Woman Explains What It’s Like To Work On A 2,000 Person Nude Cruise Ship

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.

Kat Whitmire, at 61 years old, holds the title of vice president of sales for Bare Necessities, and her experiences could fill a book.

“I’m a cruise organizer for Bare Necessities Tour and Travel, a nudist-cruise company,” she shared with Business Insider.

With a year-round commitment to planning two specific voyages—a massive February journey dubbed the Big Nude Boat, accommodating 2,100 passengers, and a more intimate summer sailing—Kat’s role is pivotal in bringing these unique travel experiences to life.

Kat’s affinity for cruise ships isn’t a recent development.

She spent ten years volunteering on them before transitioning to a full-time career in the industry. 

Her journey with Bare Necessities began in 2010, and since then, she’s been instrumental in driving sales and ensuring guests have unforgettable experiences aboard the nudist cruises.

Describing a day in her life, Kat outlines the meticulous planning and coordination required to manage such an unconventional cruise setting.

“For each cruise, I create schedules so our staffers know when they need to man the information booth, perform ‘dinner duty’ to make sure guests comply with the dress code, and join the dance club at night to make sure things go smoothly.”

In addition to these duties, Kat plays a key role in organizing excursions at various ports, adding another layer to her already busy schedule.

The aspect of nudism, naturally, adds an interesting twist to the cruise experience, one that could easily be misconstrued or sexualized.

 

Kat Whitmire is a cruise organizer for the nudist-cruise company.Credit: Facebook / Kat Whitmire

However, Kat is quick to clarify the ethos behind Bare Necessities.

It’s essential to understand that Bare Necessities is not about promoting a lifestyle associated with swinging.

“We’re not a swingers’ cruise. This is not lifestyle travel. There are plenty of those travel opportunities out there, but that’s not what we do,” Kat emphasizes, distinguishing their cruises from other adult-themed voyages.