Virgin Voyages is redefining what cruising (as in a ship – get your mind out of the gutter) can look, and feel, like for LGBTQIA+ travellers. Between the 19th and 24th January, I spent five days at sea on the Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady and discovered drag shows, disco extravaganzas and destinations that aren’t necessary for you to Google, “Is my very existence as a queer person legal here?” From the ship’s delightfully camp entertainment to its inclusive crew and queer-friendly ports of call, this cruise felt like an affirming, open-armed journey from start to finish. Here’s what all LGBTQIA+ travellers should know if/when they set sail with Virgin Voyages.

Camp entertainment, lots of it

Virgin Voyages has become renowned for its inclusive and delightfully campy environment that permeates the entire ship, with a lineup of events and experiences clearly designed with the LGBTQIA’s in mind.