Newsletter 257: Halloween LGBTQ+ Cruise, Key West Guide + Amsterdam Gay Cruise & More

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Not Just Another Big Gay Cruise in Halloween 2025

Tired of the typical big gay cruises? Seeking meaningful connections at sea and a real sense of community? Need a little more variety in your cruising experience than a 24-hour floating nightclub? Then Big Gay Cruise’s brand-new 2025 Halloween Cruise might just be the ship on your horizon. From October 26 to November 2, Big Gay Cruise will launch its very first full charter cruise from Tampa, with stops at Costa Maya, Belize, Cozumel, and Progreso. You can expect a versatile itinerary with a little—or rather a lot—of something for everyone, including extravagant shows by drag royalty from RuPaul’s Drag Race, comedy nights featuring leading LGBTQ+ comedians, themed dance parties hosted by renowned DJs, cocktail hours, group excursions, game nights, panel discussions, and much more. All of this aboard the freshly refurbished Margaritaville at Seas - Islander, with pools, bars, multiple dining establishments, a club, a casino…the full works. Check out previous reviews of the ship here. Whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, group, or bringing the whole family, everyone is welcome aboard with Big Gay Cruise. Just be sure you bring your spooky costumes and be ready to serve some Halloween realness!

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Discover These 10 Hidden Amazon Prime Perks

There was a time when we had to jot down our shopping lists with pens and brave the crowded malls. Then Amazon came along like a shopping superhero. You're probably enjoying free shipping and exclusive shows, but there are more benefits you might not know about. Make the most of your membership with these 10 hidden perks.

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Cruise the Northern Seas with Us in 2025

If you haven’t been to Amsterdam, have you really lived? And it’s just one of many ports of call on our September 05-12, 2025 gay group trip in Northern Europe as we once more team up with Virgin Voyages for their 7 Days in Amsterdam, Bruges & Bordeaux cruise. After embarking in Portsmouth - the birthplace of Charles Dickens - we’ll begin by cruising across to Amsterdam. There, on an overnight stay, we’ll explore the iconic capital of the Netherlands day and night. From Amsterdam, we’ll sail down to the classically beautiful city of Bruges in Belgium before heading down to Bordeaux in France - where the wine will no doubt flow freely. Within our group, you’ll be part of group dinners, private parties, special events, and more. Meanwhile, aboard our fine vessel, there will be themed parties every night and fine entertainment as we make our way through the English Channel.

SPECIAL OFFERS FOR SOLO TRAVELERS!

#1 – Book a Solo Insider Cabin for as low as $1,470.

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#3 – Book a Ltd View Sea Terrace Cabin for as low as $2,813.

All prices in US Dollars. Terms apply. Offer ends December 31, 2024.

Gay Travel Guide to Key West

Key West is a bona fide gaytopia! Nestled at the southernmost tip of the United States, just 90 miles from Cuba and surrounded by the shimmering waters of the Atlantic on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other, how can such a tranquil setting be anything but liberal? Over the centuries, Key West and the Florida Keys have been the ports of pirates, famous sailors, and later, the home of inspirational writers like Ernest Hemingway. Nowadays, it's the perfect blend of Caribbean flair and American spirit, where a chilled-out ‘live and let live' approach to life dominates among its inhabitants. Not to mention, it has a flourishing gay scene away from pesky mainland politics. This eclectic, delightful little island has loads to offer active travelers—kayaking, skydiving, shipwreck diving—and just the right amount of low-key activities in the form of beaches, shops, and galleries for those who just want to dip their toes into the Caribbean in a familiar LGBTQ+-friendly environment.