Frequently Asked Questions

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 quarantee 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, this is for 2 reasons: 1. You can ensure that you get first pick of your stateroom, the least expensive and most expensive cabins always sell out quickly; 2. Past Passengers know that our cruises tend to sell out very early on, they will book in the beginning to ensure a cabin.

What is your cancellation policy?
When you book early, you may secure your cabin with a fraction of the cabin cost, your deposit. Each cruise will have it's own final payment deadline, if you choose to cancel your cruise before that deadline you will receive a full refund. However, any cancellations made after the deadline are not refundable. It is for this reason that we recommend Trip Cancellation Insurance. While we do not offer TCI, we do have a company that we recommend and will send you a policy brochure when you make your reservation. If you do need to cancel after the final payment deadline and HAVE NOT purchased insurance, you may sell your cabin on your own OR we can attempt to sell the cabin for you. In the event that we are able to sell the cabin we will then refund your money minus a $200 Cancellation fee, this fee will then remain in your file and can be applied as a credit to any future cruise you may book.

What is included with my cabin purchase?
While each of our cruises may vary, the standard cabin cost will include your cabin fare 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.

I have already booked a cruise and cannot go, however, my friends would like to take my cabin, is that ok?
Yes! You may sell your cabin to your friends, however, we must be notified of the change. 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 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.

Is this considered a "lifestyle" cruise?
Our clothing optional cruises are not "lifestyle" cruises. We ask that our passengers maintain the same level of decorum that they would on any other cruise. We respect the privacy of all of our clients and trust that whatever happens in the privacy of your cabin is between consenting adults only.

Could you tell me about your newsletter?
We do have a monthly email that we send 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 view our current newsletter, please click here. If you would like to sign up for our email list, please click here, if you would like to be removed from our email list, please click here.