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!
