We were looking at tips for successful cruising on the internet and found a lot of suggestions that simply don’t apply to our type of cruise or that we thought were pretty obvious. So, we thought we should develop our own list of tips for having the best time possible on your next adults only clothing optional cruise.  Here they are—and if you can think of any we should add to the list, send them to us a This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we’ll add them.

1)    Arrive Early – Cruise ships don’t wait for anyone.  When it’s time to leave port, the ship is gone.  And nothing can cause more stress or ruin a holiday more than missing the boat!  So if you are flying in, its best to fly into the port of departure the day before the cruise departs.  That way you don’t have to worry about missed connections and/or delayed flights on the day of the cruise.   Don’t be the person on your cell phone while you try to convince someone from the cruise line that you are almost there while you’re in the back of some cab careening through the streets at breakneck speed to try to get you to the port on time.

2)    Travel Insurance – Simply put, travel insurance is a must.  Every cruise we get cancellations from people who develop serious illnesses, partners that split up, people whose employment prospects have changed,  business owners whose businesses are having trouble, family members who plan weddings on cruise dates, and people who have deaths in the family.  The saddest part is when we get emails from these people pleading with us to give them a refund, even though they are well past the date for any refund, because they failed to purchase travel insurance.  And of course, each person thinks his or her situation is unique! 

3)    Sea Sickness – Some people just get motion sickness.  It’s a fact.  If the weather is rough, or if you think you may be prone to the effects of mal de mer, don't be ashamed to take a pill: Dramamine, Marezine, Phenergan or whatever.   It will make your vacation, and the vacation of your partner, significantly better.  Always make sure you follow the directions on any of these products—and keep you alcohol consumption to the modest level when taking these or any drugs.

4)    Taking Alcohol on Board -  Most cruise shipped have a policy prohibiting you from taking your own alcohol on board.  Why?  Simple.  The cruise ship makes mega bucks selling you drinks, so every drop of booze you take on board is money out of the cruise line’s pocket.  If you do try to smuggle your booze on board, you run the risk that your luggage may be examined and you may lose your booze.  Typically, if you bring your alcohol in its original bottle, the cruise will take it away but return it at the end of the cruise. However, all of the booze that is found in shampoo bottles, mouthwash containers, water bottles, and other ingenious storage devises, is taken away and destroyed. 

5)    Watch The Charges – Unlike all inclusive resorts, cruises are not all inclusive. In fact, if the cruise line didn’t pick up extra money from you once you are on board, it probably could not operate on what it charges for the cabin alone.  Expect to pay for booze, soda, specialty coffee drinks and eating in the premium restaurants.  The cruise staff a re going to encourage you to have spa treatments, buy art and jewelry, and spend your day in the casino.  And then every excursion you go on will cost you extra.  Often the cruise tab is more than what cruisers have paid for the cabins.  If you’re on a budget, there is plenty of free food and entertainment on the ship, and even on shore.  Be careful of what you pay for-it adds up very quickly.

6)    Pace Yourself – Cruise ships are designed to provide a continuing supply of entertainment, food and booze, literally from dawn until the wee hours of the evening.  On cruises it’s just natural to eat too much, drink too much, party too much, and to try to take in or participate in everything that’s going on.  Some people feel that if they don’t, they aren’t getting their money’s worth.  But this is a vacation and you want to come back at least a little relaxed and rejuvenated.   Catch up on that extra sleep you’ve been missing, skip the pool party and instead curl up with a good book, go to bed early one evening, or miss the excursions and instead stay on board ship.  It’s all okay.  And you’ll feel better doing those things you really want to do if you’re not burned out from over doing it.

7)    Have Patience – Even on smaller cruise ships, there is a lot of protocol and processing.  Checking baggage, clearing security and customs, getting your cabin keys, waiting for elevators, waiting for drinks, waiting for dinner, and the list goes on and on.  Cruise ship staff do their best to handle people and their needs as efficiently as possible, but feeding 2,000 people in a couple of hours is a challenge, whether on a ship, or on land.  Slow down, have patience, expect the occasional screw up or problem, be light hearted, and don’t stress over the little inconveniences associated with cruising.  Rather use the time to get to know others and to make new friends.

8)    Be Respectful – This rule is important on any cruise, but even more so on clothing optional and lifestyle friendly cruises.  You might go to a resort like Desire on a takeover when every guest is from your club or online community, and where everyone is similar to you.  But cruises pull guests from all over the world, from every age group, and every demographic.  Everyone on board is on board to make friends, meet people and have a good time.  You and your partner might not be interested in certain people whom you meet, but always be polite, courteous and friendly.   Talk to the people you meet on the elevator, slide up to the bar and engage the person next to you in a conversation, say hello to people you pass walking down the hall and have a good word for everyone.

9)    Read and Listen -  There is a lot going on but you won’t know about it all if you don’t read the daily bulletins, read the cruise program, and read the activity signs posted all over the ship.  You don’t want to find out about something you would have enjoyed, only to find out it’s already over.  Many groups such as online communities, clubs and even travel agents will be hosting cocktail hours, there are contests, seminars, special performers and so much more.  You don’t have to participate, but at least be informed.  And if in doubt, ask someone.  In addition, some of these activities are great places to meet people, particularly if you and your partner are a little on the shy side.

10)     Organize for Small – Cruise ship cabins today may be luxurious compared to fifty years ago, but they are still small.  Your days at sea will be more enjoyable if you do a little planning and organize yourself for the smaller quarters.  First, unpack and stow your bags.  Make sure you know where you put everything, and put it away neatly.  Do this with your partner, so if you can’t remember where you put your Mardi Gras mask, your partner will.  Second, learn to take turns.  Two people trying to put on evening wear in a small cabin can be stressful as each person maneuvers around the other to get access to cupboards, the bathroom and the mirror.  Sometimes it’s better if one partner gets ready and heads off, with the other partner joining in the bar later on. Finally put things away when finished with them including makeup, dirty laundry, hats and other such items.  You don’t want to invite another couple back to your room only to have to spend ten minutes cleaning up so you can find the bed.

Enjoy your cruise (and if you aren't booked on one, visit our cruise page and book one now!)  Clothing Optional and Swingers Cruises

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