Privates of the Caribbean: A 10-day cruise for nudists

South African cruise company Cruiseabout announced over the weekend that they are launching “an innovative Caribbean cruise itinerary aimed at the naturist market” in this country.

They say that sun-worshippers will delight in Cruiseabout’s “Privates of the Caribbean” itinerary that will take passengers to some of the world’s “most exotic island destinations”, including Grand Cayman, Cuba and the Virgin Islands.

Cruiseabout’s marketing campaign manager Divan Viljoen said: “This is a nude twist on a cruise itinerary that is already extremely popular among South African travellers.

“We’ve been fielding requests for nudist cruises for some time, so to be able to fulfil our customers’ wishes through niche cruising experiences like this is the best part of our job.”

He adds that, aside from the fact that most people will be naked most of the time, the cruises will have many traditional aspects.

“Long-time cruisers can expect all the same formalities as regular cruises. There will still be formal dining at the Captain’s Table, although the attire will obviously reflect the theme of the cruise. Ladies can accessorise with elegant jewellery, while men will be required to wear a tie.”

The release explains that on-board activities will take on a whole new dimension thanks to art auctions featuring both nude bidders and subject matter, life drawing and chocolate body-painting classes.

The naturism won’t stop once the ship is docked, either since “on-shore activities have also been tailored to suit the freedom of no clothing, with bareback horse riding and coral reef snorkelling taken to new experiential levels”.

Cruiseabout says it has consulted widely on the best way to prepare for a nudist cruise by talking to numerous professionals such as air-conditioning technicians, medical experts and safety advisers.

“We consulted with a number of experts to help us ensure the experience would be perfect for passengers. The ship has been fitted out with controlled climate air conditioning to ensure it remains at a comfortable temperature and we also consulted with medical experts and safety advisers so that the shore and on-board activities took into account our guests’ unique situation,” Viljoen explained.

“Guests will be required to bring closed-in rubber-soled shoes and a sun hat, but this really is the ultimate opportunity to travel light.”

The 10-night Privates of the Caribbean cruise departs Miami in September 2018 and trips can be booked on Cruiseabout’s website.