One of the coolest things about cruising is that no two voyages are ever quite the same. Sure, the ship may sail the same itinerary week after week, but every so often, the whole vibe changes completely. That’s because cruise lines often charter their ships to private groups who buy out every stateroom and transform the entire ship into a floating festival tailored to their community.
Maybe you’ve heard of music festival cruises, poker tournaments at sea, or even Atlantis gay charters where the party vibe takes center stage. But in February 2026, the Norwegian Pearl will trade bathing suits for birthday suits as it becomes home to one of the most famous themed charters of them all: The Big Nude Boat.
The Basics: What Is the Big Nude Boat?
The Big Nude Boat is run by Bare Necessities Tour & Travel, pioneers of the nude vacation business. They’ve been putting on these sailings for decades, and each year it draws a loyal crowd who call it their favorite trip of the year.
The 2026 sailing is an 11-day adventure from Miami, February 9–20, with stops at:
- The ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao) for snorkeling, diving, and exploring.
- Jamaica, known for its “greenery.”
- Two exclusive nude beach days at Norwegian’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay, where guests can enjoy the sand, the surf, and swim au naturel.
The cruise also promises nightly theme parties, workshops, entertainment, and other events.
The Rules: What You Can and Can’t Do
Now, let’s get one thing clear: a nude cruise is not the same as a clothing-optional free-for-all. While some other charters (looking at you, Atlantis) are known for uninhibited and public adult activity—well-documented in videos circulating online—the Big Nude Boat takes a very different approach.
Bare Necessities spells out its decorum rules in no uncertain terms, and they’re designed to keep things safe, respectful, and comfortable for everyone. Here are some highlights:
- When You Can Be Nude: At sea or anchored offshore, nudity is allowed almost everywhere unless otherwise announced. But when the ship is docked in port, passengers must remain clothed throughout the vessel—including stateroom balconies—until the ship sails again.
- Dining Etiquette: Clothing is required in all restaurants and dining rooms. Casual attire is fine, but robes, fetish-wear, lingerie, or excessive jewelry in intimate areas are not allowed.
- Towel Rule: Always sit on a towel if you’re bare-bottomed (thank goodness for the sake of the passengers on the next cruise!). This goes for the pool deck, buffet, your stateroom, and even excursions. It’s considered basic nudist etiquette.
- No Photos Without Permission: You cannot take photos or videos of anyone without their express consent. Certain areas, like the pool deck and dance venues, are designated “No Photo Zones.”
- No Sexual Activity in Public: Fondling, overt sexual behavior, or solicitation is strictly forbidden. This isn’t a swingers’ party—it’s about body acceptance and community.
- Other Prohibitions: No nudity visible to port authorities or passengers on other ships, no dangerous or rude behavior, and absolutely no illegal substances.
Violating these rules can get you dismissed from the cruise with no refund—and yes, you’re responsible for your own way home.
The Crew’s Perspective
One question people often wonder is: what about the crew? After all, cruise ships are staffed by team members from around the world, many of whom come from cultures or religions where nudity is taboo.
Cruise lines don’t openly publish policies about this, but it’s generally believed that some crew members may request reassignment to non-guest-facing roles if nudity makes them uncomfortable. Others treat it like any other charter—it’s just part of the job. After all, crew see it all: rock concerts, corporate conferences, even sci-fi conventions. A nude cruise? Just another week on contract.
Still, it’s fair to imagine that working a cruise where most of your guests aren’t wearing pants could be… memorable.
Who Actually Goes on a Nude Cruise?
Here’s the big myth: that a nude cruise is full of Instagram models and chiseled fitness buffs. Reality couldn’t be more different.
The vast majority of passengers are regular people—couples in their 40s, 50s, and 60s, repeat nudists, and some curious first-timers. Many return year after year, forming a kind of floating community. The appeal isn’t about showing off a “perfect” body; it’s about being comfortable in your own skin.
Crew who’ve worked these sailings often joke that the people who shouldn’t be nude are usually the ones who are most eager to bare it all. But that’s kind of the point. It’s not about who looks best—it’s about body positivity, acceptance, and enjoying a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Charter cruises like The Big Nude Boat show just how flexible the cruise industry can be. One week a ship is hosting families on a spring break getaway, the next it’s a clothing-optional floating community celebrating Valentine’s Day in Aruba.
So, if you’ve ever wanted to try a vacation where “formal night” means a towel and flip-flops, the Big Nude Boat 2026 might just be your ticket to Bare-adise.