Imagine working on a cruise ship where the dress code is, well, optional.
That’s the reality for those employed on a unique kind of voyage: a nudist cruise ship.
Recently, this intriguing concept caught the internet’s attention, particularly after a passenger’s Reddit Q&A session went viral.
The 2,000-passenger nude cruise, run by Bare Necessities, breaks the mold of traditional cruising, yet it’s not without its own set of rules.
Contrary to what some might think, it’s not a free-for-all; there are specific guidelines around where and when clothing is required, and yes, there are protocols for dealing with arousal.
Credit: Instagram / @cruisebare
Stepping into the spotlight is a woman with a front-row seat to the daily operations and unique dynamics of life aboard a nudist cruise.
At 61, Kat Whitmire serves as the vice president of sales for Bare Necessities, and her wealth of experiences could fill a book.
“I’m a cruise organizer for Bare Necessities Tour and Travel, a nudist-cruise company,” she told Business Insider.
Her role revolves around planning two annual voyages—a massive February trip called the Big Nude Boat, which hosts 2,100 passengers, and a smaller, more intimate summer sailing. Year-round, she works to bring these one-of-a-kind travel experiences to life.
Kat’s passion for cruising isn’t new. She spent a decade volunteering on ships before turning it into a full-time career. Since joining Bare Necessities in 2010, she has played a key role in driving sales and ensuring guests have unforgettable experiences aboard the nudist cruises.
Describing a day in her life, Kat details the meticulous planning required to manage such an unconventional setting.
“For each cruise, I create schedules so our staff knows when to man the information booth, perform ‘dinner duty’ to ensure guests follow the dress code, and join the dance club at night to keep things running smoothly.”
Beyond these responsibilities, she also coordinates excursions at various ports, adding another layer to her already packed schedule.
Naturally, the nudist element brings a unique twist to the cruise experience—one that is often misunderstood or unfairly s**ualized.
Credit: Facebook / Kat Whitmire
However, Kat is quick to clarify the core philosophy behind Bare Necessities.
“To us, being nude is not sexual or something to be ashamed of,” she asserts.
As she explains, nudism is about shedding more than just clothes—it’s about letting go of societal judgments and assumptions.
“Nudism is about leaving judgment behind. When you’re not wearing clothes, you can’t instantly gauge someone’s economic status or political views. You actually have to talk to them to find out who they are.”
She adds, “Our guests form deep friendships that I don’t think happen as easily on a textile cruise.”
It’s also important to understand that Bare Necessities is not about promoting a swinging lifestyle.
“We’re not a swingers’ cruise. This is not lifestyle travel. There are plenty of those options out there, but that’s not what we do,” Kat emphasizes, distinguishing their voyages from other adult-themed cruises.
