There are few places more drenched in myth, mystery, and Mediterranean sunlight than the Greek Isles—and few ways to explore them more authentically, more joyfully, and more unapologetically queer than aboard an OUTbound cruise.
This August 31 to September 7, a shipful of LGBTQ+ adventurers will embark on a journey through ancient civilizations, volcano-sculpted islands, drag-studded nights, and sun-kissed beach days aboard the Azamara Pursuit—hosted and curated by the always effervescent Eric Hodgson, founder of OUTbound. But this isn’t your typical party cruise. It’s not about escaping the world. It’s about connecting with it—intimately, joyfully, and together.
“Don’t get me wrong, we know how to have fun,” Eric says with a grin. “But we also want to go deeper. There’s so much queer history in the places we visit—so many stories that are part of our legacy. This cruise is about being part of those stories.”
Athens: Before the Sail
While the cruise officially departs on August 31, many guests will arrive days earlier to take full advantage of the OUTbound pre-cruise experience in Athens. That includes lodging at the Royal Olympic Hotel, just a five-minute stroll from both the Acropolis Museum and the historic Plaka District—where cobblestone alleys lead to ouzo-scented cafés, Greek crafts, and ancient ruins.
“We always recommend people come in early,” Eric says. “It’s a kind of jet lag insurance—but it’s also about giving yourself time to fall in love with Athens.”
OUTbound has partnered with an LGBTQ-led tour company whose guides—each a member of the queer community—offer cultural tours that center not just antiquity, but queerness in antiquity. From Apollo and his male lover Cyparissus to Dionysian cult rituals, these tours offer a refreshingly honest lens through which to view Greek myth and legacy.
And before guests even set foot on the ship, OUTbound is throwing a pre-boarding welcome party in collaboration with a local Athens queer nightclub, giving travelers a chance to mingle with the local LGBTQ+ community and each other.
Bon Voyage: Boarding the Azamara Pursuit
On Sunday, August 31, guests will be transferred by shuttle from the hotel to the port in Piraeus in organized waves. As the Azamara Pursuit welcomes travelers aboard, bags go straight to the staterooms, and the buffet opens with champagne and ocean views.
At 5:00 pm, as the ship pulls away from Athens, the sail-away party kicks off on deck with live music, cocktails, and a special celebration: the Five Timers Jacket Ceremony, honoring guests who’ve sailed with OUTbound five or more times.
“There’s a community that comes back again and again,” Eric says. “And we honor that. Whether it’s your fifth cruise or your first, we want you to feel like you’re coming home.”
Later that evening, solo travelers are invited to the first mixer in the ship’s “Living Room” lounge, ensuring no one starts the journey alone. “We’re big on connections,” Eric adds. “Especially for solo travelers. These mixers make it easy to make friends from the start.”
That night’s onboard entertainment is light—live music, cocktails, and introductions to the staff, including host Jose, Azamara’s cruise director Grace, and of course, Eric himself. “The first night is about easing in, finding your cabin, sipping something cold, and watching the sea go by.”
Crete: Minoan Majesty
The first port is Heraklion, capital of Crete—the largest island in the Aegean. Guests can choose from several excursions, including walking tours, cooking classes, or visits to the Palace of Knossos, once the heart of the Minoan civilization. “We offer multiple options at every stop,” Eric notes. “You can go immersive with a guided historical tour, or just wander and shop at your own pace.”
Crete’s food scene is legendary—don’t miss Peskesi, a Cretan farm-to-table spot in Heraklion’s old town, or Ippokambos for fresh seafood and seafront views.
That evening, the ship sets sail, and onboard nightlife begins to bloom—with performers like drag legend Paige Turner, magicians Jay and Joss, and the sultry classical-pop trio Brandon and James (joined by vocalist Effie Passero) scheduled throughout the week.
Santorini: Postcard Perfect
On September 2, the Azamara docks in Santorini—perhaps the most iconic of the Greek isles. “When you first see it from the ship, it looks like snow on a mountain,” Eric recalls. “But it’s not snow—it’s whitewashed homes perched on volcanic cliffs.”
Excursion options here include the best-of-Santorini scenic overview, local vineyard and distillery tastings, and a spa-like dip in the island’s hot mineral springs—still bubbling in the center of the dormant caldera.
Santorini is also one of the few ports where the ship lingers late. “We made sure guests would be there for sunset,” Eric says. “It’s unlike anywhere else on Earth. The whole sky turns to fire, and everyone just pauses and takes it in.”
For dinner, don’t miss the chance to try Metaxi Mas, a taverna tucked into the hills near Kamari that locals rave about.
Rhodes: Castles and Knights
Next comes Rhodes, known for its medieval Old Town and towering stone fortifications. As the ship pulls in on September 3, guests can step back into a world of knights, myths, and architectural grandeur.
Excursions include guided tours of the Palace of the Grand Master, the ancient streets of Lindos, and a visit to the former site of the Colossus of Rhodes—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
“Rhodes is probably our most photogenic stop,” Eric says. “The Old Town feels like a movie set. And it’s one of the few places where you feel both Greek and medieval European vibes.”
For lunch, the courtyard restaurant Marco Polo is a favorite among foodies and locals alike.
Ephesus: Crossing into Turkey
On September 4, the ship makes its only non-Greek stop: the ancient city of Ephesus, now part of modern-day Turkey. This detour isn’t just legal necessity—it’s also a cultural treasure.
“Ephesus is mind-blowing,” Eric says. “It’s like walking through a fully intact Roman city. You see the amphitheater, the Temple of Artemis, and the Library of Celsus—it’s stunning.”
And for the architecture nerds: “You’ve seen it in textbooks. But standing in front of that four-story library façade? It’s something else.”
This is a half-day stop, but there’s time to explore, shop in nearby Kusadasi, or relax with Turkish coffee or sweets before returning to the ship.
Mykonos: The Queer Capital of the Aegean
Then comes the crown jewel: two full days and one overnight in Mykonos, the most famously LGBTQ+ friendly island in the Mediterranean. “We actually built the entire itinerary around being in Mykonos on a Friday and Saturday,” Eric admits. “That’s how special it is.”
By day, guests can lounge at Elia Beach, take a shuttle to JackieO’s Beach Club at Super Paradise, or join excursions to nearby Delos, an archaeological treasure trove. There are also food and walking tours for those who want to explore Mykonos Town’s iconic windmills, labyrinth alleys, and boutiques.
By night, the island turns electric. Though the ship remains the main party hub, guests are encouraged to explore Mykonos’ nightlife—including 54 SkyBar, Porta Bar, and JackieO’ Town Bar, all welcoming and thriving during daylight and beyond.
For dining, Kiki’s Tavern near Agios Sostis is a must—but go early, as they don’t take reservations.
Dining, Wellness, and Community Onboard
Throughout the cruise, food is a centerpiece. Discoveries Restaurant offers complimentary seated meals with changing menus, while Windows Café (the ship’s buffet) hosts themed nights—Greek, Italian, Indian—complete with terrace seating under the stars.
For those looking to indulge, Prime C (steakhouse) and Aqualina (seafood/Italian) are elevated options available with reservations for a small fee—or included with suites or veranda-plus cabins.
Wellness options abound too. The Sanctum Spa features massages, facials, and even acupuncture. Steam rooms, fitness classes, and a private saltwater whirlpool on the ship’s bow offer restorative options for every type of traveler.
And for those with dietary needs, Eric is quick to reassure: “We build your profile in advance. Allergies, preferences, vegan, gluten-free—it’s all accounted for before you even board.”
An LGBTQ+ Experience Without Barriers
More than the ports, performances, or parties, what sets OUTbound apart is its spirit of inclusion. “We’re not a circuit cruise. We’re also not a monastic retreat,” Eric says. “We’re somewhere in the middle. A Pride festival at sea.”
That balance is reflected in the crowd: solo travelers, longtime couples, chosen families, and allies—all spanning a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and body types. There are no VIP tiers, no body expectations, no dress codes. Just community.
And accessibility isn’t just emotional—it’s financial too. Staterooms start around $1,600 per person, with interest-free payment plans available to make the experience approachable for teachers, students, and retirees alike.
“We don’t think your bank account should determine whether you feel like you belong,” Eric says. “So we make it possible, whether you pay all at once or in monthly chunks.”
Returning to Athens
On the final morning, September 7, the ship returns to Athens by dawn. Guests disembark between 7 and 10 a.m., with options for hotel transfers or airport shuttles. OUTbound recommends scheduling flights no earlier than noon to avoid stress.
But for many, the cruise doesn’t truly end at the dock. “You meet people on this trip that stay in your life,” Eric reflects. “That’s the real magic.”
Whether it’s your first time in Greece or your fifth time with Outbound, this journey offers more than a tour of the Aegean. It’s a celebration of self, history, and community—with sunsets, string quartets, and drag queens along the way.
As Eric puts it, “You’re not just going on vacation. You’re joining something bigger.”
Note: QVegas has partnered with OUTboundto create the official OUTbound app for iPhone. Concept and development started on the Springtime in Paris river cruise and will make its debut in a limited beta trial during the Greek Isles Cruise. We hope to officially launch on the Danube River Christmas Market Cruise this December.