"Please be aware that NUDITY or TOPLESS BATHING may be observed"

[Deb in IA]

We received our form for advance sign-up for Shore Excursions for our Aug 10 cruise.

I was looking at some excursions for St. Maarten, and many of them have a little asterisk. When I looked closer, the asterisk indicates that "nudity or topless bathing" may be observed.

Does this REALLY happen??:eek: :eek: Has anyone encountered this?

I was interested in the "See and Sea Island Tour", but it appears that there may be other "things" that may be seen in that outing!!

[Michelle]

Now you know why EROS took a cruise, Deb! ;)

Seriously, there are a few beaches on St. Maarten where you'll see some topless bathers. We've had a few posters tell stories of their encounters and for the most part it seemed to be no big deal, and not very widespread. It seems to be pretty intermittent and not all that common.

[jeanie]

Years ago, (1991) we went on a cruise that included St Maarten's.
We went to Orient Beach and saw many nude (not just topless) people. The beach is absolutely beautiful and if the nudity doesn't bother you, you really should check it out... We are going back to St Maarten's with the kids but we are not stopping at Orient Beach this time....

There are probably parts of the beach were you won't see any naked bodies but the time I went I had a gentleman standing two feet from me, clearly proud of himself!!

I thought I was sophisticated but boy I was not!

[MFan]

Yes, it's definitely true. We've been to St. Maarten twice, once with Carnival before kids and the other with DCL after we had kids. Both times, we went to the Orient Beach and saw nudity there (mostly topless women, but some completely nude men & women). I'd say only a small percentage of visitors (probalby <5%) on the beach were nude, but many walked along the beach so it would be unavoidable. We were told there is actually a nudist camp on one end of that beach. We had no problem with it (that's why we went back because the beach is gorgeous!!), but I know some parents were very concerned.

[Carol RN]

Is there "nude" or "topless" bathing in Cozumel or Grand Cayman? :eek:

[MFan]

No, I don't believe nudity/topless is even allowed in Cozumel nor Grand Cayman. You should be safe in both locations.

[Señor Ferrari]

In my experience, this is limited to the French side of St. Martin. I have never seen it on Dutch Sint Maarten. I believe that nude/topless sunbathing is supposed to be limited to one side of Orient Beach. I'm not sure if there are similar guidelines on the other French-side beaches. I have heard one or two reports of people encountering this on the Dutch side, but have never personally seen it.

[Towncrier]

We encountered a few topless bathers on the Dutch side during our last visit to St. Maarten in January of this year. We were out on the Golden Eagle Catamaran and they took us to Mullet Bay where I was a bit surprised to see a couple of topless ladies (not in our group). I didn't expect that on the Dutch side.

[CarolAnnC]

Both sides of St Maarten do have topless bathing and the French side has nudity as well. These are European customs and the island is adapted from a European culture as well.

The interesting point here is that most European countries allow topless beaches and they find Americans to be rather stifled about it, LOL! It is all in the way you are raised, and certainly the U.S. does not find female topless bathing to be very common here.

How about the Carnival ship that has a "topless" deck on board? I would find that a bit weird, myself, LOL!

[ducklite]

I don't think it's so weird, one of the local beaches here in NJ is a nude beach.

If you really have a problem seeing nudity (we're not talking X-rated acts, we're talking people at ease with their bodies) definitely stay clear of Orient Beach.

Anne

[Towncrier]

Our friends went to Orient Beach on their 2001 Disney Cruise, well aware of what they might encounter. Upon returning from their cruise, they had only two words for their experience there:
GRAVITY WINS!

[pamelajean]

We were on the 06/01/02 Magic and decided to go on the Golden Eagle Catameran (sp?) -- which I HIGHLY recommend -- it was great!

I knew that there was nude bathing allowed on the French side of the island but we were on the Golden Eagle going to a separate little island (cannot remember the name) and did not think we would run into any of it so I said nothing to the kids (DS10 and DD9). If I had thought we would see any I would have prepped the kids in advance. Anyway... after my DD and I had finished snorkling she was sitting on the beach removing her snorkle gear with her back to the direction we had to walk. I was facing that direction as I was helping her and talking to her. I looked up and saw two totally nude men entering the water about 10 yards ahead of us. Think quick!! At first I suggested that we return to see how DH and DS were doing thinking the men would be in the water by the time we returned, but she really wanted to go back to the catameran and get a drink. She turned around and her jaw hit the sand. She pulled me down and said in a loud whisper "Mommy, that man's naked!" Turns out there was a rather lage group of men and women that we had to walk by to get back. So we had a quick talk about cultural differances, that the people were in no way a threat, and how impolite it is to stare! Overall she handled it well and I did not hear her mention it again on the cruise. However, it was the first thing she told my mother when we stopped by her house on the way home!! :D

I think as long as you explain it to the kids, and don't make a big deal out of it, it won't be a problem. I would prep any kids prior to going to any beach on or around St Martin though-- just in case!

Pam

[Deb in IA]

Exactly, Pam. And thanks for your story.

I am not a prude, and I am NOT at all judgemental about other cultures/customs. I just wanted to know how commonly this was encountered, so that I could appropriately warn/prepare our kids, since they are at that impressionable age (DD11, DS7) if this happens to us.

Anyone else?

[Fawn]

LOL Towncrier!! Soooo true!

Pam, I can just see my girls doing the same thing! :D

For myself, I find the topless beaches to be sorta...one sided! :rolleyes:

[Viking]

Hi Folks,
I'd like to congratulate you on the discovery that there is a world outside the USA ;)
Over here in Germany you will even find people sunbathing topless in public parks like Central Park, NYC. They usually do it in kind of spots remote from the walkways, but they do it. In public baths and at the local lakes or beaches many of the girls also do it. The unwritten law says "It's OK as long as you're just tanning, but as soon as you start moving, put on your top."
Your kids won't be blinded by the view, won't become rapists or perverts. Just take it as an enlargement of their cultural horizon.

[pal2pluto]

It could happen anywhere there, I believe. We were at Great Bay Beach in St. Marteen. Of course, I should have known.....my dh was standing with a couple other guys (we didn't know) all staring down the beach. They (guys) must have a sort of "radar" that just senses a topless woman in the vacinity!:) I never noticed/saw her.!

[prymsu]

I have seen topless women at Dawn's Beach in St. Marteen. Also when I was in the Caymans, I personally did not see it, but a friend of mine said there were a couple of topless women, even though this is supposedly not allowed.

[Kaa]

We took the See and Sea Tour in 2000 and I don't recall seeing any nudity. That's not to say it isn't out there, but we weren't on the beach long enough to see anything!

[mmouse37]

We saw quite a few topless/naked folk at Orient Beach on the Disney Excursion there. They forewarned us.

The nude beach is all the way to one end of the beach but they often take walks and have everything flapping in the the breeze!!! Most of the people you see make you gag...GRAVITY DOES WIN!!! as another poster described so well. They are mostly men and women over 60 with lots of wrinkles!!!

There have also been incidents of topless bathing (rare, but it does happen) on Castaway Cay. The CM's really don't say anything (they are probably embarrased to!!!)

MJ

[4crusinransiers]

We have traveled all over with our children. In Southern mexico we encountered topless sunbathers in Playa Del carmen and a few in Cozumel. My sons age's 9 and 11 think is no big deal.
The first time they encountered this however they were 5 and 7 and they made a comment to me"mom look that lady has no top!"
I explained in different cultures (europe) some ladys do not like to wear tops at the beach. That was good enough for them and now its no big deal! I just asked my 11 year old "Chance is it a big deal to see topless ladys when we go to the beach?" his replay was not to me but to DAD! LOL;)

[tltjet]

I don't remember seeing anyone in Cuzumel topless on the beach but I did see women on the beach in Cancun topless. Cuzomel is still Mexico so you may see some people there as well.

[ruvidu]

On our May 2001 Magic cruise we decided to do the Orient Beach excursion. We never noticed the asterick and were surprised when the excursion leader said, "Now, Remember that Orient Beach is clothing optional" as we stood to get off of the bus. We looked at each other like "Did you read this in the brochure"? I know Miss Vivian thought I had used the White Out to do away with that asterick. We settled down in the wonderful soft chairs, a lot like deck 4, with our rum punch drinks and books. The first thing Miss Vivian noticed was that there were several children playing at the edge of the water. She is a K4 teacher and worries a lot about what children see, say and do. We had been there about 15 minutes and here comes two beautiful ladies without their tops. They walked by and the kids never looked up but we did hear a gasp from the chair beside us. A young girl about 20 looked at us and said, "Did you see that?" to which I replied "Oh Yeah I did". She said "You would never see that in Indiana" . There were several other topless and nude folks walking by during the day and those kids kept right on playing. I don't think they ever looked up and Miss Vivian's fears were put to rest. One couple, about 60, well fed and tanned walked by with nothing but straw hats on. Miss Vivian looks over at me and asked, "With all of that hanging out in the sun, why are they wearing hats"? Being the educated SAWB that I am I said "that is probably where they keep their wallets cause they ain't got no pockets".
After lunch we decided to take a walk up the beach to the right. About a hundered yards up the beach was another public beach area that was covered with topless and nude people. I believe it was there that we saw the sign SWIMSUITS REQUIRED TO PARASAIL. I wished I had took a picture of that.
Orient beach is a beautiful beach with crystal clear water and sand like sugar. Would I go there again? Not likely. I have no desire to see St. Maarten again.
Our excursion leader pointed out a cruise ship out in the mouth of the bay near an island. He said that it was an all nude cruise and that they use the island as their beach day. I guess that would be one cruise you would not have to worry about a dress code on formal night.
If you are going to take children to this beach just be prepared to be honest, answer their question and prepare them before you go.

[amylacey]

I went on the See and Sea Island Tour in April and I never saw any nude bathing! I wouldnt worry about it if I were you. We even had our kids with us (DD 8, DS 9).

Have fun!

Amy

[disneyholic family]

i was going to say what you said Viking...
this whole thread made me laugh....
you didn't mention the fact that you HAVE to go into the saunas nude in germany......which is why i never do when i'm there....not because it disturbs my sensibilities to see what everyone else has on display, but rather because i have mercy on those who would see me...:(
where we live, the beach is full of topless sunbathers, and the suits everyone wears (men and women) are so revealing, they don't have to bother going topless....
anyway.....america remains a somewhat prudish country.....despite what you see in the movies....

[Happy Birthday Cat]

You are very likely to see nudity if you spend enough time at any beach in the caribbean. In St. Thomas at Sapphire Beach a group of people were not sun bathing topless or nude, but came down to the beach and changed into their bathing suits right there in front of everyone. My kids just kept on playing right next to them. People from all over the world with many different levels of acceptance of nudity are there and you just accept it after a while. I am still convinced though that people look a lot better in bathing suits. I have yet to see someone who I would like to see again. Maybe I go to the wrong beaches. ;)

HBC

[Karel]

I'm a little upset by Viking and disneyholic family's responses impying that not wanting children on nude beaches is a bad thing. It not what we are used to - it's our lifestyle. No - I don't think my children will become blind, or perverts etc. if they happen to see naked people. Modesty is not a big thing in our household yet. But it's a private personal thing.

It's not really something to laugh at or prudish. There's nothing wrong with a bit of modesty and privacy. There's not wrong with being uncomfortable with complete strangers who like to walk around in their birthday suits. I'm just not interested on 'what's on display'. I won't be judgemental about other cultures where this may be more commonplace behavior but don't judge me because I don't throw off my top and frolic in public places.

[Dodie]

Yep. We even saw nude sunbathers on the far end of the beach that's right by the port in Phillipsburg(?)-the Dutch side.

[Fawn]

Karel

I don't think anyone was implying that you are wrong for feeling that way. I think what people are saying is that it's there, it's a cultural difference, be aware and explain it to your kids.

Personally, I don't run around naked nor allow my children to. But I for one LOVE the differences we find in life...it makes it so much more interesting! Imagine if we were all the same...how stagnant would life become!

Bottom line. If you don't approve of it, that's fine. But if you do choose to go to the beaches, don't be judgemental.

[chrisn]

Chances are you probably will see some nude sun bathers especially on the French side of the island but it is also a possibility on the Dutch. Keep in mind that there are a lot of European's that vacation in the Carribean and to them topless sun bathing is a normal carefree thing. We were at Orient Beach with our 14 year old DD and our 4 year old DS and there were plenty of topless women and totally nude men. There was a European family right next to us with probably a 10 year old girl who was also topless. If this bothers you, you will want to avoid the french side beaches. We were fine with it. My son did not even bat an eyelash. Heck he probably would have whipped off his trunks and joined right in. I guess modesty is a personal thing as everyone has different ideas about what is or is not appropriate but hey we all live on this planet and should respect each others cultures. Just because I choose not to go topless does not mean I think it's inappropriate. I just am uncomfortable with my missing cleavage and the cellulite on my a$$. And it's not a gravity issue because I am 33 and a size 6. I also don't think it's appropriate to teach kids that it's "wrong" to show body parts (in an appropriate setting of course) because that might not be the most healthy thing for a young impressionable mind. Teaching kids about different cultures and ways of life is a great thing. And maybe just maybe my own insecurities over my body stems from some childhood teachings. I want my kids to have a healthy and confidant additude about life and all it has to offer and not just keep them stuck in this little speck of the Universe. OK, I've said my peace. Bottom Line. If this bothers you, don't go on any excursion with an *!

[infobahn]

Amen Viking, Disneyholic, and ChrisN.

We were "warned" a number of times, in writing, during the excursion orientation, and before we boarded the bus.

We won't be taking the OB excursion next time. Nope, we will be taking a taxi directly to the OB Resort. We will be the ones with the straw hats and the extra large sun screen bottles...

[Judgekw]

We just got back from Orient Beach, definetly NUDE. Not topless the whole nine yards or six inches I guess. My kids saw it all and they thought it was totally gross. It seemed like the only nude people were senior citizens. There were not any laying around where we were but they would walk by. It was really not that big of a deal.

[disneyholic family]

don't get me wrong...
i still am shocked to see nude men swimming in hotel pools in germany......for some reason it's women topless, men nude....
but the germans don't seem to even notice....
as for me....well....given that i'm sort of short...
ok....i won't go there...
but it is kind of funny......

and as several people have said, very very very few people look good in their birthday suits....
and yes my kids think it's gross too.....
especially the 90 year old women for whom gravity has most definitely won the war....
but they don't think it a big deal......it's just a different way of living from what we were used to in the states...

we still are fully covered but we don't really notice....well....most of the time.....but i have to say, my husband never forgets his glasses when he goes to swim.....

[LorraineinTO]

While going to the beach in Europe or some parts of the Caribean one expects to encounter a few "nudies" - I did not expect it to happen at the adult pool on the Magic! This happened during the adult pool games on one of the days at sea. John, the Welsh staff member was conducting his usual game of musical chairs/scavenger hunt. For the last 2 people - he announced that all the less than 18 year olds should leave the vicinity - even from deck 10 - and then said that the winner of the game would be the first back with a bathing suit from someone else. Well to everyone's complete surprise - one woman (Eileen) stood up and stripped off her one-piece bathing suit and handed to the female contestant. You could have blown over the staff - they were that stunned. The crowd was also in hysterics at this point too. Apparently this has never happened before - but adult pool patrons beware!
Cheers,
Lorraine

[Michelle]

Lorraine, that was hilarious!!! :jester: I'm sure the crew was speechless, but at least the cruisers on that sailing had a lot to talk about! ;)

[Deb in IA]

:eek: :eek:

Lorraine, I take it that was a JOKE gone awry?

Viking, I am well aware that "there is a world outside the USA." In fact, my parents are immigrants, and I have traveled extensively in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia.

In fact, as a physician, I have seen PLENTY of naked bodies, and believe me, there are very good reasons most of us are NOT Playboy centerfolds and swim suit models :rolleyes: :rolleyes: . . .

I was really asking how commonly this occurs on the shore excursions so that I could appropriately inform my children. And thank you to all who provided helpful (and in some cases, certainly entertaining) responses :D :D . . .

[ruvidu]

Nice come back.
Love the stupidity signature.

A friend of mine has a bumper sticker that says:
"Stupidity Should Be Painful"

[ducklite]

On one WDW trip we spent a couple days in the Embassy Suites up on I-Drive before heading to the World. The first night we were in the pool area, and a guy walked in, took off his robe, and dove into the pool--not a stitch on him!!

One woman literally went screaming out (I'm not sure which was funnier, the out of shape nekked guy or the hysterical lady) and a hotel employee came after a few minutes with a very worried look on his face, and asked the man to put his clothing back on.

The man didn't speak English, and it took a few moments before nekked man caught on.

He put on his robe and left. We still laugh hysterically over the entire episode.

Anne

[Psiklops]

On our trip to the Western Side, we saw PLENTY of topless folks on both Grand Cayman and Cozumel.

However, they all happened to be guys... :)

- Jim

[mmouse37]

Lorraine....what cruise was that on (date). I could imagine John's (the crew member's) face when that happened!! He is such a nice guy. We had the chance to meet him a few times on our different cruises. We hope to see him again on our 8/3/ cruise.

So the woman just stood there in her birthday suit? Did anyone bring her a towel or anything? What a hoot!

MJ

[LorraineinTO]

mmouse37 - it was on the June 8 Western (the one where it rained every day). The woman in question did pull up her pool towel after she had removed her suit - but as you recall, these are not very big, so it sort of just covered her front - and she was standing up. The crew member who just happened to be walking by was completely mesmerized by the back view! Everyone did have a good laugh and then she composed herself, sat down and covered up. I'm not sure if alcohol was a factor or not! I'm sure the crew talked about this for long time, Eileen was famous before she left the ship.
Cheers,
Lorraine

[mmouse37]

Thanks Lorraine!!!!

MJ

[gscott8075]

I completely forgot about the nude/topless bathing.

The GE Catamaran had to divert to a small beach on mainland St Maarten and there were a few people there.

Then, we went to Orient Bay and I crashed from exhaustion. I woke up a few hours later - DW and kids were playing in the water - I was a bit disoriented from sleeping during the day - and I was completely confused - there were topless bathers all around.

I didn't mind a bit.:smooth: