortoises are laying their eggs. Galapagos penguins are especially active, zooming around you while you snorkel, and humpback whales are still feeding in the nutrient-rich waters. The weather is slightly cooler during this season, so it’s the perfect time for hiking lava trails and kayaking through green mangroves.

Transatlantic Cruises

Journey from the old world to the new on an Atlantic crossing between Europe and Fort Lauderdale. Sail from Barcelona to intriguing cities including Marseille, Palma, Cartagena, and Gibraltar. Or follow the sun south from Southampton, England, to the verdant Azores, scattered in the mid-Atlantic. You’ll visit Bermuda’s historic Royal Naval Dockyard, too, and in between ports, enjoy carefree days at sea to relax and unwind on your luxurious Celebrity ship.

View All Cruises in October

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Celebrity Ascent descends on the Mediterranean

Maiden European season for Celebrity Cruises' flagship vessel

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Setting sail for the first time in Europe, Celebrity Cruises  flagship vessel, Celebrity Ascent℠ has commenced its maiden season in the Mediterranean with a 9-night Italian Riviera and France itinerary, departing on Saturday 27 April.

During her European deployment, Celebrity Ascent will visit destinations in Spain, Greece, Italy, Portugal and Turkey.

Celebrity Ascent offers new spaces not featured on sister ships in the Edge Class series, including Nate Berkus and Kelly Hoppen CBE; culinary excellence from a Michelin-starred chef; and expansive onboard entertainment.

“We’re bringing our latest and greatest Edge Series ship to Europe, enabling guests to discover this diverse region with its stunning coastlines, while enjoying Celebrity Ascent ’s premium facilities, elevated food and drink experiences, and wonderful entertainment,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises .

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Like sister ship, Celebrity Beyond℠ , Celebrity Ascent features the best of the cruise line’s Edge Series, with 32 restaurants, bars, and lounges to explore onboard providing the ultimate food and drink experience where guests can try a new dish at every meal, in addition to distinct cuisines in the destinations it visits.

It also sees the return of celebrated Edge Series features including cantilevered multi-purpose venue ‘The Magic Carpet®’ offering a bar, lounge area and al-fresco dining that gives the best views of Europe for guests to uncover at every port and at every sail away and The Retreat®, complete with a private restaurant, Luminae, lounge area and two-story sundeck exclusive to guests of The Retreat.

World-renowned chef Daniel Boulud returns as Celebrity’s Global Culinary Ambassador creating exclusive menus for guests and launching his second restaurant at sea, Le Voyage®, which has a new look and feel on Celebrity Ascent for the ultimate intimate fine-dining experience onboard.

Transforming evenings at sea, guests can immerse themselves in cutting-edge nightlife experiences, with high-energy entertainment including new live productions and augmented gaming experiences handpicked by industry-leading creatives. Three brand-new mesmerising production shows in The Theatre will feature state-of-the-art technology that blur the line between digital and reality onstage, as well as breathtaking performances by world-class singers, dancers, and specialty artists.

Celebrity Ascent will offer a variety of 7- to 12-night escapes to the rocky coves and sandy beaches in the Mediterranean; ancient history in the Aegean, and the beautiful coast lining the Atlantic, all departing from key ports across Europe including Barcelona, Spain; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy and Athens (Piraeus), Greece.

Travellers can expect to visit the stunning sites of Ephesus (Kusadasi) and Naples, complete with their rich history and tours of the ruins, as well as venturing into the crystalline waters of the Greek Isles circling Mykonos and Santorini. Mediterranean itineraries allow guests to explore the region’s stunning hotspots such as Spain’s famous Las Ramblas and Gaudi’s architecture in the streets of Barcelona; Italy’s chic town of Portofino, a favourite amongst the world’s glitterati, and France’s esteemed wineries in Provence (Marseille).

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The 9 best gay cruises for 2024 (+ planning tips).

Dance parties, drag queen performances and fun destinations await on these LGBTQ voyages.

The Best Gay Cruises

Courtesy of The Cruise with La Demence

Embark on an all-gay or LGBTQ-friendly cruise for excellent entertainment, food and excursions.

Whether you are looking to hop aboard a Pride Week cruise with a major line or sail away with a smaller company that specializes in LGBTQ voyages, the following cruise operators promise a fun, safe and memorable vacation.

(Note: While many of these cruise lines sail to LGBTQ-friendly ports of call, travelers should research destinations to learn more about cultures, customs and safety in each location and determine what's right for them.)

Virgin Voyages

Atlantis events, brand g vacations, celebrity cruises, royal caribbean international, the cruise with la demence, source journeys.

Gabriel Goldberg | Courtesy of VACAYA

Founded by avid travelers Randle Roper, Patrick Gunn and John Finen, VACAYA bills itself as the first all-LGBT travel company in the full-ship charter/resort buyout sector of the travel industry to launch in more than 25 years.

"[VACAYA] was sparked by our own vacations, where we all had encountered two very different experiences," says Gunn. "The all-gay cruises were liberating, empowering and fun, but limited to a small spectrum of people. And while everyone loves a good time, there's more to a memorable vacation than just parties. Mainstream vacations offered more activities and destinations, and were accessible to a diverse set of people, but didn't always feel like a friendly, judgment-free environment."

As such, VACAYA set out to bring LGBTQ travelers from across the spectrum together in a welcoming, inclusive setting, while offering varied onboard activities and immersive itinerary options. Cruisers will enjoy traveling to ports around the world, in the Caribbean , the Galápagos, Europe , Antarctica and more. You can participate in shipwide events ranging from themed deck parties to performances by LGBTQ entertainers to rejuvenating yoga classes. Note that VACAYA's cruises are for adults only.

Previous cruisers had abundant praise for VACAYA's voyages, highlighting the company's responsiveness when booking and the kindhearted staff, as well as the genuine connections they made with other passengers on board. Many were also impressed by the events and entertainment options throughout their sailings.

In 2024, VACAYA will offer a number of voyages worldwide. The seven-night Caribbean Cruise on Celebrity Apex in February will sail round-trip from Fort Lauderdale, with several fun-filled days at sea in addition to stops in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Antigua. In August, VACAYA has a 12-night river cruise in Northern Europe on board Advance by Transcend Cruises; this sailing includes the Amsterdam Pride event. The 11-night Antarctica expedition on Atlas Ocean Voyages' World Navigator in December 2024 is sold out, but you can join the waitlist.

Courtesy of Virgin Voyages

The Virgin brand has long been known for its celebration of the LGBTQ community, and cruise line Virgin Voyages is no different. The strictly adults-only cruise operator aims to provide a unique experience, with onboard tattoo parlors, impressive live entertainment, and dining options that include more than 20 eateries and menus created by Michelin star chefs. This line gets the stamp of approval from previous LGBTQ cruisers, who praise the ships' gender-neutral bathrooms, diverse staff and onboard shows with resident drag queens.

Virgin Voyages offers gay-specific sailings through travel companies like Atlantis Events, but its more mainstream itineraries still offer a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere that attracts LGBTQ cruisers year-round. Virgin hosts a number of events during Pride Month each year, including deck parties and interactive social media campaigns.

"Each June here at Virgin Voyages, we like to go big for Pride Month with larger-than-life events … all monthlong," the cruise line says in a statement on its website. "It's an important time for us – both internally within our crew and for our sailors – to honor and celebrate the LGBTQ community; who for so long has had to continually fight for equality and the right to be seen, heard and included."

Virgin Voyages sails to a variety of LGBTQ-friendly countries, including New Zealand, Greece and Spain. In June 2024, consider a seven-night sailing aboard Scarlet Lady departing from Barcelona with stops in Marseille and Cannes in France as well as Spain's Palma de Mallorca and Ibiza.

Read: The Best Cruise Lines for the Money

The world's largest gay and lesbian travel brand, Atlantis Events was founded in 1991 and welcomes more than 20,000 travelers annually on LGBTQ vacations. For its all-gay cruises, Atlantis charters megaships from popular lines like Royal Caribbean International , Norwegian Cruise Line and Virgin Voyages in addition to smaller vessels with companies like Oceania Cruises so cruisers will have a fully immersive experience.

On board, travelers can enjoy all the perks these ships have to offer (think: pools, hot tubs, sports courts and plenty of dining choices), plus special events like drag performances, motivational speakers, LGBTQ movies on demand in each cabin and high-energy circuit parties across the ship.

"As an LGBTQ cruiser, you're looking for a ship with lots of entertainment, including dance parties and events," says Marcos Martinez, founder of Men Who Brunch, a Black gay lifestyle blog. "One of the best cruise [lines] for gay cruising is Atlantis, since you'll be able to meet hundreds of attractive men and party all day and night on the ship."

Atlantis hosts primarily gay men; women make up about 5% to 10% of bookings, according to the Atlantis website. Previous cruisers said the atmosphere on board was fun, friendly and welcoming, though some noted that the company's customer service could be better, especially when it comes to details about the cruise.

Due to the company's popularity, its three 2024 cruises are already sold out.

Read: The Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean

Courtesy of Brand G Vacations

Specializing in all-gay river cruises – and now luxury ocean liners – Brand g Vacations was founded in 2011 and explores destinations all over the world. Chartered river cruises typically welcome between 40 and 200 LGBTQ passengers (and their straight allies), which allows cruisers to get to know one another in a smaller setting. Guests tend to skew more mature (think: 40 and older), and the line attracts both men and women.

Onboard entertainment differs slightly from larger ocean voyages: Expect more cabaret-style entertainment than massive all-night dance parties. Cruisers will also enjoy performances by drag queens, gay Broadway stars and more, on top of typical river cruise perks like sightseeing and lavish meals. Past guests recommend choosing Brand g if you're looking for a well-planned, relaxed and luxurious experience over a busier, more party-heavy vacation.

Brand g aims to provide a nearly all-inclusive cruise experience , with Mercedes or small van airport transfers, upscale hotel stays prior to embarkation, and unlimited alcoholic beverages as well as meals included in the fare. As such, prices tend to be on the high end. Plus, cruisers can feel good about their trip knowing that Brand g donates to causes in the U.S. and around the world that assist LGBTQ refugees, AIDS organizations, LGBTQ centers and more.

In 2024, Brand g sails through unique waterways around the world, including the Amazon, the Loire, the Danube, the Mekong, and the Columbia and Snake rivers in the Pacific Northwest. The line's small cruise ship charters also take guests to Iceland, Spain, Morocco, Italy, Croatia and other European destinations.

Read: The Top River Cruise Lines

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Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises sets the scene for an excellent vacation for gay travelers, from its extravagant annual Pride parties to its daily LGBTQ programming throughout the year. The mainstream line has received numerous awards for its inclusivity, receiving accolades from the Cruizie Awards, TTG Travel Awards and Travel Weekly's Magellan Awards for being one of the best cruise lines for LGBTQ passengers.

LGBTQ cruisers can start their vacations off on a high note with a special welcome party on the first night of their voyage to meet other travelers on board. After night one, there are other social events for gay cruisers to party and hang out together. Additionally, Celebrity Cruises was the first cruise line to legally marry a couple at sea in 2018, and it continues to perform same-sex marriages on its ships.

Past cruisers enjoyed their voyages with Celebrity, noting that the line was welcoming, the food was delicious, and there were plenty of areas to hang out as a group with fellow LGBTQ passengers or other companions throughout the ship.

Although all itineraries are gay-friendly, consider booking a sailing during Pride Month in June for an extra special experience. Onboard entertainment during this month includes guest entertainers, a flag raising ceremony, Celebrity's signature Pride Party at Sea and more. The Italian Riviera & France cruise will depart from Barcelona on June 8, 2024, on the new Celebrity Ascent; this 10-night Mediterranean sailing stops at ports in France, Italy and Malta. Private travel companies like VACAYA also charter Celebrity ships for all-gay voyages throughout the year.

Read: Cruise Packing List: The Top Essentials for Any Cruise

Getty Images

Specifically marketed toward lesbians and LGBTQ women, Olivia has hosted more than 350,000 travelers by land and sea over five decades. Cruisers can choose between river voyages or ocean sailings to destinations around the world. On the lesbian cruises, expect a mix of nostalgic decade-themed dance parties, folk singers, writing workshops, karaoke and other activities. Cruisers can also relax poolside, spend some time in the onboard spa or take it easy in one of the ships' lounges.

Travelers who are looking to connect with others who share similar backgrounds can do so in one of Olivia's specialized programs. There are group and solo traveler meetups, as well as programs like Sisters, which is for LGBTQ women of color; Gen-O, for cruisers 40 and younger; Women in Uniform gatherings, for veterans and those currently in the armed forces; and events for OWLs (which stands for "older, wiser lesbians"). Past cruisers on Olivia's voyages report feeling a true sense of community and belonging on board, resulting in a fun, carefree trip.

In June 2024, set sail with Olivia from Edinburgh, Scotland, to Dublin on Windstar Cruises' Star Legend. Or, visit the islands of Tahiti on the line's Star Breeze in September. Other cruise itineraries include Alaska, the Greek Isles, Mexico and the Panama Canal.

Read: The Best Girls Trip Ideas

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International provides a welcoming and inclusive experience for LGBTQ travelers. The popular cruise line frequently partners with Atlantis Events to offer all-gay voyages throughout the year, but even the standard sailings earn praise.

Highlights of the sailings are the ships' entertainment options (including the Tony Award-winning musical "Mamma Mia!") and attentive staff, according to past cruisers. Itineraries typically include LGBTQ meetups at the beginning of each cruise for gay travelers to meet like-minded passengers. Outside of the sailing experience, Royal Caribbean has also publicly committed to supporting the LGBTQ community throughout the year, and it was the first cruise line to earn the title "Gay Traveler Approved" from GayTravel in 2016.

In 2024, consider a Royal Caribbean voyage that sails to gay-friendly destinations. "Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, [is] full of gay bars, clubs and gay beaches," says Martinez. Hop aboard Navigator of the Seas in May for a seven-night sailing round-trip from Los Angeles that stops in Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Ensenada, Mexico. Navigator of the Seas also hosts a seven-night itinerary throughout the year that calls on Mazatlan, Mexico, as well.

Ready to plan a cruise? Find the best value sailings on  GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Courtesy of The Cruise With La Demence

According to past cruisers, if you're looking for one of the best party scenes on the open seas, consider an all-gay cruise with La Demence. Powered by a popular gay nightclub in Brussels with the same name, La Demence – French for "the madness" – primarily caters to a European crowd. Most passengers are male, though women are also welcome.

On board, passengers should expect to dance the night away at massive deck parties that last into the wee hours of the morning. The line prides itself on its top-notch DJs, impressive light setup and electric party atmosphere. Previous cruisers had high praise for the itineraries – which exclusively visit gay-friendly locations – as well as the fruity cocktails, themed nights (costumes strongly encouraged) and glamorous entertainment. Enjoy unique events like drag bingo, high heel runs and more.

La Demence sails every summer to European destinations like Greece, Italy and Malta. The 2023 cruise was chartered on Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas. Fares include all food and nonalcoholic beverages, plus access to all parties, shows and the onboard gym.

Read: The Top Party Cruises

Source Journeys has been planning luxury vacations for LGBTQ travelers for more than 20 years. The Miami-based company, with the vision of founder and chief executive officer Craig Smith, offers small group land tours and full-charter cruises for like-minded travelers with a focus on giving back to the communities they visit. The company also supports LGBTQ organizations, such as the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force and the Human Rights Campaign.

Past guests of their tours say their fellow travelers were as fun and interesting as the destinations. They appreciated the excellent personalized planning for the trips by Smith and his life partner, Rafael Rodriguez.

The company's cruises in 2024 include a seven-night Galápagos sailing in late September on a Relais & Chateau luxury yacht: Ecoventura's new ship, Evolve. The intimate ship accommodates just 20 passengers. Source Journeys is also offering a seven-night river cruise through Burgundy and Provence, France, in June on Avalon Waterways' Avalon Poetry II, as well as a seven-night voyage from Venice along the Dalmatian Coast. This ocean cruise scheduled in August is chartered on Star Clippers' masted sailing ship, Royal Clipper.

Frequently Asked Questions

When it comes to gay cruising, gone are the days of discreet "Friends of Dorothy" meetups. The term – a euphemism that dates back to the 1950s – was once used to indicate gay social events on daily cruise line programs, without explicitly calling out members of the community on board. It's a far cry from today's LGBTQ cruising industry, which loudly and proudly celebrates passengers from all walks of life.

According to experts, LGBTQ cruising is a market that will only continue to grow. Travelers can take their pick between cruise operators tailored specifically to queer communities and major cruise lines that offer festive Pride celebrations and inclusive onboard entertainment. As travel on the high seas continues to grow in popularity for vacationers, gay and lesbian travelers should consider setting sail on a fun-filled cruise vacation for their next trip.

When planning a cruise, vacationers should first consider what their ideal sailing looks like.

Gay-friendly vs. all-gay sailings: Cruisers should think about whether they'd like to travel aboard a gay-friendly mainstream line – such as Celebrity Cruises or Virgin Voyages – or opt for an all-gay, full-ship charter with a third-party vacation company.

"Each and every LGBTQIAPK person has a different level of comfortability in their 'outness,' " says Patrick Gunn, co-founder and chief marketing officer of LGBTQ vacation company VACAYA. Of VACAYA's all-gay charters, he adds, "For one magical week, our community gets to be the majority and live life out loud in the blissful utopia VACAYA creates on a gay cruise. That single change from being an always-minority to a sudden majority can have a profoundly positive real-world effect on individuals."

• Travel style: Some cruise operators (think: Atlantis Events and La Demence) are known for their electrifying all-night parties, which may be perfect for gay groups of friends. Meanwhile, other companies like VACAYA and Olivia look to provide a more diverse selection of activities, ranging from tea dances (LGBTQ parties that, historically, included tea service) to philanthropic service activities to immersive onshore experiences.
• Ports of call: Some of the most LGBTQ- and gay-friendly destinations for cruises include: Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Sydney; Barcelona, Spain; Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan; Helsinki; Quebec City; Auckland, New Zealand; Mykonos, Greece; Reykjavik, Iceland; Amsterdam; Tel Aviv, Israel; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and San Francisco. Countries that gay travelers may want to avoid include the Maldives, Jamaica, Morocco, Malaysia and Haiti, as homosexuality is illegal in these destinations.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has visited destinations around the globe on nearly every type of ship built, including the newest megaships, luxury yachts, expedition vessels, traditional masted sailing ships and intimate river ships on the Mekong River. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Cruise Lines
• The Top Solo Cruises (No Supplement Fare)
• The Top Themed Cruises
• The Top 3-Day Cruise Itineraries
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

Vacation Ideas for Every Traveler

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