What are your Valentine's Day plans?
How does sailing on a luxury Norwegian Cruise from Miami, Florida, sound? Romantic, isn't it?
But here's something you might not expect: every February, while the rest of the world is busy shaking off the love bug, a rather unusual cruise ship leaves Miami wearing as little as possible. Its passengers, that is.
It's called the 'Big Nude Boat', organised by the US-based company Bare Necessities. Over the years, it has become a beloved annual tradition for travellers who prefer their Caribbean holidays without clothes. And in 2026, it's set to return - "bigger, bolder, and barer than ever".
"The World, Naturally"
The concept is simple: take a luxury Norwegian Cruise Line vessel, fill it with people who enjoy naturism and not wearing clothes, and set sail for sun-kissed islands.
This 11-day journey is a carefully managed environment built on rules of respect, body positivity and community. "It's not about sexuality. It's about comfort, confidence and authenticity," the organisers emphasise on their website.
For many, the appeal is the freedom of stepping onto white-sand beaches or sipping cocktails by the pool without worrying about swimsuits. Think of it as the most democratic dress code ever: you wear nothing, but with dignity.
The When And Where
The 2026 edition will be a round trip from Miami, US, from February 9 to 20, right through Valentine's Day and Fat Tuesday. That means theme nights, workshops, onboard parties, and more than a little cheeky humour.
The itinerary promises plenty: the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao) for world-class snorkelling and diving, the lush greenery of Jamaica, and two 'exclusive' stops at Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line's private Bahamian island, where bare cruisers have the entire beach to themselves.
If February is not the right time for you or your partner, this naked cruise will also be cruising on July 7 and July 26, 2026, too (from Malaga to the Azores).
Life On The Norwegian Cruise
The Norwegian Pearl is a 2,300-passenger floating playground with 16 restaurants, 14 bars, two bowling lanes, a casino, a spa, and even garden villas. Want a French tasting menu? Done. A Brazilian churrascaria? Sorted. A late-night burger? O'Sheehan's is open 24 hours.
The Norwegian Pearl is a 2,300-passenger floating playground. Photo: cruisebare.com
And when the nudity needs a break, there's the Mandara Spa with its hot-stone massages, designer boutiques for duty-free shopping, and lounges for whisky tastings.
The Rules And Regulations
Now, before you imagine chaos, the Big Nude Boat operates with boundaries. Clothing is mandatory in dining halls, at the captain's reception, during cultural performances, and whenever the ship docks on port.
There are "no-photo zones" around pools and dance floors. Misconduct is taken seriously: any form of inappropriate behaviour earns an immediate ticket off the ship at the next port, with no refund.
In other words, this is not a swingers' party at sea. It's a floating naturist community that takes its code of respect very seriously.
The "Nude casino". Photo: cruisebare.com
"Since 1990, we've been working to break down the barriers against social nudity and make clothing-optional vacationing a viable and acceptable option for all. We support the belief that sexuality is not a state of undress, but rather, a state of mind. Social nudity is not a sexual activity, and we strive to dispel the misconception that it is anything but natural and beautiful. We have made strides in the acceptance of nude vacationing and our wide range of cruise charters are a testament to our success," their website says.
What It Costs To Bare It All
According to the New York Post, ticket prices for these cruises can touch Rs 43 lakh, depending on the cabin. Still, with 11 days of sun, sea, gourmet food, and the once-in-a-lifetime chance to work on an all-over tan, the cost hasn't deterred the thousands who sign up every year, according to the site. Yes, they have repeat consumers.
With the Big Nude Boat 2026, Bare Necessities invites travellers to an adventure back to what they cheekily call "bare-adise". For 11 days, the only decision you'll need to make is not what to wear, but whether to kayak, zipline, or simply bask in the Caribbean sun wearing nothing.
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