For those imagining a holiday free from the constraints of clothing, there are still some rules that cannot be broken. The organiser of cruises for over 2,000 nudists has lifted the lid on the essential etiquette that keeps these unique voyages sailing smoothly.
The Most Important Rule Onboard
Kat Whitmire, 63, the Vice President of Sales for nudist cruise company Bare Necessities, has highlighted one non-negotiable rule for all passengers: you must ask for permission. In a personal account, she stressed that consent is paramount, especially when it comes to photography. 'The most important one is that you have to ask permission before taking a photo with someone else in it,' she wrote.
Kat, who is now based in Austin, Texas, has been a full-time employee with the company since 2010. Her journey into the world of nude travel began much earlier, in 1997, through a modelling job. Intrigued by the experience, she volunteered as general staff for more than a decade before taking on a permanent role.
Managing the Day-to-Day of a Nude Cruise
Her responsibilities are vast, ranging from creating schedules for staff and passengers to assisting with the nighttime dance club. She also performs 'dinner duty', a role that involves ensuring guests adhere to the dress code in the formal dining room.
This requirement for clothing during dinner is primarily a safety measure, designed to protect guests from potential burns as waitstaff carry trays of hot food. The dress code is strict: guests must ensure none of their 'nips, bits and butts' are on display, and clothing made of mesh or string is prohibited.
Another key rule addresses physical reactions. 'Men can't be overly excited,' Kat revealed. 'We say that if they start to feel things moving down there, jump in cold water, or think about baseball.'
Newcomers are often surprised to find that the ship's captain and crew remain clothed at all times, though Kat says guests quickly warm to this dynamic.
A Growing Niche in UK Travel
The company's flagship event, the Big Nude Boat, attracts over 2,100 passengers each February, with a remarkable 70% being repeat guests. The cruise features themed nights and costume parties, with one man's creative tequila bottle outfit standing out in Kat's memory, though she noted the 'worm' detail was too inappropriate to describe.
This trend has also reached British shores. A separate event, the UK's only naked cruise, sails along the River Exe in Devon on a double-decker ship. Journalist Ben Endley, who experienced the three-hour trip, described the atmosphere as 'remarkably normal' and comparable to a trip organised by a local church group.
Contrary to what some might assume, the event is not populated by swingers but by people seeking the freedom of being clothes-free. To maintain this safe environment, organisers have a strict policy: anyone who misbehaves will be banned from future trips. Now in its 13th year, the cruise continues to uphold its original promise of providing a secure and welcoming space for all participants.
