9 Things You Should NEVER Wear On A Cruise
Packing for a cruise is OVERWHELMING!
I want to bring all the cute fits, the formal wear, twenty-seven bikinis (just in case,) and more….
But while it’s tempting to pack everything in your closet, there are a few clothing items you should definitely leave behind.
Whether it’s to stay respectful, comfortable, or safe, choosing the right outfits for a cruise is key to making the most of your vacation.
Here’s a list of 8 things you should never wear on a cruise—so you can avoid common mistakes and focus on enjoying your trip!
What You Should NOT Wear On A Cruise
Camouflage Clothing
You might think camouflage is just a cool pattern, but it can actually get you in trouble on a cruise.
Many countries you’ll visit during your cruise, especially in the Caribbean, have laws against wearing camouflage clothing.
This is because only military personnel are allowed to wear these types of clothes in certain places. If you’re caught wearing camo, you could be fined or even arrested.
Instead of camo, pack clothes with fun patterns or solid colors.
Play it safe by leaving your camouflage clothes at home, so you can avoid any issues while exploring new destinations. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
Here are some countries where Camouflage is illegal. This list may change, so please always double-check the countries you’re visiting if you absolutely must rock your camo pants:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Jamaica
- Nigeria
- Oman
- Philippines
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Saudi Arabia
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Swimwear in Public Spaces
When you’re on a cruise, it’s tempting to stay in your swimsuit all day, especially with the hot tubs and pools around.
However, it’s important to cover up before heading into restaurants or other public areas.
Cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean, don’t allow bare feet in any dining venues, so you’ll need to put on some shoes and a cover-up, like a t-shirt or a casual dress, if you want to grab a bite to eat.
While some outdoor spots, like the poolside, may be more relaxed, you’ll still need to be properly dressed when you enter the buffet or dining rooms.
Always have a cover-up on hand to avoid uncomfortable situations, as staff will ask you to leave if you’re underdressed.
Expensive Jewelry
Cruise ships are beautiful, but they can also be places where valuables like jewelry are at risk, especially at certain ports.
It’s tempting to wear your favorite fancy pieces, but wearing expensive jewelry on a cruise can make you an easy target for theft.
Moving between ports and spending time in public spaces increases the chance of losing or having your jewelry stolen.
Instead of packing your valuable pieces, consider wearing affordable jewelry like costume jewelry that still looks great but won’t make you worry if it gets lost or stolen.
You can also lock your valuables in the ship’s safe for extra peace of mind.
Footwear with Wheels
Footwear with wheels, like Heelys, may seem fun, but they’re a big no-no on a cruise. While these shoes might be cool for skating around at home, they can be dangerous on a cruise ship.
The decks are often slippery, and there aren’t a lot of wide-open spaces to safely use shoes with wheels. You could easily trip or bump into someone.
Instead, pack comfortable, closed-toed shoes for walking around the ship or on excursions. Closed shoes are safer for the ship’s decks and are perfect for activities like rock climbing or zip-lining.
(And much more comfortable)
Anything with Pineapple Print
You might love the tropical vibe of pineapples, but did you know that an upside-down pineapple can have a different meaning on a cruise?
An upside-down pineapple has been used as a discreet symbol of the “swinger” lifestyle, signaling that someone is interested in engaging in non-monogamous relationships or sexual encounters with other couples or individuals.
This symbol is often used by couples who are part of the swinging community as a way to communicate their interest without being too obvious.
While this may not apply to everyone, it’s something to be aware of when you see pineapple-themed items around the ship.
If you’re not part of that lifestyle, just be mindful and remember that it’s always important to respect others’ choices and boundaries while on board.
Offensive or Inappropriate Clothing
Cruise ships are fun and family-friendly, so it’s important to dress in a way that is respectful to everyone.
Clothes with offensive words, images, or inappropriate messages can make other passengers feel uncomfortable, especially in family areas. For example, shirts with profanity or sexual jokes are not suitable for a cruise.
Cruise lines, like Carnival, expect everyone to wear respectful clothing. They have dress codes to make sure everyone feels welcome and safe.
It’s best to choose shirts, hats, and outfits that are fun and respectful to all the passengers around you!
Tight or Uncomfortable Clothing
When you’re on a cruise, comfort should be a priority, especially since you’ll be doing a lot of walking and enjoying big meals.
Wearing tight clothing might feel fine at first, but after a few days of exploring or eating large meals, it can become uncomfortable. Tight jeans or shirts can make it harder to relax and enjoy your time.
Instead, go for loose, stretchy clothing that gives you room to move around. Flowy skirts, comfy t-shirts, and stretchy pants are great options for cruise days.
This way, you can eat, walk, and enjoy all the activities without feeling restricted!
Pajamas in Public
We all love to relax in our pajamas, but cruise ships have certain expectations when it comes to public dress. Wearing your pajamas outside your cabin—like to the buffet or around the pool—can look out of place.
Cruises are a little more laid-back, but they still expect guests to dress appropriately in public areas.
If you want to be comfy during the day, think about wearing stylish lounge clothes instead of pajamas.
Brands like Vuori offer comfy sets that look great but are also appropriate for the public spaces on the ship. For your room, however, feel free to lounge in your pajamas and enjoy room service!
Anything Against The Dress Code
Cruises have become a lot more relaxed in terms of dress codes, but that doesn’t mean you can wear just anything.
Many cruise lines still have guidelines for certain times and locations, especially when it comes to dining.
While casual clothing is perfect for breakfast or lunch, dinner in the main dining room or at specialty restaurants often calls for something a bit more formal.
For example, swimwear, ripped clothes, gym wear, or loungewear are usually not allowed in these dining areas.
So, it’s a good idea to pack something a little nicer for evenings out, like a button-up shirt or a casual dress.
Even though cruise dress codes have relaxed over the years, respecting these guidelines ensures you’ll fit in and enjoy your meals in style.
