So you’re browsing through your favorite gay magazine or website, and you stumble across a photo of a group of muscular, shirtless men on a cruise ship.  It’s an ad for an all-gay cruise.  “Oh, I could NEVER go on a gay cruise!” you think to yourself.  “I’d be trapped in the middle of the ocean with a few thousand drama queens!”

Seven years ago, a friend convinced me to join him and a few others on a gay cruise.  I had never been on a cruise before, and I was apprehensive simply about that, too.  But I took that cruise.  Seven years and 22 cruises later – eight of them gay cruises – I am definitely a fan!  In fact, I recently took this passion and became a cruise specialist.

Don’t be misled by the marketing for gay cruises, which of course will only have hot, attractive men showing off their tans in well-staged photos.  In reality, passengers range from 21 to 80+, from skinny to portly, and over the years I’ve been seeing more racial diversity, too.  And just like you, they are all on vacation!  Everyone is in a great mood and happy to be experiencing something new.

There are three main players in the LGBT cruise market.  For men, the two big companies are Atlantis Events and RSVP Vacations.  Atlantis is the leader in the industry, and will boast the biggest parties at sea with big-name DJs and popular entertainment.  RSVP is a little more laid-back with a greater focus on the itineraries.  And for the ladies, the market leader is Olivia Travel.  All three companies charter the entire ship, allowing for an unparalleled experience on board. 

So now that you’re ready to take your first gay cruise, here are a few of the tips I give to my clients:

Pace yourself!  Cruises themselves are already a sensory overload of things to do, and with the gay parties and entertainment thrown in – as well as a bartender at every turn – it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with choices.  Remember that you will have an entire week to take advantage of these offerings, and it’s okay to relax and recharge.  Most of all, moderate your alcohol intake – your liver (and your credit card) will thank you, and you don’t want to waste a vacation day nursing a hangover.

Leave your baggage at the pier.  You will literally do this when you arrive at the terminal, but I’m talking about emotional baggage.  You are on vacation!  Don’t worry about work or problems back at home, and especially don’t let self-consciousness get in the way of your having a good time.  Challenge yourself to try something new.  Always wanted to sing karaoke?  Do it!

Approach people, and be approachable.  You will be surprised how friendly everyone is, and how easy it is to talk to people.  One of my favorite things about gay cruises is dinnertime.  You are seated with different people every night and I’ve had wonderful conversations with folks from around the world – and made quite a few new friends, too.                                                

There’s a lot more than partying.  You’ll probably find a big party going on every night, but definitely check out the other offerings.  The cruise ship’s production cast will perform shows and lounges will have live entertainment.  Depending on the ship, there may be 3-D movies, trivia competitions, game shows, even ice skating!  Each night, your stateroom attendant will give you a newsletter for the next day.  Be sure to read it.

Get off.  (The ship!)  Your cruise will take you to some interesting ports-of-call.  Take advantage of this and sightsee, take a tour, etc.  Ship excursions are great ways to meet your fellow passengers, too.

Are you ready to take the plunge?  There are gay cruises throughout 2014 exploring the Caribbean, the Mexican Riviera, South America, Europe and Asia.  For a full list, check out: CruiseStarter.com/lgbt

And if you’re looking for something in between, join the guys and gals of the Greater Philadelphia Flag Football League this February for their 5-night Western Caribbean group cruise from Fort Lauderdale, along with leagues from across the country.  All are welcome, and it’s a great way to experience a cruise with a group of other LGBT passengers.  Details: SelectSailings.com/football

Bon voyage! 

Mike LaMonaca is the owner of CruiseStarter (CruiseStarter.com) and is an independent contractor for Select Sailings, a CLIA-certified cruise agency.