For those who have never been on a swinger cruise, you are letting the best things in life pass you by. The Jewel of The Seas is offering a Swinger Cruise January 28 – Feb 2nd. 2013.

There will be themed nights, parties, and events but what you need to understand is that when you board you will be given an itinerary of the exciting on board events. On this ship there is practically everything you could ask for in the way of fantasy, things to do or people to do. For those that have attended regular cruises before, a swinger cruise is not much different in terms of what to expect. Sure there is clothing optional areas, but the amenities and entertainment are always part of the agenda. The price of a cruise includes your cabin, all of the shows and use of all of the facilities; all meals and snacks all day and night. On larger ships, there are places where you can go for breakfast, lunch, dinner and midnight buffets plus the food is free. There is generally a room service menu that you can order from 24/7 and that food is free (you should tip the delivery person a couple dollars) but does not include all drinks.  The ships provide coffee, tea, milk, juices, and drinks like lemonade and punch for free. BUT, you must pay for soft drinks (usually about $1.50) and all alcoholic beverages including beer and wine.

There are places on ships to play cards and board games; and the cards and games are provided. If you want to just sit and read, there’s a library where you can bring your books or select one from the shelf. Ships have internet cafes and some offer WIFI if you prefer to use your computer in your cabin (some ships offer notebooks for rent).  Some people worry about getting sea sick, but the ships being used these days have automated stabilizers which minimize the rocking. The larger ships cut through the water so easy that you don’t even feel like you are moving. When there is bad weather the cruise lines will steer around and away from it. Also, the ships generally move overnight and dock in the mornings so you don’t feel much movement. Consequently, your chances of getting sea sick are minimal. There is generally less motion than on an airplane. If you do get sick, all ships have a doctor and they will dispense sea sick medicines. If you are prone to motion sickness, just get pills or a patch from your own doctor before you go, or go to a boating store and get a sea sickness bracelet. My brother gets sea sick but has never become sick on any cruise, however better to be safe than sorry.

The dress code on ship is casual all day and clothing optional depending on location. So take swim wear, shorts, sandals, beach shoes, your snorkel equipment if you have it, sun glasses and sun screen, lotions, a cap or big hat for the sun, a book if you are a reader, your music player, sneakers and clothes to workout in if you like to use the gym, your camera, and other personal toiletries. Most 7-day cruises have two formal nights when you can wear your best stuff and get pictures taken, and maybe meet the ship’s Captain. Same applies here. The formal nights are REQUESTED not required attire. But some people do dress up in a tux for men and a long dress (any color) for women. Some men just wear a suit and tie and some women wear a nice dress but not a gown.  You should pack formal, informal and any toys you may want to have fun with on board the ship.  A free-form sculpture suspended above the dance floor is a focal point of the Centrum. This eye-catching sculpture made of aluminum, crystal and stainless steel is entitled “Northern Lights” and is aptly named. A lighted stairway, leading to deck 5, separates the dance floor and bar from the Guest Relations. Aft (towards the rear) of the Centrum, on deck 4, is the main floor of the stately 2 story Tides Dining Room. Windows along both sides of the dining room, silk draped pillars, high ceilings, an expansive staircase and cascading waterfall all combine to make the area airy, yet elegant. Along the back wall of the dining room hangs a stunning 2 story mosaic of glass, brass and copper.