Nudist cruise passenger tells all after disembarking £3,000 voyage

Metro

3 days ago

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.
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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 £2,933.
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 67-year-old Reddit poster — who confirmed that the majority of passengers were older — 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. It also noted that it's most popular (41%) with men over 65.
Interestingly, 30% of 18-34-year-old Brits had a negative view of naturists, compared to 15% of over 65s.
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What's with the increase in nude cruising popularity?
In light of the YouGov research, Metro spoke with Laura Cannon, Founder of DECADES Gap Years for Retirees, about the rise of nudist cruises, and why people might be attracted to them — especially the older generation.
'In the retirement community, there's one theme I hear people talking about all the time,' says Laura. Which is that retirement is historically not seen as an opportunity to reinvent yourself, but more of a settling-down time.
'I think that's changing, and it's becoming way more about reinvention.'
And, for people who have had a lifetime of rules and structure, from building a career, raising a family, working hard, and meeting expectations, she says nudist cruises are the perfect antidote: to go and frolick naked on holiday for a week.
As for body positivity, she notes that perspective changes on how you see yourself as you age. 'For this group of people starting to retire now, they're finding new ways to free themselves.'
'Name a better way to connect with people and be open and vulnerable than being naked? I can see why it's appealing.'
So, 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.
Nude and sex cruises: explained
Intrigued? These articles tell you all you need to know about the world of nude and sex cruises.
• UK company launches £5,000 sex cruise — these are the rules passengers must follow
• Passengers strip off for 'beautiful' naked cruise — these are the rules they must follow
• Introducing the Big Nude Boat, a naked cruise where clothing is entirely optional
• This European beach is enforcing mandatory nudity — here are the rules for tourists
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