The cruise packing rule many travelers don't discover until port
Weather, onboard dress codes and trip length are all key factors when packing for a cruise – but cultural norms in the destinations are just as important.
Cruise passengers should consider the customs of the ports they’re visiting when disembarking, which may differ from those in their home countries. Carnival Cruise Line distributes guidance to guests on every voyage to Lifou in New Caledonia, for example, the cruise line told USA TODAY.
“Some destinations, such as Lifou which is a tribal island, are populated by proud indigenous people whose culture is based on respect, and in many cases are highly religious,” Carnival said on its website. “In such locations, the wearing of swimsuits in markets, and other public areas that are not swimming locations, is not permitted. The communities in these locations also request visitors to wear traditional one-piece or full piece swimsuits and refrain from wearing bikini or monokini type swimsuits whilst at the beach.”
The Carnival Splendor cruise ship in Sydney, Australia.
That’s not the only destination where guests should heed such guidance, either. “The best way for guests to educate themselves is to research each port before departure,” Susan Guthrie, a travel agent and owner of Cruisin' with Susan and More, affiliated with Travel with Sparkle, told USA TODAY.
Here’s what to know.
How to pack for a cruise with local customs in mind
Like Lifou, other destinations may have expectations regarding attire for various reasons.
▶ Camouflage: Camouflage, for example, is illegal to wear in a number of countries, including popular Caribbean cruise destinations like Jamaica, Barbados and Saint Lucia. “It's often because the government wants only members of the military to wear those colors,” Royal Caribbean said on its website.
▶ Coverings: “(In parts) of Italy, Greece, Turkey, Israel, and much of Southeast Asia, visitors may be expected to cover shoulders and knees when entering churches, mosques, temples, and monasteries,” said Guthrie. “Head coverings may be required for women in some religious sites, while hats may need to be removed in others.”
▶ Swimwear: Donning swimwear outside beach and pool areas may be frowned upon in other places, too. “In Spain, Croatia, and some Mediterranean resort towns, walking through city centers in only a swimsuit can be viewed as disrespectful and may even result in fines in certain municipalities,” Guthrie said.
Guests could also be denied entry to certain attractions or not permitted to go on shore excursions if they aren’t dressed appropriately. In the case of camouflage, travelers may have to turn it over to authorities, Royal Caribbean said on its website.
They might be fined in those instances, as well, depending on the destination and its rules, Joanna Kuther, a New York City-based travel agent and owner of Port Side Travel Consultants, previously told USA TODAY. She said it’s unlikely they would face jail time, however.
Cruise lines often share information regarding those expectations in pre-cruise documentation, on their mobile apps, during port talks and elsewhere. Guthrie recommended travelers also consult with excursion operators and review official tourism websites and destination guides.
"Cruisers should remember that what's appropriate on the pool deck and at the beach, isn't always appropriate ashore,” she said. “Researching local customs and packing a few versatile, modest clothing options helps ensure respectful and comfortable visits in ports around the world.”
Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].
