Bear Cruises: Redefining LGBTQ+ Travel with Body Positivity and Community

The Rise of Bear Cruises

As LGBTQ+ travelers plan their summer vacations, many are drawn to inclusive spaces that cater to their needs. Among these options, bear cruises have become a significant and celebrated part of LGBTQ+ tourism. Founded by event producer Chumley Singer, Chumley’s Bear Cruises provides a welcoming space where individuals, particularly those in the bear community, can connect, relax, and embrace their authentic selves without the pressures of body image or mainstream beauty standards. Since its inception, the cruise line has strived to create a laid-back environment where all guests feel celebrated, reminding everyone that true community is built on authenticity, acceptance, and joy.

Why Bear Cruises Foster Authentic Community

True community is built on authenticity, acceptance, and joy—values that are deeply rooted in both the bear community and Chumley’s Bear Cruises. According to Chumley, the bear community itself emerged as a response to the rigid beauty standards that often dominate gay culture, offering a space for those who didn’t fit the mold of being lean, hairless, and hyper-stylized.

After attending a traditional gay cruise, he realized those same exclusionary dynamics were present at sea. Larger-bodied men like himself were underrepresented and often silently scrutinized. “I just thought, if I’m going to be on a cruise and have someone question the amount of mashed potatoes I put on my plate, it’s going to be an issue,” he recalls. Motivated to create something different, he launched the first Bear Cruise in 2003 with just 150 guests, prioritizing comfort, camaraderie, and authenticity over high-energy parties and superficial standards.

Since then, Chumley’s Bear Cruises have grown to welcome up to 550 passengers while maintaining the close-knit, supportive atmosphere that inspired the first voyage. These cruises embrace body diversity and encourage genuine connection, welcoming not only bears but also cubs, otters, allies, and anyone seeking a judgment-free environment.

Building Connections at Sea

Chumley’s Bear Cruises are not just about enjoying a vacation; they are about building lasting connections. About half of each cruise's guests are repeat visitors, while the other half are first-timers, eager to experience the unique sense of belonging that the cruises offer.

Whether through private cocktail parties, dance nights, or port excursions, the cruises provide plenty of opportunities for meaningful interactions. These connections often evolve into lifelong friendships, with some guests even finding love aboard the ships. The bear cruises also have a positive impact beyond the LGBTQ+ community. By sharing a ship with general passengers, bear cruisers promote LGBTQ+ visibility and foster acceptance.

Over the years, bear cruises have adapted to changing demands and expectations. As the cruise industry has expanded, so too have the options available to bear cruise guests. Larger ships with more luxurious amenities have become standard, but the focus on creating intimate, community-driven experiences has remained unchanged. New activities, such as the interactive Chumley Live chat show, ensure that the entertainment is always fresh and engaging, while the itinerary includes diverse destinations that appeal to both adventure seekers and those looking to relax.

Chumley’s Bear Cruises also continues to evolve to accommodate different types of travelers, with more inclusive offerings like river barge cruises and diverse itineraries in new destinations, such as Alaska and Europe. Reflecting on the expansion, Chumley shared, “We’re trying to get back into the original concept of doing some smaller groups and more unique things, a little bit off-the-beaten-path kind of things.”

What to Expect on a Bear Cruise

From the moment guests book their bear cruise, they are welcomed into a private online group where they can begin connecting with others. This online community helps to foster a sense of camaraderie before the cruise even begins. Chumley emphasizes the importance of clear communication, saying, “We try to be really good about communication. We know that some people are seasoned cruisers and some people are first-timers.”

Onboard, guests can participate in a variety of activities designed to encourage connection, including dance parties, board games, and creative workshops like watercolor painting. Group excursions allow guests to explore local attractions and experience destinations together, further strengthening the bonds formed on board. Each sailing also includes meetups at host hotels, providing guests with additional opportunities to mingle and share meals before boarding the ship.

Additionally, the future of bear cruises looks bright, with plans for new and exciting adventures on the horizon. Chumley’s Bear Cruises are set to explore new destinations, including a highly anticipated European sailing, and offer new styles of travel, such as smaller river barge cruises. The upcoming May 2026 Alaska cruise aboard the Star Princess promises to provide guests with spectacular views and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Building Lasting Connections: The Heart of Bear Cruises

Bear cruises offer a unique and empowering space where individuals. whether they identify as a bear, a chaser, or anywhere in between, can find acceptance and camaraderie. By fostering a community that celebrates body diversity and prioritizes inclusivity, these cruises offer more than just a vacation; they provide a sanctuary for self-care and connection. It's important to remember that kindness, both toward ourselves and others, helps create a space where everyone feels welcome. Whether you're participating in a bear cruise or simply engaging with others in the LGBTQ+ community, nurturing these values of acceptance and love is crucial.

If you’re struggling to find spaces where you feel truly accepted, consider taking the initiative to create them. You are never truly alone—there are others who share your experiences, challenges, and desire for a safe, supportive environment. By building inclusive spaces, we can ensure that all members of the LGBTQ+ community find places where they can be themselves, feel loved, and connect with like-minded individuals. Bear cruises exemplify this spirit of inclusivity, offering a journey of self-discovery, self-love, and authentic connections.

And remember: every day is all we have, so you've got to make your own happiness.

For more information on this topic, listen to Episode 149. Boats, Bears, and Building Community (with Chumley Singer).

Tune into your favorite podcast player every Tuesday for new episodes of A Jaded Gay.