LGBTQ+ Group Cruise
2026 Post Thanksgiving Cruise
Celebrity Beyond
November 29 - December 6, 2026
Dates
November 29 - December 6, 2026
Start
Start
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
End
End
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Length
8 Days/7 Nights
Trip Type
Ocean Cruise
Trip Overview
Our journey begins in Fort Lauderdale, where we’ll gather at our host hotel, the Courtyard Marriott Downtown, with exclusive discounted group rates for our travelers. Join us for a fun and relaxed welcome pool party, then explore the vibrant LGBTQ+ nightlife of Wilton Manors just minutes away. It’s the perfect place to unwind, connect, and start the celebration before we set sail.
Once onboard the stunning Celebrity Beyond, you’ll enjoy not only the ship’s incredible dining, lounges, entertainment, and modern spaces — but also a lineup of private events and entertainment curated exclusively for our group. From themed cocktail gatherings to late-night parties, these experiences are reserved only for our guests, creating a warm, welcoming social environment where friendships form effortlessly.
Throughout the cruise, enjoy relaxing days at sea to explore the ship or simply take in the ocean views. Our itinerary includes visits to Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten, each offering its own blend of culture, beaches, shopping, and island adventure.
We’ll also offer exclusive optional private excursions, designed specifically for our group — giving you the opportunity to share a memorable experience together ashore that you won’t find on the ship’s tour list.
As our voyage continues, we’ll savor additional days at sea to relax, recharge, and enjoy our final onboard celebrations before returning to Fort Lauderdale, with memories, connections, and new friends that will last long after the cruise ends.
This is more than a vacation — it’s community, celebration, and travel done beautifully.
Itinerary
We begin our journey in Fort Lauderdale, a sun-soaked coastal city known for its beaches, canals, and vibrant LGBTQ+ scene. Settle in at our Host Hotel, the Courtyard Marriott Downtown Fort Lauderdale, where we’ve secured exclusive discounted group rates just for our travelers. Enjoy a welcome pool party, meet fellow guests, and start the celebration early.
Just minutes away is Wilton Manors, one of the most popular LGBTQ+ destinations in the country—packed with lively bars, clubs, cafes, and entertainment. Whether you’re relaxing poolside or diving into the nightlife, Fort Lauderdale sets the perfect tone for the unforgettable cruise ahead.
Relax and unwind as we enjoy a full Day at Sea aboard the stunning Celebrity Beyond. Take in ocean views from the Resort Deck, sip cocktails at the Rooftop Garden, or enjoy the ship’s world-class restaurants, lounges, entertainment, and spa. Whether you’re lounging poolside, discovering new flavors, or joining our private onboard events, this is your time to reset, connect, and savor the journey as we sail toward our next destination.
Nestled along the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, Puerto Plata is a vibrant blend of golden beaches, lush mountains, and historic Caribbean charm. Guests can ride the iconic cable car up Mount Isabel de Torres for panoramic views, explore the 19th-century San Felipe Fortress, or relax along the palm-lined shores of Playa Dorada. The region is known for its warm hospitality, colorful architecture, and a lively yet easygoing atmosphere. Whether you're interested in culture, nature, or simply enjoying a tropical cocktail by the sea, Puerto Plata offers an inviting slice of island life.
St. Thomas is known for its sparkling turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and duty-free shopping. Spend the day relaxing on world-famous Magens Bay, take a scenic skyride to Paradise Point for panoramic harbor views, or browse the charming shops and historic streets of Charlotte Amalie. Whether you're in the mood for beach time, snorkeling, sailing, or exploring, St. Thomas offers the perfect blend of laid-back island beauty and vibrant Caribbean culture.
A favorite stop in the Caribbean, St. Maarten is known for its unique blend of Dutch and French island culture, beautiful beaches, and vibrant coastal towns. Wander the colorful waterfront of Philipsburg, sip cocktails on the soft sands of Great Bay Beach, or head to the French side for charming cafes and boutiques. For something unforgettable, visit Maho Beach, where planes soar just overhead as they land at the nearby airport. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, shopping, or a little adventure, St. Maarten offers a fun and lively island vibe.
Enjoy another relaxing Day at Sea as we continue sailing aboard the beautiful Celebrity Beyond. This is the perfect opportunity to slow down and enjoy everything the ship has to offer — from leisurely breakfasts and cozy coffee spots to the Solarium pool, spa treatments, boutique shopping, and live entertainment. Take time to recharge, explore new spaces on the ship, or simply soak in the ocean views. Today is all about your pace, your style, your vacation.
As our journey begins to wind down, enjoy one last Day at Sea aboard the Celebrity Beyond. Take in the ocean breeze, meet up with new friends, or revisit your favorite spot on the ship—whether that’s a sun lounger on the Resort Deck, a quiet corner café, or the Rooftop Garden with a cocktail in hand. This is a day to celebrate the memories made, enjoy our final onboard gatherings, and soak up every last bit of vacation magic before we return to shore.
This morning we arrive back in Fort Lauderdale, bringing our unforgettable journey to a close. After breakfast, we’ll say our goodbyes and disembark the Celebrity Beyond. We hope you leave with new friendships, great memories, and the excitement of future adventures ahead. Thank you for being part of this experience — we can’t wait to welcome you on another John Heath Travel journey soon.
What's Included
- Classic Beverage Package
- Basic Wifi
- Complimentary meals and snacks available in a variety of restaurants
- Live shows and entertainment
- Most onboard activities and games
- Private JHT Events, Parties and Activities
- Access to JHT Private Excursions*
Not Included
- Airfare
- Pre/Post Cruise Hotel
- Specialty Dining
- 24 hour room service
- Laundry Service
- Spa Treatments
- Premium Beverages (upgrade package available)
- Shore Excursions
- Gratuities
THE SHIP
FAQs
FAQs
I'm a solo traveler, are there any discounted rates?
At this time, Celebrity Cruises does not offer solo traveler discounts on this sailing. All stateroom pricing is per person, based on double occupancy.
For single-occupancy fare, please click the single occupancy link. The price listed is the stateroom total for one guest.
Edge Single Staterooms are priced as single occupancy, but sell out quickly.
Will I get better rates if I wait?
Will I get better rates if I wait?
Our discounted rates are significantly lower than the current cruise line pricing and we do not anticipate any lower rates.
I already booked onboard. When will I receive my confirmation from John Heath Travel?
If you booked onboard, rest assured — we have your reservation. All onboard bookings have been repriced by the cruise line and are being manually entered into our system, which takes a bit of time.
In the meantime, you can view your reservation directly on Celebrity Cruises’ website or in the Celebrity app.
The only thing you’re waiting on from John Heath Travel is your updated invoice and final confirmation email once everything has been processed on our end. There’s nothing you need to do — we’ll be in touch as soon as your booking is finalized.
Thank you for your patience. We’re working through onboard bookings as quickly as possible and appreciate your understanding.