VACAYA’S FIRST MED CRUISE!
6-15 AUGUST 2026 – CELEBRITY EQUINOX
“Turn around… every now and then, I get a little bit restless and I dream of something wild!”
If that’s you, then prepare to GET WILD! This is the cruise Vacayans have been waiting for! It’s our first big-ship Med Cruise and it’s a doozie, with a never-before-seen itinerary that brings you to THREE countries, TWO continents, and as a cherry on top… features ONE total eclipse!
We’re sailing Celebrity Equinox roundtrip from one of Europe’s most beautiful and vibrant gay meccas, Barcelona. This 9-night adventure takes you to Spain, Portugal, and the Northern Coast of Africa, with a stop in Tangier, Morocco. And if that weren’t enough, we’ll wrap up the cruise with a TOTAL ECLIPSE!
On August 12, we’ll all gather under the open sky for an afternoon of dancing. But this day isn’t like any other. Because at 7:30pm, the sun will start to fade as the moon moves in front of it. Shadows play on the calm sea, hinting at the celestial event that lies ahead. The day slowly turns into a unique twilight, and the horizon suddenly glows with shades of purple and blue. The ship gently rocks, adding to the tranquility and indescribable peace that settles over each of us in this moment. As the eclipse reaches its peak, the sun’s corona shines brightly, creating a stunning spectacle. In this brief but magnificent moment, everything seems to pause, and you’ll be deeply moved by the sight, knowing we’ve witnessed something truly special… together. A memory burned on our collective souls for all time.
But wait… there’s more! Forever’s gonna start TONIGHT, as the one and only BONNIE TYLER serenades us with her iconic Total Eclipse of the Heart in concert just after sunset! Bonnie shares, “I’m beyond thrilled to be performing ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ under the stars on such a special night. There’s something truly magical about music and nature coming together in this way.”
BONUS! Adding to the excitement, the Mr. Gay Europe Finals, featuring delegates from 20 European countries, will take place onboard. This prestigious event will showcase the talents, beauty, and advocacy of LGBT+ individuals from across Europe. Mr. Gay Europe Executive Producer/President Tore Aasheim shares, “From the moment I first learned about VACAYA and what they stand for, I immediately thought it would be fantastic to be able to collaborate. Both VACAYA and Mr. Gay Europe want to support a gay community that is diverse and inclusive, and we’re thrilled to partner with VACAYA for this incredible event. Hosting the finals aboard the Celebrity Equinox provides a unique and dynamic platform for our delegates to shine, fostering a sense of unity and celebration within our global community. VACAYA guests and our delegates are sure to have the time of their lives together, creating memories and connections across the entire LGBTQIAPK community.”
By every measure, this first-of-its-kind adventure will be THE LGBT+ EVENT OF 2026. We’re putting this cruise on sale early to ensure you have enough time to plan for this incredible experience. And with our interest-free monthly payment plan, you’ll be able to spread out your payments for an extended period – ensuring your budget doesn’t get busted with large payments.
The press coverage for this trip will be incredible, and we anticipate this being among the most sought-after total eclipse experiences on earth. The best rooms will go very very quickly. And while there’s not a bad room onboard, we recommend booking early to ensure you get exactly what you want.
CELEBRITY EQUINOX
Very few classes of ships have a longer history of being the most loved among LGBT+ travelers than Celebrity’s Solstice Class. Equinox is the younger sister to the original Solstice and she’s as beautiful as ever.
Set sail aboard Celebrity Equinox and relax in stylish accommodations and enjoy all the award-winning onboard experiences that make our cruises so incredible. Equinox’s dedicated staff is there to tend to your every need. Enjoy endless ocean views, catch some sun, and play until your heart’s content. Let us show you our favorite parts of the ship…
Ship Highlights
Sun and modern luxury on Celebrity Equinox
Celebrity is redefining the cruising experience one room at a time. Discover a variety of distinctive accommodations at every level. Budget-friendly interior, ocean view, and balcony staterooms offer a sanctuary from the non-stop action of the cruise. Concierge Class and spa-inspired AquaClass staterooms level up access and the amenities of a standard balcony stateroom. From our spectacular views to our deluxe amenities, a stay on Equinox is like nothing at sea.
Equinox offers more suites than any VACAYA vacation to date, so we’ll be able to accommodate more guests in suites than ever before. And those accommodations are part of The Retreat, with a long list of luxurious amenities that include extra spacious accommodations, a private restaurant, and an exclusive lounge that rivals any high-end resort. Your dedicated team of attendants, concierges, and your Personal Retreat Host will do everything to ensure you never have to lift a finger on vacation.
With seamlessly intuitive service and plenty of senior staff interaction (including photo ops with your Captain!), the Equinox crew makes every cruise moment outstanding. They are outgoing, engaging, and committed to ensuring you have the best vacation ever! And they are extremely LGBT+ friendly. By the end of our 10 days onboard, they’re also like family.
When you cruise on Equinox with VACAYA, adventure has no curfew. Fill your sea days with award-winning onboard activities. Follow dinner with top-notch LGBT+ entertainment in the state-of-the-art Main Theater and then dance under the stars at VACAYA’s theme parties.
Step into The Spa for an escape within your escape. Destination-inspired treatments, unique as the places we visit, are just the beginning of the more than 120 rejuvenating treatments offered. At every turn of your sailing, you’ll find ways to fully restore yourself. Emerge renewed, relaxed, and rejuvenated from The Spa.
For thousands of years, people have found that moving water and temperature variations provide relief for muscle and joint issues, speed the release of toxins from the body, and promote deep relaxation. A voyage-long Persian Garden pass includes use of the aquatherapy environments from aromatic steam to tropical rain showers for a rejuvenating experience. AquaClass guests enjoy unlimited complimentary access to The Persian Garden included in their VACAYA stateroom fare.
DINING… AN ADVENTURE IN EVERY BITE
Enjoy dining options that include distinctive restaurants with menus crafted by Michelin-starred chefs and the most awarded wine collection at sea. One of the things we absolutely love about Celebrity is their goal of eliminating food waste altogether (a mighty task if ever there was one). To accomplish this goal, portion sizes have decreased. But no worries… you can always order another portion. To help Celebrity meet their objectives, no matter where you dine, we just ask that you eat what you take.
A grand stage for fine dining. The sophisticated main restaurant with a wide range of globally-inspired dishes created by Michelin-starred chefs will provide the fine dining experience you love while you’re on vacation. The airy Silhouette Restaurant offers exquisite menu selections, which change nightly to give you a variety of classic and contemporary choices. Complimentary for all.
A market-style cafe that features select offerings inspired by the destinations we visit. With a menu influenced by multiple cultures, the Oceanview Cafe’s cuisine takes diners on a voyage around the world. Stations available in the marketplace include made-to-order pasta, stir-fry, pizza, sushi, a full salad bar, and a variety of appetizers, entrées, and desserts. Complimentary for all.
Don’t let anyone tell you differently… soaking up the sun’s rays really works up an appetite and we’re here for you. Let your cravings go wild and enjoy delicious gourmet eats while you relax poolside. This casual venue serves up delicious burgers, chicken sandwiches, and gourmet hot dogs before you head back to lounge the afternoon away. Complimentary for all.
Exclusive for guests of The Retreat, the cutting edge globally-inspired menus at Luminae are not available in any other restaurant onboard. And, you’ll see each one only once — because every day features a fresh, new menu. Complimentary for Suite Guests.
As an AquaClass guest, you can enjoy this exclusive restaurant for breakfast and dinner. The spa-inspired cuisine at Blu is an imaginative way of preparing popular dishes without fussiness or pretense. Complimentary for AquaClass Guests.
Guests dining in Tuscan Grille will enjoy a lively, sophisticated atmosphere and iconic Italian dishes served with a modern twist. Our fresh, original menu features handmade pasta, artisanal salumi, fish, butcher cut meats, and USDA Prime dry aged steaks. Our beverage menu features regional Italian wines and authentic Italian cocktails and beers. Cover charge applies.
Le Petit Chef is a one-of-a-kind Celebrity Cruises experience, where augmented reality meets luxury cuisine. Celebrity has partnered with TableMation™ Studios and innovative Skullmapping technology to make fine dining more fun for everyone. Le Petit Chef is a feast for the senses, where animated 3D characters appear right on your plates and prepare each course for a truly interactive, artistic evening. Cover charge applies.
Interactive open-air grilling with ocean views. Experience the thrill of grilling near a lawn of fresh-cut grass while surrounded by an endless view of the sea. Enjoy one-on-one interaction with our chefs, receiving a lesson in proper grilling techniques, and learning other tricks of the trade. Choose from a gourmet salad bar, build your own pizza, and enjoy more than 12 grill specialties, including USDA Choice Beef, poultry, seafood, and vegetables. Cover charge applies.
Impeccable service, classic design, world-class cuisine and comfortable sophistication are celebrated to the utmost in Murano. Experience a table-side lobster presentation, an expansive selection of artisanal cheeses from around the world, or the extensive American and French wine list. Charming and timeless, Murano transports you, through palate and décor, to a modern and sophisticated level of dining. Cover charge applies.
Try our modern take on traditional Japanese fare. Take the opportunity to try our premium, super-premium, and specialty sakes—selected by our sake sommelier. Ask for fresh wasabi, if you dare. It’s rare to find the real thing. A la carte menu pricing.
Celebrity was one of the first cruise lines to offer a spa restaurant. We saw an opportunity to create an extension of our industry’s leading spa experience by introducing the Spa Café.
MEET CHEF BOULUD
Enjoy dining options that include distinctive restaurants with menus crafted by Michelin-starred chefs and the most awarded wine collection at sea. You can also take your palate to new heights with exciting culinary experiences by Celebrity’s Global Culinary Brand Ambassador, Chef Daniel Boulud. VIEW VIDEO.
TOP SHELF DRINKS… IN AMAZING VENUES
Welcome to our “fine drinking” experience, where the ritual of making cocktails is just as exciting as drinking them. Using the freshest ingredients and the finest spirits, our expert mixologists aim to satisfy the palates of both curious newcomers and connoisseurs alike. Once again, CELEBRITY’S UNLIMITED BEVERAGE PACKAGES WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE ON THIS CRUISE! Once online registration opens shortly before the cruise, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase one of the myriad unlimited Alcoholic or Non-Alcoholic Beverage Packages directly from Celebrity. Pay just one price to enjoy a wide variety of drink choices such as premium coffees, bottled water, wines-by-the-glass, beers, or your favorite cocktails. Your package can be used in the Main Restaurant, specialty restaurants, casual dining restaurants, and all bars and lounges. All occupants of a single stateroom are required to purchase a beverage package if one person purchases a package. Pricing is subject to change.
Totally cool, from the drinks to the ice-topped bar, Equinox’s talented bartenders put on a high-energy show and prepare an intriguing menu of classic and contemporary martinis. Sit back and relax, listening to up-tempo tunes and enjoying a collection of rare vodkas and a portfolio of fine caviars.
A unique music venue with spectacular ocean views makes this venue the perfect daytime spot to gaze over the sea with a cocktail in hand. At night, the space comes alive with live music and dancing. Featuring twelve signature Zodiac cocktails based on your astrological sign, all prepared by mixologists with a distinct flare.
Our stunning foyer greets you with a spectacular onyx staircase and marble floors. Multiple glass elevators whisk you to various levels where you can meet up with friends and enjoy refreshing beverages while people watching. Imagine you’re at Passport Bar on Deck 3 and you spot a cute someone one deck above at Martini Bar. Who will make the first move? Let’s find out!
This wine cellar is a welcoming and unique onboard environment where you’ll discover new wines, receive recommendations, and enrich your knowledge of the world of wine – all in the company of great friends.
Comfort food and craft beer enthusiasts can unite to try over 40 handcrafted boutique beer selections, creative cocktails, and elevated bar snacks. With inviting entertainment and great music, Craft Social Bar offers an atmosphere of casual sophistication. Become a part of the movement, satisfy your curiosities, and indulge in the innovation.
The elliptical shaped bar provides a great vista, enabling you to watch the sun set over the horizon while sipping on a cocktail and enjoying pop, rock, house music, and more.
There are currently no extensions for this cruise.
THE BIGGEST PARTY OF 2026!
As you know, cruising takes the guess work out of travel. And with all the added VACAYA benefits – from signature entertainment and welcoming parties to endless social activities and non-stop fun – it’s also an incredible value. With so many inclusions, your precious vacation dollars have never been better spent. And with this cruise – like we’ve done with all our big-ship cruises since the beginning – you’ll have the ability to purchase Celebrity’s unlimited beverage packages to make the value even better!
It’s amazing what’s included:
- 9 Nights aboard Celebrity Equinox
- All-Star VACAYA Entertainment
- Endless VACAYA social activities
- Warm, friendly parties with music you love and can even sing along to
- Party themes 120 days out
- Celebrity Booking Numbers 45 days out
- Abundant, clear, and timely communication via email and our exclusive GET READY page
- VACAYA ReachOUT Philanthropic Service Opportunities
- Onboard meals with flavors from around the world*
- 24×7 In-Room Dining**
- World-Class Fitness Center
*Some of the specialty dining venues have an additional cost, but they’re worth every penny.
**There’s a nominal delivery fee for room service.
BEAUTIFUL SHIP
Set sail on the vacation of a lifetime aboard the award-winning Celebrity Equinox. Our ship merges cutting-edge technology with welcoming interiors and revolutionary venues. Make yourself at home in our sophisticated staterooms. Discover the unrivaled luxury of visionary spaces that are like nothing you’ve seen before. On our cruise ship, you’ll travel the Med while enjoying the height of style, comfort, and service throughout your journey. Equinox is “Modern Luxury” at its very best.
Celebrity Equinox is part of the greatest class of ships for all-gay/all-LGBT charters of all-time – Solstice Class! She offers unrivaled spaces for our parties, as well as staterooms that are the epitome of modern luxury. This 9-night adventure through Europe will keep you busy, and your stateroom will provide an alluring escape from the non-stop action our cruises are known for. From the spectacular views to the deluxe amenities, a stay with VACAYA and Celebrity is like nothing at sea. All the creature comforts you’d expect to have during your vacation are available to you on Celebrity Equinox, from 24-hour room service to daily cleaning services.
Celebrity Equinox offers 11 different dining choices, from her included Oceanview Café to the main Silhouette Dining Room, where you can experience a bounty of flavors from all over the world with a rotating menu of delicious dishes. In addition, the ship’s cafés and specialty restaurants give you the very best tastes from Italy (Tuscan Grille), Japan (Sushi on Five), France (Le Petit Chef at Qsine), and one of the finest continental cuisine restaurants at sea, Murano.
Our very first big-ship Med cruise will not only feature Bonnie Tyler, but also the top-quality entertainers VACAYA is known for. Edge media wrote that VACAYA entertainment is “packed with top-tier entertainers – a hallmark of the brand, which has quickly risen to best-in-class for queer travelers.” We believe onboard entertainment should be plentiful, fresh, diverse, and unpredictable, surrounding you and delighting you with spaces and experiences never seen before!
ACTIVITIES & PARTIES
With VACAYA, you’re in complete control of your own schedule. You can hop from one activity to the next or simply relax at the pool. Our activities include meetups, pool games, fitness classes, V-Dances (VACAYA’s twist on the classic T-Dance), welcoming evening parties, and so much more. Our theme parties are part of the fun of each and every VACAYA cruise vacation, and in an industry-leading timeline, you’ll have your party themes 120 days out. Of course, the BIGGEST day and night is sure to be Aug 12 with our BLACK OUT party during the Total Eclipse!
The Siren call of Lady Luck will beckon you into Equinox’s Fortunes Casino, which features an endless array of the latest slot machines and the hottest table games at sea. Whether you love black jack, roulette, craps, or poker, grab a frosty beverage, ante up, and place your bets! Don’t think people actually win? Talk to V Team member Johanna, who won a cool 24K on a single pull of a penny slot machine!
Our sexy sun deck allows you to go au naturel. Perhaps you’re curious about what a clothing optional experience is really like, or maybe you want to get some sun without the tan lines, or perhaps you just want to embrace your natural look in a sea of body positivity. Whatever the reason, VACAYA offers you this experience. So go ahead… indulge in the company of like-minded adventurers!
Europe’s most beautiful beaches are ready for you! We’ll spend all day Friday in Ibiza, Spain where you’ll have the chance to visit our favorite beaches, Figueretas and Es Cavallet. Enjoy a day in the sun and sand before hitting the clubs tonight! The island will be poppin’ both day and night as summer revelers fill the streets and the clubs!
One of VACAYA’s main missions is to give back to the communities we visit. We view travel as a truly transformative experience. Gay travel specifically has changed the way people all over the world view our community. They have given us so much by welcoming LGBT+ travelers with open arms. Now, it’s our chance to give back to them through our ReachOUT program. Stay tuned for details on the trip’s GET READY page!
Barcelona, the vibrant capital of Catalonia, offers a blend of rich history and stunning architecture. Before boarding Equinox, visit the awe-inspiring Sagrada Família and the enchanting Park Güell, both designed by Antoni Gaudí. Stroll along the bustling La Rambla and explore the Gothic Quarter, home to the majestic Barcelona Cathedral. Discover artistic treasures at the Picasso Museum and the Fundació Joan Miró. Relax on Barceloneta Beach or enjoy Montjuïc Hill, with its Magic Fountain, Montjuïc Castle, and 1992 Olympic stadium. Be sure to savor España’s delicious tapas and soak in the lively nightlife before embarking on your 9-night VACAYA adventure from one of the gayest cities in all of Europe!
Renowned for its vibrant, inclusive atmosphere, Ibiza on a Friday is a haven for LGBT+ travelers. Start your day at one of Ibiza’s gay beaches – either Figueretas or Es Cavallet. Then, let the evening take over at Chiringay, a popular beach bar in Es Cavallet, perfect for sunset cocktails. As night falls, head to Ibiza Town’s lively gay district, around Calle de la Virgen, packed with bustling bars and clubs. Dance the night away at iconic venues like Heart Ibiza or Ushuaïa, hosting top DJs and dazzling shows. For a more relaxed vibe, enjoy cabaret performances at Lola’s or drag shows at Dado Bar. You’ve got a full day and overnight to experience the very best of Ibiza: freedom, acceptance, and a celebration of life!
After an exciting Friday night on the town, it’s time to enjoy our first day at sea! There’s a reason Solstice Class ships are a favorite among LGBT+ cruisers: she’s LITERALLY perfect for sea day fun. Whether you choose a little drag bingo or to indulge at the spa, just be ready for our first V-Dance of the week this afternoon!
Sundays in Tangier are just as lively as every other day of the week. Here, you’ll immerse yourself in the city’s rich cultural tapestry. Start at the Kasbah, exploring its narrow alleys and the Kasbah Museum, housed in the Sultan’s former palace. Wander through the bustling Medina, where you can shop for traditional crafts and spices. Visit the Grand Socco, a lively square leading to the serene Mendoubia Gardens. Enjoy panoramic views from the Café Hafa, a historic spot overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar. Discover Tangier’s literary past at the American Legation Museum. And then end your day with a seaside stroll along the Corniche, where a late lunch of fresh seafood is the perfect local indulgence before returning to the ship.
Arriving in Lisbon by ship offers a stunning view of the city’s hills and historic neighborhoods, and Celebrity’s excursions will give you the best chance to make the most of your time here in this fascinating city. There’s so much to see and do! Start at the waterfront Praça do Comércio, a grand plaza. Explore the Alfama district, with its narrow streets, Fado music, and the majestic São Jorge Castle. Visit the iconic Belém Tower and the nearby Jerónimos Monastery, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Savor pastéis de nata at Pastéis de Belém. Wander through the trendy LX Factory, filled with shops and eateries. Ride the historic Tram 28 for a scenic city tour. And if you’re going “totally local,” enjoy a delicious early dinner at one of Lisbon’s 20,000+ restaurants before walking back to the ship along the waterfront for our 9pm departure.
Porto, Portugal, captivates with its unique beauty and charm. Wander through the Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with colorful buildings lining the Douro River. Visit the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge for panoramic views. Explore Livraria Lello, a stunning bookstore said to have inspired countless authors. Tour the historic Porto Cathedral and the lavish São Francisco Church. Savor the city’s famous port wine with a tasting tour at cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia. Relax in the lush Crystal Palace Gardens. Conclude your day with a scenic river cruise, capturing the essence of this enchanting city. Leixões, where Equinox will be docked, is approximately 13km from Porto, but the great majority of Celebrity’s excursions will take you into the heart of this gorgeous town.
A Coruña, Spain is a vibrant coastal city renowned for its maritime charm and historical landmarks. Tours will take you to the Tower of Hercules, the world’s oldest functioning lighthouse and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Or you can wander along the scenic Paseo Marítimo, explore María Pita Square, and delve into history in the Old Town. The Aquarium Finisterrae and the interactive Domus museum are must-sees.
Once we set sail, it’s time for THE event of our cruise: the total eclipse of the sun! We have a full evening of exciting activities planned around this rare event, including a post-eclipse concert under the stars with the one and only Bonnie Tyler, who’ll, of course, serenade us with her iconic Total Eclipse of the Heart!
After last night’s excitement, it’s time to get silly. We’ve got a full day of shenanigans all laid out for you in anticipation of our biggest party of the week tonight! But before we get too far, start your morning with a little yoga session on the deck, followed by a leisurely breakfast at the Oceanview Café. Then, spend your late morning/afternoon lounging by the pool, indulging in a spa treatment, or enjoying a cooking class. Although this day is all about fun, don’t forget to take a disco nap in preparation of our FLAMING HOT red party tonight! It’s sure to be as hot as the sun!
It’s hard to believe our journey together is almost over, but no worries… we’re going out with a bang as our classic SHE’S A MESS V-DANCE and our always-fun THAT’S ALL, FOLKS are the stars of this relaxing day! So, sleep in, enjoy some pool time, and then join us on the upper decks at 4pm for our iconic (and messy) final dance party: SHE’S A MESS, where you wear one piece from every costume you’ve worn these past 8 days. Then, let our fabulous entertainers send you home with THAT’S ALL, FOLKS, a hilarious look at our time together through the eyes of our incredible all-stars.
It’s the weekend in Barcelona, so pleeeease tell us you’re staying a couple more days! This city truly comes to life on the weekends, with hours-long mouth-watering dining, late-night dancing, and deliciously deviant after parties. After a fun-filled Saturday, Sundays are a perfect time to sleep in, stroll La Rambla, and find the perfect little café for a detoxifying (or more likely a retoxifying) brunch. No matter where this weekend takes you, we know your mind will be flooded with endless iconic moments from the past 10 days. MUCHAS GRACIAS for joining us on this historic sailing!
Bookings for the Total Eclipse Med Cruise 2026 start at $1,164 per person for (4 Guests) Interior Staterooms to $6,364 per person for (2 Guests) Suites. Please contact us directly at [email protected] or (+1)713.661.2117 for real-time availability of spaces and for reservations.
