Copyright walesonline
Cruise holidays have always been about adventure but for one couple from Manchester the real excitement isn't just in the destinations. Kate, 43, and her husband Ant, 40, have become seasoned travellers of the seas, racking up more than 120 nights on board 45 different ships across 14 cruise lines. Over time these getaways have become more than just a chance to unwind – they've become a cornerstone of their relationships. The couple say their time at sea has brought them closer than ever thanks in part to an unconventional twist: they've embraced the swinging lifestyle during their cruises. They only began exploring this side of things last year but the change, they claim, has "saved" their marriage. While not every trip is planned around it they admit they keep an open mind, often getting a sense of who else on board might be up for a little more than just sunbathing and cocktails. "I love having endless options," the public sector worker from Manchester told NeedToKnow. "We don't go on every cruise with the intention of swinging. But the community aspect, the fun, and the late-night energy on board fit so well with how we like to connect with people," reports the Manchester Evening News . "The freedom of a cruise naturally mirrors our lifestyle – so what better way to find fellow swingers?" Kate and Ant tied the knot in 2010 but in 2023 Ant discovered she had been interacting with other men online and had had a one-night stand. Rather than driving them apart it sparked a conversation about honesty, desire, and what they both wanted – particularly in the bedroom. As for how it works Kate said: "We look at the nightlife first; bars, late-night venues, and spaces where conversation can flow. Then it's all about the vibe. "Some cruise lines are more conservative, others attract more open-minded travellers. "We also seek out privacy-friendly cabins and itineraries with loads of sea days as sometimes you don't fancy rushing back from port when the excitement is just getting started. "We've experienced evenings where the perfect chemistry, the ideal music, and perhaps a bit too much bubbly transformed the dancefloor into the beginning of some truly memorable connections." When discussing their lifestyle with people who aren't involved in swinging they frequently face questions about jealousy and faithfulness. While those who know them have grown to accept their way of life some relatives aren't particularly happy. Kate said: "Our friends who know are curious and enjoy the fun stories. We haven't and don't plan to tell our parents – but nobody would talk to them about their sex life anyway. "My sister hasn't taken it well – she's cut off the friendship part of their relationship and only sees us at family events now. "It's sad but we've had a ton of support from our community. "The big question we always get is: 'Don't you get jealous?' and: 'Is it just about sex?' and the answer to both questions is: 'No'. It's about connection, playfulness, and exploring desires together. "We don't see jealousy as something to avoid – it's a signal to check in with each other if we do. If something feels off we say it. "Most of the time the feelings of jealousy fade when replacing imagination with reality. "And when you remember that you're in it together the jealousy can sometimes be a huge turn on." Kate and Ant both assert that embracing swinging has "saved" their marriage. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here . She added: "Our marriage was never 'broken', our sex life was great, our connection was strong. But we realised there were parts of ourselves we'd never explored. "For me it wasn't about needing someone new; it was about needing something new, my own experiences, my own stories, outside of the life we'd built together. "Our lives now are full of freedom, honesty, and so much pleasure. We've created experiences and friendships we never would've had in a monogamous relationship. "It can be messy, especially if we have a different expectation of what being 'open' looks like. You've got to get comfortable with uncertainty and with seeing your partner desired by others. "We've found that what could feel threatening in monogamy, though, is actually incredibly bonding when you're open. "Start with conversations, not actions, and explore your partner's desires. Ask what excites them and focus on their pleasure first. "You don't have to dive in right away; meet like-minded people socially and get comfortable with the vibe. "It's about communication, trust, and curiosity before anything physical. We're not here to shock people. "We're here to show that relationships can be playful, adventurous – and a little bit spicy."
