Love Takes Center Deck at World Pride Amsterdam with VIVA Cruises

Everyone loves a good entrance! And you’d be hard pressed to make a more impressive first impression than arriving at Amsterdam World Pride by sailing into the action on an elegant ship along its legendary canals.

VIVA Cruises’ World Pride voyage from July 29 - August 5, 2026, is planned around what’s set to be the biggest event of the year in one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly — and sexiest — cities in the world. Before that grand arrival, your sleek ship slips away from Düsseldorf’s leafy Rhine promenades and Altstadt charm, pauses in Rotterdam’s bold modern waterfront, then reaches Amsterdam for three nights in the canal-laced capital, where you’ll witness the world-famous Canal Parade. When the dust and glitter settle, you’ll sail on to Antwerp’s historic elegance and Nijmegen’s storybook Dutch charm before returning to Düsseldorf.

Onboard, VIVA ONE is your stylish, all-inclusive Pride base: gourmet dining, drinks throughout, sun deck, spa, entertainment and convivial spaces to meet fellow shipmates. Cabins — from smart staterooms to balcony suites — each include a minibar, because at Pride it’s never too early. Life is a catwalk — in this case, a canal — so put yourself centre deck this World Pride.

SPONSORED BY VIVA CRUISES

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Tours That Turn Amsterdam’s History Into One Big Badass Story

Amsterdam’s queer credentials are undeniable — they hosted the world’s first legal gay marriage, after all! So it’s no surprise the city’s history features a colorful cast of LGBTQIA+ trailblazers. Hear their stories with the aptly named Badass Tours on the LGBTQ+ History Tour— an intimate two-hour walk that starts at the historic queer bar Lellebel and winds through Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed Canal Belt.

Along the way, you’ll stop at landmarks like the Homomonument and lively squares that once served as secret meeting spots, protest sites, and celebration hubs. Rather than skimming the surface, this tour dives into the full spectrum of Amsterdam’s queer past — from hidden medieval lives and gender-bending rebels to modern activists who fought for visibility and rights.

In town for World Pride? You can also book the Queer Heroes for Amsterdam Pride Tour at 25% off. This feel-good walk - which starts at the site of the world’s first legal gay marriage 25 years ago - keeps the focus on joy, resilience, and celebration, raising a glass to all the badasses who made Pride possible.

SPONSORED BY BADASS TOURS

Spain, Morocco, Portugal, France & the UK In One Generous Package!

Our Moroccan Marvels & Mediterranean Wonders cruise from July 26 - August 5, 2026, is all set to be every bit as fabulous as it sounds.

This epic 10-night adventure will take us from Barcelona, Spain, all the way to Portsmouth, UK. First stop: Tangier, a vibrant port city on the northern tip of Africa where cultures mix and converge. Next, we head to one of our favorite European capitals—Lisbon, Portugal, bursting with color and charm. From there, we’ll swing back to Spain and dock in La Coruña on the lush, green northern coast (you’ll swear you’re not in Spain!). Then it’s on to the port nearest Bilbao, home to world-class Basque cuisine and the iconic Guggenheim Museum. Our final call is Bordeaux, France—the wine capital of the world, because everything’s better with a bottle… or three.

As always, you’ll enjoy our group perks: shared dinners, onshore excursions, cocktail parties, and—best of all—instant friends.

Queer Chat Travel S5E10: OUT Namibia’s Luxury LGBTQ-Friendly Travel Experiences

Is Namibia safe for LGBTQ+ travelers? And what does a luxury gay safari there look like? To answer these questions, we are joined by Heiko Dörgeloh, founder of OUT Namibia, the country’s first LGBTQ+ travel concierge. Together, we explore why Namibia is quietly becoming one of Africa’s most welcoming and transformative destinations.

Heiko shares how Namibian culture’s deep respect for privacy and discretion creates a surprisingly comfortable environment for LGBTQ+ visitors, and how OUT Namibia curates bespoke luxury safaris where travelers can fully be themselves. From vast desert landscapes and wildlife encounters to champagne dune breakfasts and conservation-minded luxury lodges, he reveals a side of African travel many queer travelers haven’t imagined.

Subscribe to our show wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy this episode, please like the post or leave a comment and let us know what LGBTQ+ travel destinations or tips you want to hear more about.

SPONSORED BY OUT NAMIBIA

Seven Days, Three Spanish Cities, One Big Family!

“De Madrid al Cielo” (“From Madrid to Heaven”), as the locals say—a bold claim that places Madrid second only to Heaven itself. Come decide for yourself by joining us for seven unforgettable days in Spain, September 17–23, 2026, as we explore Madrid, Toledo, and Segovia.

Over five days in Madrid, we’ll immerse you in Spanish history, art, and culture, with visits to the city’s most heavenly sites, including the Reina Sofía Museum, home to Picasso’s iconic Guernica. You’ll savor delicious tapas on a guided tasting tour, experience the spicy energy of a Spanish drag performance, and dive into the nightlife of Madrid’s local gayborhood.

Beyond the capital, we’ll whisk you away on two day trips to the historic cities of Toledo and Segovia, where you’ll discover ancient cathedrals, medieval streets, and culinary traditions that have withstood the test of time—more on that below! Come explore our home and discover whether Heaven is truly a place on Earth… and whether that place is Madrid.

Gay Travel Guide to Mykonos

Mykonos is the “Gay Capital of the Mediterranean” and the Greek island of unapologetic hedonism. Come summer, its hotels, bars, and beaches fill with gay men from around the world looking to bronze up, then dive right into the wild nightlife – and daylife beach parties – of the island. However, when you look past the crowds of tanned torsos – or if you visit out of season – you will see that Mykonos is a picturesque beauty all in itself, with houses painted white to reflect the relentless sun, topped with the characteristic blue church domes of Greece. So, whether you’re coming to party, enjoy some quality beach time, sample Greek culture, or all of the above, Mykonos is guaranteed to leave an impression on you. And most likely your liver too!