Bliss Cruise departing from Fort Lauderdale — tips for first-timers?
We just booked the Bliss Cruise that departs from Fort Lauderdale. It's our first lifestyle cruise and we're excited but have a million questions. What should we expect? How is it different from a regular cruise? Any packing tips?
Best Answer
Congrats! Bliss Cruise is an incredible experience. We've done three of them. Here's what you need to know:
What to expect:
- The ship is fully chartered — every single person onboard is in the lifestyle. No vanilla passengers.
- Clothing-optional on the pool deck once you leave port. Most people are nude by day 2.
- The nightclub converts to a massive playroom after midnight. It's wild.
- Themed parties every night — pack accordingly (toga, lingerie, glow, masquerade, etc.)
- Playrooms are set up in the conference areas and some converted cabins
Packing tips:
- 5-6 themed outfits (coordinate with your partner)
- Lingerie and sexy swimwear for the pool deck
- Condoms and personal supplies — they provide some but bring your own
- A robe for walking the halls late at night
- Comfortable shoes for port days
Pro tips:
- Book a balcony cabin — you'll want the privacy and fresh air
- Arrive in Fort Lauderdale a day early and hit Trapeze Club the night before departure as a warm-up
- Don't try to do everything the first night — you have 6 nights, pace yourselves
- The best connections happen at the pool deck during the day, not in the dark at night
2 Answers
One thing nobody warns you about: cruise ship beds are small. If you're planning foursomes in your cabin, get a suite or use the public playrooms. Also, bring Dramamine even if you think you don't get seasick. Nothing kills the mood like nausea.
The Fort Lauderdale pre-cruise hotel scene is half the fun. A bunch of lifestyle couples stay at the same hotels the night before and there are unofficial pre-parties at the hotel bars and pools. Check the Bliss Cruise forum for which hotels people are booking — you'll start making friends before you even board.