GAYTRAVEL.com recognizes Royal Caribbean International as “Gay Travel Approved”

MIAMI, Oct. 20, 2016 – Royal Caribbean International is the first and only cruise line to receive the sought-after distinction of being Gay Travel Approved by GayTravel.com, the ‘go-to’ resource for members of the LGBT community. The global cruise line, a leading innovator of adventurous vacation experiences, has shown an ongoing commitment to the LGBT community demonstrating a spirit of diversity and inclusion on all of its 25 ships that visit exciting destinations around the world.

 “While I marvel at all the incredible and innovative features Royal Caribbean has to offer, what is most impressive is how they foster positive and memorable experiences that reach beyond the decks of their ships,” said Steve Rohrlick, CEO of GayTravel.com. “Royal Caribbean has the ‘je ne sais quoi’ that LGBT travelers recognize and appreciate.”

The Gay Travel Approved Seal of Excellence is awarded to travel partners around the world that offer a safe and welcoming environment for LGBT travelers by GayTravel.com, recognized as the go-to travel tips resource for more than 20 years. The recognition is reserved for travel partners who a panel of experts, editors, tastemakers, and Gay Travel Gurus deem deserving of a higher level of recognition by the LGBT community for their contribution to the overall vacation experience.

“Royal Caribbean has always been known and recognized for extraordinary service that is warm and attentive and remains committed to creating a diverse, welcoming environment on each and every one of our ships,” said Grant Van Ulbrich, director, Diversity and Inclusion, Royal Caribbean International. “To take our efforts to the next level, we recently introduced a new Diversity and Inclusion department and one of its first priorities is to focus on continued training and education for our international crew members across the fleet.”

The welcoming environment the cruise line has created onboard is what keeps guests sailing again and again and Stephen Prisco, GayTravel.com’s Cruise Guru, who has sailed over 100 times on Royal Caribbean is proof of that. “From the moment I set foot on my first Royal Caribbean cruise, I felt like I belonged,” said Prisco. “On every one of my cruising adventures, I feel like I am home and that Royal Caribbean is my family.”

GayTravel.com encourages its readers to offer recommendations for Gay Travel Approved travel destinations, accommodations, cruises, tours, events, restaurants, and venues by emailing recommendations@gaytravel.com.

About GayTravel.com:

GayTravel.com connects the LGBTQA community with gay friendly destinations, hotels, cruises, tours, events, entertainment, attractions, clubs and restaurants throughout the world.  Their mission is to provide the community with safe, welcoming and unique recommendations to ensure that every vacation is both pleasurable and memorable.  For additional information, visit www.GayTravel.com or call (800) GAY-TRAVEL.

About Royal Caribbean International:

Royal Caribbean International is an award-winning global cruise brand with a 46-year legacy of innovation and introducing industry “firsts” never before seen at sea.  The cruise line features an expansive and unmatched array of features and amenities only found on Royal Caribbean including, jaw-dropping, Broadway-style entertainment and industry-acclaimed programming that appeals to families and adventurous vacationers alike. Onboard, guests are catered to with the cruise line’s world-renowned friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service by every staff and crew member.

Media can stay up-to-date by following @RoyalCaribPR on Twitter, and visiting RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com. For additional information or to make reservations, vacationers should call their travel agent; visit RoyalCaribbean.com; or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.