Splash of Pride is the perfect queer take-over for those who find the bigger gay cruises too intimidating and not inclusive, but still want to vacation with a group of queer folks and allies. Splash of Pride brings you on board the most queer-friendly cruise line, Virgin Voyages, and we're welcoming you for one of the most fabulous voyages of the year!
In just a few years, Virgin Voyages has become known to bring together a diverse range of people who seek an elevated yet relaxing cruise getaway.
We’ll be sailing on the Barcelona to Palma, Ibiza & More itinerary from May 18 to 25, 2025 on the Scarlet Lady. Our Mediterranean voyage takes from from Barcelona to the South of France to partying in Ibiza. This is our first Mediterranean voyage and we can't wait for you to join us!
We're taking your voyage experience to the next level. Splash of Pride includes everything you'd expect from Virgin Voyages PLUS our own exclusive experiences.
With a homeport only steps from Barcelona's diverse neighborhoods and the famed urban beach of La Barceloneta, Sailors will uncover hidden secrets from local market cooking classes to modern and historic art in this vibrant seaside, architecturally stunning European city.
Famed for its annual star-studded international film festival, posh sunlounger-striped beaches, and massive yachts moored at the port, Cannes is one of the most glamorous cities in the French Riviera. A stroll down La Croisette, the town's long beach promenade, will lead you to numerous designer bars, couture stores, and fabulous hotels nestled in stunning old palaces.
As a French commune only seven miles from the Italian island of Sardinia, Corsica is a blend of French and Italian culture. The locals feel more Italian than French but enjoy francophile staples like boulangeries and charcuterie. The capital port city, Ajaccio, sits on the western side of a natural paradise with astonishing peaks and sprawling beaches.
Hidden coves, hilltop villages and limestone mountains make the island of Mallorca an irresistible stop in the Mediterranean. Palma de Mallorca (Palma for short) rose from instability — switching between Roman, Byzantine, and Moor rule — and blossomed into an oasis. Today, expats and entrepreneurs populate Palma, living la vida loca with the highest standard of living in Spain.
Thanks to its iconic nightclubs and star-studded DJ sets, Ibiza earned its reputation as the party capital of the world. So, Ibiza’s true beach-bum personality and quiet seaside streets might surprise you. Once you get to know its free-spirited culture, sandy coves and historic Dalt Vila, you’ll have a clearer picture of the most talked-about Balearic island.
Whether you're enjoying Ibiza town during the day or recovering on the beach, you've got extra time to enjoy the island before setting sail in the evening.
Squeeze in a final brunch at Razzle Dazzle or The Wake (our fave) before your final disembarkation.
Keep the party going with post-voyage plans tailored to your desires. Here are some of our favorite places:
Contact your travel advisor to sort out plans.
Barcelona to Palma, Ibiza & More
May 18 to 25, 2025
Scarlet Lady
Whether you're a solo traveler looking to meet knew folks or a mega rockstar ready to live it up with your entourage, our Splash of Pride experience has something for everyone.
Includes Splash of Pride package
*Includes two sailors
Splash of Pride is a new queer-centric group sailing on Virgin Voyage’s Valiant Lady. We’re building upon the best of what Virgin Voyages has to offer, but adding well, a Splash of Pride! Splash of Pride is this the most fabulous sailing of the year!
Splash of Pride centers around celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride for everyone in the community, and in the spirit of pride, we welcome our allies, including friends and family. Keep in mind that Virgin Voyages is an adults-only cruise line, so all sailors must be 18 years and over to join us. If you are an ally, please be mindful that our Splash of Pride events intentionally center around LGBTQ+ folks, and we ask you to be respectful of one another.
Virgin Voyages is an elevated, luxury cruise line strongly committed to inclusivity and diversity. Making sure all sailors feel welcomed aboard and wherever they travel, Virgin Voyages has become the most LGBTQ+-friendly cruise line in the industry.
Yes, this is a group trip and not a charter. Virgin Voyages attracts an extremely diverse array of sailors that are there to have a good time.
Splash of Pride is not a charter. It’s a group sailing on the existing Fire & Sunset Soireés itinerary embarking at Barcelona on Sunday, May 18th, 2025. You can read more about this itinerary on the Virgin Voyages website.
While we love a good party, Splash of Pride is not a circuit party or circuit-like festival. We’re offering something different for those who love a good time but are looking for a different vibe. Don't worry if you still want to get your party on. Virgin Voyages is famously known for its parties onboard and this sailing is staying overnight in Ibiza. That means you'll have all night (and morning) to party. Plus, Splash of Pride brings you an Ibiza Pre-Party and exclusive Sunset Tea Dance onboard.
Yes, even if you booked your voyage separately, you can purchase an access pass for our Splash of Pride events here.
At this time, air travel is not included in the Splash of Pride package. Therefore, each guest is responsible for booking their own flights. We strongly suggest that you arrive at least one day before embarkation day to avoid any unforeseen delays. Bestmates has partners with several area hotels if you'd like to book with us.If you must arrive the same day as embarkation, your flight should arrive by 12p. Disembarkation is from 7a-11a, but book your return flight after 12p to be safe. You must be onboard by 5pm, no exceptions.
Bar Tab is an onboard credit that can be used for any premium drinks such as alcohol, fresh pressed juices, smoothies, and non-drip coffee. Sailor Loot is onboard credit for anything (including drinks). You can go shopping, book a spa treatment, take a cooking class, and more.
You may choose to pay at least 20% upfront as a deposit, with the remainder due 6/30/2024. Affirm financing is also available. Cancel or change the booking up to 120 days prior to sailing for a refund, except the deposit which will be a future voyage credit valid up to 1 year. Cancel or change the booking up to 45 days prior to sailing for a future voyage credit valid up to 1 year. Name changes accepted up to 48 hours prior to sailing. To avoid missing any deadlines, contact your travel advisor at least 2 days before embarkation or contact Sailor Services directly.
Absolutely, use the chat on this page or email hello@bestmates.travel to learn how to enhance your client’s vacations with Bestmates.
Let us spoil you with insider-only perks to give you the VIP treatment at the best hotels throughout your trip. We hand-select the hotels to ensure they align with our values and your preferences.
