Answered: Every burning question about naked cruise ship holidays

We all want to let our hair down on holiday. But some people are letting everything go, even their underwear.

Nude cruises – or ‘nakations at sea’ – are booming, as it seems a growing number of travellers want to leave their inhibitions at home.

But, if you’re picturing a sweaty free-for-all on deck, or passengers hooking up left, right and centre, think again. 

Travel company Bare Necessities has been taking passengers sans clothing on week-long cruises to the Caribbean and beyond since 1991.

The demand has risen dramatically over the last 30 years. The first-full nude cruise began with a 30-passenger dive boat in the Bahamas, now they operate 2,000 person cruises on huge Vessels ran by top cruise companies like Carnival and Holland America.

And from departure to dock, they’re non-sexual. In fact, naturist cruising comes with its surprisingly strict rules.

Curious? Metro looks at six unexpected things that happen on a nude cruise. 

1. Do all passengers have to be nude?

Despite what the name suggests, you’re not actually required to strip off.

While many passengers will be clothes-free while sunbathing, swimming or lounging around, you won’t get booted off for covering up. 

Bare Necessities welcomes newcomers, and there’s a casual and accepting vibe.

However, the website does warn that most passengers find themselves more relaxed and withholding less of who they are without the barrier of clothing. Got it.

2. Is clothing ever required?

If you’ve booked a nude cruise, you might be tempted to pack light. But don’t go overboard: you’ll need to bring a few bits along with you. 

On Bare Necessities cruises, clothing is required in certain areas. That includes the dining room, where all meals are served.

According to the website, casual attire is fine, but you can’t use bathrobes to cover up.

Passengers must also cover up while docked alongside a port or beside other ships in a port.

When the ship is at sea, or anchored in a port, it’s fine to bare all, unless an announcement has been made to say otherwise. 

So, bring a full suitcase (and plenty of sunscreen).

3. Are the staff nude too?

If you’re expecting everyone to be in the buff, you’ll be disappointed.

Staff members, including cruise singers, cleaners, and the Captain, are all clothed, so it’s never a fully nude cruise. 

You might be stark naked while ordering a piña colada, but the bartender will be fully dressed. 

4. Do cruises even use towels?

One thing you can probably leave behind is a towel. 

Cruise operators ask passengers to always sit on a towel if they’re naked, whether it’s on a sun lounger, a bar stool, or eating at the cruise buffet. 

Towels are provided as an unofficial naturist dress code throughout the ship. There’ll be fresh beach towels in your room and stacks of smaller towels on board.

5. Everyone’s just having sex, right? 

No. At least, not blatantly. 

Since there’s nudity involved, many passengers assume things might get a little frisky. But you’re on the wrong cruise if you’re expecting anything like that to happen. 

Naturist cruises are different to swingers of Lifestyle cruises, which allow sexual exploration and intimate encounters. (There are plenty of companies that offer this style of cruising, if that’s more up your street).

Sexual behaviour in public spaces is prohibited and will get you kicked off.

Lingerie, fetish-wear and ‘excessive’ genital jewellery are also banned, according to Bare Necessities’ rules. The goal is about body positivity, nothing else. 

6. Do the usual cruise activities still take place?

From dance classes to karaoke, pool games, music and excursions, a nude cruise still offers all the classic cruise activities, just minus the clothes.

Although you’ll probably not see any conga lines or line dancing without a single item of clothing on. 

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