We’ve all seen the videos, right? A huge boat, somewhere in the Caribbean or the Mediterranean –  rammed with gay guys wearing not much at all. If you’re thinking logically, you will probably decide that it’s too much – that it’s not for you. But if your dick is twitching then you might just be a little bit cruise-curious.

Here’s what you need to know.

What is a gay cruise?

While cruising for some man-on-man action is a time-honoured tradition that we all have a duty to continue to uphold, in this context we’re talking about getting on an actual boat and hitting the high seas for your vacation.

Your gay cruise experience will vary depending on which travel company you book with. But the quintessential gay cruise is a men-only experience that provides you with unlimited opportunities to hook up with new guys while experiencing whatever destinations are on your itinerary.

How does a gay cruise differ from a typical gay vacation?

The think about a gay cruise is that everything you need is right on your doorstep – not just the men, but your meals, the bars, the entertainment, and the parties are all within easy reach of the cabin where you sleep.

In many ways, a cruise gives you the best of both worlds – everything that happens on the boat as well as opportunities to explore each destination with off-ship excursions and activities such as parasailing, diving, and wildlife encounters.

Will I meet gay, bi and queer males to hookup with on a gay cruise?

When you’re travelling, the best way to meet local guys is often by visiting gay sex bathhouses or gay sex clubs. On a gay cruise, the logistics get a lot simpler – everyone that you want to meet is right there, on your doorstep.

That abundance of choice can sometimes be a double-edged sword – everyone is chasing something, everyone is chasing someone.

A good strategy is to put the technology to work – fire up Squirt, the #1 gay hookup app – send some DMs and start some conversations with the other guys on board. Having already established a connection makes it easier to seal the deal than if you’re starting cold.

What is the “dick deck”?

While it’s generally not an official designation, it won’t take you long to figure out that there’s a particular part of the boat where guys go when they’re horny and looking for action. The dick deck.

You’ll often find the dick deck at the top level of the boat, or somewhere that’s a bit tucked away without much through traffic.

The energy of the dick deck is a bit like the gay clothing optional resorts like in Fort Lauderdale or Palm Springs. Imagine that – but at sea. Hot, right?

What type of gay cruise company should I go with? 

While it’s important to do your research, there’s a couple of major travel brands that specialise in the gay cruise market.

1. Atlantis Events: 

Atlantis cruises kind of set the standard for all the gay cruise stereotypes that flood our social media. The infamy of Atlantis cruises is amplified by the gay XXX OnlyFans creators who bring onboard their best camera equipment to film porn,

2. VACAYA: 

VACAYA position themselves as a more diverse and inclusive experience than the traditional all-male, all-gay cruises that are generally a bit of a sex-fest. You’re still going to be able to find plenty of sex on a VACAYA boat but it is likely to be a bit less in-your-face.

3. Out Adventures: Out Adventures markets itself towards an older demographic with more of a focus on travel experiences and interesting destinations than all-night parties. Their trip to Greece in September is one of their most popular.

When is the best time to go on a gay cruise?

The timing of your trip will largely be shaped by the destinations that you want included on your itinerary. For example, if it’s a Mediterranean trip then it needs to be in the European summer. If you’re heading to the Caribbean, you’ll want to avoid cyclone season.

What should I pack and wear for my first gay cruise, and how can I prepare for gay hookups on a boat?

When it comes to packing, you need to be thinking not only about what you’re going to wear but also the sex-essentials that you might need on your expedition.

For example, make sure that you’ve refilled your PrEP and DoxyPEP prescriptions as you won’t have easy access to medications aboard. If you need a checklist, our top gay sex vacation travel essentials can also be found here.

You might want to pack some gay sex toys or any bondage or BDSM gear, but be conscious of which airports you might be transiting through – I once had a dildo confiscated in Doha airport, which was a humiliating experience.You might be wise to leave gay shibari bondage gear at home.

Probably what you’ll need to think most carefully about is what you’re going to wear. Packing your best gay swimsuits is a good starting point but most gay cruises will have a different themed party each night – you’re going to want to make sure that you’re on theme and matching the vibe. You might imagine that it’s all going to be gay underwear parties, but making a good impression at the theme parties is a great way to start conversations and connect with other guys.

Also, don’t forget to pack your gym gear – the on-board gym is a great way to make connections.

Is gay sex on vacation different from regular gay sex?

It’s pretty much a scientific fact that sex on vacation is top-tier. There’s something about being in a different location, a different head-space, that means that you’re more relaxed and more in touch with your body.

Perhaps it’s also that you’re surrounded by guys that are all new to you – these aren’t the same faces that you usually see on the grid of your gay cruising app. You’ve got a smorgasbord of fresh cock ready to be sampled.

But wherever you are in the world, the mechanics of man-on-man sex are pretty much the same. You need to be looking after your health. You want to feel clean and confident. You want to feel desired. You want someone to spit in your face and call you a good boy.

See you on the dick deck?