Cruise gay-friendly Southeast Asia, with a bunch of fun guys, even if you're afraid of far-flung places!
At a Glance
How much?
$1874 (Interior) including all taxes and mandatory fees — $2574 (Balcony) including all taxes and mandatory fees — payment plans are available
When?
February 1 – 16, 2025 (15 nights)
Where to?
Singapore to Hong Kong (with an overnight in Bangkok!) on Holland America's Noordam
How many?
We'll be a gay group (usually 50-100) on a 'regular' cruise of 1,800 other guests (so not an 'all-gay' cruise)
What's included?
Double occupancy cabin (pay extra for solo occupancy), onboard entertainment and activities, meals, most beverages, access to private excursions, and other Daddy Cruise benefits (see below).
What's not included?
Flights, gratuities, alcoholic beverages, transfers to & from the ship
What about?
Accessible cabins are available; most dietary restrictions are easily accommodated
What if?
Your deposit is refundable until October 28, 2024 (less a $100 cancellation fee)
The best cabins go first, book now to get the best!
Holland America's Noordam
The mid-sized Noordam will be a perfect vessel to take us from exciting Singapore, to even more exciting Hong Kong! CruiseCritic says the Noordam strikes a nice balance between classic and contemporary. There are lots of nooks for conversation and quiet diversions like backgammon or settling back with a good book. The smaller ship has an intimate feel. Onboard programming skews toward the educational and cultural—perfect for your first trip to Southeast Asia.
US News & World Report likes the promenade that wraps completely around the ship (a rarity these days), and notes that guests loved the high-quality cuisine. Cruiseline.com rates Noordam 4.3 out out 5 (dragged down slightly by low marks for their children's program—lol!). The staff and their "unparalleled service" score particularly high, as do cabin size and comfort.
Itinerary
The fun begins the moment you board the Noordam—which has been designed from bow to stern for your fun and enjoyment. As we sail out of Singapore, we'll gather for a hosted Daddy Cruise® Party. Here, you'll meet your fellow cruisers and start making new friends right away (good thing, we'll be together for two weeks!). We'll sail past Singapore's impressive skyline out into the South China Sea.
Our first full day is at sea. Relax, unwind and get into vacation mode. Lounge on your private balcony or near one of the pools, or maybe even find a quiet nook to settle in with a book. Want to be more active on your day at sea? Play bingo, work out at the gym, watch a movie, dance all night, attend a cooking seminar, soak in a hot tub, watch a sunset (or a sunrise), play trivia games, sing along at the piano bar, do some wine tasting, check your email or surf the internet, grab a snack, watch live entertainment, get lucky in the casino, indulge in a spa treatment, catch the game in the sports bar, and on and on…
Our first stop is this beautiful island off mainland Thailand that is circled by palm-fringed beaches. Swimming, snorkeling and other active water sports are good; lounging on the beaches to soak up sun is also good! You can find shade in thatched-roof bungalows available everywhere. Whatever you do, save some energy for tomorrow: Bangkok.
One of the most visited cities in the world, Bangkok is renowned for having a variety of sceneries, from a majestic coastline and concrete skyscrapers to golden-wrapped temples. You'll find yourself surrounded by tuk-tuks and taxis and overwhelmed by the appealing smell of the fantastic street food of Bangkok. My personal favorite? A (legitimate!) one-hour Thai massage, for under $10, available all over town. But don't miss the sights, too: the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Golden Buddha, Wat Suthat and the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Good thing we're there overnight with two days to explore!
After two days in hectic Bangkok, you'll welcome the beaches of Cambodia. But if swimming, snorkeling, and sunning don't appeal to you, there's a fabulous Buddhist pagoda with panoramic views of the peninsula, or hike to the Kbal Chhay Waterafalls, or shop at the Phsar Leu Market, a local market to get a feel for the "real" Cambodia.
After all this, you'll be ready for another full day at sea, either to relax…or to energize one more time! Lounge on your private balcony or near one of the pools, or maybe even find a quiet nook to settle in with a book. Want to be more active on your day at sea? Play bingo, work out at the gym, watch a movie, dance all night, attend a cooking seminar, soak in a hot tub, watch a sunset (or a sunrise), play trivia games, sing along at the piano bar, do some wine tasting, check your email or surf the internet, grab a snack, watch live entertainment, get lucky in the casino, indulge in a spa treatment, catch the game in the sports bar, and on and on.
Over four decades have passed since the fall of Saigon (now Ho Chi Min City). But the essence of the city, a major trading center for centuries, remains unchanged. The French influence is everywhere, but definitely with a Vietnamese take. Jade Emperor Pagoda (Taoist) is a must-see, as is Notre Dame Cathedral (Catholic). Shopping at Ben Thanh Market or Dong Khoi Street will not disappoint, especially if you break for the tempting cuisine.
Vietnam's beaches and resorts will not disappoint. But that's not all you'll find here: for 13 centuries, Nha Trang was the capital of this corner of Southeast Asia. Historical sites abound, including the great Cham Tower complex just north of the city—an impressive tranquil testimony to the kingdom's prior glory.
By now, you'll be ready for another full day at sea, either to relax…or to energize one more time! Still, so many options, depending on your mood. Lounge on your private balcony or near one of the pools, or maybe even find a quiet nook to settle in with a book. Want to be more active on your day at sea? Play bingo, work out at the gym, watch a movie, dance all night, attend a cooking seminar, soak in a hot tub, watch a sunset (or a sunrise), play trivia games, sing along at the piano bar, do some wine tasting, check your email or surf the internet, grab a snack, watch live entertainment, get lucky in the casino, indulge in a spa treatment, catch the game in the sports bar, and on and on.
At the height of the Vietnam War, Da Nang was America's major strategic base. A turning point in the war was a battle for control of the old imperial capital here. Hue is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can visit the imposing Imperial Citadel and the Thien Mu Pagoda. Nearby Hoi An, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its well-preserved Ancient Town, cut through with canals. Its melting-pot history is reflected in its mix of architectural styles and forms. Thankfully, we're here overnight, so you'll have two days to explore.
Yay! Another day in the balmy South China Sea relaxing. Full vacation mode today. Enjoy!
Tucked in the northeast corner of Vietnam (very near China), Halong Bay is not what you think. Yes, there are beautiful beaches, of course. But this UNESCO World Heritage Site is more famous for its elaborate cave system—both on land and those that are accessible only by water (kayaking, anyone?).
Whew! Hong Kong is tomorrow and you'll need your strength. Enjoy your last day of the cruise relaxing on board.
Oh my! Another one of the world's great cities. Hong Kong defies stereotypes. You have to experience it to get it. Join us for a post-cruise tour. Or, return home—relaxed and rejuvenated, and full of memories that will last a lifetime!
Why Sail with Us?
Happy hour is happier with your Daddys!
You'll never have to feel lost with us there to answer questions, take care of problems, and even facilitate you meeting other guys on board
From zoom calls to a private Facebook group page to a pre-cruise dinner in our host city, you'll feel like you're boarding the ship with old friends already
Introverts and shy guys love feeling welcome and included as much (or as little) as is comfortable for them. No pressure here to engage!
You'll be with a group of LGBTQ people and allies, on a regular cruise with all walks of life. This keeps costs down, gives you a chance to meet other like-minded travelers, provides broader entertainment options and activities suited to your tastes (and bedtime!).
From our standing group dinner reservation, to our daily happy hour; from our private activities on board to our private excursions in port, you'll always have a seat waiting for you (if you want it).
We'll help you experience fewer unexpected expenses, fewer unpleasant surprises, and fewer travel missteps.
You'll feel safe with our large LGBTQ group both on board, and in port. Our host ship, the Noordam, is welcoming, and our private tours are sensitive to the special needs of the LGBTQ traveler.
Travel Risk Free (or pretty close to it!)
Travel protection insurance is available
Deposits are refundable (less $100/person) until October 28, 2024
We promise your Daddy Cruise® experience will far exceed what the cruise line delivers without us. If not, we'll make it up to you.
The cost of the cruise covers your cabin, tons of food (including 24-hour free room service!) and beverages (excluding alcohol and soft drinks; you'll pay extra for those), all the Daddy Cruise benefits, entertainment on board and so much more. But, there are additional things you'll want to budget for: travel protection insurance (I never travel without it); excursions (you're free to disembark in each port, but the experience is much better if you join an organized outing with us, or with the cruise line); transportation to/from the ship (flights, ground transfers); gratuities of $17.50/person/day (for the crew taking care of you: housekeepers, waiters, etc.), and a pre-cruise hotel (the ship will not wait for you if your flight is late for whatever reason, so I always recommend you arrive at least one day before); pre-cruise tour of Singapore, or post-cruise tour of Hong Kong.
A:
Cruise lines typically advertise cruise prices at half of what a cabin actually costs, assuming two will share the cabin (called "double occupancy"). If you sail solo, they will charge roughly double that advertised rate to cover the full cost of the cabin.
A:
For a one time, non-refundable fee of $200, we promise to either find you a suitable cabin mate for this cruise, or we'll pay the difference for you to have a solo cabin at the advertised "double occupancy" rate. We match you based on age, smoking, snoring, and sleep-time preferences.
A:
Of course! While we cater to the LGBTQ community, our allies are always welcome!
A:
You're always welcome to participate as much, or as little as you like. No pressure from us to engage, no hassle if you opt to sit anything out! We'll be there to welcome and encourage you at whatever level of engagement feels right for you.
A:
Enjoy it! We will offer plenty of opportunities to connect with the rest of us, but nothing is required. Dine with us, or on your own, or with a friend, or even in your own cabin (room service is free!). Join one of our private excursions, or go with one offered by the cruise line, or explore a port on your own, or stay on board. It's your vacation—spend it however you like!
A:
Ships are designed to minimize this, and there are several ways you can minimize that risk even more: from patches you wear, to pills you take, to even the location of your cabin on the ship (which can make a difference—ask us for guidance!). Those who do get seasick experience minor discomfort and find bed rest (while maybe catching up on a movie in your room?) helps.
A:
Absolutely not! Large, all-gay cruises have a reputation for this, but we'll be on a regular ship with a thousand other guests of all persuasions. You're certainly welcome to hook up with others if you want to, discreetly of course.
A:
Typically, most of our guests are middle aged or senior gay men, but a lot of younger guys join us as well. All races are represented, as are all genders and those of varying physical abilities. Allies (non-LGBTQ people) are also very welcome.
With Daddys onboard, even elevator rides are fun!
Daddy Cruises® Exclusive Extras
Taking a break from the heat in the jungles of Panama
Welcome Aboard Party (with free drinks!)—come meet your fellow Daddies and friends in a warm, welcoming, and casual atmosphere. Play our fun mingling/get-to-know-you activity, and start forging friendships that will last a lifetime.
Free Welcome Aboard Gifts include a lanyard for your sailing card… and then some other surprises!
Access to exclusive excursions just for us (additional fee applies).
Special Daddy Cruise group activities on board (card games, trivia contests, happy hours, parties, etc.)
Special discounted rates at our host hotel in Singapore before the cruise.
Access to a private post-cruise tour in Hong Kong will be available (additional fee applies).
Click here to see what other guys have said about our cruises
