Last week’s nudist cruise with Bare Necessities was somewhat of a homecoming for me. I worked for them back in my college days: facilitating proper towel etiquette, ensuring dining room decorum, and most importantly in the role of the disco sex police.

Bare Necessities is a travel company specializing in nude cruising. Their largest events take over full-sized cruise ships with about 2,500 participants. They are also members of AANR (American Association of Nude Recreation) which lobby for nudist rights. Contrary to popular belief, nudism is not synonymous with hedonism. True nudists engage in bare recreation for simple pleasures, like the warmth of the sun kissing their body, the coolness of water washing over them unhindered, and the luxury of being comfortable in their skin. But with so many people on board, there will always be a few wild cards. Bare Necessities hires their own staff in addition to the cruise line’s staff to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for everyone. I was fortunate to be one of their hired sailors this year.

We watched from the pool deck as the port slid out of view. Everyone was itching to shed their layers. As soon as the horn blast signaled we were far enough from land to get naked, people threw off their clothes and cheered in celebration. It is technically a “clothing-optional” cruise, so you’ll see varying degrees of undress and nobody judges one way or another. I prefer to run around in a sarong or my beach towel poncho, which provides both warmth and versatility. While watching a parade of humanness on full display, you’ll realize the first critical truth of nudism. Clothes make us sexier. I don’t care who you are, a supermodel, a fitness guru, or Ron freakin Jeremy, sex appeal is created by what is hidden, implied and denied. Without the naughtiness of revealing clothes, we’re just bodies. The second truth is that nobody has a perfect body. We all have scars, wrinkles, rolls and flab, bellies and thighs, freckles and birthmarks, stretch marks and cellulite. The quicker we abandon the illusion of perfection, the quicker we can get on with being the best version of ourselves, here and now. Getting to know someone without the judgments and biases of their clothing is revealing. You may realize that the vulnerability of meeting a stranger in the bare, seeing the accumulation of their life’s stories written on their bodies, and allowing them to witness yours can be a powerful catalyst for self-acceptance. When you strip away the armor of clothing, the barriers of our ego also have a curious way of dissolving too. It is simultaneously scary and liberating.

My “undercover” job was to hang out at the pool and have a good time, while keeping an eye out for people who might be creeping, whether it’s taking photos, talking too close, or provocative behavior. Later at night when the sexy vibes get amped up in the disco, the staff makes sure that it’s all in good taste. I love dancing, mingling and party hyping, and if things get too frisky I just call in the coolers. Again, most people are just there to have a good time. The veterans know the drill, no grinding or dancing too close, keep it clean. It’s usually the first timers who are most likely to get out of control, because everything is novel and they’re used to the dirty dancing of a typical nightclub. In many ways, being nude makes people behave more conservatively and respectfully. As a woman I appreciate that dynamic and the safe space created by the leaders and community.

We visited three ports of call, Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico, and a private beach on the island of Roatan off Honduras. There were nude beach options for each port, along with the usual roundup of tropical adventures like sailing, snorkeling, touring and shopping. On Roatan, I ran into my old friend Pete, who is a journalist, co-author of Core Performance, and host of the nude radio podcast: the Fitness Buff. It was great reminiscing with him about being on the radio show back when I first started my nudist journey. I can honestly say that the Bare Necessities cruises have changed my life. I have made so many amazing memories, enduring friendships, and sealed the kiss of the sun in my heart for those cold winter days back home.

I also ran into my friends at the Florida Young Naturists booth. I had been part of their think tank in the beginning stages, brainstorming around the campfire about how to get more young people involved. Body acceptance has always been an obstacle for the younger demographic. Most have not developed the confidence of maturity. They have not yet realized that people are much more interested in their own dramas than your imperfections. It takes me back to a quote I heard in a yoga class.

Embodiment is an act of rebellion in a world that is heavily invested in disconnecting us from the wisdom of ourselves.

Back on board, I brought my yoga mat out for my daily personal practice. I got alot of interest from people who saw me walking around with my mat, and I offered to teach an impromptu naked yoga class. It was a hit! The next sea day, my class doubled in size. I really enjoyed teaching a feel-good flow to loosen up the joints and unlock the spine. I knew with as much walking and sitting as people were doing, that their bodies really needed spiraly movements to explore their range of motion and open up stuck places. It was a fun spontaneous offering, but next year I hope to make it an offical scheduled activity. Who’s in?

My biggest takeaway is this. It would be a shame to allow life pass you by without experiencing the freedom of going bare. Swimming naked in the ocean, feeling the breeze tickle your skin and the sun warm your body, moving effortlessly, unrestricted, and fully present. Discovering the confidence to be at home in your body is life changing.