LGBTQ+ Travel Experiences - About Us

About Us

Welcome to MyBearCruise.com

At MyBearCruise.com, we believe travel is more than just visiting a new destination — it’s about community, connection, freedom, and unforgettable experiences shared with people who resonate with your journey.

Our bear cruises and hosted adventures are designed for bears, cubs, otters, admirers, and the entire LGBTQ+ community who want to explore the world in a fun, welcoming, and judgment-free environment. Whether it’s your first bear cruise or you’ve been cruising with friends for years, our goal is simple:

Create a safe, exciting, and unforgettable vacation where everyone feels included, celebrated, and at home.

Meet the Founder – Joe Bermingham

Hi, I’m Joe Bermingham, founder of JB Executive Travel Inc., Gay Vacation Travel, and MyBearCruise.com.

I started my travel company in June 2006, launching JB Executive Travel Inc. in Boca Raton, Florida. JB Executive Travel became the parent company behind everything that would follow — including my passion project and growing LGBTQ+ travel brand, GayVacationTravel.com, which I launched shortly after.

Back then, there weren’t many gay travel websites available. LGBTQ+ travelers had fewer resources, safe spaces, and far fewer opportunities to book travel experiences created specifically for our community. I saw the need and knew I wanted to help change that.

How It All Began

In the early days, I began working closely with RSVP Vacations, booking clients and gaining experience with my very first all-gay cruise. That first cruise was a turning point for me.

From that moment on, I knew I wanted to dedicate my work to creating safe, fun, high-quality travel experiences for LGBTQ+ travellers — vacations where people could relax, be themselves, and build friendships that often last long after the trip ends.

A World of LGBTQ+ Travel Experiences

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of hosting and organizing LGBTQ+ group travel, including cruises, tours, and events across the globe — and I can truly say:

I have traveled the world.

Some of the incredible destinations and experiences include:

Australia & New Zealand From Auckland, New Zealand to Sydney, Australia, I’ve hosted group travel experiences filled with adventure, culture, and unforgettable moments.

Asia Cruise & Land Journey

One of my most memorable group adventures began in Beijing, China, traveling through Hong Kong and Singapore, and then continuing by cruise from Singapore to Sydney with stops in:

Vietnam  

Bangkok, Thailand  

Bali, Indonesia  

Darwin, Australia  

Cairns  

Airlie Beach  

Ending in Sydney, Australia  

Europe & The Mediterranean

From iconic cities to stunning coastlines, I’ve hosted groups throughout Europe including:

Italy  

Greek Isles  

France  

Spain  

Germany  

Netherlands  

Ireland & Scotland

Luxury land tours through Ireland and Scotland, packed with history, castles, breathtaking scenery, and authentic local experiences.

Cuba, Dubai, South Africa & More

I’ve also hosted groups to places that many people only dream about, including:

Cuba  

Dubai  

South Africa (including safari tours)  

Egypt  

A cruise on the Nile River  

And that’s only part of the story.

Cruise Events, Themed Parties & Community

One of the things I’m most known for is creating group cruises with themed events onboard — fun, social, and inclusive experiences designed to bring people together.

Over the years, I’ve also worked with the Gay Rodeo Circuit, helping create cruise events and group travel experiences tailored to that community as well.

Because for me, travel has never been just about the ship or the itinerary…

It’s about the people.

Building MyBearCruise.com

As the LGBTQ+ travel community continued to grow, so did the demand for bear cruises and experiences designed specifically for the bear community — and that’s when I began producing more bear-focused events and eventually created:

MyBearCruise.com

A place built for bears and the people who love them — where you can cruise, celebrate, and connect in an environment that feels welcoming, fun, and truly your own.

A Story of Pride and Progress

When I first started promoting gay group travel, things were very different than they are today.

I still remember receiving calls from newspapers and even being contacted by LOGO TV for an interview. At the time, it was honestly a little scary — because advertising gay events wasn’t always accepted, and in many places it was still frowned upon.

But I believed in what I was building.

And I’m proud to say that today, LGBTQ+ travel is stronger than ever — and I’m honored to still be here doing what I love: creating unforgettable travel experiences and building community worldwide.

Our Mission

At MyBearCruise.com, our mission is to create:

-  Safe & welcoming LGBTQ+ travel experiences  

- Fun group cruises with community-focused events  

-  High-quality travel planning with a personal touch  

-  A vacation where you can be yourself—fully and proudly  

Whether you’re joining us for a Caribbean bear cruise, a Mediterranean sailing, or a future adventure somewhere new, you’ll always be welcomed like family.

Join Us

If you’re ready to make new friends, create unforgettable memories, and experience the world in a way that’s fun, inclusive, and uniquely ours…

We can’t wait to welcome you onboard.

See you on the next Bear Cruise! — Joe Bermingham Founder  

MyBearCruise.com President, JB Executive Travel Inc.