A Gay Cruise in the Kimberley: VACAYA
When VACAYA announced its first Australian expedition cruise through the Kimberley, it was clear this wasn’t going to be your average getaway. VACAYA is known for creating unforgettable experiences where LGBTQIA+ travellers can relax, connect and be themselves. For this cruise, they brought together a group of 220 guests for what turned out to be an adventure like no other
For 11 days, the group sailed aboard the ultra-luxurious Seabourn Pursuit, a floating palace designed for serious exploration. Alongside a team of around 20 VACAYA staff, guests explored some of Australia’s most remote and spectacular landscapes. Gay Sydney Australia sat down with one of the guests on this cruise to get a full review- take a look.
VACAYA is known for creating inclusive spaces where LGBTQ+ travellers can truly be themselves. How did that spirit come to life on this particular cruise?
VACAYA is one of the world’s leading tourism companies specialising in holidays for LGBTQ+ travellers. This year, amongst many other adventures, a team of around 20 Vacaya employees led a group of 220 travellers through the Kimberley on board a Seabourn expedition cruise. A truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the experience of seeing Australia’s most remote and spectacular landscape with a group of legends is something everyone within the LGBTQ+ community should strive for.
What were some of the most unforgettable stops along the journey?
The King George Waterfalls are mind-boggling and unforgettable. Not one but two spectacular waterfalls sit side by side, explored at speed on zodiacs in croc and shark-infested waters.
Can you give us a sneak peek into the kind of entertainment and social activities guests can expect on board?
Vacaya sources entertainers from around the globe to entertain you morning, noon and night throughout the journey. A world-class pianist, one of the world’s leading magicians, an incredibly talented crooner, and an Ornithologist (a Doctor of avian wildlife) are all onboard to keep you entertained. Think first class, best in world talent, and they’re everywhere!
Tell me about the cruise ship. The Seabourn Pursuit is an ultra-luxury expedition vessel- how did the ship enhance the overall cruise experience, both in comfort and adventure?
The Seabourn Pursuit ship is one of the newest in the Seabourn fleet, at just 2 years old. It is a sparkling and floating palace which has every luxury imaginable (caviar anyone?), but it is also equipped and ready for adventure with over a dozen navy-class zodiacs, two submarines and multiple helipads. This ship travels from Antarctica to the Kimberley each other and it’s as much at home in the cold as it is in the Kimberley’s 30 degree + sunshine.
To our knowledge, this was VACAYA’s first-ever Australian expedition cruise. How did it feel to create a queer space in such a wild and remote part of the world?
Seabourne and Vacaya culivate an environment of extreme luxury within extreme wilderness- not an easy feat! The staff from both Seabourne and Vacaya are world class (more caviar please) and the two organisations compliment each other perfectly.
For someone thinking about joining a future VACAYA expedition, What would you say the Kimberley cruise offered that made it truly special and unlike any other?
I think it’s safe to say most Australians would rather go overseas than go to the trouble of exploring the most remote regions of their own country, and this is something which I really hope changes quickly. The Kimberley is one of this planet’s most extraordinary treasures. Prepare to be amazed from the moment you board until disembarking 12 days later. This is one of the most special travel experiences available on the planet.
Finally, in one sentence: How would you describe the essence of VACAYA’s Kimberley cruise experience now that it’s wrapped?
The cruise which popped both my VACAYA and Kimberley cherries, and must be repeated! Again and again please!
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