Nude cruises, or “nakations at sea,” are gaining popularity, offering passengers a clothing-free experience while maintaining a non-sexual environment. Bare Necessities, which has run week-long Caribbean cruises since 1991, enforces one strict rule for men: erections are only allowed in private cabins.
Passengers aren’t required to be fully nude at all times, must wear clothing in formal dining rooms and while docked, and are expected to follow towel policies for hygiene. Staff members remain clothed, and all standard cruise activities—from dance classes to excursions—continue, emphasizing body positivity over sexual activity. Kat Whitmire, cruise organiser, told Business Insider, “Men can’t be overly excited. We say that if they start to feel things around moving down there, jump in cold water, or think about baseball.”