Inside the secret world of swingers' travel.

Last month, a story about a cruise went viral. 

Unlike the usual high-clicking ship yarn, it wasn't about an outbreak of gastro, or COVID, or even a wreck-worthy catastrophe in international waters. 

It was a story about a 'spicy cruise' — an adults-only extravaganza during which 6,600 swingers converged on a seven-day jaunt aboard Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas for some clothing-optional fun.

Watch: If you don't know what that gastro-business was all about, don't worry—I got you covered. Post continues below.

TikTok creators and adult website entrepreneurs Bella and Jase documented their experience on the ship, explaining that the opportunity to be themselves for an entire week at sea was a gift. 

"The open relationship community is super stigmatised in society," said Bella in one video. "So being at a place for seven days where we feel completely accepted and safe is so comforting and exciting for us."

Swinging — the practice of an otherwise committed couple engaging in sex with other people — appears to be on the rise in Australia. Experts say it may be due to the growing acceptance of concepts like polyamory and ethical non-monogamy in more mainstream culture.

Whatever the cause for the uptick in swinging, demand for lifestyle-specific travel has also exploded. According to Google trends, searches for 'swingers cruise' increased over 400 per cent last year, and industry insiders say bespoke 'spicy holidays' have never been more in demand. 

Belinda Gavin, an Australian adult industry ambassador, says that travelling with "like-minded people" is a big draw card for couples who are interested in swinging.

"It's an opportunity to be so free," Gavin explained. "There's still a stigma [around swinging], and so a lot of people don't feel comfortable to be open about it with their friends and family. For them, it's a chance to just unleash. Swingers are some of the best people I know, so it's always just an incredible vibe."

Gavin herself has been on several swinging holidays hosted by adult travel operators Lifestyle Getaways, who specialise in 'naughty resort takeovers' in Bali and Thailand.

"For someone like me, who adores the freedom of nudity, embraces sexuality, and loves connecting with other people, the swinging lifestyle has become a tapestry of joy and exploration," she said.

First-time swinging guests, Gavin said, can expect a combination of structured events and free time to explore their own whims. 

"We have pool games and themed nights that are just so much fun," she said. "We had a Rocky Horror Picture themed night in Thailand, and we'll also have fluoro nights. It's just so much fun and people get really into it. They'll trek costumes all the way over from Australia to try to win a prize."

During the day, however, it's more of a 'choose-your-own-adventure' situation.

"There will be roving events — which you're free to attend if you like — or you can enjoy the resort. Last time I was there, I went sightseeing with a bunch of motorcycle riders."

And while sex could always be on the table, Gavin said that the vibe is always open and respectful, and that there is a big focus on individual boundaries. 

"It's only for couples, so it's not like single guys can just show up," she explained.

As for first-timers who are preparing to navigate new dynamics in their relationship, Gavin said that "it's really important to have a discussion with your partner about boundaries before any swingers' event."

"For example, I'm definitely more of a voyeur," Belinda explained. While she still "[gets] in there and [has] fun from time to time", she generally prefers to sit back and "watch everything unfold".

"One of my favourite secret things I like to do — which I suppose is a bit awful — is to go into the gang bang room with whoever I'm there with, start up a whole thing and then smoke bomb!" she confessed.

Gavin went on to say that if a couple is considering a swingers' holiday, they might like to get familiar with the lifestyle ahead of time. They can do this, she said, through the many structured events that are already set up in Australia.

"There's a great bar in Melbourne called Between Friends," she suggested. "It's so cool, and most people would never even know that there was a roomful of people upstairs having sexy times!"

"Next, I would go on Instagram and check out the travel operator," she advised. "For example, Lifestyle Getaways will send you a whole pack that gives you an outline of what the itinerary for the seven days looks like. Sometimes they have meetups and things like that, and they have group chats where you can go and meet the people who are going before you even go." 

Finally, Gavin again recommended having a good chat with your partner after booking the group, to set up boundaries and expectations for the trip ahead of time.

"What are you hoping for? Sometimes that can change, but if you have a plan or a fantasy that you want to live out, talk about it and get it really clear," she said. 

"I know it sounds weird, but you don't want to go in there and be going, 'Oh, I don't know, is this right for us?' you know? Then it's like, screwing with the whole vibe. Make a promise to be engaged and meet people, and remain open to the experience. It's a bucket list experience."

Feature image: Instagram/4ourplay.official; Canva.