Is the entire Cruise Ship Clothing Optional? When do I need to be clothed?
Onboard most of our ships there are only three situations that require clothing: 1. While docked in port 2. In the main dining room and 3. At the Captain's Gala Cocktail Party. While in port and in the dining room, casual attire such as shorts and T-shirts are fine, but no lingerie or fetish wear, please. Otherwise, you may be nude throughout the ship morning, noon and night.

Is formal wear required at any time or during the Captain's Party?
No. While many passengers do choose to wear cocktail or evening wear to the Captain's Gala, it is not required. Shorts and a T-shirt are acceptable.

How do I make a reservation for one of your cruises?
All of our reservations are taken by phone. Please feel free to use this web site as a resource while planning your vacation, you may also contact our agents with any specific questions.

What forms of payment do you take?
You may pay by check, money order or charge: Master Card, Visa, Discover and American Express are all excepted by Bare Necessities.

Are there any locations on the ship that are considered more desirable than others?
The center-most portion of the ship is the most stable and is often times preferred over the bow or stern to any passengers who may be prone to sea-sickness. Some passengers also prefer cabins on the port-side (left) of the ship as this side faces the ocean while docked in port. However, it is always a matter of personal preference and we go to great lengths to be sure every passenger in every cabin has the best cruise possible!

I am traveling by myself, how can I get a roommate?
The price of all of our cabins are based on double occupancy. You are welcome to occupy a cabin by yourself*, however, you will be responsible for paying the full cabin fare (the two person rate). If you do not choose to do this, you may of course always bring a friend or, if you so choose, we can assist you in finding a cabin mate. We will take your information (name and email) to add to a complete list of single passengers, this list will then be emailed to all singles at which point you may contact one another to make necessary arrangements.

*On some cruises, a single cruiser may be required to pay additional fees for sailing solo in a stateroom. All our rates are based on double occupancy and many cruise lines now require that we guarantee this in our contract. We are always happy to assist singles in finding a roommate.

Are there theme nights on the cruises?
In addition to the standard theme nights offered by each cruise line, Bare Necessities will always add a few extra evening themes. Some examples of past themes are: "Mardi Gras", "Undressed To Kill: James Bond Night," "Out of This World," and a passenger talent show.

How far in advance should I book my cruise?
It is always recommended that you book as soon as a new cruise is announced, so you can ensure that you get first pick of your stateroom (the least expensive and most expensive cabins always sell out quickly).

What is your cancellation policy?
When you book early, you may secure your cabin with a deposit (rates vary depending on cruise). Each cruise will have it's own cancellation deadline, if you choose to cancel your cruise before that deadline you will receive a full refund less $100 per person cancellation fee.  However, any cancellations made after the deadline are non refundable.   It is for this reason that we recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance.   We will send you an insurance application once you have placed your reservation.   It is recommended you purchase the travel insurance within 15 days of making your reservation.

What is included with my cabin purchase?
While each of our cruises may vary, the cost will include your accommodations for the duration of your trip, as well as breakfast, lunch and dinner in the main dining room. Most times, beverages such as coffee, tea, water and juice are also included; however, alcoholic drinks as well as name-brand sodas are additional.

Can we have more than two people per cabin?
Yes you may. The cost of a third or fourth person will vary from cruise to cruise but is always a fraction of the per person cost. If you plan to do this, be sure to pick a stateroom that is equipped with extra beds such as a pull-out sofa, our agents will be happy to assist you in identifying these cabins.

I have already booked my cruise but have changed my name and/or have a new cabin mate, how do I notify you of that change?
No problem! We will gladly change the information we have on file for you. We will need you to notify us in writing either via fax: 512-469-0179, email, or standard mail: Bare Necessities / 904 W 29th st / Austin, TX 78705. Please be sure to include the information we already have on file for you (i.e. your name, cabin number and cruise you will be on) as well as the correct new information.

My plans have changed and I cannot go on the cruise.  Can I transfer the cabin to another party? Yes! You may transfer your cabin to another party at no charge.  All you have to do is notify us in writing either via fax: 512-469-0179, email, or standard mail: Bare Necessities / 904 W 29th st / Austin, TX 78705. Please be sure to include the information we already have on file for you (i.e. your name, cabin number and cruise you will be on) as well as the names and contact information for the new passengers.

Is there an age requirement for this cruise?
All passengers must be 18 years of age or above.

What is the proper etiquette aboard your cruises?
Proper etiquette onboard a Bare Necessities Cruise is not any different from proper etiquette in any other social situation: simply use common sense. We are confident that with your participation, each cruise will be an opportunity to create life-long memories. Enjoy the warmth of the sun, the beautiful scenery and friendly cruising companions in the simplest, most natural way we know: au naturel.

Are your cruises geared towards a specific group or demographic?
We embrace the wide diversity of people that are attracted to social nude recreation.  We welcome people of all shapes, sizes, ethnicites, sexual orientations and age ranges to try our product.  We do not make any judgments concerning one's choice of lifestyle and only ask passengers maintain the same level of decorum that they would on a cruise requiring clothing. 

Could you tell me about your newsletter?
We do have a bi-weekly E-NEWS broadcast that is sent to anyone who is signed up for our email list. As a member of our email list, you will not receive any other emails or spam and your name will not be given to any third parties.   If you would like to sign up for our email list, please click here.

Do I need a passport?
Passports are required for ALL of our cruises. If you would like to obtain a passport, please click here.

What if I need to cancel my cruise?
We require your cancellation be sent in writing via mail, e-mail,
 or fax(512)499-0405. Please send e-mail cancellations to
cancellations@bare-necessities.com.

Discounts?
All Discounts, promotions and sales must be taken at the time of booking. Discounts that are not taken at the time of booking are not retroactive, but may be used on futures cruises if applicable. Discounts may not be combined with any other offers or with complimentery upgrades.

Do you have a question for Bare Necessities that was not answered above?
You may contact our office Monday-Friday from 8AM-5PM Central Standard time at
800-743-0405 or 512-499-0405 and we will be happy to answer any questions you have.