STEPS

CRUISE
CONTROL

TRAVEL

PHOTOS: ATLANTIS ANTHEM COURTESY OF ATLANTIS EVENTS

ITS NOT TOO EARLY TO

START PLANNING YOUR
2016 ESCAPE FROM
NEW YORK. EXPERIENCE
THE WORLD VIA THE
HIGH SEAS ON THESE
GAY CRUISES.
BY MATTHEW WEXLER

AL AND CHUCK TRAVEL GAY CRUISE TO CUBA

Its no secret that Cuba is now the hot destination, and who better to
lead the gay foray into this spectacular setting than LGBT travel company Al
and Chuck Travel? The Celestyal Crystal, which began as a passenger ferry
and was rebranded this year by Louis Cruises, feels approachable in terms of
size and scope, but youll meet many mates among the 1,200 passengers.
The first-ever Cuba cruise service visits familiar and lesser-known locales. Ports of call include Santiago de Cuba, which is packed with historical sites; two days in Havana that include an exclusive Havana Nights tour
hosted by local gay guides; an afternoon to experience the pristine beaches
of Maria la Gorda; and Cienfuegos, a waterfront town filled with historical
sites and contemporary art galleries. While there will be plenty
of Cuban eye candy, this Cuban
adventure also has deep educational and humanitarian roots
that will appeal to the most inquisitive gay traveler. January
15, February 26, and April 8 departures, alandchuck.travel.
ATLANTIS ANTHEM CARIBBEAN CRUISE
Celebrating 25 years of global gay frolicking, Atlantis has chartered
Royal Caribbeans Anthem of the Seas to kick off its silver anniversary.
More than 4,200 guests boarding the brand new vessel will take advantage
of the boys, plus state-of-the-art amenities like the RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator; the North Star capsule, which offers 360-degree ocean views;
and the FlowRider, a 40-foot-long surf simulator. Drama queens will love
the onboard entertainmentincluding the Queen musical, We Will Rock
Youand DJs will spin all night long for Atlantiss legendary dance parties.
28

Feeling shy? Fear not. Atlantis says its really all about
being yourself and feeling great
about who you are. Whatever
shape youre in, youre going to
feel right at home. And whether
you need downtime or some
company, staterooms offer
plenty of space, and most have floor-to-ceiling windows through which to
take in the sites, including Port Canaveral, Coco Cay, and Nassau. May 21
28, atlantisevents.com.
BRAND G VACATIONS ISTANBUL TO ATHENS SAILING ADVENTURE

Discover your inner Jack Sparrow aboard The Royal Clipper, an awe-inspiring five-mast sailing ship
that will host 227 gay and lesbian adventurers on the Mediterranean. Founded in 2011, Brand
g Vacations defines itself as the
next generation of gay travel,
crafting immersive itineraries
throughout the far reaches of the
world. Save your liras for a pre-cruise stay at the InterContinental Istanbul,
plus tours of the Blue Mosque and Spice Bazaar.
Ports of call throughout Greece include Ouranopolis, known as the
City of the Heavens; Skiathos, where shopping reigns supreme; Mykonos,
where gorgeous Greek men and their admirers frolic until the wee hours
(departure time from this port is 3am to maximize the fun); and a final arrival in Athens, where youll discover Greek gods as they appear both in
marble and in flesh. September 310, brandgvacations.com. N