Nude cruises are journeys where clothing is entirely optional, and the only thing you need to pack is a sense of adventure. While I’ve never cruised in the buff, I was fascinated by stories from travelers who enjoy sailing sans clothing. A popular online forum even debunked many of my misconceptions about these unique cruises.
In this guide, I aim to strip away the myths and reveal the facts about what really happens on nude cruises. You’ll discover common misunderstandings about clothing-optional vacations and get to the nitty-gritty of topics like hygiene, dining dress codes, activities, and some definite no-no’s for passengers who go au naturel on board.
If you’re curious about the fascinating world of nude cruises and the liberating experience many passengers enjoy, keep reading.
What Are Nude Cruises?
Nude cruises are exactly what they sound like—voyages where clothing onboard is optional. These unique vacations cater to naturists and passengers who embrace clothing-optional lifestyles. Nude cruisers say they love the liberating experience and freedom that social nudity gives them. Guests can embrace their natural selves and connect with like-minded cruisers.
I was surprised to learn about the general demographics of naked cruise passengers. The American Association of Nude Recreation (ANNR) reports that most members are between 35 and 75. Additionally, the cruise line Bare Necessities reports that 70 percent of their passengers are repeat guests.
The Unique Experience of a Clothing-Optional Cruise
Passengers who enjoy baring all describe the cruise experience as unique. Once aboard, a strong sense of acceptance and camaraderie emerges. With everyone stripped down to their birthday suits, social barriers fade, fostering a vibe of comfort, acceptance, and naturalness. Many guests say they enjoy more meaningful connections that often extend beyond the cruise ship.
I was surprised to learn that clothes-free experiences are more than lounging naked on the pool deck. Nude passengers rave about themed costume parties, karaoke, talent shows, and wellness workshops. One passenger commented that the ship was a “universal no judgment zone.” He never felt that anyone was staring at or making fun of anyone.
Contrary to popular belief, nude vacationing is not about having a sexually adventurous time. Instead, Bare Necessities says that inappropriate touching, fondling, lingerie, or fetish clothing is not permitted. There are also “no photos” zones, and clothing is required in front of ships in port.
Cruise Companies Offering Nude Cruises
Third-party cruise companies like Bare Necessities and Castaways Travel charter cruise ships for their bare-it-all voyages. They sail ships from famous cruise lines—Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, and Carnival Cruise Line—to the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Greek Islands, and Australia. The “Big Nude Boat” also has private islands on its itinerary for sunbathing on nude beaches.
What’s the Dress Code on a Nude Cruise?
On a naked cruise, clothing is optional in most areas, allowing you to enjoy the sea breeze au naturel. Guests go clothes-free on the pool deck, at the buffet, and in other communal spaces. However, clothing is required in formal dining venues and during port stops, even on your private balcony.
Shore excursions require attire for safety, etiquette, and hygiene reasons. After leaving port, the captain will make the announcement when nudity is permitted again.
All nudist cruises have a towel rule, meaning no bare butts on seats. Cruise ships have clean towels everywhere for guests to use when sitting. I also learned that some men who are easily aroused use the towel to tackle any unexpected “rising to the occasion” moments. It ensures a comfortable and respectful environment for all.
What Activities Can Cruisers Expect on a Nude Cruise?
Expect a diverse range of activities during clothing-optional sailings. Popular activities unique to nude cruising include art classes featuring unclad models, body painting lessons, and various nude-friendly entertainment. Guests also enjoy water volleyball, yoga, and naked massages for couples.
Clothing-optional nude cruises are not all about letting it all hang out. Cruise ships organize theme nights, 80s nights, live entertainment, comedy shows, and costume events. Usually, guests have the option of dressing up or dressing down to the bare minimum.
Misconceptions About Nude Cruises
For many, the idea of nude cruising is like a ship sinking in murky waters of misconceptions. From wild parties to mandatory strip-downs, myths are as plentiful as sunscreen on clothing-optional sailings.
Let’s expose the misconceptions of sailing butt-naked and reveal what really goes on.
They’re not all about sex
Let’s strip off the first misconception about nude cruising—they are not some floating versions of a steamy novel. Most of these cruises are about celebrating freedom and body positivity. Think more “spa day” and less “wild night out.” They focus on naturism, promoting freedom and body positivity.
Of course, some cruises cater to swinger lifestyles where risqué behavior and sexual activity run free. However, they are specialist cruises and should not be confused with typical clothes-free and clothing-optional cruises.
Embarrassing situations don’t happen as often as you may think
Worried about tripping over your flip-flops and exposing your clumsiness? Or maybe you’re concerned about an arousing moment happening at the wrong time? Don’t worry, the vibe on nude cruises is so relaxed that you’ll soon forget you’re not wearing clothes. And for potentially embarrassing manhood issues, you’ve always got a towel to cover up.
Remember—everyone’s in the same boat, literally. And guests are generally too busy enjoying themselves to notice a wardrobe malfunction that can’t happen.
Nudism is not enforced
It’s a myth that you must always bare more than your soul. Nudism is always optional on these cruises, and there are no nudist enforcers on the decks. Instead, you’re free to cover up when you like or wear as little as you wish. Just keep your towel with you at all times.
Nude cruises attract a range of ages
I was surprised to learn that nude cruises are not just for retirees or seniors. Instead, naked cruises attract a diverse crowd—from young adventurous couples in their mid-thirties to seniors. What’s essential for these cruises is not age or body shape but enjoying outdoor activities and camaraderie.
It’s important to note that clothing-optional travel is for adults only; therefore, children won’t be seen on board. Bare Necessities has a minimum age requirement of 21.
Staff are generally clothed
Don’t expect to see the cruise staff strutting around in the buff. All crew members, including waitstaff, housekeeping, and entertainment personnel, are typically fully clothed in clothes-free areas. This ensures a professional and comfortable environment for guests and staff.
Everyone is hygiene-conscious
Many envisage a lot of naked butts sitting on sun loungers without a second thought to cleanliness. However, this is far from the reality. Guests on nude cruises take hygiene very seriously, and cruise lines enforce strict protocols to ensure everyone feels comfortable and safe. All guests must use towels when sitting on shared surfaces.
They’re not just for couples
There’s a misconception that nude cruises are only for couples. According to my research, passengers on most cruises are indeed couples. However, between 10 and 20 percent are single travelers and groups of friends. It also seems that there are more single guys than single women.
The cabin price is one reason for the low number of single people on board. Chartered naked cruises don’t provide single fares, meaning passengers must always pay for a two-person cabin. However, some travel companies can help single guests find a roommate for the cruise.
Nude cruisers are not voyeurs
One of the biggest myths about passengers who embrace social nudity is that they’re obsessed with other people’s bodies. However, naturists embrace nudism as a lifestyle choice and for a sense of freedom, not for voyeuristic reasons.
Most comments in cruise forums agree that newbies quickly become desensitized to nakedness, and passengers who are there for the “view” are rarely an issue. Someone wrote that the proportion of unattractive bodies is around 60 percent. Of course, I cannot comment on how they judged attractiveness.
First-time nudists don’t feel out of place on a cruise
First-time nudists might worry about feeling out of place. However, nude cruises seem filled with friendly, welcoming people who are happy to help newcomers feel comfortable and at ease. Many novice nudists talk about their initial hesitancy to strip off, but they quickly forget about being naked and enjoy their fun-filled environment.
What to Pack for a Nude Cruise
You might think packing for a cruise, on which guests are mostly stark naked, would be straightforward. However, some items of clothing are necessary, and some items are only for the privacy of your cabin.
Here’s the list of what to pack I got from the Bare Necessities website:
- Loose-fitting clothing like a dress, shorts, and t-shirts are suitable clothes for inside dining rooms
- A swimsuit, as not all shore excursions are clothing-optional
- Closed-toe footwear for the gym
- Flip-flops or sandals for walking around the ship
- Other cruise essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, beach shoes, and bug-repellent
Clothing that isn’t acceptable outside your cabin is lingerie or fetish wear. Bathrobes are only for your room, the spa, or lounging on the pool deck on cooler evenings.
Safety and Hygiene on Nude Cruises
Strict safety and hygiene protocols ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone. Passengers are required to use towels on seats for hygiene reasons. Regular showering is recommended. Following safety briefings about general and nudity-specific guidelines is vital to ensure a clean and secure environment for all guests.
Guests generally report no funky smells, and cruisers tend to care more about personal hygiene than their clothed counterparts.
Respectful Behavior on a Nude Cruise
Cruise ship nude and clothing-optional voyages have strict rules about nudity in public places. Ship rules state that you cannot take photos of anyone—clothed or naked—without their permission. Also, ships have “no photo zones” where no one can take pictures, consensual or otherwise.
Here are some other things to remember about appropriate behavior:
- Don’t stare at other people
- Don’t strip off on the balcony in front of other ships in port
- No inappropriate touching or solicitation
- No naked butts on seats—always sit on a towel
Dining on a Nude Cruise
Expect to cover up in the formal dining area. However, you don’t have to dress too formally. Experienced nude cruisers say that loose-fitting shirts, dresses, shorts, or trousers are perfect for dining venues. However, if you want a stripped-down dining experience, head for the informal buffet on the pool deck.
Shore Excursions
Many cruise companies organize nude shore excursions. However, specific protocols must be followed. In port, you must be fully dressed when disembarking the ship and traveling to the excursion destination. Nudity is only permissible where explicitly stated in certain areas and on nudist beaches.
Travel Tips for First-Time Nude Cruiser
Setting sail on your inaugural nude cruise can evoke a mix of excitement and nerves. To ease your apprehension and enhance your preparedness, I’ve put together some tips from seasoned naked cruisers.
Choosing the right cruise line
Selecting the right cruise line is crucial for your first nude cruise. Look for companies with a good reputation, such as Bare Necessities or Castaways Travel, specializing in clothing-optional cruises. Read reviews and check their itineraries to find one that matches your preferences and comfort level.
Remember that some naked cruises cater to “lifestyle cruisers” with swingers’ cruise elements. Also, you won’t find clothing-optional voyages on traditional cruise line sites. You need to look for charter cruise companies.
No photographs
Thinking about taking some photos to document your memorable experience? Think carefully about who you’ll snap. Clothing-free cruises have strict rules about nudity and forbid unauthorized photography. As a rule, don’t go walking through the ship with a smartphone.
Footwear policy
Even on a nude cruise, proper footwear is essential. Bring comfortable walking shoes for excursions and flip-flops or sandals for the pool deck. Footwear is required in dining areas and during shore excursions for safety and hygiene purposes, so pack accordingly.
Remember sunscreen
When it comes to naked cruising, sunscreen is the only thing covering all your parts—even the bits where the sun usually doesn’t shine. With all that extra skin exposed, you need to lather up thoroughly. Apply generously and reapply often. You’ll be thankful later when you’re not as red as a lobster in places you didn’t expect.
Nude Cruises: Questions We All Have
Still wondering what it’s like to be hanging out on the high seas but too embarrassed to ask? My list of FAQs has you covered with the most common questions about going on a nudist adventure.
Are nude cruises family-friendly?
Clothing-optional cruises cannot be described as family-friendly as they are strictly adults-only vacations.
What if I feel uncomfortable being nude?
Feeling a bit shy about shedding your threads? Don’t worry—naked cruising is all about comfort and consent. Feel free to wear as much or as little as you like. Most first-timers say they quickly find the relaxed atmosphere helps them feel at ease. The good news is there’s no pressure to bare it all if you’re not ready.
How do I handle meeting new people on a nude cruise?
Meeting new people without the usual social armor of clothing can be surprisingly refreshing. The folks at Castaways Travel say that social nudity is a great equalizer without social status or politics. Enjoy the time to celebrate your true self. Everyone’s there to enjoy the experience, so conversations flow naturally.
One nude cruiser gave some great advice. They said that, in conversation, eye contact is a must. But that’s great because you end up focused on what the other person is saying.
What is the policy on personal grooming?
Personal grooming is a personal choice, but maintaining good hygiene is critical. Nude cruises don’t have strict rules about grooming styles in your “nether regions.” So it’s up to you whether you prefer au naturel or well-trimmed.
Brooke Morton, who has a travel blog and enjoys naturist voyages, says that less is more when it comes to trimming. Regardless of your choice, just ensure you’re clean and fresh and respect the communal spaces and fellow cruisers.
Are there any extra costs associated with nude cruises?
Like traditional cruises, clothing-free cruises can have additional costs for excursions, specialty dining, and spa treatments. Always check what’s included in your cruise package and budget for extras. Some nude cruises might also have specific clothing-optional events that come with an extra fee.
How do I pay for things without pockets?
According to a person who has been on a nude cruise and participated in an ‘Ask Me Anything’ thread on Reddit, cruise lines provide a credit card-sized card on a lanyard. This card serves as both your cabin key and onboard credit card, allowing you to pay for a fancy cocktail or souvenir without needing pockets.
Can single travelers join nude cruises?
Single travelers are welcome on nude cruises. It’s a great way to meet new people and make friends in a relaxed, open environment. Many cruises offer social activities and events to help solo travelers feel included and connected. You only need to be prepared to pay for double occupancy if you cannot find a roommate.
How do I handle unwanted attention?
Unwanted attention is rare but can happen. The key is to be clear and firm. Most nude cruises have strict codes of conduct, and crew members are trained to handle such situations. Remember: nude doesn’t mean rude. All passengers must follow nudist etiquette and rules for passengers.
If someone makes you uncomfortable, report it to the staff, and they will take appropriate action.
What’s the point of nudism?
Advocates of nudism say they love getting down to the bare essentials. According to a thread I found on Reddit, reasons include embracing freedom, body positivity, and a natural lifestyle. Others commented that it’s about connecting with nature and feeling more comfortable in your own skin.
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