Welcome toDoing It, a column where sex educator Varuna Srinivasan explores the deep connections between sex and emotions.
This month, they dive into the world of adults-only lifestyle cruises.
Have a question or story idea for Dr. Srinivasan?Submit it here.
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Cruises have gotten more niche in recent years.
There are a lot of cruises catering toadults only, both couples and singles.
And then there are these lifestyle cruises, a subset of adults-only cruises that create spaces for sexual exploration.
A lot of activities on board cater to guests who are interested in non-monogamous sexual experiences.
We need to follow regulations that are on trend for reach our target customer.
Outside of these spaces, the traditional rules of a cruise line apply.
The rules of the ship, she says, are established before anyone steps foot on the deck.
We ensure consent by sending our guidelines prior to boarding in the welcome guide, ORielly explains.
There are plenty of reminders once guests are on the ship, too.
OReilly says she encourages guests to have open conversations about boundaries and is available to offer support when needed.
For example, I spoke to a woman who struggled with communicating her boundaries, OReilly says.
Tatyannah King, a 28-year-old writer from New York, first heard of lifestyle cruises seven years ago.
At the time, she was in a strictly monogamous relationship.
On the cruise King went on, there was a theme party every night.
Sometimes the theme is something sexy and creative, like a kinky twist on Disney princes and princesses.
Other theme nights have a more nostalgic vibe, like 80s night, she says.
Parties like that help facilitate connection with other people because everyones there to dance and have a fun time.
Social options like dance parties help ease any potential nerves you might feel when being in a sexually-charged environment.
Whether youre curious or fully invested in wanting to have more adventurous sexual experiences, theres something for everyone.
Alexa is a 27-year-old psychologist from Costa Rica who has also visited both lifestyle resorts and cruises.
I loved how obsessed everyone is with kissing.
(Its such a fun activitytry it!)
On another day, I kissed 13 people!
I loved how obsessed everyone is with kissing there because it’s the same for me.
If youre hoping that taking a cruise will secure your marriage, it might not be the best idea.
Think through your motivations for going on an adventure like this and what it means to you.
Get on the same page.
Also be sure to research the pop in of cruise line that is best for you.
