Since 1990, Olivia Travel has redefined what it means to travel as an LGBTQ+ woman, creating safe, inclusive, and empowering vacation experiences that celebrate authenticity and community. As the world’s only company offering cruises catering exclusively to lesbians and LGBTQ+ women, Olivia has taken nearly 350,000 women on transformative journeys across the globe over the past 35 years, from the Arctic to the Caribbean, building countless stories and lifelong friendships along the way.
The Revolutionary History of Olivia Travel
Olivia Travel’s story begins not with ships and destinations, but with music and revolution. Founded by Judy Dlugacz in 1973 as Olivia Records, the company started as a radical lesbian record label in Washington, D.C., becoming the first and largest independent record company specializing in women artists. This musical foundation served as a cultural and musical force within the LGBTQ+ community, releasing over 40 albums that became anthems for lesbian and feminist movements.
The transition from music to travel came naturally in 1990 when Olivia launched its first-ever all-woman cruise, expanding its mission to foster lesbian celebration and community through travel experiences. This pioneering move was born from necessity – in 1990, when Olivia chartered its very first ocean voyage, only one cruise line would lease a ship to a bunch of queer women, as they were seen as “scary” due to homophobia and disbelief that women could charter a ship.
Breaking Barriers and Changing Perceptions
Since then, “we have changed the travel industry and impacted women all over the world!” Dlugacz says. The company’s influence extends far beyond travel logistics – they’ve become cultural ambassadors, changing perceptions worldwide. Six years later, when docking in Turkey, an Olivia cruise was met by protestors who objected to the queer passengers. Over a thousand women disembarked anyway and infused so much cash into the local economy that by the next port they were greeted with signs proclaiming “Welcome, Ladies of Olivia!” and Turkish newspapers heralded the “wonderful women” who helped revive the tourist industry post-Kosovo War.
The company’s name carries deep significance, taking its inspiration from the heroine of a pulp novel by Dorothy Bussy who fell in love with her headmistress at a French boarding school. This literary connection reflects Olivia’s commitment to celebrating love in all its forms and honoring the stories that shaped LGBTQ+ culture.
What Makes Olivia Travel Unique
Olivia Travel distinguishes itself through complete ship and resort takeovers, ensuring that every guest enjoys a fully inclusive environment where they can be authentically themselves. Olivia Cruises has been redefining travel for lesbians and queer women worldwide since 1990, offering fun-filled, all-female vacations that celebrate inclusivity. This approach creates something remarkable – vacation experiences where being LGBTQ+ isn’t just accepted, it’s celebrated.
Exclusive Full Takeovers
Unlike other travel companies that might reserve sections of ships or resorts, Olivia charters entire vessels and properties exclusively for their guests. This means every public space, every activity, and every moment of your vacation is designed with LGBTQ+ women in mind. If you’re thinking about an Olivia Cruise, it’s all lesbian and queer women’s fun all the time.
Community-Centered Experience
The best part of Olivia is not the incredible entertainment. It’s not the amazing programming. It’s not even the gorgeous ships or resorts or the awe-inspiring destinations. The best part of Olivia is what it proves: We can all live and love together, all we have to do is choose to. This philosophy permeates every aspect of the Olivia experience, creating environments where lasting friendships form naturally.
Types of Olivia Travel Experiences
Olivia offers a diverse portfolio of travel experiences designed to cater to different preferences, interests, and comfort levels within the LGBTQ+ women’s community.
Ocean Cruises
Olivia’s ocean cruises represent the company’s flagship offering, featuring complete ship charters on premium cruise lines. Olivia Cruises goes to Alaska, the Caribbean, the Greek Isles, Iceland, Italy, Croatia, the Panama Canal, Costa Rica, Scotland, Ireland and Tahiti. These cruises typically accommodate hundreds to over a thousand guests, creating vibrant communities at sea.
Recent and upcoming destinations include the Canary Islands, Iceland circumnavigation, Greek Isles exploration, Baltic Sea treasures, and special anniversary celebrations. Each cruise features multiple ports of call, allowing guests to experience diverse cultures while maintaining the security and community of their floating home base.
Luxury Resort Experiences
Olivia’s resort takeovers provide land-based alternatives that combine relaxation with adventure. Popular destinations include Dreams Onyx Punta Cana Resort & Spa, Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa, Turks & Caicos Resort, and Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta. These all-inclusive experiences feature multiple restaurants, pools, spas, and activity programs specifically curated for LGBTQ+ women.
Adventure Travel
For the more adventurous, Olivia offers expedition-style travel to extraordinary destinations. Current adventure offerings include Himalayan Harmony Adventure to Nepal & Bhutan, African Safari Adventure, Galapagos Adventure Cruise, Machu Picchu Incan Adventure, and Wild Alaska Adventure. These trips combine luxury accommodations with unique cultural and natural experiences.
Riverboat Journeys
On an Olivia riverboat trip, you’ll explore picturesque landscapes while enjoying close-knit gatherings with fellow travelers. Each journey is filled with enchanting excursions, onboard entertainment, and plenty of time to connect with new friends. Popular riverboat destinations include the Rhine River from Amsterdam to Switzerland, Vietnam and Cambodia Mekong River cruise, and Portugal’s Douro River.
Entertainment and Programming Excellence
Entertainment forms a cornerstone of the Olivia experience, featuring performances by renowned LGBTQ+ artists and celebrities who understand and celebrate the community.
Celebrity Performers and Artists
Think ’70s-themed dance nights and stellar entertainment featuring artists like Melissa Etheridge, the Indigo Girls, Wanda Sykes and Lily Tomlin. The company has hosted legendary performers including Cris Williamson, Margaret Cho, and Martina Navratilova for tennis clinics.
There was a ton of entertainment — from musicians like Roxanna Ward, Cris Williamson, Lisa Koch and Sarah Potenza to comedians like Dana Goldberg, Gina Yashere, Vicki Shaw, and Karen Williams to DJs like DJ Luna Rosa, DJ Rockaway, DJ Mary Mac, and DJ Dawn Michaels.
Signature Programming
Picture yourself playing steel drums or ballroom dancing alongside memoir and erotic writing workshops and lively poetry readings. The programming extends far beyond entertainment to include educational workshops, wellness activities, and community-building experiences.
Recent programming innovations include themed nights like Prom Night, Under the Sea Night, White Night, Hometown Day, Pajama Night, and Rainbow Pride Day. She created all kinds of amazing programming that really created the summer camp vibe complete with the kind of friendships that make you wish you could take all of your new BFFs home with you.
Specialized Programs and Communities
Olivia recognizes the diversity within the LGBTQ+ women’s community and has developed specialized programs to ensure everyone finds their place and people.
Sisters at Sea
Olivia Cruises’ Sisters Coordinators ensure a welcoming space where women of color and their friends can come together, share stories and enjoy talent shows, spoken word performances, dance parties, group lunches and more. This program celebrates the specific experiences and culture of women of color within the broader LGBTQ+ community.
Generation-Specific Programming
Olivia Travel features signature programs like the OWLs (Older, Wiser Lesbians) for the more seasoned traveler and Gen-O events for those 40 and under, ensuring there’s a space for you, no matter your age. With hundreds, sometimes over a thousand lesbians and LGBTQ+ women onboard, connecting with peers in your age group can be tricky. That’s why Olivia Cruises has created a dedicated space exclusively for guests aged 40 and under.
Solo Traveler Support
Whether you choose to share a room or have your own space, you can mingle on their Facebook group and join in dances, mixers, sunset cruises and nightly shows. It’s the perfect opportunity to make new friends — and ease any nerves around traveling solo. Olivia actively facilitates connections between solo travelers, ensuring no one feels left out of the community experience.
Accessibility and Inclusion
Olivia Cruises is dedicated to providing accessible vacations for guests with disabilities and specific needs. Specific Needs Coordinators assist with medical, mobility and/or dietary needs, and ASL Interpreters are available at nightly shows. There’s also a dedicated space for 12-step program meetings.
Destinations and Itineraries
Olivia’s global reach ensures that LGBTQ+ women can explore virtually any destination they dream of visiting, all within the safety and community of like-minded travelers.
Caribbean and Central America
The Caribbean remains one of Olivia’s most popular regions, offering warm weather, beautiful beaches, and vibrant cultures. Recent itineraries include visits to Ixtapa Mexico, Punta Cana Dominican Republic, and various Caribbean islands. The region provides perfect settings for both relaxation and adventure.
European Adventures
Europe offers rich cultural experiences with destinations spanning from Iceland’s dramatic landscapes to the Greek Isles’ ancient history. Upcoming European experiences include Spain, France, & Italy Luxury Cruise, Dublin to Edinburgh Luxury Cruise, and Treasures of the Baltic Sea Luxury Cruise.
Exotic and Adventure Destinations
For travelers seeking unique experiences, Olivia ventures to extraordinary locations. For the first time, Olivia is taking you to Nepal & Bhutan! Other exotic destinations include African safaris, Galapagos Islands exploration, Vietnam and Cambodia river journeys, and Morocco adventures.
Alaska and Arctic Experiences
Alaska represents one of Olivia’s most spectacular destination categories, offering wildlife viewing, glacier exploration, and pristine wilderness experiences. Indulge your inner explorer on this compact expedition along the coast of Alaska’s Inside Passage.
Booking and Practical Information
Understanding the logistics of Olivia Travel helps potential guests plan their dream vacations effectively.
Pricing and Value
The rate for an Olivia lesbian cruise includes everything: accommodations, gourmet meals, 24-hour room service, and complimentary non-alcoholic drinks. You’ll also enjoy welcome cocktails, unlimited access to the fitness center, and a range of water sports equipment. While Olivia travel comes at a premium compared to mainstream cruises, the all-inclusive nature and exclusive programming provide significant value.
Accommodations range from value to luxury, with early sign-up discounts and interest-free payment plans to make it more accessible. The company frequently offers pre-sale specials and flexible payment options to help make trips more affordable.
Guest Demographics
Olivia’s cruises primarily attract cis lesbian and queer women couples, often over 50, while embracing non-binary and trans guests. (Olivia Travel’s resort trips tend to attract a younger crowd.) Of those guests, 40 percent were new to Olivia and at least 20 percent were single on recent cruises, showing the company’s success in attracting both newcomers and solo travelers.
Planning and Support
Olivia provides comprehensive support throughout the booking and travel process. Book online or call one of our knowledgeable travel consultants—we’re here to help you every step of the way. U.S.A.: 800.631.6277 | INT’L: +1 415.962.5700. The company’s travel consultants understand the unique needs and concerns of LGBTQ+ travelers and can provide personalized guidance.
Safety and Security
One of Olivia’s most significant value propositions is the safety and security it provides to LGBTQ+ women travelers.
Group Safety
LGBTQ+ travelers face more than taunts or outright discrimination when they travel — violence is always a possibility, especially for women, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming folks. Singles, couples, and small groups are at more risk than a ship full of queer women. There is safety in numbers and in the way Olivia vets every port and excursion operator before partnering with them.
Secure Travel Environment
For lesbians and LGBTQ+ women in particular [cruising] is a great way to see the world with a community of friends. It is also a very secure way for women to travel. The complete takeover model ensures that guests never have to worry about discrimination or uncomfortable situations in dining venues, entertainment areas, or public spaces.
Vetted Experiences
Olivia carefully selects and vets all destination partners, ensuring that shore excursions and port experiences maintain the same inclusive, welcoming atmosphere as the ship or resort itself. This attention to detail extends the safe space beyond the vessel to encompass the entire travel experience.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Olivia Travel’s influence extends far beyond vacation planning – the company has played a significant role in advancing LGBTQ+ visibility and acceptance worldwide.
Global Ambassadorship
“We are amazing ambassadors wherever we go,” Dlugacz notes. “Meeting people who never saw so many women much less lesbians and LGBTQ+ women having so much fun together. It is contagious and we have helped to change the way the world sees this very invisible population.”
Historical Moments
The company has been present for significant cultural moments, including hosting the premiere of the lesbian TV series The L Word on an Olivia cruise in 2004, marking a significant milestone in pop culture. In 1993, Olivia visited the Greek island of Lesbos, in what Dlugacz has called, “probably the largest lesbian pilgrimage in a few millennia.”
Celebrity Endorsements
The company has attracted attention due to endorsements from lesbian celebrities, such as golfer Rosie Jones (who was the first professional athlete in America to endorse a gay-oriented company) tennis player Martina Navratilova and basketball player Sheryl Swoopes.
Future of Olivia Travel
As Olivia approaches its 50th anniversary as a company and celebrates 35 years of travel experiences, the organization continues to evolve and expand its offerings.
Innovation and Growth
As the queer company gets ready to celebrate its 50th anniversary, it foresees a record year for LGBTQ+ women cruises. The company continues to add new destinations and experiences, recently announcing their first-ever trips to Nepal and Bhutan.
Expanding Community
With each trip, Olivia continues to introduce new travelers to the joys of LGBTQ+ travel community. So many women never traveled outside of the U.S. before Olivia because of how insecure it was to travel as two women. Now we go everywhere with brand new travelers and well-seasoned adventurers.
Making the Most of Your Olivia Experience
For those considering their first Olivia trip, understanding how to maximize the experience can enhance enjoyment and community connection.
Pre-Trip Preparation
Many Olivia travelers connect through social media groups before their trips, sharing excitement and beginning to build friendships before boarding. The company facilitates these connections through various online platforms and pre-trip communications.
Onboard Engagement
Everyone was so nice and so welcoming. There was no one “cool kids’ table,” either. Every table was the cool kids’ table. And no matter where you were on the ship, there was always room for one more. The key to enjoying Olivia travel lies in embracing the community spirit and remaining open to new friendships and experiences.
Creating Lasting Connections
In many instances, these interactions at sea form lifelong friendships on land. The bonds formed during Olivia trips often extend far beyond the vacation itself, creating networks of friends and support that enrich travelers’ lives long-term.
Conclusion
Olivia de Travel represents more than a vacation company – it’s a revolutionary force that has transformed how LGBTQ+ women experience the world. Through 35 years of creating safe, inclusive, and joyful travel experiences, Olivia has proven that travel can be both a personal adventure and a powerful tool for social change.
Olivia Travel just celebrated a major anniversary: 35 years spent curating all kinds of trips, including cruise and resort take-overs and adventures to far-flung locations. That’s what they do. But what they ARE is a curator of a way of life, one that is founded in kindness, acceptance, happiness and, of course, fun.
Whether you’re seeking your first LGBTQ+ travel experience or you’re a seasoned Olivia veteran, the company’s commitment to creating “Life as it should be” ensures that every trip offers opportunities for growth, connection, and joy. As Olivia continues to expand its global reach and welcome new generations of LGBTQ+ women travelers, it remains true to its founding mission: creating spaces where women can live and love authentically while exploring the beauty and diversity of our world.
The choice to travel with Olivia is ultimately a choice to be part of something larger than yourself – a global community of women who believe that travel, like life, is better when shared with those who understand and celebrate your authentic self.
✅ Suggested FAQ Section
What is Olivia Travel?
Olivia Travel is a pioneering LGBTQ+ travel company specializing in cruises, resorts, and adventures exclusively for lesbians and LGBTQ+ women. Since 1990, they’ve hosted over 350,000 women worldwide.
Who can join an Olivia cruise?
Olivia trips are designed for lesbian and queer women, but are inclusive of nonbinary, trans, and gender-nonconforming individuals who align with the community’s values.
Are Olivia trips safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?
Yes. Olivia offers complete ship or resort takeovers, ensuring a secure, discrimination-free environment. All ports and partners are vetted for inclusivity and safety.
What types of vacations does Olivia offer?
Olivia offers ocean cruises, resort takeovers, riverboat journeys, and adventure travel to destinations such as Alaska, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, Bhutan, and the Galapagos.
Is Olivia Travel suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. Olivia provides strong support for solo travelers, including Facebook groups, mixers, roommate matching, and solo meetups to build community.
How do I book an Olivia Travel trip?
You can book online at olivia.com or call their travel consultants directly. Flexible payment plans and early booking discounts are often available.
Are Olivia Travel experiences accessible?
Yes. Olivia supports guests with medical, mobility, dietary, and communication needs, including ASL interpreters and Specific Needs Coordinators.