Gayribbean Halloween Cruise: A Frightfully Good Time

Start packing your fangs and thongs! Gayribbean Halloween Cruise is set to sail October 30 - November 6, 2016 and it's promising to be a frightfully good time. Not all LGBT-friendly cruises are alike. Gayribbean cruises are perfect for those who are looking for a more intimate group where you can befriend fellow passengers but not feel inundated with the thump-thump-thump of an entire ship packed with canoodling queens.

Gayribbean Cruises has been in the business for nearly 20 years and is continuing to draw revelers looking for a relaxing experience and fun memories to last a lifetime.

Co-founded by Michael Henshaw and James Harvey, Gayribbean Cruises was established to provide services in an unfulfilled niche. They were interested in creating an experience that was community-oriented, but not exclusive to a particular group.

"We didn't want to do an all-gay cruise but also didn't want to go on a cruise and feel like we were the only gay couple on board," says Henshaw of the company's genesis. "Galveston was developing as a legitimate cruise port and it seemed like the timing was perfect."

By late 2000, Carnival Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the world, was operating out of the Port of Galveston. Since that time, Gayribbean Cruises has sailed dozens of times with Carnival and many of its guests are return attendees.

"We're able to offer you more value on your cruise," says Henshaw, who indicates that an all-gay cruise often includes a hefty upcharge to buy out an entire ship. "Plus, you can get away from everybody if you'd like! Some other offerings can be a 7-night nightclub experience, and that's just not what I want on vacation."

Whether traveling alone, with friends, or as part of a couple, Gayribbean Cruises welcomes everyone with open arms - so much so that they've developed a dedicated group of straight allies who have become part of the community and enjoy the exclusive on-board parties and shore excursions. Henshaw says guests are loyal and many (the Halloween cruise ranges from 125 to 400 attendees) are return customers.

Halloween 2016

There is still limited space available for the 2016 Gayribbean Halloween Cruise. The Carnival Breeze is one of Carnival's newer ships, having been christened in 2012 as the final installment in the company's "Dream class."

A range of cabins are available and the team at Gayribbean can help facilitate accommodations to suit your budget, but with all of the amenities on board, you're likely to spend more time on the deck, at a show, or eating at one of the many restaurants.

Ship highlights include a 320-foot waterslide for thrill seekers, Serenity Adult Only Retreat so you can curl up in the sun with a good book, Liquid nightclub to dance the night away, and en endless array of dining options including Guys Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, Mongolian Wok, and specialty restaurants such as Bonsai Sushi and Steakhouse.

Gayribbean Cruises Exclusive Experiences

Exclusive experiences for Gayribbean guests include three live entertainment shows with special appearances by Kourtney Paige Van Wells and Tasha Kohl. Halloween begs for a costume party so be sure to pack something spectacular, but there are also plenty of mixers and gatherings to socialize with other guests.

Shore excursions include a day at a beach club in Cozumel and a chartered catamaran in Grand Cayman. Jamaica is also on the itinerary and Henshaw points out that Gayribbean has never had an incident in the notoriously anti-LGBT country. "We've been going to Jamaica since the beginning but we advise our guests to respect their traditions and avoid public displays of affection. Respect your environment - you're a visitor."

Gayribbean Cruises can assist with all travel arrangements, including booking flights, and pre- or post-trip extensions.

Mark Your Calendar

Can't make Halloween 2016? Check out these other sailings:

Mexican Riviera Cruise
November 5-12, 2016
Fan of "The Love Boat?" Sail aboard the Ruby Princess from Los Angeles and experience Puerto Vallarta, Mazatl�n and Cabo San Lucas.

Vista Cruise
April 8-16, 2017
Set sail from Miami and visit Grand Turk, San Juan, St. Kitts and St. Maarten!

Alaska Cruise
May 26-June 2, 2017
The Celebrity Solstice plays host to this dynamic itinerary, which sets sail from Seattle. Ports of call include Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Victoria and cruising Tracy Arm Fjord.

For more information about Gayribbean Cruises, visit www.gayribbeancruises.com or call 877-560-8318.

Sponsored content.