Anchors Away! We're On Board for the Biggest LGBT Cruise Ever.

The Allure of the Seas is the world's largest cruise ship.

On January, 29, 2012, Atlantis Events, the largest gay vacation company in the world will do for the second time what no other company, gay or straight, has ever done: charter the world's largest cruise ship for the biggest LGBT cruise ever. The ship will depart Ft. Lauderdale to visit the powder beaches of Cozumel, the ruins of Costa Maya and dock for a private beach visit in Labadee, Hispaniola.

And I'll be on board! And no, I won't be stowing away like Charo did in The Love Boat linen closet.

If you'll recall, back in October I mentioned that AfterElton.com favorites Travis Wall and Nick Lazzarini were going on the cruise and would be providing some of the entertainment. I jokingly volunteered to go on assignment and report on the cruise myself and, full disclosure, Atlantis was kind enough to get in touch and offer me a stateroom. Talk about a cushy gig!

Travis and Nick won't be the only entertainment aboard the ship. The 2011 cruise brought Broadway hunk Cheyenne Jackson to perform, also Erasure's Andy Bell, comedienne Pam Ann, as well as a staging of Chicago. That's in addition to existing entertainment venues aboard the Allure such as the the completely unique AquaTheater. This year, Atlantis promises to outdo itself with a lineup of world-class entertainment.

The cruise will feature elaborate parties and unique social experiences.

“We’re completely reinventing the gay cruise on the world’s most magnificent ship,” says Atlantis Events CEO Rich Campbell.  “In the last 20 years we’ve had the opportunity to create truly magical and extraordinary experiences for our community and the Allure presents a unique opportunity to take this to an entirely new level.”

Going on an Atlantis cruise is a new experience for me, but I have traveled with them before, back when I was very young and very freshly out. I traveled to their resort week in Puerto Vallarta. Before I even got to the resort I'd been adopted by a group of older (my age now in fact) gay men from New York City who took me under their wing and helped me find my place. There's something for everyone on these cruises, from shows to concerts to dances to game shows and just about every social venue imaginable. Plus the joy of hanging out by the pool in February, surrounded by gays and lesbians.

Royal Caribbean provides world-class facilities for Atlantis to create a magical vacation.

This cruise is going to provide a unique experience for gays and lesbians from large urban meccas and small towns alike to relax in a welcoming environment. With the Allure of the Seas allowing for 5,400 guests (well, 5,397 once Travis Wall, Nick Lazzarini and I take our rooms) from 32 countries, there's sure to be something for everyone.

For more information about the cruise and booking you can visit Atlantis Events. Later this week I'll be speaking to Travis about just what he and Nick have planned for on board entertainment. I'll also try to get him to share details about his upcoming reality series King of Dance.