You can wear whatever you want on a nude cruise, but that doesn’t mean everything is OK. Here we will explain how the ship works, where it sails and the rules that passengers must follow.
Imagine returning home from your next cruise with no sun spots.
Swimsuits are standard attire on many cruise ships, but swimsuits are not required on some sailings. Nude cruises allow travelers to pack light and sail the high seas untamed. The American Nude Recreation Association calls the cruise “a unique way to experience nude recreation, offering our members options beyond traditional resort and club settings,” president Linda Weber told USA TODAY.
The dress code may not be restrictive, but that doesn’t mean sailing on board is free. There are some etiquettes that passengers should know before boarding. Here’s what you need to know about nude cruises.
What is a nude cruise?
“Nude cruises are charter sailings with major cruise lines that offer naturists and naturists the opportunity to enjoy a clothing-optional environment while traveling with like-minded people,” Weber said.
AANR has partnered with Bare Necessities Tour & Travel, which offers Big Nude Boat Cruises. The 2026 version of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Pearl departed from Miami on February 9th. According to the company’s website, scheduled ports of call include the Bahamas, Curacao, Bonaire and Aruba, and will include “Nude Days at Sea.”
The 2027 cruise will visit the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and other ports aboard Norwegian Jewel. Rates start from $2,000 per person for 2 people.
Weber noted that AANR does not endorse or encourage sexual activity, and that some sailings marketed as nude cruises actually fall into the “lifestyle” or swinger category. “Those considering a cruise are encouraged to carefully consider their cruise offerings to ensure they are booking a cruise that aligns with AANR standards,” she said.
Weber said her husband discovered Bare Necessities cruises 10 years ago and was drawn to the combination of a change of scenery from land and international travel. “I met so many people from all over the world and was immersed in what I called ‘the land of my people,'” she said.
She said she heard similar feedback from other passengers. The voyages offer guests “the opportunity to meet other naturists in the same area and really get to know them, as they are on board for anywhere from a week to almost two weeks in some cases.”
Are guests naked the entire time?
In most cases they are possible. “Passengers are typically naked on board the ship, except for time spent in port or in the dining room at night, when clothing is required,” Weber said.
Bare Necessities states in the FAQ section of its website that even guests staying on board the ship while it is in port must remain clothed when the ship is on its side, including on the balcony, until the ship departs and the crew announces that guests are free to undress. “Passengers may be naked when the ship is at sea or in port, unless an announcement to the contrary is made,” the company said.
Casual attire is accepted in the Big Nude Boat’s dining room, but bathrobes are not permitted. On the other hand, the self-service buffet is a “undressing area”.
What other rules are there for nude cruises?
Bare Necessities requires travelers to sit naked (or in a thong or G-string) on a towel. Its website says, “For that purpose, fresh beach towels will be provided in your stateroom each day.” “A small bundle of towels will be placed outside the common areas on board in case you arrive without one.”
Lingerie or “fetish wear” is not permitted, and you may not take photos or videos of others on board without their consent. Guests must also abide by the “no photography” rule.
A complete list of policies is available online.
Weber said the cruise is many guests’ first experience of social nude recreation. “When I keep in touch with fellow travelers, I often hear how life-changing the experience was,” she says. “Many choose to book for next year while still on board.”
Contributor: Kate Tully Ellsworth, USA TODAY
Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. Please contact us at ndiller@usatoday.com.
