Travel: A Sea Of Possibility “This Isn’t A Scripted Vacation!”
Traversing new horizons, VACAYA offers the LGBTQIA+ traveller something beyond the boundaries of other cruise companies. Co-founders Randle Roper and Patrick Gunn discuss the company’s ethos, commitment to diversity and, of course, what to wear on their upcoming voyage around the Kimberley coast.
Before co-founding VACAYA, both Randle Roper and Patrick Gunn had entertainment and travel industry experience, including with other LGBTQIA+ cruise companies. Fresh out of university, Randle began working for Universal Studios in Hollywood, which he describes as “an absolute dream job… until I got my next dream job; Executive Producing for Atlantis Events”. But, recognising a generational shift in the LGBTQIA+ community, Randle and Patrick wanted to do things differently when they launched VACAYA.
“The younger generations of the LGBT+ community were no longer in need of the safe havens that were at the core of earlier generations’ existence: gay bars, all-gay vacations, gay-only house parties. Gen Z and Gen Y wanted to be with their friends – no matter whether those friends were gay, straight, or somewhere magically in between,” says Randle. “So VACAYA embraced that spirit and flung open the doors of inclusivity further than they’d ever been open before.”
VACAYA’s mission statement is “to fulfil the vacation dreams of all adults who believe love is love through a commitment to highly personalised world-class service, quality experiences, and unmatched value”.
Their vision statement also talks about being ethical and committed to making the world a better place by inspiring guests to volunteer, donate, and promote human understanding to those less fortunate within the communities they visit around the globe.
“We’re deeply committed to leaving the destinations we visit better than we found them,” says Patrick. “Initiatives like our ReachOUT volunteer program and our work around inclusion create space for visibility, respect and growth. Programs like our sexual wellness workshops, the Red Light District (a sex-progressive education and play space), and our efforts to promote consensual encounters work to eliminate shame, encourage informed exploration, and lift our guests to new heights of self-acceptance, self-care, and ultimately, self-love. Some might suggest that’s a lot for a vacation company to take on, but we don’t see ourselves as just a vacation company.”
Randle also cites transparency – no matter how difficult the subject. “For too long, our community had been fed information that wasn’t correct or, in some cases, was simply deceitful. We recognised that being honest and transparent would be a significant differentiator for us in the marketplace. And it has been.”
If it sounds like VACAYA is treading new ground, it is, and not just figuratively. When choosing the destinations for their cruises, they are literally sailing into unique territory, for example, their upcoming Australian cruise is in the Kimberley region of north-west Western Australia. That’s very remote!
“That was one of the first things we threw out the window when we started VACAYA,” says Randle. “We made a commitment to take our community to every corner of the globe. From leading the first all-LGBT+ expedition to Antarctica in 2022 to our journey through The Kimberley in 2025, if travellers are tired of the same-old-same-old, then VACAYA is the choice for them. We believe the world’s treasures – natural, antiquity, artistic or cultural – belong to us, too. Patrick and I made it our mission to dig deep and find those off-the-beaten-path treasures to share with our community.”
The Kimberley adventure, which leaves from Darwin and goes to Broome via Ashmore Reef with many stops along the way, is a small-ship cruise. This means it is “unapologetically exclusive”, designed for discerning travellers looking for intimate experiences, luxurious accommodations, and unparalleled service.
“Our small-ship cruise vacations are a celebration of the wonders of our planet,” says Randle. “They reach the far corners of the globe, where big ships just can’t go, giving Vacayans [that’s what they call their guests] an opportunity to expand their horizons in completely new ways.”
The Kimberley is as spectacular as it is remote. An endless blue sky and the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean frame the brilliant red cliffs of the coast. “I’m most excited to see the saltwater crocs and the Horizontal Falls in Talbot Bay,” says Randle. “Having now travelled to over 130 countries, it’s so rare for me to go to a place I know so little about. Every single experience on this cruise will be all-new to me, and that couldn’t be more exciting!”
From the safety of the ship, Vacayans will most likely see whales, dolphins, sharks, seals and crocodiles – just some of the things that make people think Australia is dangerous!
“Ummm… Australia is dangerous,” laughs Randle. “But we’re in very capable hands with our Expedition Team. They know the ins and outs of the entire region and will take care of each Vacayan’s safety – ensuring we get close, but not too close, to each of The Kimberley’s treasures.”
With all this in mind, what, for example, should a Vacayan have on their packing list?
“My best advice is to let go of rigid ideas about what has to happen for you to have an amazing time,” says Patrick. “VACAYA isn’t a scripted vacation. It’s an unfolding journey, and the best souvenirs come when you surrender to the moment. So pack light, but make room for these essentials: an adventurous attitude, a curious spirit, your most authentic self, a willingness to say yes to new experiences, and maybe your wildest outfit, or your barest one, depending on the night!”
Unlike VACAYA’s big-ship cruises, which feature themed parties every night, on the small-ship adventures they’re a little more “cocktail”.
“Since most people are travelling from the other side of the globe, we do our best to limit feeling like you have to have a costume. Of course, no matter what direction we give on this subject, there are always those who go all-in with their looks!” says Randle.
“The typical VACAYA guest is someone who recognises that individuality is our community’s strength,” says Randle. “Even if you’re struggling to be in your own skin, you’ll find a welcoming environment at VACAYA. Most of our guests come to us recognising that at VACAYA, you can unashamedly be your authentic self. Most of our guests. Those who don’t embrace that spirit of individuality tend to struggle in this environment. Travelling with VACAYA requires a certain progressive way of thinking about yourself and your fellow community members. You must be comfortable with others being themselves. If you are, you’ll find a utopian existence at VACAYA.” It doesn’t get much more utopian than the gorgeous Seabourn Pursuit, either.
“As the world begins to grow darker regarding its view of the LGBT+ community, we encourage everyone in our community to find a tribe that fits their needs and desires and lend their voice to the collective chorus of freedom and equity. We survive these times together,” says Randle… before ending on an eminently practical final thought:
“Remember to pack a great international electrical adapter and long charging cords, which are the key to happiness on any trip. If you can’t charge or connect, you feel lost, and we don’t want any of our guests to ever feel that pain!”
Check out VAYCAYA’s Western Australian Kimberley Cruise.
Plus: VACAYA Difference
VACAYA ReachOUT Philanthropic Programs
Why we take guests to communities that are not known to be as LGBT-friendly.
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