Lifestyles Cruises
Azamara Quest Cruise Ship
Crystal Symphony Cruise Ship
Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas
Celebrity Infinity Cruise Ship

Lifestyles Cruise®

Frequently Asked Questions


 

Before you book FAQ's

Is this a full ship takeover?

Yes! A full ship takeover means that all the passengers on the ship are there for the same reason. Everyone knows that the cruise allows nudity, is couples only and that many of the guests are looking to spice up their love life.

We are new to the lifestyle and cruising. Is this cruise for us?

Absolutely! Not only are the passengers on board very welcoming (they were once "new" too), but it is a very low-pressure environment. This will be a great vacation for you to go at your own pace.

Is everyone a swinger?

No, but about 60 to 70% of them are. Everyone on board has different rules. Some are soft-swap, some full, some play in separate rooms or same rooms only. There are many variations.

Other Couples may just be into being nude when permitted, while some just want a fun and sexy environment where they don't have to worry about kids running around. When in doubt, ask!

Is nudity permitted?

It varies from cruise to cruise, but generally, the answer is YES! Full nudity is allowed on the pool deck and in the play rooms if we aren't in port. There will be an announcement throughout the ship about when you must get clothed as we come into port.

You're even OK to be naked on your balcony while we're at sea. One thing you want to keep in mind is that ship security cameras do record all activity on the balconies, so keep that in mind before you get sexy.

Does the ship's crew play with the passengers?

No. Don't ask them, either. It puts them on the spot, and they will lose their job if they are caught. Breaking this ship rule also puts you at risk for being removed from the ship at the next port as well.

Would I be bored on a cruise?

On a vanilla cruise, maybe. On an adult lifestyle cruise, that would be near impossible. Between the play rooms, nightly dance parties, meet & greets, and classes, trust me boredom will not be a problem.

We only practice safe sex, is that an issue?

No. 99% of the people who share partners are doing the same thing. Some play rooms may provide you with protection and supplies, but we recommend coming prepared! Be sure to check out our [Playroom etiquette] post for more info on that.

My partner and I are both bi, are bi couples a turn off on board?

No Way! Everyone on board is nonjudgmental and easy going. You may not be someone's cup of tea, but you might be someone's shot of whiskey! In fact, most cruises will have a bi-couple meet and greet for you to see just how many other couples are in the same situation as you.

I don't drink, will I be thought of as weird?

That's ok. A lot of people don't drink on the cruise. If it's for health reasons, you will have plenty of kindred spirits.

We're not as young as we used to be, will people be turned off by us?

Some may, most won't. All of us at some point will have scars and issues. It's called life. If you don't have any, then you haven't been living hard enough! Our cruises are judgment free and no pressure. Everyone is there to have as much fun as they can!

We're into BDSM and kinky play, will we be the only ones into it?

Not at all. On many of our cruises, like Bliss, they will have multiple play rooms. One of those play rooms will be kink themed. Spanking benches, crosses, and floggers, oh my! Plus some charters will offer classes for those looking to learn.

Do I need a passport?

In most cases, the answer is YES. A passport is a travel standard and a good idea. There are a few exceptions that can be made for US citizens traveling on a closed loop cruise. Get a passport and have fun to collect travel stamps from countries you visit!

What's included with my booking?

When you buy a cabin, you are paying for your entrance onto the boat, the port taxes and fees and basic gratuities. Dining at the main dining hall and buffets are also included.

What's NOT included?

There are a few optional things that you may be interested in purchasing that is not included with your booking. Drink packages, tours, specialty dining, spa treatments, and internet access are popular add on costs.

What about flights?

Flights are not a part of your cruise package. When you do book your flight, we recommend planning to arrive at least a day early. That way you don't stress with flight delays or lost baggage.

For most cruises, there is a pre-cruise hotel, be sure to ask us about it. We've had couples miss the cruise because they tried to arrive the day of the trip and go right to the port. The ship does not wait for late passengers.

For your flight returning home plan one after 12:00 noon. Remember you will want to have breakfast and say 'goodbye' to all your new friends before you disembark.

What type of excursions are offered?

There are two types of excursions. The ones offered by the ship and ones you can book from local operators in the destination.

We recommend going with the ship organized excursions. They have been reviewed for passenger safety, and if there are delays while you are off the ship, the ship is guaranteed to wait.

I get seasick sometimes, anything you can recommend?

Big ships are very stable. Much more stable than a smaller boat and even large yachts. Doctors can prescribe seasickness patches such as scopolamine. Aside from that, we can help you find a cabin on board that will be the least affected by any swaying there may be (i.e. Lower decks and near the middle of the ship).

I want to surprise my partner with this cruise, how can I do this?

No, you don't. If you are new to the lifestyle and swinging, it will backfire. Ask your partner and get their input first. Make sure this is something you both want.

We've got a lot of rules when we play, some out of the ordinary. Will we be looked at funny?

We all have rules. Get them set early and stick to them. Some people have fewer rules, and some have none. It's all about communicating your rules and preferences to your sexy new friends when you meet them! The most important rule you need to know is "Yes means Yes, No means No, and Maybe means No."

What is the difference between a normal sailing of Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruise ship and the complete take-over Lifestyles Cruise?

Regular "Vanilla" crusie trips are completely different than a chartered ship. Take-over ships are chartered for 100% of the cabins and all of the control over the entertainment and attire (or no attire) allowed on the ship.

Why are these take-over cruises higher priced than normal cruises?

Normal cruises are generally operated by the cruise lines. They can sail a ship without all of the cabins sold and it does not cost them except for lost revenue. When a take-over ship is chartered, the legitimate charters most often secure the contracts with over a million dollars. Evey cabin on the ship is paid for in advance by the charter company. This is a huge investment, and if a ship sails with unsold cabins the charter company "eats" the loss from the unsold room. (plus contract fines for unsold cabins)

How can I be sure the money I invest on a charter a year in advance afe and the ship will actually sail?

The easy answer to the question is to do business with a reputable company with a strong financial and capable of sailing the ship when all of the cabins are not sold. In the past there has been charter companies that went out of business and the many customers lost out. Right Connections Travel and Lifestyles Cruise properly "vet" the charter companies we work only with know cruise lines and companies that are financially sound. Some agencies just love commissions, we love happy customers!

After booking FAQ's

Do you offer Travel Insurance?

Yes we do offer Travel Insurance and we STRONGLY recommend you buy this coverage. You have no idea what might change in your life over the year, but if you don't buy your cabin early, you may miss the boat or get a left-over cabin. So buy early and buy Travel Insurance. What if mom is dying in a nursing home, or one of the kids is in an accident? Be totally covered for a very reasonable price.

Rest assured when Right Connections/Lifestyles Cruises accepts your deposit monies for a charter cruise, your money is safe with us and you are these ships are sailing. If you don't see an advertised charter listed on our site, this means Right Connections/Lifestyles Cruise has not been satisfied the company structure and Principles are strong enough to insure sailing as expected.

Can I check in online?

Yes. To make the check in the process run more smoothly and you have all the required documents for traveling, we ask that you do so at least 72 hours before your sail time.

Where do I go if I already checked in online?

If you're all set with your SetSail Pass and your bags are tagged, look for the SetSail Pass designated areas and present your documents for validation to board the ship and begin enjoying your cruise.

What if I did not check in online?

If you did not check in online, you will be required to do so at the pier at least 2 hours before your sail time.

When can I board the ship?

The boarding time is specified on your Guest Vacation document. Please pay special attention to that time because they will not allow you to board the ship before it's ready.

What do I do if I have a disability or special needs?

Special needs guests are always welcome on board Bliss Cruise. We will make sure all special needs are properly taken care of to ensure a pleasant experience on their adult vacation. If you require special needs assistance, please let us know, and we will get you in touch with the Special Needs Department for the cruise line.

What types of excursions will be offered?

  • Adventure tours such as horseback riding, mountain biking, parasailing, rain forest hiking, and 4x4 off-roading
  • Beach and Water Adventures such as whitewater rafting, glass-bottom boat tours, romantic sunset cruises, deep-sea fishing, kayaking just to name a few.
  • Golfing
  • Sightseeing and City Tours
  • And so much more
On lifestyle cruises, there are always clothing optional excursions as well.

What items are not allowed on a cruise ship?

For the safety of our guests and crew, certain items are not allowed on board. If these items are found, they will be confiscated. Alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, flammable liquids, explosives, and dangerous chemicals will not be returned. Prohibited items are at the discretion of the Chief Security Officer and the Staff Captain and include, but are not limited to:
  • Illegal drugs and substances
  • Candles, incense, coffee makers, clothes irons, travel steamers and hot plates (Items that generate heat or produce an open flame. This includes heating pads, clothing irons, hot plates, candles, incense and any other item that may create a fire hazard. NOTE: The only exception to this policy are curling irons and hair straighteners. Matches and normal lighters are allowed onboard. However "torch lighters" and novelty lighters that look like guns are not allowed onboard. Torch lighters emit a powerful, concentrated flame, and are therefore prohibited.
  • Electrical extension cords
  • Firearms and ammunition, including realistic replicas
  • Sharp objects, including knives and scissors*
  • Self-defense, including handcuffs, pepper spray, and night sticks
  • Alcoholic beverages** (Note: Alcoholic beverages that are purchased in ports-of-call or from shops onboard will be stored by the ship and delivered to you on the last day of the sailing.)
Please refer to the cruise line's website for the complete list of prohibited items.

* Personal grooming items such as safety razors are allowed. Scissors with blades less than four inches are allowed.
** Two bottles of wine per stateroom are allowed on embarkation day, subject to corkage fees.

Can I bring alcohol from home onboard?

There is no hard liquor, beer or other nonalcoholic beverages allowed onboard the ship. You may bring wine or champagne on boarding day, and it is limited to two, 750ml bottles per stateroom and may be subjected to an additional cost if consumed in public.

How do I pay for onboard purchases?

The cruise ship operates on a cashless basis, and all purchases are charged to your Onboard Expense account tied to your room that you set up at the time of check-in.

Is Internet access available on the ship?

Yes. There are two options available to stay connected while on the cruise ship for an additional charge. There is Wireless Internet Access (Wi-Fi) and Internet Café/Workstations.