Getting Cheeky: Nude cruises becoming popular option for summer vacays

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Summer vacation is fast approaching, and if you, like many travelers, are considering a cruise, there is one cheeky option out there.

It requires little packing. Is clothing free, or is clothing optional.

Some cruises are specializing in the bare necessities, so to speak… making waves with growing popularity.

Nude cruises are adults-only so you won’t see children onboard. The demographic on nude cruises is wide, with adults of all ages sailing.

According to the American Association for Nude Recreation, nude enthusiasts tend to be active, college-educated people between the ages of 35 and 65 who enjoy outdoor activities. Many nude cruise passengers return again and again — on repeat voyages.

Activities include all the typical cruise pastimes and excursions, plus art classes with nude models, body painting lessons, themed parties, and more. These are not sex or swinger cruises; those fall under a different category.

Keep in mind that nudity is not mandatory. It’s a nudist-friendly environment where individuals can dress, or not, according to their comfort level. It’s clothing when practical, nude when appropriate.

Passengers cannot eat naked in main dining rooms where dress is required. Buffet lines are more relaxed. Nude passengers do need a towel for sitting.

Forbidden and unacceptable behavior involves no unauthorized photography or prolonged staring.

Keep in mind that nude cruises cannot be booked through a cruise line. They are specialty charter cruises where companies like Bare Necessities and Castaway Travels use mainstream cruise lines for nude-themed getaways, typically to warmer climates.

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