Nudist cruise passenger tells all after disembarking $3,920 voyage

Have you ever wondered what happens on a nude cruise? Because, even though a bunch of naked people are in the middle of the ocean together, it doesn’t mean there aren’t any rules.

Now, a Reddit post from a former passenger on Bare Necessities – a Texas-based travel company that specialises in nude cruises – has, literally, bared all.

Titled, ‘I just disembarked from a 2,000 person nude cruise. AMA,’ the traveller listed the rules passengers were required to follow.

One of the first things he clarified was that it was a cruise for nudists, not a ‘lifestyle’ cruise. That means public sex was forbidden.

The Bare Necessities website backs this up, stating that their holidays are ‘strictly non-sexual in nature.’

‘If you are seeking a lifestyle or swinger experience, we are not the appropriate cruise for you.’ This also means that anything considered to be fetish wear is a no-no.

The passenger then confirmed that ‘no bare butts’ are allowed on surfaces in public spaces. Rather, fresh towels are aplenty, and readily available to slip under a sunbed when emerging from the pool.

As for whether you can eat naked, the cruise liner’s website says the self-serve buffet is a clothes-free area. However, clothing is required for all meals taken in the dining rooms. This excludes bathrobes.

Passengers can freely roam the ship nude when it’s at sea or anchored at port, unless announcements have stated otherwise.

When the ship is docked alongside other non-nude cruise ships, clothing is mandatory. Similarly, while port authorities are on board, being nude is strictly prohibited.

Finally, the ship has ‘no photo zones’ in public areas, including the pools and dance venues. Anyone taking photos or videos must ensure consent is given.

How much is a nude cruise?

While prices vary depending on who you cruise with, the most popular stateroom on Bare Necessities will set you back $3,920, which works out around £2,460.

For that, you’ll get a cabin with a balcony and an 11-day adventure.

Oceanview staterooms without balconies are cheaper at $2,700 (just over £2,000).

How do Brits feel about stripping off?

While the Bare Necessities cruise and this Reddit poster hail from the US, there has been recent debate in the UK about nudity. And it seems people are more relaxed about it than you’d think.

Case in point: When a man was granted £9,000 in compensation after Google Street View published him sunbathing naked in his back garden, many people had his back.

One Metro reader, Jorge Florez, said ‘nudity is harmless,’ and that ‘everybody should be able to be naked wherever they want to.’ Chris T Wilkinson made a fair point, writing: ‘We are not born with clothes on.’

A new study exploring the UK’s attitude to nudity also found that (73%) of the country share the belief that your birthday suit is perfectly acceptable garden attire.

The same YouGov research revealed that 39% of Brits are open to being publicly naked in general.

But, if you are thinking about cruising nude, the Reddit user dropped a string of reasons why you should go for it.

He said: ‘It’s a nice feeling to be nude. Skinny dipping is great. Being nude at some of the world’s nicest beaches is great.’

Fair enough.