Sponsoring Bears on Deck 2026 Cruise: Celebrating Drag, Theme Nights, and Community at Sea
Sticky Sweet Bears is proud to support Bears on Deck as an official sponsor for the 2026 sailing — a cruise that has become a true gathering point for the bear community, where drag, theme nights, and chosen family all come together in one unforgettable week.
Bears on Deck 2026 sets sail in March 2026, and Sticky Sweet Bears is honored to support the cruise by sponsoring apparel for event prizes — pieces created to celebrate the cruise’s theme parties and the joy, camp, and connection that define our community.
Queens on Deck: Drag at the Heart of the Cruise
One of the signature moments of Bears on Deck is Queens on Deck, a drag showcase that puts drag exactly where it belongs — front and center, loud, funny, and unapologetic.
At the heart of the night is Ava Clear, the host and a standout Charleston queen who keeps the energy moving and the laughs coming. Ava has a way of making a room feel instantly connected whether it’s your first night onboard or your fifth time cruising with friends.
The 2026 lineup includes the unmistakable Jackie Beat — a sharp, fearless legend whose voice has shaped queer nightlife, activism, and drag commentary for decades — alongside Stacy Layne Matthews, bringing her own blend of heart, humor, and Southern drag tradition to the stage.
That booking continues a Bears on Deck legacy rooted in honoring true drag icons, with past sailings featuring legendary performers like Ongina, Varla Jean Merman, and Coco Peru — queens whose influence extends far beyond any single stage or moment.
How Sticky Sweet Bears Is Supporting
While we won’t be onboard physically, Sticky Sweet Bears is proud to support Bears on Deck 2026 as an official sponsor by contributing apparel for event prizes — pieces designed to celebrate the cruise’s theme parties and the joy, camp, and connection that define bear community culture.
For us, support isn’t about logos or visibility for its own sake. It’s about investing in spaces where queer people get to show up fully — playful, confident, and connected — and helping keep drag, theme nights, and bear traditions thriving.
