Mr Gay Europe 2026 contest to cruise with VACAYA at summer’s end

In 2026, the Mr Gay Europe contest will take place on a gay cruise, specifically a VACAYA cruise. “The finals will take place on board an all-LGBT+ cruise spanning nine days in late summer 2026 alongside the world’s leading LGBT+ vacation company, VACAYA”, the press release says.

It will be a nine-day cruise in the Mediterranean Sea. Which ship, which dates, a which itinerary will be announced later.

“In addition to enjoying a fantastic all-LGBT+ cruise experience, the public will really have the opportunity to get to know the finalists and the competition through several interactive challenges. In addition to enjoying the sun, parties, and entertainment onboard, Mr Gay Europe will be an integral part of the journey.”

“Since the very first international Mr Gay competition in Oslo in 2005, we have striven to be constantly developing and improving. Over the years, we have had many good and exciting partners, and when the opportunity to collaborate with VACAYA became a reality, it felt like the icing on the cake.”

“Not only do the finalists and travellers experience an open-minded and festive atmosphere, but the Mr Gay Europe team also feels that VACAYA has the same values as Mr Gay Europe – pride, diversity, and togetherness.”

Randle Roper, Co-founder & CEO of VACAYA says that the company will publish more information at the launch in September, but comments: “To say we’re thrilled to partner with Mr Gay Europe on this groundbreaking Med Cruise would be an understatement. This will be an epic adventure for all involved, spanning three countries and two continents, with a couple super exciting twists along the way. Stay tuned for more details next month.”

Tore Aasheim, Co-founder and Mr Gay Europe president says: “From the moment I first heard about VACAYA, I thought it would be amazing to be allowed to collaborate with such a concept. The MGE team is thrilled and excited to partner with VACAYA, and summer 2026 cannot come soon enough.”

Current Mr Gay Europe Tim Küsters, from the Netherlands but living in Belgium, will be an important part of the Mr Gay Europe team and he will tirelessly continue his campaign for better mental health in the LGBTQI community.

He says: “I am really pleased to have Vacaya on board for this special 16th edition of Mr. Gay Europe. As I continue my journey to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention in the LGBTQIA+ community, I look forward to welcoming the new finalists in 2026 and hearing their stories. By the end of the nine day cruise, we will know who will take over the title and become Europe’s LGBTQIA+ ambassador.”

“The title Mr Gay Europe might make you think that this competition is purely about looks and appearance. Not at all – it is about searching for an ambassador for the queer community with a strong message and power to drive change”, the MGE organisers say.

From royal gardens to sheltered bunkers

Previous Mr Gay Europe finals have been held in grand royal castle gardens in the United Kingdom and in front of thousands of people at the Gay Village in Rome in Italy and at Cologne Pride in Germany.

“But we have also organized finals under police protection and in sheltered bunkers to protect ourselves from opposing forces who believe that we should neither be proud nor visible.”

“Now we are taking the Mr Gay Europe final to a new level, the collaboration with VACAYA LGBT+ Travel means that Mr Gay Europe goes to sea – the final night itself is organized as a very special pool party, a party you absolutely won’t want to miss.”

All-Star competition in 2025

“What about 2025, some might ask? Well, Mr Gay Europe is returning to Norway, and in 2025 a separate All-Star final will be organized with former participants where part of the first prize will be to be a presenter during the fantastic Mr Gay Europe 2026 cruise.”

The cruise itself will have its own worldwide launch in September and then even more details will be revealed. As for the Mr Gay Europe 2025 All Star final, the invitations will be sent out to former participants during September.

List of Mr Gay Europe winners

2005, Oslo, Norway, Alexander van Kempen from the Netherlands;
2006, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Nandi Gyöngyösi from Hungary;
2007, Budapest, Hungary, Jackson Netto from Germany;
2008, Budapest, Hungary, Antonio Pedro Almijez from Spain;
2009, Oslo, Norway, Sergio Lara from Spain;
2011, Poiana Brașov, Romania, Giulio Spatola from Italy;
2012, Rome, Italy, Miguel Ortiz from Spain;
2013, Prague, Czechia, Robbie O’Barra from Ireland;
2014, Bregenz, Austria, Jack Johansson from Sweden;
2016, Oppdal, Norway, Raf Van Puymbroeck from Belgium;
2017, Stockholm, Sweden, Matt Rood from England;
2018, Poznań, Poland, Enrique Doleschy from Germany;
2019, Cologne, Germany, Alexander Petrov from Bulgaria;
2022, Alnwick Castle, United Kingdom, Paul Dennison from England;
2023, Alnwick Castle, United Kingdom, Tim Küsters from the Netherlands.

About VACAYA

“VACAYA offers a fresh new approach to LGBT+ travel, one focused entirely on its guests and creating memorable bespoke full-ship and full-resort travel experiences built around amazing destinations, stellar entertainment, world-class hospitality, and endless fun. VACAYA charters entire ships and resorts, so LGBT+ travelers and their straight ally friends have the freedom to express their individuality, make personal connections, celebrate life, rev up, or simply relax… together”, an unrelated press release indicates.

What sets VACAYA apart?

“Let’s start with the fact that there are no other large-scale travel companies on earth serving the entire LGBTQIAPK community. VACAYA is the only one”, the FAQ page says The P and the K in LGBTQIAPK stand for Pansexual/Polyamorous and Kink.

“Our award-winning leadership team, known as The Vacayans, is made up of real people – people who care, who listen, who do the right thing, and who act as your travel savvy companion.”

“At VACAYA, we understand what’s important to you – fun, friends, adventure, and clear timely communication, all cornerstones of any great vacation. We believe in a traveler’s right to actually plan their vacation, so we’ll release our trips well over a year in advance and you’ll know party themes and entertainment many months before we ever set sail. We strive to provide you with all the tools you’ll need to have a great time. After all, this is your vacation and it should be a stress-free experience. No worries. No concerns. Just ease and fun at every turn.”

Gay cruises

Gay cruises, or LGBTQIA+ cruises or whatever you want to call them are nothing new. Most of them arre (in)famously geared towards sex and party. Cruises by Atlantis Events and The Cruise by La Démence spring to mind.

Although I am told by friends who did gay cruises “you cruise as you want to cruise and you don’t need to partake in all the activities and ‘activities'”. Sure, but you don’t go to a steakhouse to order the vegetarian dish, do you?

Anyway, VACAYA seems geared less towards gym-fit gay men and more towards the complete rainbow.

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