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Man who went on 2,000-person nude cruise reveals the golden rule 'everyone knew' they had to follow
Man who went on 2,000-person nude cruise reveals the golden rule 'everyone knew' they had to follow

Daily Mail​

time3 days ago

  • Entertainment
  • Daily Mail​

Man who went on 2,000-person nude cruise reveals the golden rule 'everyone knew' they had to follow

A traveller on a cruise ship carrying 2,000 fellow nudists has revealed the one golden rule everyone taking part knew they must follow. The 67-year-old man opened up about his experiences as he urged internet users to 'ask me anything' about his naked jaunt across the waters with like-minded naturists. He insisted everyone taking part was 'pretty well-behaved' - and key to their common sense of purpose was an implicit agreement about not taking photographs. The passenger had booked a cruise via the Texas-based travel company Bare Necessities, which has been operating clothing-optional ship charters since 1990. And writing anonymously on website Reddit, the man invited questions from other users about the experience - prompting further tips about best behaviour on board. While there have been group photographs taken and shared online, filming was kept to a minimum out of respect for others, he suggested. The poster insisted: 'These are pretty well-behaved nudists and they know the rules - no photos without express permission.' He described the 2,000-strong travelling party as 'a crowd with lots of nudist experience'. He added: 'Everyone knows you can't take pictures of other people. I was much less worried here than I have been at nude beaches. 'Almost no one had phones with them outside their cabin. There were many signs posted. 'There were a lot of staff from the charter company whose job it was to enforce good naturist etiquette. 'And I've spent time online researching nudism and I've never a single online photograph from the cruise except for the group shots that people voluntarily pose for. For those reasons, I wasn't concerned.' The unnamed man told of being on a 2,000-passenger Carnival cruise liner with his 61-year-old wife for a seven-day round trip from Tampa in Florida, with stops in Mexico and Honduras along the way. He reiterated to other Reddit users that the trip - his first ever nudist cruise - was 'not a swingers cruise or a sex positive environment' and 'this was a crowd with lots of nudist experience'. Explaining the ins and outs of nudist cruising, he revealed that the captain 'generally makes an announcement after exiting a port when clothes can be removed' and 'usually it's about thirty minutes'. The same then happens in reverse, when the ship starts nearing its next port of call. He added that people 'usually take advantage of the opportunity to be nude since that's the point of the cruise'. The man also told how all cruise vessel employees were clothed 'except for one male/female duo' who performed in the theatre. He said that from his understanding, no employee from the cruise line is 'obligated' to work on the nude charters if they did not feel comfortable. He added: 'Unquestionably, there were relatively few younger couples [and] it definitely skewed older. 'Certainly most were in their 50s to 70s. Many gay men. Not many gay women that I could tell, but I would think they would be comfortable. It's an accepting crowd.' Other commonly accepted rules he described included an agreement that people would not sit on surfaces naked without placing a towel beneath them. He wrote: 'That's not a difficult concept. Nudists are as interested in hygiene as much as if not more than the next guy.' He also tried to explain the apparent appeal of stripping off for a cruise trip, saying: 'The "why" is because it's a nice feeling to be nude, just like it's a nice feeling for a man to be without a shirt at the beach. The Reddit poster faced a seris of follow-up questions and comments about his revelations 'Skinny dipping is great. Being nude at some of the world's nicest beaches is great. 'Most people who try nudism love it. YOLO. Please don't write that the only people who are on nude beaches are the ones who shouldn't be there. That's crabbed and trite.' His Reddit debate seemed to provoke plenty of intrigue, while there were mixed emotions about whether such a holiday would appeal. One commenter said: 'I went to a nude beach a few years ago and actually enjoyed myself. 'I was not comfortable going fully nude but my experience was basically what you are describing - very chill and people were nice in a non sexual way. 'I think people do think about it the wrong way, it was a very non sexual experience and I enjoyed it! 'No one was weird or creepy as we were quite young females at the time. 10/10 experience.' Another wrote: 'I'm jealous, I love being nude, but not so sure about wanting to be nude around 100s of other people. So glad you had fun and this AMA has been super interesting.' Further comments included questions such as 'Anyone actually attractive?' and 'How do you get into this? Asking for a friend'. The initial poster was also told: 'Hope you remembered to get dressed before disembarking.' Unimpressed sceptics included one person who replied: 'That would be disgusting. Don't know why you would do this when you could just wear clothes.' And another wrote: 'What's fun about watching people being nude? Not trying to be rude, just trying to wrap my head around this as an activity.'

Inside Britain's most notorious naked village – with nude vicars, bush wars and strict sex rule
Inside Britain's most notorious naked village – with nude vicars, bush wars and strict sex rule

The Sun

time17-05-2025

  • Lifestyle
  • The Sun

Inside Britain's most notorious naked village – with nude vicars, bush wars and strict sex rule

ARRIVING at the residential community of Spielplatz, which is conveniently located a mile off the M25, not far from St Albans in Hertfordshire, I am greeted by Andrew Welch, a 60-year-old marketing consultant. He is wearing sandals and carrying his phone. 8 8 8 Other than that, he is stark naked. I pretend not to notice the elephant in the room and we shake hands. Andrew is one of about 50 people who call Spielplatz – German for 'playground' – home. It is the only residential naturist community in the UK. The inhabitants are, he says, all perfectly normal – they just happen to prefer living their lives without clothes on. They include a female teacher, a retired BT engineer, a town planner and a mechanic. Until recently, I'm told by one resident, a Church of England vicar lived here, with the full blessing of his superiors. Naturism seems to be having a moment in the UK. One recent survey found that 14 per cent of Brits describe themselves as naturists or nudists – that's around 6.75million people, a huge increase on previous estimates. In 2001, the figure was a lowly two per cent. At Spielplatz, 33 attractive wooden bungalows – all of a similar size – are dotted around the 12-acre estate, as well as a number of caravans. 'Ask why people do it [naturism] and you'll get 100 different answers,' says Andrew. 'For me, it's about the freedom.' Andrew shows me around, past a house with a sign saying 'Get Naked' next to the front door and a car with a personalised number plate, which is a corruption of the word 'naked'. The grounds are a brightly coloured oasis of wild and cultivated flowers, shady spaces, an immaculate lawn and a heated pool. There's a 1970s Scandinavian vibe and a strange sense of having gone back in time. I'm half expecting a naked Abba to pop out from behind a bush. On the day of my (fully-clothed) visit, it is hot and sunny and five or six men and women are relaxing on the lawn. A few others are by the pool, while a couple are seated at the bar, having a drink. Everyone is completely naked. 'Invisible' It's strange, but after five minutes I've grown used to the nudity and have a mounting sense of being conspicuous in my clothes. 8 8 8 The nudity has become 'invisible', as Andrew said it would. Well, up to a point. In the clubhouse, which has a pool table, there is inevitably something a little Carry On-like about seeing a naked man seated at the bar and another naked man serving behind it. Social events are held here throughout the year. If it's cold outside, residents might start off the evening dressed, then unpeel their clothes, as the mood takes them. In the clubhouse is Joanne Hudson, a 59-year-old mum-of-two who used to own a bridal shop in St Albans. 'I moved here in 2020,' she says. 'I live by myself and I love it. 'It's so easy and friendly and comfortable here. 'I've had breast cancer recently and the people here have been amazing. 'I tell everybody where I live. Some people get it, some don't.' Joining her is Vicki Keeble, a 50-year-old mum-of-two, who runs a farm 20 minutes up the road. She sold a caravan she used to keep at Spielplatz three years ago, but still visits regularly. 'Once I've done my work up the farm, I whizz up here,' she says. 'There's nothing like coming here after work and getting your kit off. It's a total leveller.' Some Spielplatz residents are perfectly open with colleagues and family about where they live. Others, however, prefer to live here on the quiet. To many outsiders, there are suspicions that naturism is all about sex. But the residents say it absolutely isn't. 'We've had a few people turn up and ask: 'What time does the orgy start?',' says Alan, a 76-year-old retired BT engineer who declines to give his surname. 'But it's not about sex. The image is different from the reality.' The residents say they are sometimes asked what happens if someone gets 'excited' in public. It never happens, they say. Joanne says Spielplatz, which allows guests, is occasionally visited by people with the 'wrong idea'. 'If that happens, which is rare, the guys [other residents] are really good at dealing with it and will get them out,' she says. Andrew Welch, who lives in a bright, airy bungalow, says naturists have found 'an elixir of life'. 'A lot of people here don't look their age,' he says. 'It's a healthy way of life. We're outdoors when it's sunny, we're getting Vitamin D on our bodies. We swim. 'Body issues fly out of the window.' While you don't have to be naked all the time at Spielplatz – the British weather would make that a form of madness in winter – it is mandatory to swim naked in the heated pool. Heather Warren, a 58-year-old carer, lives with her husband, Neil, a 68-year-old catering engineer. When they wed in 2020, they had their marriage blessed at Spielplatz by a Church of England naturist vicar who was living there at the time. 'It was February and cold, so we wore clothes for the blessing,' says Heather. 'The vicar who did the blessing lived here for about four years. His bosses knew all about his living situation. 'My daughter's OK about it, but she's a prude, so she only visits in winter when we're dressed.' Agueda Urdanibia, 53, is also sunning herself by the pool. She's been a naturist since her twenties and is visiting for the day. 'It's non-judgmental and it's nothing sexual,' she says. 'It's just getting down to the basics. It doesn't matter what you do for a living, or how much money you've got.' Occasionally, though, there is trouble in paradise. 'We're just like any other street and there are neighbour disputes,' says Alan, the retired BT engineer. 'There'll be a row about a hedge, or something like that. We're a close knit community, so inevitably there are tensions sometimes.' There are currently six houses for sale at Spielplatz – an unusually high number. 'Hiding behind clothes' One resident has gone into care, others have moved away. Prices vary, but to buy a wooden bungalow with kitchen, living room and one or two bedrooms, will set you back around £250,000. It's such a lovely spot that the naturists here fear the properties might attract the wrong sort of people – unsociable types who wear clothes. I meet Beverly Kelly, a youthful 70, who is the granddaughter of Charles Macaskie and his wife Dorothy, who founded Spielplatz in 1929. Beverly grew up here and now runs the site with her brother Grant. As well as attending to the needs of the full-time residents, there are a number of caravans on site which can be lived in for six months of the year, and chalets where people can stay for nine months of the year. She's wearing clothes today because she's got jobs to do and says it's more practical. Beverly says it is quite common for people not to tell their families they've come to Spielplatz. There was one especially unfortunate case, she says, when a man from Ireland visited, but died on his first night. 'His family didn't know and later came here to see where he'd died,' she says. Beverly has known other visitors who resort to tricks to hide where they've been. 'When I was growing up, a girl of around 16 or 17 used to visit,' she recalls. 'Before she left, she would dip her swimsuit in the pool so it looked as though she'd worn it in the pool.' Beverly says Spielplatz gets the occasional visitor who behaves mysteriously, as though they've come here to escape from the wider world. She says: 'There was a man who had no bank account and insisted on paying his rent in cash each month. I don't know what that was about.' Tom Dryer-Beers, 69, lives at Spielplatz with his wife, who has chosen not to be identified. He looks after the pool and grounds. 'My wife and I moved here in 2017,' he says. 'Nudity is not a big deal. What's important is the person inside the body. 'I wish everywhere was like Spielplatz. I like the fact I wake up to birdsong and flowers and trees. 'People are much more visible when they're not hiding behind clothes.' 8 8 What is Naturism? Naturism, also known as nudism, is a cultural and lifestyle movement that advocates for and practices social nudity in both private and public spaces. The philosophy behind naturism emphasises harmony with nature, self-respect, respect for others, and a sense of community. Naturism is a diverse and inclusive lifestyle choice that encourages individuals to embrace their natural state, foster a deeper connection with nature, and build a community based on mutual respect and equality. Naturists believe that naturism promotes a healthy and accepting attitude toward the human body, regardless of shape, size, or imperfections. Many naturists are also advocates for environmental conservation and sustainable living, believing in a close connection with nature. Naturism also fosters a sense of equality, as clothing often signifies social status, and its absence can help break down these barriers.

I've visited nude resorts for 10 years – these are the benefits of naked vacations
I've visited nude resorts for 10 years – these are the benefits of naked vacations

The Independent

time07-05-2025

  • The Independent

I've visited nude resorts for 10 years – these are the benefits of naked vacations

"There's no stress over what to pack or wear — less is more, really." Linda Weber is the President of the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR), and is telling The Independent about perhaps one of the more obvious benefits of a naked vacation. But the 62-year-old, who has been visiting naturist resorts for the past 10 years, reveals that there are other, less observable plus points to a clothing-optional getaway (before covering some of the intriguing do's and don'ts, and rules for unwanted arousal). She says: "There is something deeply freeing about being able to truly be yourself without judgment or pretence. "Naturism accepts all those who want to participate and the body-positive aspects counter the media's artificial expectation of what 'normal' bodies look like. "We are all unique and there is no judgment." Linda, who was elected AANR president mid-2024, adds that "it's a privilege to advocate for a philosophy that brings such peace, confidence and connection to so many people". What first attracted her to naturist getaways? Linda — who splits her time between California and Utah with her husband, Stan – reveals: "My husband discovered an advertisement for a Bare Necessities cruise, and the idea of traveling among like-minded individuals while exploring new countries was instantly appealing. 'I'll admit, I was curious — and a little apprehensive — about what it would be like to be on a ship full of nude people. But that first cruise in 2015 opened the door to years of unforgettable experiences." Tempted to try a naturist vacation? You'd be joining a growing trend. A pre-Pandemic Tripadvisor survey revealed that 45 percent of Americans would like to try a nude vacation, up from 31 percent the year before. And while the AANR doesn't have data on the number of "room nights" occupied at its 200 or so affiliated resorts, it did conduct a snapshot study of nudism in Florida in 2017 that reveals the enormous economic contribution of nudism to the state. According to the study, over two million nudist vacationers book into 34 nudist resorts every year, making the nudist industry in Florida worth a staggering $7.4 billion dollars. Florida's first officially sanctioned nude beach – Haulover Beach in Miami – makes around $980,000 a year in parking fees alone. And the AANR points to the nude cruise industry as an indicator of how accepting of clothing-free vacations people are becoming – it's grown from one clothing-optional 500-passenger cruise liner in 1992 to a sector that accommodates between 15,000 and 30,000 "nakationers" annually. So, where to begin? Linda underscores that a resort is an "excellent place to start" because they have a "surprising" range of activities on offer — from tennis to volleyball and from yoga to karaoke — and a "safe and welcoming environment". She continues: "One of the most comforting aspects of visiting a naturist resort is the sense of safety and privacy. Most US-based resorts conduct background checks and have rules to ensure proper behavior. "Nude beaches are also wonderful, but since they're public, not everyone there may share naturist values. Once you're comfortable, beaches can be a great supplement to your resort experiences. "For first-time visitors, doing a bit of research is essential. Make sure you're choosing a clothing-optional resort rather than a lifestyle resort if your focus is naturism. "Look for affiliations with organizations like AANR, The Naturist Society Foundation (TNSF), or INF-FNI in Canada and Mexico." And once there, don't be afraid to ask questions, stresses Linda. She says: "When first-timers anticipate their trip, they often build up this expectation that everyone will know they are first-timers and their minds often come up with scenarios when the opposite is true. "Naturists are a friendly lot and you will be welcomed. First-timers don't ask questions out of fear when the front desk or fellow naturists would be glad to allay any fears they have." To save time at reception, Linda points out that reputable resorts post rules and guidelines online, and graciously reveals a few etiquette do's and don'ts to The Independent, regardless. She says: "Resorts have clear hygiene guidelines, like always sitting on a towel and no bathing suits in pools and spas. "These standards ensure that everyone respects the shared environment and each other. "Erections, while natural, are expected to be addressed respectfully in naturist settings. "If one occurs, the appropriate response is to discreetly roll over or enter the pool." Exhibitionist behavior is an absolute no-no. She says: "I've visited some incredible clothing-optional clubs across the US and Mexico, including Playa Sonrisa in Xcalak, Quintana Roo; Lake Como and Cypress Cove in Florida; Oaklake Trails in Oklahoma; Mira Vista and Shangri-La Ranch in Arizona; and Glen Eden and Laguna Del Sol in California. "Thanks to the American Association for Nude Recreation, there are many more resorts I hope to explore." Visit AANR for more information.

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