Ensemble has announced its first-ever hosted LGBTQ+ sailing with luxury cruise line Explora Journeys.
Taking place from July 26 to August 2, 2025, aboard Explora I, the 8-day journey will set sail from Istanbul, Turkey en route to Genoa, Italy, with stops in Lesbos and Paros, Greece; Palermo, Sicily; and along the Amalfi Coast.
The voyage will be hosted by Jeffrey Bateman, VP of Operations at Ensemble member Crown Cruise Vacations, and promises an exceptional experience of “exploration, luxury, and community.”
Ensemble says the inaugural LGBTQ+ sailing reflects its dedication to expanding its inclusivity and support for the LGBTQ+ community. “The trip offers an opportunity for all guests to engage in a welcoming, supportive environment while discovering some of the Mediterranean’s most enchanting destinations,” the consortium says in a press release.
Ensemble executives Shahla Lalani, SVP Marketing, and Beth Butzlaff, SVP Partner Relations flank President Michael Johnson. (Photo Credit: Bruce Parkinson)
“Our partnership with Explora Journeys on this LGBTQ+ sailing represents Ensemble’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity and our dedication to providing safe, vibrant, and enriching experiences for those both from the LGBTQ+ community as well as other travellers looking to embrace an open and inclusive experience,” said Beth Butzlaff, SVP of Partner Relations.
“This journey is part of our broader initiative to foster community and connection, which also includes the launch of a new Circles community for LGBTQ+ members in 2025, Butzlaff added.”
Explora Journeys is a preferred partner of Ensemble. The pair have collaborated in the past, with Ensemble hosting its first-ever Beyond event celebrating the network’s top performers aboard Explora II in August 2023.