I Just Got Off A 2,000-Person Nude Cruise, Here’s What It Was Really Like

We’ve all heard about wild party cruises—booze, bikinis, and questionable decisions at sea. But what happens when the dress code goes completely out the window? That’s exactly what one brave Redditor just revealed after spending seven days on a 2,000-passenger nude cruise.

No, this wasn’t some hedonistic swingers paradise. According to the detailed AMA (Ask Me Anything) posted by u/wisecommenter2, this cruise was all about body positivity, personal freedom, and strict nudist etiquette, with far less scandal than you might think.

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Not a Swinger’s Cruise—Seriously

First off, let’s bust the biggest myth: This wasn’t a sex cruise.

The ship was chartered by Bare Necessities Tour & Travel, a travel company that organizes clothing-optional naturist vacations. The cruise took place on a Carnival ship, sailing out of Tampa with stops in Cozumel, Honduras, and more. But while the vibe was relaxed, public sex and arousal were 100% off-limits.

“It’s for nudists, not the lifestyle,” the Redditor clarified, referring to swinger culture.

This meant no playrooms, no erotic theme nights, and no public displays of… well, anything R-rated.

Yes, Everyone’s Naked (Mostly)

Once the ship left port, things got breezy.. literally. After a PA announcement, guests were free to strip down, and most did. But clothing was still required in dining areas, indoor venues, and whenever the ship was approaching land. So, you weren’t forced to go full commando unless you wanted to.

The majority of guests went nude on the pool deck, in the spas, and at sunbathing areas. But it wasn’t exhibitionist, it was just casual.

“It didn’t feel sexual at all,” the AMA poster said. “After five minutes, it felt normal.”

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Towel Etiquette is No Joke

Naturists take hygiene seriously. One golden rule: you never sit anywhere bare-assed. As such, everyone carried towels, and crew members enforced this with military precision. Shoes or sandals were also expected in public areas, unless you were on a lounge chair or in the water.

And forget about selfies: Cell phones and other devices were banned in public zones, and signs were posted everywhere. That means you won’t find any Instagram stories from this cruise, what happens at sea really stays at sea.

What Kinds of People Actually Go?

If you’re picturing a ship full of 25-year-old Instagram models… keep dreaming. The crowd skewed older, mostly in their 50s to 70s, with a mix of body types, many of them average or above-average weight.

“Rough estimate? 60% unattractive, 20% average, 20% attractive,” the poster joked. “It’s not a cruise for ogling.”

That said, the vibe was extremely welcoming and body-positive. People of all shapes, sizes, and ages walked around confidently, and nobody cared what anyone else looked like.

No Creeps, No Cameras, No Problem

A big surprise: no visible creeps, gawkers, or bad behavior. Consent and respect were taken seriously, and everyone seemed to “get it.” The Redditor even noted there were almost no visible erections the entire week, which says a lot about how normalized everything became.

There was also a strong sense of community. The passengers weren’t there to show off—they were just people who felt comfortable in their own skin (or wanted to be).

Would he do it again? Absolutely. “It was freeing,” he wrote. “I felt more confident about my body than I ever have in my life.”

Not to mention: no laundry all week. That’s the kind of packing light we can get behind. 🙂

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How Much Does a Nude Cruise Cost?

As with any cruise, the pricing depends on the room you choose. For one of Bare Necessities’ upcoming 11-day nude cruises, the cheapest stateroom is an inside cabin, which will set you back $2,000/person. Stepping up to an oceanview cabin pushes the price up to $2,900/person. And if you want a larger cabin with a balcony, those start at $3,920/person.

Honestly, I would have expected the prices to be higher, it’s really a solid deal.

Final Thoughts

This nude cruise wasn’t about sex, hookups, or shock value, it was simply about letting go of body shame and doing something most of us wouldn’t dare try. If you’re curious but hesitant, maybe you don’t need to go full-frontal just yet… but it might be time to rethink what freedom actually looks like.

At the very least, now you know what to expect. Just don’t forget your towel.

Would you ever go on a nude cruise? Let us know in the comments.