Spartacus gay cruise returns in 2023 with seven day mediterranean trip

Pictures: Supplied

Despite having some of the warmest UK temperatures on record recently, we know it’s not going to last forever. Soon enough we’ll be back to our winter sweaters longing for a glimpse of summer sun and that boost of Vitamin D. 

Returning for the third year, Spartacus Cruise will be setting sail around the western Mediterranean in May 2023 (13-20) visiting Marseille, Elba, Rome, Livorno, Nice, and Corsica.

At each stop, there will be so much to see and do. Starting in France’s second-largest city, Marseille, a veritable melting pot of people and cultures includes walking tours, local delicacies, and ancient landmarks such as the Romanesque-Byzantine basilica, the Notre Dame de la Garde, which come with breathtaking views. 

The next stop is the capital of Elba island, Portoferraio. The city’s fortifications are iconic and the nearby beaches are simply paradise. 

It goes without saying that Rome has some incredible offerings. Whether that’s a walking tour of truly iconic sites such as the Trevi Fountain or the Pantheon and the Colosseum, or Vatican City you’ll never be short of things to do. After all, when in Rome!

The port city of Livorno in the north of Italy isn’t far from historic Pisa and its world-famous leaning tower. Florence is also not too far to visit with its medieval-like metropolis and sites such as Brunelleschi’s unique cathedral with its neighboring bell tower by Giotto.

A cabin with a balcony

Villefranche-sur-Mer in the enchanting Côte d’Azur is part of a glittering chain of French towns also including Cannes, Nice, St. Tropez, and Monaco. These can be explored on a panoramic tour of the French Riviera. 

Finally, Corsica offers a mixture of elegant coastal towns, dense forests, and rugged peaks. The port city of Calvi is a tranquil town and the harbor promenade, with its cafés and restaurants invites you to observe, stroll and relax.

A suite

And you’ll be traveling in style onboard the Vasco da Gama. Boasting 630 cabins and suites ranging in size, this ship can accommodate nearly 1,300 passengers across nine decks. Of the cabins, the vast majority are out-ward facing and 150 come with balconies to really enjoy the experience of being at sea.

On board, you’ll find the fully equipped 24-hour gym and the spa with its dry and steam saunas are included in the trip price. You can even find the jogging trail on deck. 

The Oasis pool

Two pools will keep you cool. One is prominently located at the stern of the ship with ample lounging areas. The other is mid-ship and features a movable roof.

The Vasco da Gama plays in the upper league with three à la carte restaurants to choose from. The Asian-oriented ‘Eurasia’, the ‘Pantry’ buffet restaurant reminiscent of a food court combining different cuisines, a garden bar with salads, as well as a candy store for desserts, and a meat grill.

This conceptual approach also extends to the numerous bars and culminates in ‘The Dome,”‘ an all-around glass viewing lounge.

The Grill restaurant

And a cruise like this doesn’t skip on the entertainment. Numerous LGBTQ artists will quite literally be on board with numerous poolside-themed parties such as ‘White’, ‘Wig’, or ‘Kinky’, where there are no limits when it comes to outfits.

Expect to find acrobatics, vocal performances, drag shows, and much, much more! And the ever-popular ‘Mr. Cruise’ contest will be running and all guests are welcome.

Prices currently start from 989 Euros. Here’s what’s included in your booking:

nicko Cruises full board:

– Rich breakfast with coffee, tea and juices in various restaurants.

– Buffets, show cooking or à la carte menus served at the table, depending on restaurant

– Flexible meal times with free choice of seats

– Coffee and cake depending on the daily program

– nicko cruises cruise director and German-speaking local tour guide

– Entertainment program and lectures about the country on board

– German-speaking service on board

– Comfortable Sennheiser audio system on all excursions

– Use of the fitness area, swimming pools, outdoor sports courts and wellness area with sauna (massage for a fee)

– Personal travel documents

– Luggage service between pier and cabin during embarkation and disembarkation

– All port and passenger fees

– Drinks packages

The Dome

Two all-inclusive options are available upon request. The ‘Classic’ package costs 29 Euros per person per travel day and the ‘Premium’ package at 49 Euros per person per travel day.

The packages can be booked for double occupancy only for both cabin guests uniformly at any bar on embarkation day. If you want to save the queuing, you can order the packages (overview) already when booking your cabin. 

And the good news is for all the planners out there – there’s a 10 percent early bird discount available until 31 August.

Check out the full itinerary and more information including full terms and conditions here.