Cruises Inc., CruiseOne and Dream Vacations are hosting their first annual LGBT Getaways this April. The special cruise will depart Fort Lauderdale on April 8, 2018, for a seven-night voyage to the Eastern Caribbean.
According to LGBT2030, the LGBTQ tourism market is valued at $211 billion, and Community Marketing surveys show that approximately 16% of gay travelers took a cruise in the past year, more than three times the rate for straight travelers.
“We decided to launch LGBT Getaways Cruise to meet demand from consumers and our travel agents for this niche group who want to experience the lifestyle in a more traditional and sophisticated atmosphere,” said Drew Daly, general manager of network and performance for Cruises Inc., Cruise One and Dream Vacations.
Celebrity Cruises has always been a supporter of the LGBT community, so it was not easy to collaborate with them in this direction, which has already received a positive response.
Dream Vacations’ corporate office worked with Celebrity Cruises to determine the optimal itinerary and ship. The cruise will visit San Juan, Puerto Rico; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; and Philipsburg, St. Maarten. Cruisers will host an exclusive daylong shore excursion at each resort, and throughout the week, passengers will participate in wine tastings and themed cocktail parties.
“I’m thrilled that Dream Vacations listened to feedback and created an LGBT world cruise, providing a fantastic option for casual dating on board a great ship,” said Trapper Martin, a Dream Vacations franchise owner and member of the organization’s advisory board.
Many people want an experience that is not mass market, but rather designed for a small group of people traveling together.
