I went on the world’s largest NUDIST CRUISE – the captain gives a 30 minute warning to undress… but the crew doesn’t participate
A BRAVE traveler has revealed what it’s like to let it all out on the world’s biggest nudist cruise, where the countdown is on to strip off.
Dubbed the ‘Bare Necessities’ boat, the journey offers an experience like no other, with 2,000 stark naked passengers.
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The 67-year-old man went to work Reddit anonymously inviting readers to “ask him anything” about his experiences during the seven-day tour.
Bare Necessities sails from Tampa, Florida, with stops in Mexico and Honduras en route.
The brave retiree said he was accompanied by his 61-year-old wife for the unconventional trip, which he said included “experienced nudists”.
He booked the commando cruise through Texas-based travel company Bare Necessities, which has operated clothing-optional ship charters since 1990.
While explaining the ins and outs of cruising in the buff, the man revealed that the captain “usually makes an announcement when clothing can be removed.”
And luckily, excited passengers don’t have to wait too long before dropping off their clothes, as “it usually takes about thirty minutes” after leaving a port.
The same thing then happens in reverse as the ship begins to approach its destination next one port of call.
“I was much less worried here than on nudist beaches. Hardly anyone had phones outside their huts.
Reddit user
He added that people “usually take advantage of the opportunity to be naked since that is the purpose of the cruise.”
Although it may seem like anything goes on this lively ship, the staff maintains a strict level of professionalism and remains fully clothed at all times.
Although the man said there was one male/female duo that performed in the theater.
He said that in his opinion, no cruise line employee is “obligated” to work on nude charters if they don’t feel comfortable.
Many commenters were curious about what kind of characters embarked on this eccentric adventure.
The pensioner wrote: ‘No doubt there were relatively few younger couples [and] it has definitely aged.
“Most of them were probably between 50 and 70 years old. A lot of gay men. I couldn’t see many gay women, but I would think they would be comfortable. It’s an accepting crowd.”
Some people also wondered if there was any eye candy on board the Starkers ship.
The man replied, “Cruises seem to be for people who like to eat and lie down, so there were a lot of big people.”
His overall conclusion was that the people were “20 percent attractive, 20 percent average, 60 percent unattractive.”
He also said they had “a lot of nudist experience”.
In terms of nationalities, most cruise-goers were American, he said, while there were also “some Europeans and Australians.”
Many Redditers were concerned about people ‘secretly’ taking photos and videos of people on their birthdays to take – but the man said everyone was “very respectful.”
He explained: “Everyone knows you can’t take pictures of other people.
“I was much less worried here than on nudist beaches. Hardly anyone had phones outside their huts.
“There were a lot of signs posted. There were a lot of charter company staff whose job it was to enforce good naturist etiquette.
“And I’ve spent time online researching nudism and I’ve never seen a single online photo from the cruise, other than the group photos that people voluntarily pose for.
“For those reasons, I wasn’t concerned.”
Another concern among readers was hygiene, but the man revealed that all cruise-goers brought a towel to sit on and that there were clean towels ‘all over the ship’.
It’s the same reason why men don’t wear shirts when they go swimming or at the beach. It’s a great feeling. I’m sure some people have an exhibitionist thrill, but not me.”
Reddit user
Although most of the cruise was nude, the man explained that sometimes clothing was necessary.
“Clothes were required in the main dining room and specialty restaurants,” he said.
He also noticed that at the end of the day the novelty of nudity seemed to have worn off, as many people, dressed in cheerful rags, had spent the day naked in the sun.
The man said: “So after 6pm there was a strange mix of naked, normally dressed, and women dressed in sexy clothes, like sheer blouses.”
He added that the combination of some people naked and some people clothed at the bars was “weird” but “added to the charm”.
Shoes were the only item of clothing always necessary when walking around the boat, but “some people still went barefoot.”
And during dinner everyone opted for casual slippers or sandals.
Clothes had to be worn when the ship arrived in port, but when they visited nudist beaches for excursions they could undress again.
Looking back on his first nude cruise experience, the man concluded: “It was amazing.
“Awesome weather and the opportunity to do a lot of fun things naked (beaches, resorts, dancing, being in bars, etc.)”
“My partner enjoyed it very much.”
Although he found it an enjoyable experience, the man says he probably won’t go again as there are other places he would like to visit.
Giving advice to aspiring nudists, the man said: “It’s great to get naked swimmingdancing, walking along the beach, etc. For me that’s the most important thing.
“It’s the same reason why men don’t wear shirts when they go swimming or at the beach. It’s an amazing feeling. I’m sure some people have an exhibitionist thrill, but not me.”
He added: “Yes, [being naked on a cruise] seemed a bit crazy at times, but you only live once… And yes, packing is easier.”
It comes as one nudist group claims to be a member almost tripled after a heat wave.
Naked Lincolnshire said the number rose from 25 to 70 after Britain temperatures reached 40 degrees in 2022.
Group founder Chris Petchey said: “The heat wave has been great for us.
“People are much more likely to take off their clothes when the sun is shining.
“Most of us are fairly experienced naturists, so we tend to take an extra bottle with us Sun creamwhich we are happy to share with those new to naturism.”
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