Bob the Drag Queen, Amber Riley Among VACAYA's Caribbean Cruise Headliners
Let the FOMO kick in. Those booked on LGBTQ+ tour operator VACAYA's sold-out January cruise can anticipate an all-star lineup. The seven-night winter escape onboard Celebrity's Millenium will be packed with top-tier entertainers — a hallmark of the brand, which has quickly risen to best-in-class for queer travelers since its inaugural and groundbreaking Provincetown cruise in 2019.
Scheduled entertainers include:
Amber Riley — First rising to fame on "Glee," the award-winning actor-singer has since won season 17 of "Dancing with the Stars" and starred as Effie White in the West End's critically-acclaimed production of "Dreamgirls," winning an Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical.
Bob the Drag Queen — Purse First! "RuPaul's Drag Race" season 8 winner sashays onboard. Recent projects have included two seasons of HBOMax's "We're Here" and podcast "Sibling Rivalry."
Erich Bergen — TV fans know Bergen from "Madam Secretary," but he's also graced the stage, appearing in the first national tour of "Jersey Boys" and most recently "Waitress."
Alec Mapa — The hilarious comedian has guest-starred on more than 40 television series and is currently appearing on HBO's "Doom Control." Also an outspoken LGBTQ+ advocate, Mapa is the recipient of the Davidson Valentini GLAAD Award for promoting equal rights.
Shangela — Halleloo! The ever-optimistic Shangela has earned her superstar drag status after appearing on three separate seasons of "RuPaul's Drag Race." She continues to garner fans worldwide and is currently appearing alongside Bob the Drag Queen and Eureka in HBOMax's "We're Here." Shangela received the DFW Black Tie Dinner's Vanguard Award this year for her commitment to the LGBTQ+ community.
Marilu Henner — Best-selling author, actress (1980s hit TV show "Taxi" and hundreds of other appearances) and cabaret performer, Henner has plenty to share about her decades-long career — and she recalls it all with an uncanny memory that has wowed friends and fans for years.
Though it'll be tempting to stay on board the entire time, ports of call in Aruba and Curacao will offer a chance for passengers to explore the local culture. VACAYA follows COVID-19 safety protocols as outlined by the various vessels it sails. For January's Celebrity cruise, proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test is required before boarding. In addition, antigen and PCR testing are provided before final disembarkation at additional cost. (For cancellation policies, guest terms and conditions, visit here.)
Despite COVID challenges, most of VACAYA's cruise options are sold out through 2022, including trips to Seychelles, the Greek Isles and Antarctica. Look ahead to 2023 for itineraries for LGBTQ+ cruises to Central America, the Norwegian Fjords and Venice.
If land is more your style, VACAYA also has several resort takeovers planned, including Costa Rica and Puerto Vallarta.