Scandinavia’s Largest LGBTQ+ Party Cruise to Set Sail on the Baltic Sea
On 9 January, Rainbow Voyage sets sail – a new LGBTQ+ cruise on board Birka Gotland, the Baltic Sea’s only fully dedicated cruise ship.
Interest has been strong from the start, with more than 700 guests already booked, making Rainbow Voyage one of the largest LGBTQ+ cruises ever organized in Scandinavia. Created by a team with long experience in culture, PR, nightlife and community-building, the 21-hour journey transforms the ship into a Pride at sea, centerd on artists, DJs, encounters and a warm, inclusive atmosphere.
An all-gay, fully chartered cruise
Rainbow Voyage is a fully chartered LGBTQ+ cruise. Viking Line’s regular booking system is closed, and the trip can only be booked via a dedicated link for LGBTQ+ guests and allies. The concept has resonated strongly with the community – the largest and most expensive cabins sold out within days, prompting Viking Line to release a limited number of additional premium cabins. The crew on board includes many LGBTQ+ staff members, contributing to a sense of safety, recognition and genuine community throughout the voyage.
Photos: Instagram
A cruise created for the entire LGBTQ+ community
Over the course of the journey, the ship is filled with live performances, DJs, dance floors and social spaces. Among the headline names are Adam Woods and Patrik Jean, both known from Melodifestivalen, alongside DJs such as Fride Moksnes, DJ Amor, DJ MartinCarl and DJ Fanny Arnesson, keeping the party going through the night.
Guests can also enjoy karaoke, sing-along sessions, open social mingles, Gaymarket, themed club nights and stage moments designed to be memorable – all with a clear focus on joy, inclusion and connection.
Birka Gotland adds to the experience with elegant bars, à la carte restaurants, a piano bar, seafood platters, crafted cocktails and a spa with a heated outdoor pool – even in January.
Drag, music and stage shows
On the outbound journey, Vanity Vain hosts the main stage show and also performs her own number. Vanity has appeared on Drag Race Sverige and RuPaul’s Drag Race Global All Stars, and was named Drag of the Year 2020 and LGBTQ+ Person of the Year at the QX Gay Gala 2025.
Stand-up, Eurovision and sing-along
The outbound cruise features LGBTQIA+ stand-up comedy with Pernilla Hammargren, Maiju Ristkari and Sagah Larsson, creating a comedy night designed as a safe, inclusive space free from prejudice.
On the return journey, guests can take part in a quiz with elements inspired by the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna 2026. The Eurovision theme also appears elsewhere on board, with a dedicated dance floor on the terrace hosted by DJ MartinCarl.
In the Seglarbaren piano bar, Jonas “Pianotransan” Drejholt leads a live sing-along around the grand piano, celebrating classic gay anthems in an intimate, social setting.
A touch of Eurovision – and Austria
In the lead-up to Eurovision 2026, the cruise features subtle Austrian influences. The Austrian National Tourist Office contributes a “Vienna Calling” moment, a specially created signature cocktail and a music quiz with both Eurovision and Austrian elements. The experience is designed to be playful and accessible – even for guests who are not Eurovision superfans.
Dragshow Calendar 2026 – available on board
Guests can purchase the Dragshow Calendar 2026 on board, featuring some of Sweden’s most iconic drag artists, including Vanity Vain, Admira, Babsan, Lena BH, Almighty Aphrodity, Miss Petersson, Miss Toby, Fontana and Brända Mandlar. Surprise appearances are not out of the question.
Meet the team
Marcus Årskog, in charge of the PR, said, “We want to create an experience for the entire LGBTQ+ community – inclusive, energetic and elevated. Birka Gotland offers a level of quality, from spa to cocktails and dining, that truly enhances the experience.”
Anna Högkil, founder of the legendary lesbian club Moxy and Stockholm Pride scene maven said, “We want everyone in the LGBTQ+ community to feel at home on board. Mixed parties are always the most fun, but we also create different dance floors and spaces so everyone can find where they belong.”
Fride Moksnes, resident DJ on the cruise, is co-founder of Moxy and former operator of the lesbian nightclub SO-OSLO and known for her R&B-, soul- and disco-influenced house music on the Scandinavian club scene.
Also helming the experience is Sebastian Pau Johansson, LGBTQ+ author and marketing/PR whiz, with extensive experience in PR and communication in both Milan and Stockholm.
At a glance
Departure: 9 January at 5.30 PM from Viking Line Terminal, Stockholm
Return: 10 January at 2.30 PM
Duration: 21 hours
Route: Stockholm – Mariehamn – Stockholm
