By Matthew Wexler
Entertainment at sea has gotten a serious upgrade in the past few years, with cruise lines like Royal Caribbean mounting Broadway-style shows such as Mamma Mia!, Cats, and Hairspray. But if you’re looking for a truly curated experience, the best entertainment can be found on a private charter. VACAYA’s upcoming LGBTQ+-inclusive Caribbean Cruise checks all the boxes.
We’re the first to get a look at VACAYA’s lineup, and it’s off the charts. Too bad the cruise is nearly sold out. Still, for those with flexible travel plans, waitlist availability often opens up. (Travel dates are February 14-21, 2026). We couldn’t resist dangling a carrot, and also discovered future dates where you can see some of your favorite Broadway stars, pop singers, and comedians.
It wants better content.
Who’s on board
VACAYA stacked the deck—here’s who’s performing on the February 2026 sailing.
Rufus Wainwright — Grammy-nominated Rufus Wainwright has written everything from moody pop ballads to soaring operas. He’s also not afraid to take on Judy Garland’s songbook. We’re expecting all of it! He’ll be touring Europe most of the spring, but catch him on February 21 at Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall.
Jenifer Lewis — Once a Harlette for Bette Midler, Lewis’s film and TV career has soared. Let’s just say she’s got stories, and whoever is on that ship is going to hear some. She’s also the author of The Mother of Black Hollywood and Walking in My Joy.
Jay Jurden — The no-filter comedian has appeared on some of our favorite late-night shows and is a regular on the NYC comedy circuit. He’ll definitely be playing to his crowd on this LGBTQ+ cruise — and no censoring on international waters! Upcoming tour dates include New Orleans and Austin.
Ginger Minj — RuPaul’s Drag Race alum will arrive with her high-heeled sea legs and plenty of sass. (Check out her recent memoir-cookbook, Southern Fried Sass.) Songs and silliness will ensue, and we’re praying she returns to Provincetown this summer.
Brooke Eden — Who doesn’t love a lesbian two-step? Eden’s latest single, “Giddy Up!,” says it all. Don’t have to ask us twice.
Adam Pascal & Anthony Rapp — It’s been nearly 30 years since these two starred in the original Broadway production of Rent, and they’re still going strong. Expect solo turns and nostalgic nods to their theater roles. The pair also returns to 54 Below this August.
If that wasn’t enough, VACAYA’s lineup also includes five rotating DJs, a roster of drag queens, and Jelani Remy (Back to the Future) as your cruise director. It’s not just a vacation, it’s a floating LGBTQ+ extravaganza with a Broadway pedigree.
Have another minute?
THEATER — NYC Broadway Week cheat sheet: 5 picks from critics who’ve seen them all
CULTURE — Why art lovers are checking into this former convent in Nice
BOOKS — ‘Was That Racist?’ asks the questions we’re all thinking
