This story originally appeared on Out.
Get ready to feel the rush!
Making its grand debut at Folsom Street Fair last year, RU5H is an "all-gay, all-male" brand that's launching a new cruise option for daring gay travelers.
The company is officially setting sail the first weekend of October and pulling out all of the stops to make it "the biggest queer party festival at sea." Guests are invited to board Paradise, a recently reimagined and gorgeous ship, that serves as the perfect setting for an unforgettable trip across the Caribbean.
With plenty of parties, excursions, music sets, pools, and dining options to explore, RU5H is a queer fantasy come to life for new and experienced tourists alike. In a new interview with Out, Patrick Gunn, the Co-Founder & CMO of RU5H, is breaking down everything happening on board, pricing for the cruise, and what adventures are in store for all patrons ready for the trip of a lifetime.
Congratulations on the inaugural RU5H cruise! How did this exciting getaway come about?
Thank you! RU5H was born from years of experience creating LGBTQ+ travel experiences and recognizing an opportunity to create something completely different: a travel experience built around freedom, connection, adventure, and self-expression. The idea was to bring together the energy of the world’s most exciting queer festivals, nightlife destinations, and lifestyle communities and combine it with the comfort, hospitality, and ease of a full-ship cruise. RU5H was created for gay, bi, and pan men, as well as male-identifying adventurers, who are looking for more than a traditional vacation. We wanted to create a space where guests could disconnect from expectations, explore their interests, meet incredible people, and experience a level of freedom that feels authentic and exciting. Launching RU5H at Folsom Street Fair in 2025 was the perfect introduction because Folsom represents so much of what inspires this brand: confidence, creativity, self-expression, and the celebration of living authentically.
You're about to set sail for the first time. What should patrons expect on this cruise?
RU5H is unlike any cruise experience that has come before it. Think of it as a four-day queer festival at sea where the entire ship becomes the destination. Guests can expect nonstop entertainment, incredible music, daytime pool deck energy, sunset celebrations, late-night parties, social gatherings, and immersive experiences designed to bring people together. The inaugural RU5H experience will feature eight major parties powered by DJs from some of the world’s biggest queer nightlife scenes, along with themed events, meetups, and curated Experience Zones throughout the ship. But RU5H is about more than just the parties. It is about creating moments of connection. Some guests will come for the music, some for the nightlife, some for the community, and some to explore new experiences in a welcoming, judgment-free environment.
There are many successful gay cruise lines operating today. How does RU5H stand out compared to other cruise lines?
We have enormous respect for the LGBTQ+ travel experiences that came before RU5H. They helped create incredible communities and showed the world the power of queer travel. What makes RU5H different is that it was created as a lifestyle experience first, with the cruise serving as the ultimate setting. RU5H blends the excitement of a major queer music festival, the energy of nightlife destinations around the world, and the comfort of a premium vacation. It is intentionally more immersive, more social, and centered around exploration, connection, and personal freedom. The entire ship becomes our playground. From world-class parties and DJs to Experience Zones designed around creativity, curiosity, and connection, every part of the journey is designed to feel uniquely RU5H.
You're putting a huge emphasis on the live music and DJ lineup. Who is on the lineup and what type of DJ sets should fans expect?
Music is one of the biggest drivers of the RU5H experience. We wanted to bring together the sounds and energy of the world’s most exciting queer nightlife scenes, from New York and Los Angeles to Austin, London, Berlin, Amsterdam, and Fire Island. The lineup brings together DJs who understand how to create those unforgettable moments where a crowd becomes a community. Guests can expect everything from daytime pool deck sessions and house grooves to late-night underground sounds and sunrise sets. The goal is to create a soundtrack that carries guests from their first sail-away celebration through the final unforgettable moments of the weekend. Music will power nearly every hour of the inaugural RU5H weekend, with eight distinctive queer party brands taking over the ship from afternoon through sunrise. The lineup moves between underwear parties, underground raves, open-air house and disco, heavy house-tech, fetish-driven after-hours energy, and playful themed dance floors. Friday begins with the DWORLD Underwear Party, bringing the spirit of Fire Island’s Friday-night tradition aboard for an afternoon of dancing in your favorite underwear. That evening, POR DETROIT merges the underground sounds of Mexico City and Los Angeles for a late-night queer rave, followed by HARDER, an uninhibited techno after-hours party that carries the energy into Saturday morning. Saturday's music begins with Bears in Space, Los Angeles’ beloved open-air party known for sunny, inclusive energy and a mix of house and disco. The night then shifts to BRÜT, delivering a gear-friendly, judgment-free blend of heavy house and tech. At 4 a.m., HUSTLABALL takes over with its internationally recognized fetish-party spirit, dark beats, fearless expression, and high-energy sunrise atmosphere. On Sunday, Fruit Snacks brings colorful, joyful New York house-party energy to the afternoon dance floor, complete with playful looks, sweet surprises, and flirty beats. The weekend’s final featured event is The Puppy Party, a playful late-night gathering filled with frisky music, gear, costumes, go-go energy, and plenty of after-dark mischief. RU5H will pair each of these parties with celebrated DJs representing nightlife scenes from cities including New York, Los Angeles, Austin, London, Berlin, Amsterdam, and Fire Island.
We've seen many notable adult entertainers confirm their attendance for RU5H. Why was it important for you to team up with Carnal Media for this cruise? Which models will be on board?
RU5H is about celebrating the full spectrum of queer expression, and that absolutely includes the creativity, confidence, and artistry found within today's creator community. One of the most unique experiences on board will be the JustFor.Fans Content Creation Studio, a professionally designed space where guests can get a behind-the-scenes look at how creators produce content, build their brands, and engage with their audiences. It's an immersive experience that celebrates the artistry, entrepreneurship, and innovation driving today's LGBTQ+ creator economy. Our partnership with Carnal Media brings that experience to life through the Carnal+/JockPack All-Stars Experience. Throughout the weekend, guests will have opportunities to meet many of their favorite creators during special appearances, interactive events, and exclusive programming. Select Carnal+ performers will also create content live inside the JustFor.Fans Content Creation Studio, giving guests a rare opportunity to witness the creative process firsthand in a way that's engaging, entertaining, and unlike anything else at sea. The inaugural sailing will feature an incredible lineup of Carnal+ and JockPack All-Stars to be announced soon.
What type of adult excursions can people expect on the cruise? Will there be sex shows, clothing-optional areas, etc.?
RU5H is a sex-progressive experience built around choice, consent, and personal exploration. Guests will find a variety of experiences designed for different comfort levels and interests. Throughout the ship, RU5H Experience Zones offer opportunities for connection, curiosity, and exploration. These include spaces inspired by fantasy, role-play, creator culture, and after-hours social experiences. There will also be clothing-optional upper decks while at sea, creating a space where guests can relax and express themselves comfortably. One important thing to emphasize is that RU5H is not about pressure. It is about freedom. Every guest chooses how they want to participate, and respect, communication, and consent are at the center of the experience.
While some patrons may love all of the sex-progressive options, are there relaxing and more chill excursions that people can also enjoy? Besides all of the partying, will guests also be able to sleep comfortably?
Absolutely. RU5H is designed around the idea that everyone creates their own experience. While there will be incredible parties and high-energy moments, there are also plenty of opportunities to slow down, recharge, and connect in more relaxed ways. Guests can enjoy quieter social spaces, poolside relaxation, dining, conversations with new friends, and spaces designed for unwinding after the excitement. The beauty of a cruise is that guests can choose their own rhythm. Some may dance until sunrise, while others may enjoy the music, the friendships, the destination, and the atmosphere at a more relaxed pace. And yes, guests will absolutely have comfortable accommodations where they can recharge before the next adventure.
Besides all of the fun on the boat, are there also excursion opportunities when the cruise ventures off into the Bahamas?
Yes. While the ship itself is the main destination, guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy the Bahamas during the voyage. Like any great cruise experience, time ashore gives guests the chance to explore, relax, enjoy the destination, and create memories beyond the ship. More details about specific port experiences and excursions will be announced as the sailing approaches.
Many people are cautious about attending a gay cruise for various reasons. For anyone considering RU5H for their first gay cruise, why do you think they should take the leap and join the fun?
Trying something new can always feel a little intimidating, but one of the most powerful things about LGBTQ+ travel is the instant sense of community that happens when people come together. Many guests arrive not knowing anyone and leave with friendships that last a lifetime. RU5H was created to be welcoming, inclusive, and easy to step into. Whether someone comes with a group of friends, a partner, or on their own, they will find thousands of opportunities to connect. You do not have to participate in every part of the experience. RU5H is about discovering what feels right for you and experiencing a vacation where you can truly be yourself.
For people who have already booked their trip, what are you hoping they'll take away from their RU5H experience?
Our hope is that guests leave RU5H feeling energized, connected, and inspired. We want people to experience the freedom that comes from stepping outside their everyday routine and being surrounded by people who share their excitement for adventure, connection, and self-expression. The memories will be the parties, the music, the unexpected moments, and the friendships created along the way, but ultimately, RU5H is about creating a place where people feel free to be exactly who they are. That is the true RU5H: feeling confident, connected, and alive.
One of the biggest misconceptions about gay cruises is that they're out of reach financially. What have you done to make RU5H more accessible, whether someone is traveling with friends, coming solo, or simply looking for an affordable getaway?
We wanted to challenge the idea that an all-gay cruise has to cost thousands of dollars. That's why RU5H starts at just $397 per person, making it one of the most affordable all-gay cruise experiences available. We believe an unforgettable vacation should be within reach for more people, not just a select few. In addition, we've created a private Facebook group where solo travelers can connect with others looking to share a cabin. It's a simple way to reduce costs while often making a new friend before you even step aboard. And for those who aren't quite ready to book, we're giving everyone a chance to win a free RU5H cruise. It's another way we're lowering the barrier to entry and inviting more people to discover what RU5H is all about. Sometimes all it takes is taking a chance. Just head to our website and complete the entry form at the bottom of the homepage. Find RU5H at RU5H.com and on socials @FeelTheRU5H.
