Adult Lifestyle Cruising Guide - All You Need to Know
Lifestyle Cruises - The Spicy Side of the High Seas
Adult Cruising - Why You Could Get More Than You Bargained For
*This article contains adult themes
Adult cruises can be quite risqué
Cruising has long been associated with relaxation, fine dining, and exploring new destinations. But for a select few sailings each year, the experience takes on a more risqué edge.
Some cruises take “adults only” to a whole new level? A handful of lifestyle-friendly voyages set sail each year, transforming luxury ships into floating parties for the bold and adventurous. Welcome to the world of adult lifestyle cruises - voyages designed exclusively for open-minded couples and individuals looking to connect in a liberated and discreet environment.
You may be surprised by who accommodates these raunchy respites. Recent sailings have taken over ships like Resilient Lady, Scarlet Lady, Marella Explorer 2, and Azamara Quest, creating an exclusive atmosphere where like-minded adults can connect. Select lounges, like The Manor on Virgin Voyages or The Attic on Marella, are temporarily repurposed as “playrooms,” offering private spaces for guests who enjoy a little extra excitement.
But don’t worry—by turnaround day, everything is meticulously restored to its original state, with deep cleaning and fresh furnishings ensuring the next cruise starts with a pristine, vanilla slate.
Whether you’re intrigued or just here for the tea, lifestyle cruises gives a whole new meaning to activity holidays.
What Are Adult Lifestyle Cruises?
AI Generated Image of Guests wearing latex costumes
Unlike standard adult-only or couples cruises, which focus on a child-free atmosphere, lifestyle cruises cater specifically to those in the swinging or alternative lifestyle communities. These sailings are typically full-ship charters, meaning the entire vessel is booked exclusively for guests who share similar interests. During these voyages, the usual cruise experience is enhanced with themed parties, sensual workshops, and designated “play spaces” where consenting adults can explore new connections.
What to Expect on a Lifestyle Cruise
A lifestyle cruise is not just a typical adults-only holiday—it’s a curated experience designed for open-minded couples and individuals who enjoy an uninhibited, respectful, and adventurous atmosphere. Whether you’re a seasoned lifestyle traveller or just curious, here’s what you can expect:
1️⃣ A Completely Private & Like-Minded Environment
Unlike regular cruises, lifestyle cruises are full-ship charters, meaning everyone onboard knows the theme and is comfortable with the setting. There won’t be any unexpected guests who accidentally booked the cruise, and there’s no judgment—just mutual respect.
Expect:
✔️ A relaxed, open-minded crowd
✔️ No kids or families onboard—just adults (typically 21+)
✔️ A mix of seasoned lifestyle couples, newcomers, and curious travellers
2️⃣ Clothing-Optional & Topless-Allowed Areas
Many lifestyle cruises allow topless sunbathing in designated areas (like the pool deck), and some even have clothing-optional spaces.
Expect:
✔️ A judgment-free environment where guests wear as much—or as little—as they’re comfortable with
✔️ Sunbathing, poolside lounging, and socialising in a carefree setting
✔️ Strict no-photo policies in sensitive areas for privacy
❗ Important: While some areas are clothing-optional, public nudity is typically limited to designated spaces—guests are still expected to be dressed in restaurants and common areas.
3️⃣ Themed Parties & Dress-Up Nights
Theme nights are one of the biggest highlights of a lifestyle cruise! Each evening features a different theme, from Lingerie Night to Glow Parties and Eyes Wide Shut Masquerades.
Expect:
✔️ Couples and singles going all out with sexy, creative costumes
✔️ A nightclub-like atmosphere with DJs, live entertainment, and high-energy dancing
✔️ Plenty of flirting, socialising, and fun in a playful, consent-first setting
Most Popular Theme Nights on Lifestyle Cruises
Lingerie Night – Lace, silk, and barely-there boudoir looks.
Masquerade Ball – Mysterious masks, elegant attire, and a sensual atmosphere.
Red Carpet Affair – Hollywood glamour meets seductive style.
Pajama & Toga Party – From silky robes to cheeky togas.
Bare as You Dare – Sheer, see-through, or creatively covered.
Fantasy & Fetish Night – Leather, latex, and playful roleplay outfits.
White Night / Glow Party – Neon and white outfits glowing under black lights.
Naughty Nautical – Sailor-inspired, beachy, and maritime-chic.
Rave Night / EDM Party – Festival gear, LED accessories, and wild club vibes.
Latin Fever – Salsa, tight dresses, and fiery Latin flair.
Great Gatsby Night – Roaring ‘20s elegance with flapper dresses and sharp suits.
💡 Tip: Check the cruise’s theme night schedule before packing to bring the perfect outfits! See my related Lifestyle Packing Guide.
4️⃣ Playrooms & Private Areas
Most lifestyle cruises offer designated playrooms where consenting adults can explore in a private or group setting. These areas are discreet, comfortable, and strictly monitored to ensure consent and etiquette are followed.
Expect:
✔️ A variety of play spaces, from intimate couples’ areas to larger social rooms
✔️ Clean, well-maintained spaces with provided essentials (towels, sanitising wipes, etc.)
✔️ A no-pressure atmosphere—participation is entirely optional
4️⃣ Rules & Etiquette:
✔️ Consent is mandatory – Always ask before touching or joining any activity
✔️ No phones or cameras – Strict privacy policies protect all guests
✔️ Respect personal boundaries – Some couples are fully involved in the lifestyle, while others are just there to socialise
5️⃣ Workshops, Socials & Icebreakers
To help guests feel comfortable, many lifestyle cruises offer workshops, mixers, and social events throughout the day. These can range from fun and flirty activities to educational sessions about relationships, intimacy, and communication.
Expect:
✔️ Meet & Greets to break the ice
✔️ Workshops on sensuality, relationships, and lifestyle etiquette
✔️ Games and speed-dating-style mixers for making new connections
💡 Tip: Even if you’re new to the lifestyle, attending these events is a great way to meet people in a casual, no-pressure setting!
6️⃣ A VIP Feel with Exclusive Access
Because lifestyle cruises are full-ship takeovers, the entire experience is curated to match the theme. Many offer exclusive perks, such as:
✔️ Private beach takeovers – Some itineraries include clothing-optional or lifestyle-friendly beach excursions
✔️ Luxury amenities – Top-tier dining, spa treatments, and high-end bars
✔️ Dedicated spaces – Many lifestyle cruises include exclusive VIP lounges and playroom transformations in areas like nightclubs or lounges
8️⃣ Respect, Consent & Community
Above all, lifestyle cruises are built on respect, communication, and choice. Whether you’re a full participant or just there to enjoy the open-minded atmosphere, you’ll find that these cruises prioritise consent, privacy, and a judgment-free environment.
❗You should NOT expect:
❌ Any pressure to participate in anything you’re uncomfortable with
❌ Public displays that violate ship policies—while some areas allow play, general public spaces do not
❌ Judgment—whether you’re fully immersed in the lifestyle or just curious, all guests are treated with respect
Which Cruise Ships Host Lifestyle Voyages?
Resilient Lady has been known to be chartered for Lifestyle Cruises
You may be surprised that several mainstream cruise lines have hosted adult lifestyle charters, offering luxury accommodations and world-class entertainment with a more uninhibited twist. Some of the most notable ships used for these voyages include:
Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady & Resilient Lady – Known for their modern, adults-only atmosphere, these ships have been popular choices for lifestyle cruises. The dark and moody Manor, Virgin’s signature nightclub, is often transformed into a dedicated space for after-hours fun.
Marella Explorer 2 – As Marella’s only adults-only ship, this vessel has hosted discreet lifestyle cruises, offering an intimate and relaxed atmosphere. The Attic, typically used as a quiet space to relax, read books or play board games in the day, and also a late-night lounge, has been temporarily converted into a playroom on select charters.
Azamara Quest – This smaller luxury cruise ship has provided an elegant yet adventurous setting for lifestyle travellers. The Living Room, usually a chic cocktail lounge, has been discreetly adapted for evening encounters.
Marella Explorer 2 has hosted discreet lifestyle cruises
How Do You Book A Lifestyle Cruise?
Different cruise lines and charter companies use distinct branding for their lifestyle cruises, often choosing names that are suggestive yet discreet. Here’s how some of these voyages have been marketed:
Temptation Cruises (by Temptation Resorts) – These cruises, often held on ships like Marella Explorer 2, cater to open-minded adults and feature topless-optional areas, themed parties, and sensual entertainment.
Desire Cruises (by Desire Resorts) – Known for their high-end, erotic-themed sailings, Desire charters premium ships such as Azamara Quest, offering couples-only, clothing-optional areas and exclusive playrooms.
Bliss Cruise – One of the most well-known lifestyle charter companies, Bliss typically books larger ships from Royal Caribbean and Celebrity, offering full-ship takeovers for the swinging community.
Couples Cruise – This brand has been associated with various ships, providing a slightly more intimate approach to lifestyle travel while maintaining the same adult-oriented activities.
Senses Private Club Cruises – A newer player in the space, Senses has focused on ultra-luxury and exclusivity, using smaller, high-end ships to offer a more personalised experience.
While mainstream cruise lines don’t openly advertise these sailings, they work with charter groups to ensure the ship’s transformation meets the needs of lifestyle guests while still being seamlessly reset for the next standard voyage.
How Playrooms Are Created and (Perhaps More Importantly) Reinstated
On lifestyle cruises, specific lounges, nightclubs, or unused areas are temporarily repurposed as playrooms. These spaces are thoughtfully arranged with comfortable furnishings, soft lighting, and privacy in mind, ensuring a welcoming environment for those who wish to take part.
However, by the time the next group of guests step onboard, the ship is fully restored to its original state. The transformation process includes:
Public Spaces are thoroughly cleaned following lifestyle cruises
Thorough Deep Cleaning – Specialist cleaning crews sanitise every surface, ensuring the highest hygiene standards.
Furniture Reset & Replacement – Any added soft furnishings or rearranged seating is put back in place as per the ship’s original design.
Atmosphere Restoration – Lighting, décor, and scent diffusers used for themed events are removed, returning lounges to their standard cruise ambiance.
By embarkation day for the next cruise, there’s no trace of the previous voyage’s alternate activities—just a pristine ship ready for its next set of passengers.
Who Books These Cruises?
Lifestyle Cruises attract a wide range of Guests
Lifestyle cruises attract a wide range of guests, from seasoned cruisers looking for something different to newcomers curious about the experience. While the atmosphere is open-minded and liberating, respect and discretion are always paramount. These sailings are not about pressure or expectations but about creating a space where like-minded adults can socialise in a fun and judgement-free environment.
Could You Book On To a Lifestyle Cruise by Mistake?
Accidentally booking onto a lifestyle cruise is highly unlikely, but not impossible if you’re not paying attention to the details. Here’s why:
Lifestyle Cruises Are Full-Ship Charters – These voyages are not just a section of a normal cruise; the entire ship is reserved exclusively for guests who are aware of the theme.
They’re marketed discreetly but clearly – Lifestyle cruise organisers use suggestive but clear branding (e.g., “Bliss Cruise” or “Desire Cruises”) and their websites require confirmation that you understand the nature of the trip before booking.
They’re not sold through mainstream cruise lines – You won’t find a lifestyle cruise on Virgin Voyages’ or Royal Caribbean’s official website or brochures for example. Instead, they’re booked through specialist travel agencies or directly with the charter companies.
How It Could Happen
If you book through a third-party site without checking the details.
If someone else books for you and doesn’t realise what they’ve chosen.
If you see a great deal and book without reading the full itinerary or ship takeover details.
How to Avoid It
Read the Fine Print – If a cruise has an age restriction of 21+ and mentions “open-minded adults,” “themed parties,” or “clothing-optional areas,” double-check what you’re signing up for.
Check the Organiser – If the cruise is run by companies like Bliss, Desire, or Temptation, it’s not a standard sailing.
Book Through the Cruise Line Directly – Mainstream cruises don’t host these events themselves; they lease the ship to charter groups. Booking directly with the cruise line ensures you’re on a regular itinerary.
In short, unless you completely ignore the details, you’re not going to end up on a lifestyle cruise by accident.
How Do Crew Deal With Lifestyle Cruises?
Crew still have a job to do, even on adult cruises. Discretion is key. Image: AI Generated
For cruise ship crew, working on a lifestyle cruise can be a very different experience from a regular sailing. While the ship itself remains largely the same, the passenger dynamics, atmosphere, and job expectations change significantly.
Here’s how crew members manage, adapt, and maintain professionalism during these unique voyages:
They Are Fully Briefed & Trained in Advance About what to expect – Themed events, guest interactions, and rule changes.
They have a code of conduct – Remaining professional, discreet, and neutral at all times.
Understanding Boundaries – while guests may be engaging in alternative lifestyles, the crew’s role is purely professional.
Playroom Policies – Many staff members are reassigned or given clear instructions on what areas they are (or aren’t) responsible for.
Housekeeping and event teams convert spaces for private events.
Signage is updated, and security ensures no unauthorised access.
At the end of the cruise, these spaces are thoroughly cleaned, sanitised, and reset for the next standard sailing.
One of the biggest adjustments for crew is seeing things they wouldn’t normally see on a standard cruise—but they are trained to stay neutral. Some crew members request temporary reassignments to areas with less guest interaction.
Believe it or not, some crew actually enjoy working lifestyle cruises as they often get higher tips, shorter hours in some cases and more laid-back guests (literally)
Lifestyle Cruises Planned for 2025
If yo7 are feeling adventurous, as of February 2025, several lifestyle-themed cruises are available for adults seeking unique and liberating travel experiences. Here are some notable upcoming voyages:
Temptation Caribbean Cruise
Dates: February 24 – March 1, 2025
Ship: Norwegian Pearl
Itinerary: Departs from Miami, Florida, with stops at Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas, and Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
Features: Topless-optional areas, couples-only playroom, workshops, pool parties, and themed nights. 
Bliss Explorer Caribbean Cruise
Dates: April 24 – 30, 2025
Ship: Explorer of the Seas
Itinerary: Departs from Miami, Florida, visiting Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Features: Clothing-optional full-ship takeover, daytime pool activities, seminars, meet & greets, and themed parties. 
Desire Rome-Barcelona Cruise
Dates: May 13 – 20, 2025
Ship: Azamara Quest
Itinerary: Sails from Rome to Barcelona, with stops in Italy, Malta, and Spain.
Features: Couples-only experience with clothing-optional areas, themed parties, and exclusive workshops. 
Desire Athens Cruise
Dates: September 27 – October 4, 2025
Ship: Azamara Quest
Itinerary: Departs from Athens, visiting Santorini, Souda, Argostoli, Messina, Naples, and concludes in Rome.
Features: Couples-only voyage featuring clothing-optional areas, themed events, and tailored entertainment. 
Bliss Reflection Caribbean Cruise
Dates: November 8 – 15, 2025
Ship: Celebrity Reflection
Itinerary: Departs from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with stops in Philipsburg, St. Maarten, and St. John’s, Antigua.
Features: Full-ship charter for adult couples, featuring entertainment, DJs, high-energy parties, and inventive themes. 
These cruises offer adults the opportunity to explore new horizons in both travel and personal experiences, all within a respectful and open-minded environment.
Final Thoughts: Is a Lifestyle Cruise Right for You?
✅ If you’re open-minded, adventurous, and comfortable in a sensual, social environment, a lifestyle cruise could be an unforgettable experience.
✅ If you’re curious but not sure, many people attend just to enjoy the party atmosphere and themed events—there’s no pressure to do anything beyond your comfort zone.
❌ If you prefer a more traditional, structured cruise experience, you might want to explore other adults-only cruise options instead.
Whilst not my cup of tea, adult lifestyle cruises are proof that the cruise industry has something for everyone. Whether you’re intrigued by the idea or simply interested in the logistics of how these charters operate, it’s fascinating to see how mainstream cruise ships can be transformed for a very different kind of holiday—before seamlessly returning to their usual, more conventional sailings.
Would you ever be tempted to set sail on one of these voyages, or is this a cruise best left to the bold? Let us know your thoughts.