TUI Brings Back Rainbow Cruise for Huge LGBT Mediterranean Celebration

TUI Cruises is bringing its Rainbow Cruise back to the Mediterranean for 2027, turning an entire ship into a five-night celebration of LGBT visibility, community and entertainment.

Running from 28 September to 3 October 2027, the special sailing will take place aboard Mein Schiff 2 and travel from Palma de Mallorca to Sicily and Sardinia.

TUI Cruises is calling the new edition “Rainbow Cruise: the next chapter – A future of unity”, with the company placing diversity, openness and mutual respect firmly at the heart of the experience.

Five nights celebrating LGBT life

Rather than simply adding a Pride party to a conventional cruise, Mein Schiff 2 will become a dedicated Rainbow Cruise for the entire journey. TUI says the ship will be transformed into a place focused on community, self-expression and connection throughout the five-night sailing.

Days at sea will feature entertainment, talks, sport and activities designed to bring people together, while evenings will move into changing themed parties and live entertainment. It gives LGBT travellers the opportunity to enjoy a mainstream cruise experience while being surrounded by a programme where LGBT identity and visibility are being actively celebrated.

That commitment from a major European cruise operator is particularly positive. LGBT cruises have traditionally been associated with specialist operators and charter companies, but Rainbow Cruise puts the community at the centre of a sailing from one of Europe’s major mainstream cruise brands.

Conchita Wurst joins the party

Eurovision winner Conchita Wurst is among the names already confirmed for the voyage, bringing one of Europe’s most recognisable LGBT performers aboard Mein Schiff 2.

The programme extends beyond music and parties, with LGBT creators and personalities also joining the cruise.

It should give the five nights a mixture of big evening celebrations and more relaxed opportunities for passengers to meet and connect during the day.

A visible celebration at sea

The theme “A future of unity” is intended to represent what TUI Cruises describes as a clear commitment to diversity, openness and respect. The company says the sailing will create opportunities for passengers to connect and express themselves while feeling part of a wider community.

That gives the Rainbow Cruise a significance beyond its entertainment programme. Seeing a large mainstream cruise operator dedicate an entire voyage to celebrating LGBT people sends a highly visible message that LGBT travellers are not simply being accommodated but actively welcomed and celebrated.

How much does the Rainbow Cruise cost?

TUI Cruises currently lists the five-night sailing from €1,149 per person based on two people travelling and booking an inside cabin under its PRO tariff. Packages including flights are currently shown from €1,609 per person, although prices and availability can change as the sailing gets closer.

Where to follow and book

Full details of Rainbow Cruise, the growing entertainment line-up and booking information are available directly through the official Mein Schiff website.

TUI Cruises is continuing to reveal information about the voyage, so it is also worth checking the official Rainbow Cruise page as September 2027 approaches.