While clothing is not required, a buoyant bank balance is when it comes to nude cruising, a topic that has been thrust into the spotlight of late after a passenger who traveled on several of the clothing-free trips shared his experience online. 

DailyMail.com has looked at the cost for a two-week cruise with Bare Necessities, with the rates starting at $2,000 per person for an inside cabin on 11-day Caribbean trip and bouncing up to $33,155 for a three bedroom 'garden villa' aboard the Norwegian Pearl. 

On top of the fees, there are also port taxes 'estimated at $235.25 per person' and pre paid gratuities at $177.43 per passenger.

This compares to a fully-clothed trip booked directly with the cruise line, where prices start from just $949. 

DailyMail.com has looked at the cost for a two-week cruise with Bare Necessities, with the rates starting at $2,000 for an inside cabin on 11-day Caribbean trip

On top of the fees, there are also port taxes 'estimated at $235.25 per person' and pre paid gratuities at $177.43 per passenger

While Bare Necessities has not responded to a request around the price differentiation, many experienced nudists say it is a well known fact the naked cruises cost more than the so-called 'textile' cruises. 

Nude cruises were brought to the forefront of conversation this week when a 67-year-old man opened up about his experiences aboard one of the ships - answering a host of questions from fascinated Reddit users about what life is like aboard the ship. 

And in one of his replies, he revealed that nude cruises 'apparently [cost] significantly more than a normal cruise.'

He explained: 'I've never done a textile cruise, so I don’t know the difference. 

'I think this one was $2,500 per person for a seven day cruise in a standard room with a balcony.'

Another Redditor, who has been on four Bare Necessities cruises, says the high cost of the trips means the age range is generally older. 

They wrote: 'My wife and I have been on four Bare Necessities cruises, and next month will be our fifth. 

'We've discovered over the years that they are really fun way to unplug and chill out for a few weeks.

Texas-based travel company, Bare Necessities, has been operating clothing-optional ship charters since 1990

'There are no children on board, and the crowd skews a little older with most folks in the 50-70's range, but you will see some folks in their late 20s and 30s. 

'I think that's partially due to how expensive these cruises are.'

An even swankier nude cruise with Bare Necessities, which runs for 14 days from Australia and visits a string of remote islands in the South Pacific, starts from $13,660 for a basic suite and runs up to $50,770 for the penthouse.

However, the cruise line Scenic which will charter the boat to Bare Necessities, runs trips at a similar price point and it appears nudists will not be charged a premium.  

Texas-based travel company, Bare Necessities, has been operating clothing-optional ship charters since 1990.

Bare Necessities highlights in its marketing materials that its trips are not sexual and its main aim is to 'dispel the misconception that it is anything but natural and beautiful.' 

It adds: 'We have made strides in the acceptance of nude vacationing and our wide range of cruise charters are a testament to our success.'