Celebrity Cruises has a long history of supporting the LGBTQ+ community. Celebrity, for example, has been the title sponsor of Miami Beach Pride for several years. In January 2018, Celebrity became the first major cruise line to host the first legal same-sex marriage at sea: the wedding of Francisco Vargas and Benjamin Gray. Fleet captains officiate at such ceremonies, creating an unforgettable experience for couples and their guests alike.
Celebrity has won the honor of LGBTQ+ Friendly Travel Company of the Year at the TTG Travel Awards, and has frequently won the award for Best Large Ship Cruise Line for LGBTQ+ Passengers at the Cruizie Awards. It also won the Gold Award for Best Cruise Line for LGBTQ Passengers at the Travvy Awards.
The coming year promises to be another award-winning year for Celebrity in terms of LGBTQ offerings. Here are some:
VACAYA Caribbean Cruise on the celebrity reflection
Sailing February 12-19, 2023, for 7 nights from convenient and gay friendly Fort Lauderdale in the beautifully appointed celebrity reflectionVACAYA will be taking guests to 5 different countries to celebrate her 5th birthday! In honor of 5 years, guests will experience the best of the US, Mexico, Belize, Honduras and Grand Cayman.
VACAYA charters the entire ship for LGBT+ passengers and dazzles with star-studded onboard entertainment that has been cited elsewhere as “packed with top-tier performers, a hallmark of the brand, which has quickly become the best from his class”. for queer travelers. With this charter cruise, VACAYA and Celebrity will offer the sale of unlimited beverage packages.
Pride at Sea Party 2023
The pride party at Sea Flagship, celebrity edgewill kick off the Fifth Annual Pride at Sea Party during its June 10, 2023 sailing. The party will be held in tandem on Celebrity’s award-winning fleet, with each ship “handing over the party baton” to the following to keep the holidays in all hemispheres and time zones.
A variety of LGBTQ+ focused multi-generational programming will take place throughout the month of June. Together, Celebrity officers, staff and guests from around the world will participate in the cruise line’s exclusive Pride programming.
For more information on what’s in store at Celebrity for 2023, the San Francisco Bay Times contacted LaTonya Lawson, the company’s regional marketing leader.
San Francisco Bay Times: We’ve been hearing a lot about Celebrity’s trips to the Mexican Riviera continuing through April 21, 2023. What’s new?
Tonya Lawson: For the first time, the dazzling celebrity Solstice The ship is arriving in California, leaving Los Angeles for the Mexican Riviera. This is a great opportunity to experience destinations like Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan. Right now, we have amazing rates starting at just $399 per person, based on double occupancy.
San Francisco Bay Times: For those who have never been on a celebrity cruise, what can you expect?
Tonya Lawson: We sail to incredible destinations including Europe, Asia, South America, Alaska, the Caribbean, and of course the aforementioned Mexican Riviera. Our boats are impeccably designed. Every space, every view, created for the ultimate onboard experience, all presented by a world-class team of interior designers, stylists and landscapers.
We serve exquisite culinary experiences. Our menus are inspired by our destinations and made with locally sourced ingredients by our Michelin-starred chef Cornelius Gallagher. Casual or more elegant, from the main dining room to the themed restaurants, the experience of him will be much more than a meal.
For the past 9 years, Celebrity Cruises has received the coveted Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence, an industry first, making us the most awarded wine collection at sea.
San Francisco Bay Times: What about Celebrity’s entertainment and service?
Tonya Lawson: Our inflight entertainment is transformative. Unpredictable. The kind of experiences that keep you on the edge of your seat or on top of your game: casinos, art galleries, a theater that’s a technological masterpiece. World-class bars, lounges and shops, it’s all waiting for you!
Our service is unrivaled and world renowned. From our cabin attendants and waiters to our certified sommeliers, our onboard team’s mission is to pamper you with attentive service.
We are focused on the well-being of our guests and have incorporated destination-inspired treatments from some of the world’s most influential wellness leaders. On board, you’ll find plenty of next-level experiences to help you relax and rejuvenate.
When it comes to your accommodations, we pride ourselves on creating luxurious living spaces and dreamy comfort that includes our signature bedding, eco-friendly bath products and sumptuous towels.
Your trip can be easy and even more pleasant with drinks, Wi-Fi and gratuities included. Book the Retreat and enjoy the most spectacular suites where our best amenities are always included: premium drinks, premium WiFi, prepaid gratuities, credit for shore excursions and an onboard credit to spend on whatever you want.
San Francisco Bay Times: You mentioned the impeccable design of the Celebrity ships. What is new in this regard?
Tonya Lawson: Celebrity introduced a new series of ships that marked a turning point in design. Beginning with celebrity edge, our new ships have revolutionized the way a ship can move you… not only from one destination to another, but also move your soul. Give you goosebumps. From the incredible Magic Carpet to the unique exterior design, these ships break with tradition, the status quo and any preconceived notions about cruising.
Created by a team of world-renowned designers, the ships feature elements that have been pushed to the limit of possibility. With travel itineraries to Europe and the Caribbean, our new series includes celebrity edge, celebrity apex, celebrity beyondand the long awaited celebrity rise.
https://www.celebritycruises.com/