And no, it’s not one big orgy. Though, yeah, there are orgies. But it’s way more structured — and way more normal — than most people expect.
So what actually goes on when a thousand people who aren’t shy about sex hop on a floating hotel for a week of themed parties and “no judgment” energy?
Here’s the real scoop, based on insider accounts, recent surveys, and what experts have been noticing in the rise of “lifestyle travel.”
Not your typical cruise — but not as wild as you'd think
These trips usually look like regular cruises from the outside. Same ports. Same giant pools. Same breakfast buffets with questionable scrambled eggs. But walk into the main atrium and there’s a pole-dancing contest in full swing. Wander into the nightclub after 10 p.m., and you might see someone in fishnets making out with their chiropractor.
But during the day? It’s surprisingly chill. People are reading paperbacks by the pool. Some are taking salsa classes. One guy is trying to fix the Wi-Fi.
“It’s not like the whole ship is having sex all the time,” said one frequent lifestyle cruiser in a Reddit Q&A. “There’s a schedule. People nap. There are seminars. You’d be shocked how many folks are just there for the social part.”
So yeah — there’s nudity. There’s flirting. But there’s also a lot of sunscreen, casual small talk, and regular old vacation stuff.
Consent gets taken very seriously
This isn’t a free-for-all. There are actual rules — written and spoken — about how people treat each other. Everyone gets wristbands to show whether they’re open to certain types of play. There are signs around the ship reminding people not to touch without asking. Staff members are trained to deal with boundary issues.
And there’s a lot of “no thanks.” People say no all the time. It’s normal. It’s expected. And if someone pushes it? They get shown the exit — yes, even in the middle of the ocean.
Sex therapist Dr. Rita DeGraff says, “One thing people often miss is how clear communication and boundaries are in these environments. There’s structure. There’s etiquette. And there’s a lot of checking in — before, during, and after any encounter.”
Translation: People talk. A lot. Which is kind of funny, considering how many of them are naked half the time.
Themed nights are a thing
Every night has a theme — and these people commit. One night it’s “Glow Night” where everyone’s in neon and body paint. The next it’s “Naughty Schoolgirl” or “Pajama Fetish” or something with feathers and very little fabric.
Packing for one of these trips takes weeks. People bring full suitcases just for costumes. And there’s a kind of unspoken pressure to dress the part — even if you’re not planning on joining the playrooms.
Also, fun fact: the more over-the-top the outfit, the more likely the person is to spend the night just dancing and chatting. It’s always the quiet ones in jeans who show up in the playrooms later. Go figure.
The playrooms are real — and optional
Yes, there are actual rooms on the ship where sex happens. Some are private. Some are communal. Some are behind velvet ropes and require a keycard. Others are more like themed spaces with soft lighting, padded furniture, and a lot of towels.
But here's the twist: not everyone goes. A recent survey by a lifestyle cruise forum found that about 35% of attendees never set foot in the play areas. They’re there for the vibe, the freedom, the people. Not necessarily for sex with strangers.
Another 25% said they just “watch and wander.” The rest? They're doing their thing — sometimes with their partner, sometimes with others, sometimes with multiple others.
And yes, it’s all consensual. Condoms, lube, and gloves are stocked like hotel shampoos. Clean-up crews exist. It’s weirdly organized.
It’s not all young, hot Instagram people
The cruise brochures love to show model couples in their early 30s with perfect abs. In reality? People come in all shapes, sizes, and ages. Most are in their 40s and 50s. A lot are married. Some have adult kids. Some are divorced. Some are just dating.
The vibe is more “fun aunt and uncle who throw good parties” than “OnlyFans influencer couple on a yacht.” And that’s part of the appeal — it’s real people. Not a performance.
As psychologist Dr. Evan Carlisle puts it, “These environments give people space to feel seen, wanted, and playful in ways they might not feel in regular life. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being present.”
Couples have all kinds of rules
Not everyone’s doing the same thing. Some couples are fully open. Some only swap with other couples. Some only play in the same room. Others only watch. A few just flirt — and nothing else.
There are even couples who don’t sleep with anyone else at all. They go for the environment, the fun, the costumes, the break from real life. And no one bats an eye.
Everyone’s got their own boundaries. And the funny part? Those rules get followed more strictly than in some monogamous relationships.
People are less creepy than you think
Here’s the weirdest part. Most people expect a swingers cruise to feel creepy. Or sleazy. Or like some kind of softcore reality show. But over and over, guests report the opposite.
People are polite. Friendly. Sometimes awkward. They ask permission. They compliment outfits. They say thank you. If anything, the environment feels safer than a regular nightclub or dating app.
And because it’s a cruise, people run into each other again and again — at breakfast, at excursions, at karaoke. So if someone acts like a jerk? Word spreads fast.
It’s a floating village. Social contracts still apply.
Not for everyone — but not as wild as the rumors
It’s not a cult. It’s not a fantasy land. It’s not one big never-ending orgy. It’s more like a very relaxed cruise where people are allowed to be flirty, sexual, weird, or just curious — without shame.
Yes, people hook up. But they also sunbathe, attend workshops on communication (yes, really), and eat shrimp cocktails in towel robes. Sometimes all on the same day.
There’s laughter, boredom, nerves, excitement, and yes — a whole lot of adult content. But the real appeal? It’s the freedom to be whoever you want to be that week.And no, it’s not a secret society. People go back to their regular lives. They return to work, school drop-offs, and HOA meetings. But for one week, they got to step out of the roles they usually play — and try something different.