There's a cruise perfect for those who prefer to sport their birthday suit. Dubbed the "Big Nude Boat," this 11-night sailing encourages guests to bring, quite literally, just the bare necessities onboard with them.
Departing from Miami, Florida on February 3, 2025, the cruise will visit Norwegian Cruise Line's private island, Great Stirrup Cay, as well as San Juan, Puerto Rico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Roseau, Dominica; Fort-de-France, Martinique; and Castries, St. Lucia.
Though a nude cruise, passengers must abide by some rules. They must, for instance, be clothed with eating in one of the ship's dining rooms. Additionally, passengers have to sit on a towel when they're sans bottoms in their cabin, the buffet, pool deck, and while on excursions.
When the ship is docked in port next to another vessel, all guests are expected to be fully clothed on the entire ship. Lingerie and fetish wear aren't allowed, either.
Taking photos or videos without consent is prohibited, too. In fact, there will be some "no photo zones" located throughout the ship.
"Bare Necessities’ newest nude cruise is a private island double-dip with a brand new travel partner! We’ll begin our Big Nude Boat 2025 on Norwegian Pearl with an exclusive visit to an idyllic private island in The Bahamas, and cap off the cruise adventure with another exclusive stop on the way back," reads the website.
"Two opportunities to enjoy a new slice of Bare-adise, coupled with a beautiful selection of Eastern Caribbean island stops, will make this a can’t miss Big Nude Boat experience."
Due to the nature of the cruise, they're adult-only, so you won't find any children onboard.
Read more: Nude Cruises: Clothing Optional Cruises
The 2025 Big Nude Boat cruise will take place on the Norwegian Pearl
Norwegian Pearl is a Jewel Class ship measuring 93,530 gross registered tons with a passenger capacity of 2,394 guests. Though not the largest in NCL's fleet, there are plenty of amenities to be enjoyed onboard, including 14 dining options, 15 bars and lounges, a bowling alley, two swimming pools, and more.
Passengers can also purchase a Thermal Suite pass for $259 up to 30 days before sailing. According to the website, the private saunas, steam rooms, and vitality pools will be co-ed. Passengers who would rather purchase day passes can do so onboard for $69 per day.
It will be the first Norwegian ship to host the event, as it's previously been held by Carnival. Last year, it was held on a Carnival Pride sailing from Tampa.
Read more: 7 ways to upgrade your cruise for $125 or less
Since the entire ship is being chartered by Bare Necessities, guests can also expect themed programming specific to this sailing that wouldn't be offered on a standard cruise.
On the 2024 Big Nude Boat cruise, events included a Pirate Night, evening glow party, silent disco, and passenger talent show. Events for next year's sailing haven't been released yet.
Inside cabins start at $2,000 per person, with the most expensive suite costing $33,115 per person
Sailing on this unique cruise isn't cheap. The most affordable cabin onboard starts at $2,000 per person. Those wanting a private verandah should expect to splurge even more, with standard balconies costing nearly $4,000 per person.
The most expensive rooms onboard are those within The Haven, Norwegian's luxurious ship-within-a-ship concept. The Haven Courtyard suite is the cheapest. Still, it's pretty pricey, coming in at $10,845 per person.
Those within The Haven, however, have access to exclusive amenities, such as a private pool deck, restaurant, and butler service.
Read more: Norwegian Cruise Line suites
Bare Necessities isn't the only company that offers nude cruises
They, however, advertise themself as the first company to offer clothing-optional cruises. In 1991, their first-ever nude cruise only had 36 passengers, but by 2013, they had grown so much to the point they had to charter Carnival Freedom, a Conquest Class ship with a passenger capacity of nearly 3,000.
Castaways Travel is another company that offers nude cruises. These, however, are also lifestyle-friendly, meaning that they're a popular choice for swingers. Their website has cruises available to book through 2026 on two different lines: Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises.
Temptation and Desire Cruises are two lines that offer clothing-options cruises as well, but they're considered more of lifestyle cruises than nude cruises. Onboard Temptation, you'll find programming like "steamy workshops" and "sexy themes nights," whereas Desire Cruises has events like "provocative pool parties, erotic theme nights, seductive daytime activities, and sexy workshops."
Those seeking an adult-only cruise where clothing is required will want to look into Virgin Voyages, as it's the only mainstream line that doesn't allow children onboard. They do have a topless sun deck, though. However, you won't find people au natural on the pool deck or in the buffet.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she had the privilege of traveling frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas her freshman year of high school. She wanted to pursue a career that highlighted her passion for travel and strengths as a writer.
