Did you know there are cruises where everyone on board is naked? Yes, you read that right! A cruise where the entire ship, with 2,000 people aboard, embraces a clothing-free adventure. Kat Whitmire, Vice President of Sales for Bare Necessities Tour and Travel, offers an exclusive look at the ins and outs of these daring and unique cruises.

Recently, a Reddit thread went viral after someone shared their experience on a nude cruise, sparking interest among those curious about what such an unconventional trip might entail.

One Reddit user shared their experience after returning from a nude cruise: “A significant number of people on this cruise are repeat guests who meet up with friends year after year. Others come from nudist clubs across the country. It’s a very eclectic group, ranging from old hippies to traditional nudists, and even some couples looking for a ‘couples with benefits’ experience.”

The cruises, operated by Bare Necessities, are not your average getaway. This cruise company organizes massive clothing-free vacations aboard large ships. The most famous of their cruises, the Big Nude Boat, carries 2,100 passengers, and there’s also a smaller cruise during the summer. The experience, which has caught the attention of many, was recently highlighted in a Q&A with a passenger, leaving many eager to learn more about what goes on behind the scenes.

To dive deeper into the experience, Kat Whitmire, a key figure at Bare Necessities, shared insights into the logistics and atmosphere of a nude cruise. “I work as a cruise organizer for Bare Necessities Tour and Travel,” Kat told Business Insider. “We organize two major cruises every year. One is the Big Nude Boat in February, and the other is a smaller summer cruise.”

Kat, who has had a lifelong passion for cruising, started with Bare Necessities in 2010. She plays an essential role in ensuring the success of their nude cruises by planning everything from daily schedules to coordinating excursions at each port.

When asked about a typical day, Kat explained her role in ensuring that staff manage everything smoothly, from running the information booth to making sure guests adhere to the dress code at dinner. “I spend my time organizing excursions and activities while also overseeing the cruise’s operations. A lot of it is about making sure the experience is relaxed and enjoyable for all of our guests.”

While some may perceive nudist cruises as sexualized, Kat emphasizes that these trips are about freedom and connection, not about promiscuity. “Being nude is not sexual; it’s about comfort and leaving judgment behind. When you’re not wearing clothes, it’s harder to make assumptions about someone’s economic background or political beliefs. You have to get to know the person,” Kat explains.

She continues, “Our guests often form deep friendships because they’re able to connect on a more genuine level, without the barriers that clothes or appearances can create. We’re not a swingers’ cruise. It’s not about the ‘lifestyle.’ It’s about nudism, which is about freedom and enjoying life without societal restrictions.”

Interestingly, for a nude cruise, many guests report that it’s not as “nude” as you might think. One Reddit user recounted their experience: “Surprisingly, more than 85% of passengers wore clothing most of the time. All restaurants required guests to be dressed, and many people wore formal attire, including tuxedos. The buffet was clothing-optional, but most people wore something, like shorts or a towel. It felt awkward seeing people fully naked in the buffet line.”

On the other hand, there were plenty of moments when nudity was more common. “On sea days, the sun decks, pools, and hot tubs were where most people were nude. The same applied to excursions on NCL’s private island, where everyone was naked. At dance parties, it felt amazing to dance without any clothing restrictions, though some accessories like LED lights were part of the fun. There was even a nudist musical act from France that performed on two nights at the dance party!”

The experience of a nudist cruise, then, seems to be about striking a balance—being free from societal norms while enjoying a relaxing vacation. And while nudity is central to the concept, it’s far from the only defining characteristic. The connections made, the community built, and the sense of relaxation that comes with being without clothes are what truly make these cruises stand out.

For Kat Whitmire and Bare Necessities, the goal is simple: to offer a unique, fun, and judgment-free space where people can come together, enjoy the freedom of nudism, and form lasting connections. The cruises, far from being merely about nudity, offer a space for relaxation, camaraderie, and, most importantly, an escape from the everyday pressures of life. It’s not your typical cruise—but for those who embrace it, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.