Variety Cruises, the prominent small-ship cruise company famed for its specialty programs, is announcing its partnership with the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA). In conjunction, the cruise line is launching the first of its new Gay and Lesbian cruises to Greece and the Greek islands this summer, aligning with IGLTA’s projections of steady travel from the gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans-gendered market, despite fluctuations in the economy.

“The gay and lesbian community is the ideal audience for our cruise programs, which offer a more intimate, elegant and personalized experience,” says Yiannis Vontas, Senior Partner and Vice President of Development & Marketing for Variety Cruises.  “Our new specialty cruises aim to please the most discerning travelers with a convivial small-ship environment and unforgettable excursions.”

IGLTA provides its growing membership with numerous networking and professional development opportunities, designed to promote partners and provide them with a better understanding and a stronger connection to this niche market. It reports that the U.S. GLBT consumer wields more than $712 billion in aggregate buying power and points out that this market has cut back less in their personal travel budgets than do heterosexuals (study by Harris Interactive, 2008).

Variety Cruises’ inaugural Gay cruise will launch August 21, 2009, with another scheduled for August 20-27, 2010 and a Lesbian cruise departing July 9-16, 2010.  The itinerary offers seven days exploring dazzling Mykonos, Santorini and other Greek Island gems on the Panorama premium sail cruiser.

The Panorama is a state-of-the-art sail cruiser renovated in 2008.  The ship is one of Variety Cruises’ most sought-after charter vessels, commissioned by major organizations such as National Geographic. An intimate capacity of 49 passengers encourages a more personal experience with passengers and crew.

Fares on the Gay and Lesbian-themed cruises begin at $2,290 per person per week and include:
- Accommodation in double or twin cabins with private showers, toilets & air conditioning
- American buffet breakfast and one meal daily, including a Welcome Cocktail, an Arabian Night, BBQ (weather permitting) and Captain’s Dinner.
- Regular coffee, tea and water free all day
- Use of fishing and snorkeling equipment (subject to availability).
- Multilingual cruise escort

Variety Cruises offers scheduled departures and private charters in geographically and culturally diverse destinations. A vast range of packages allows gay and lesbian passengers to choose a life of luxury at sea or a more affordable cruise experience on its intimate ships and charter vessels. Discerning travelers seeking exquisite facilities, personalized service and explorations of unspoiled destinations rich in history find their fit with Variety Cruises. Travelers can charter the entire mega yacht for special group vacations and create a custom itinerary with the help of Variety Cruises.