The Couples Cruise is, as it sounds, a cruise for couples. Like any vanilla cruise, there are stops in various countries, swimming pools, 24 hour buffets, restaurants, shopping, dancing, entertainment, etc. -- in addition to play rooms, sexy themes, and more.Â
Cruises happen a few times a year, although usually once per year starting in the US. Prices start at about $2,600 per cabin, and go way, way up from there. This price is all-inclusive (excluding drinks and excursions). Couples of all genders and orientations are allowed, as well as a small number of singles who have to jump through hoops.
All of the benefits of a regular cruise - minus kids, plus nudity!
Because the high price tends to limit goers to a certain demographic, the atmosphere is more upscale than many regular swingers events. Especially at dinner, people dress up in evening wear. It's a lot of fun!
There are thousands of swingers all around you, all of the time. You are definitely bound to click with at least a few couples.
If you don't click with someone, but they cling onto you, you may think that it'd be hard to avoid them since you're both stuck on the same ship... But with the size of the ship and number of people, it's easy to meet new people every day and not see the same people twice (unless you want to/try to)!
Relaxing and laid back days in the sun, followed by fun and crazy nights in the clubs and play rooms.
The ship and facilities are new, clean, and delightful.
The entertainment is first-class, not cheesy or cheap in any sense.
The people are friendly and open. You can come without knowing anyone, and leave with a new group of friends from all around the world.
We were pleasantly surprised by the demographic. While it was predominantly older, we found plenty of young people to hang out with.
There is something for everyone. There are varying age groups and demographics, as well as an S&M room, a dark room, a play room where you can leave curtains open or closed, etc.
A lot of people from Chicago go on the cruise, and Chicago has a reputation for being especially cool, friendly, and hot!
Though it's swinger-friendly, this is not a "swingers' cruise", it's a "couples' cruise". Maybe about half of the cruise consists of nudists who are non-swingers.
There is no vetting, and there are plenty of people on the cruise who are not considered traditionally attractive - e.g. elderly, obese, hairy people, who let it all hang out.
Cons that apply to any cruise - you are trapped in a swaying structure for a week, with people who you may or may not like, who may or may not be sick.
Because of the size of the ship, it's not unlikely that you might meet someone that you like, and never run into them again over the course of the cruise. And since cell phones don't work (and Internet is expensive), it's difficult to stay in touch on the ship. (Pro tip: bring "business cards" with your picture, names, room number, and social media handles).
Obviously, this is not in Chicago. This is an event that requires planning, travel, vacation time from work, and a cover story.
Hanging around the pool, and going off-ship are very weather-dependent. If it rains or is cold, you might not have that good of a time.
Sea sickness is a real possibility.
It's hard to find a private place to hook up, unless you have a big room. Otherwise, your options are a tiny stateroom, or in a public playroom.
