The ‘Golden Towel Rule’ Everyone Has To Follow On A Nude Cruise

Cruises usually bring to mind endless buffets, fancy cocktails and maybe a dodgy sunburn. But on a nude cruise? There’s one very different rule that every single passenger has to follow, and it’s all about hygiene.

One guest who recently hopped on board spilled the details online, revealing the so-called “golden towel rule” that might just make you think twice before sitting down.

Nude Cruises Are On The Rise

While most people pack swimwear for their holiday, more and more cruisers are leaving it at home entirely. Nude cruises have quietly grown in popularity, with companies now running full-ship charters where clothes are very much optional.

And just to clear things up – these aren’t the same as the so-called “spicy cruises” aimed at couples looking to mix and mingle. Nude cruises are all about body confidence and relaxation, not swapping room keys.

The ‘Golden Towel Rule’

The big reveal came after one passenger shared their experience in a Reddit AMA, fresh off a 2,000-person nude cruise. Naturally, curious readers wanted to know the rules – and whether it’s as awkward as it sounds.

One of the most asked questions? How on earth do you deal with sweaty bare bums on chairs. The passenger didn’t hesitate: “No bare butts on any surface in any public space. Ever.”

Turns out there’s a very simple solution to the bare bum problem: towels. Everywhere.

Cruise line Bare Necessities even spells it out on their website – guests must always sit on a towel if they’re nude or wearing something skimpy. Fresh beach towels are dropped in your cabin daily, and there are stacks of smaller ones placed around the ship in case you forget.

So yeah, if you’re planning to lounge about, you’ll need to BYOT – bring your own towel. Forget it, and you’re standing.

It might sound obvious, but the towel rule isn’t just about politeness – it’s about hygiene. Think of it like taking your shoes off at someone’s house: it’s a small gesture that makes a big difference. With thousands of passengers sharing the same spaces, towels stop things from getting, well, uncomfortable.

Some nudists even argue they’re more conscious of cleanliness than clothed holidaymakers, precisely because there’s no barrier between them and the furniture.

Other Surprising Rules On Board

It’s not a total free-for-all though. When the ship is docked in port, nudity is a no-go, everyone has to be dressed, even on balconies, until the ship sails again.

Dining comes with its own dress code too. The buffet is clothes-free, but in the dining room you’ll need to throw something on (robes don’t count, apparently). And if you were planning on packing fetish gear or glittery bits of jewellery for your nether regions – don’t. That’s also on the banned list.

Who Actually Goes On These Cruises?

If you’re picturing a wild, booze-fuelled spring break at sea, think again. According to the Reddit passenger, the crowd is mostly older couples who are more about chilling out than partying hard.

And while guests are free to strip off, the crew aren’t – staff stay fully clothed the entire time. So the vibe is less “Ibiza foam party” and more “laid-back holiday with fewer tan lines.”

Tips For First-Timers

If you’re curious about booking, the advice from experienced passengers is simple: bring sunscreen (lots of it), don’t overpack clothes, and carry a towel everywhere. Casual clothing works fine for meals, and remember that robes aren’t allowed in the dining rooms.

And most importantly, relax. For most nudists, the novelty wears off quickly and it just becomes another holiday, minus the swimwear.

This isn’t the first time passengers have spoken up about the rules. In another article we covered — Man Reveals the Surprising Rules on a Nude Cruise – Including the One “Everyone Knows” — one guest explained how strict the no‑photography policy is.

Phones and cameras were banned outside of cabins, with staff enforcing the rule to protect everyone’s privacy. It shows just how seriously these cruises take comfort and respect, whether it’s about cameras or chairs.

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