Key facts
| Type | Full-ship naturist (clothing-optional) cruise charters |
|---|---|
| Operators | Bare Necessities (in business since 1990) |
| Departure ports | Varies by sailing; the Big Nude Boat usually sails in the Caribbean |
| Best time | Winter sailings (the 2027 Big Nude Boat sails 15–26 February) |
| Adults only | Yes — travel guides report a 21+ minimum age |
| Clothing | Nude at sea in most areas; dressed in dining rooms and whenever the ship is docked |
| Best months | January–March |
A naturist cruise lets passengers spend a holiday at sea without clothes: swimming, sunbathing, eating at the buffet and relaxing in the bars, all in a setting where social nudity is normal. The leading operator is Bare Necessities, a naturist travel company founded in 1990 that pioneered full-ship clothing-optional charters. Its flagship is the annual Big Nude Boat, for which it charters an entire ship from Norwegian Cruise Line; the 2026 sailing used the Norwegian Pearl, and the 2027 sailing is scheduled from 15 to 26 February 2027 on the Norwegian Jewel.
The company is explicit about its philosophy: "Social nudity is not a sexual activity." Naturist cruises welcome adults of every age, shape and background, and overtly sexual behaviour gets passengers removed from the ship.
How a nude cruise works
Because Bare Necessities charters the whole ship, every passenger is part of the group. Travel coverage of the company's cruises describes the rules like this:
- At sea, nudity is permitted in most public areas, including pools, bars, the casino, the fitness centre and the buffet, unless an announcement says otherwise.
- Always sit on a towel on any shared furniture.
- Clothing is required in the main dining rooms and specialty restaurants, at formal events such as the captain's reception, and when local performers are on board.
- In port, when the ship is docked alongside, passengers must be dressed throughout the ship, including on balconies, until it sails.
- The crew stays clothed at all times.
Fares typically include the cabin, meals and basic non-alcoholic drinks, with alcohol, specialty dining, excursions, taxes and gratuities extra. Check the current guide book for your sailing.
Who it suits
- Naturists who already enjoy nude beaches or resorts and want a new kind of holiday.
- Couples and solo travellers who like cruising and want to feel comfortable in their own skin.
- Newcomers to naturism, as a large, friendly, rule-bound group can be an easy introduction.
It is not a lifestyle cruise. Couples looking for a sensual, couples-only atmosphere should read our guide to lifestyle cruises.
Best time to go
The Big Nude Boat usually sails in the northern-hemisphere winter, when the Caribbean is warm and dry. Bare Necessities also offers smaller charters on other ships and itineraries, some of them expedition-style, at different times of year. Check the operator's current schedule.
Booking tips
- Book early; full-ship charters sell out and the best cabins go first.
- Read the sailing's guide book for dress rules, port policies and what is included.
- Buy travel insurance that covers cruise disruption and medical costs.
- Check passport and visa requirements for every port.
Etiquette
- Towels everywhere.
- No photographs of other passengers without consent; many people keep their naturism private.
- No staring, comments on bodies or sexual behaviour.
- Dress promptly in port and follow announcements from the crew.
Legal notes
On board, the ship's rules and the charter operator's code of conduct apply; in port, local law applies. Public nudity ashore is illegal in most ports, and passengers must be fully dressed when leaving the ship.
Safety
The sun at sea is fierce and reflects off the water; use high-factor sunscreen everywhere, especially on skin that rarely sees the sun. Drink plenty of water, and take care on wet decks.
Related destinations
Many naturist cruisers also visit Hidden Beach Resort in Mexico, Orient Bay in Saint-Martin and Florida's Haulover Beach and Cypress Cove.