What should I pack for a cruise? This is the question that thousands of passengers ask themselves every year before leaving for their vacation.
However, it’s definitely not a question that the passengers on this cruise departing from Miami will be asking themselves.
You have to keep your clothes on during port stops, in the main dining rooms, and during the captain’s reception; on all other occasions, you can stay just as nature intended.
How Does It Work?
Bare Necessities is teaming up with Norwegian Cruise Line to organize this unique cruise.
If you’re a fan of mainstream cruising, you’re probably familiar with NCL, which is one of the biggest cruise lines in the world. But if this type of experience isn’t on your radar, you may not have heard of Bare Necessities Tour & Travel.
This company has been planning vacations for those who enjoy a more “free-spirited” approach to travel for over 30 years.
Their upcoming cruise will set sail aboard the Norwegian Pearl, a ship that can accommodate around 2,400 guests and over 1,000 crew members (who, by the way, will be required to stay fully dressed).
All passengers must be at least 21 years old, as this voyage allows guests to embrace a clothing-optional environment. However, there are still a couple of essential rules that everyone must follow.
The Two Rules
If you’re interested, the cruise will depart from Miami on February 3, 2025.
(UPDATE: The ship has set sail, but a new date for 2026 is already confirmed—keep reading to find out more).
It will be an 11-day cruise to the Caribbean with stops in the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, Martinique, and St. Lucia.
Prices for the cruise start at about $2,000 per person and go up to more than $30,000 for a three-bedroom Garden Villa in The Haven.
Contrary to what you might think, this type of trip has no sexual purpose. For this reason, everyone will be required to abide by two essential rules.
The first rule is to avoid sexual objects or accessories. You cannot wear lingerie, fetish wear, and excessive genital jewelry.
Passengers simply need to dress normally when required and when they want to. They can also remove all their clothes or simply stay in their usual underwear.
In addition, the second rule is that photos are strictly prohibited. As you can imagine, everyone on board values their privacy. Keep reading because there are also some interesting things for first-timers on this kind of cruise and a date for the 2026 cruise!
What First-Timers Need to Know
If you’ve ever been curious about a cruise where passengers can skip the usual dress code, you’re not alone!
If you talk openly about it with someone, you will find that there are many more people than you think who would like to try it.
The only problem is that many are scared and nervous because they do not know what to expect. In reality, it’s a lot more relaxed and welcoming than most imagine.
For many first-time guests, the biggest hurdle is that initial step, letting go of layers and stepping into a new kind of freedom.
It can feel awkward at first, especially when surrounded by seasoned travelers who already seem completely at ease.
The most common thoughts:
- “Where do I look?”
- “Is everyone watching me?”
- “Do I really belong here?”
Most of the time, these worries exist only in our own minds. No one is paying attention. Everyone is there for their own experience, and there’s no judgment.
Within an hour, most people realize that comfort is contagious, and the nerves start to fade.
In addition, one of the biggest misconceptions is that you must participate at all times. This is not the case at all!
In reality, many cruises offer a flexible approach, meaning guests can choose how comfortable they feel. Some keep a towel wrapped around them at first, while others prefer to stay in swimwear for a while before easing in.
By the second day, most first-time guests realize that their initial hesitation was unnecessary. The experience becomes more about freedom from expectations rather than the absence of clothing.
As far as I know, the environment is very respectful, the community is welcoming, and by the time the cruise is over, many say they’d absolutely do it again!
The Funniest (and Most Awkward) Moments
What makes this type of cruise truly unforgettable are also the fun moments that happen with fellow passengers or people you meet on board.
Sunburns in Unexpected Places
Regular cruise-goers know the importance of sunscreen, but on a trip like this, it takes on a whole new level of importance.
First-time guests often forget to apply it everywhere, leading to some seriously uncomfortable lessons. Remember to pack a generous amount and check the list of things you should always have in your cruise carry-on luggage.
The Accidental Eye Contact
As you probably expect, the first few interactions with other passengers can be unintentionally awkward.
Some passengers intensely stare at foreheads; others shift their gaze around so much that it looks like they’re scanning for an escape route. And then there are those who suddenly become extremely interested in their drink, their plate, or the floor to avoid making things awkward.
The truth is that accidental glances happen. It’s human nature. But here’s the surprising part: nobody actually cares and experienced travelers know that accidental eye movement doesn’t mean anything.
The key is to act normal and not make a big deal out of it. The more comfortable you are, the less your brain will overanalyze every glance.
Dancing With…Less Support
Cruise parties are always a good time, and on a trip like this, people love to let loose. But dancing without the usual wardrobe restrictions? That’s a whole new experience.
Whether it’s a slow sway or an all-out dance floor moment, some moves feel different, leading to lots of laughs and some quick adjustments.
At the end of the day, these little awkward moments are what make the trip fun. Everyone has their own funny story to tell, and instead of feeling embarrassed, most travelers find themselves laughing it off. Because on a cruise like this, the best way to enjoy it is to embrace the unexpected.
The 2026 Edition
Since the 2025 cruise has already started (with great success), people are already thinking about next year’s edition!
According to the official website, the new cruise will set sail on February 9, 2026. It will be an 11-night round-trip from Miami, and passengers will celebrate Valentine’s Day and Fat Tuesday on board.
The ship will also stop at Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island. In that case, guests can experience the island with the same level of freedom as on board.
I have tried several of them but these are the most durable and sturdy.