Carnival bans “offensive” attire – here’s what other lines allow

Carnival Cruise Line has banned cruisers from wearing “offensive” clothing while on board its ships which other guests may find disrespectful.

In a major change to its dress code, Carnival has ruled that all guests “are expected to ensure their clothing and accessories are respectful to fellow guests.

“Specifically, items worn during the cruise should not contain any message that may be considered offensive or contain nudity, profanity, sexual innuendo/suggestions.

“In addition, clothing/accessories should not promote negative ethnic or racial, commentary, or hatred or violence in any form,” the line said on its website.

The change in dress code came “after some incidents were reported in the media about other travel sectors where customers were wearing clothing with very threatening messages,” said Vance Gullisken, Carnival Corporation spokesperson.

“We want to make sure that all of our guests feel comfortable when cruising with us… we will evaluate situations on a case-by-case basis and take appropriate steps as necessary,” Mr Gullisken added.

Here are the dress codes of some of the other cruise lines.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line also bans guests from wearing t-shirts “with offensive language and/or graphics” when dining at adults-only restaurants on board its ships.

On occasions when guests are encouraged to wear costume, Disney said they should choose costumes which are “family friendly, not obstructive, objectionable, offensive or violent.”

Other competing lines do not specifically single out the banning of clothing with offensive or disrespectful messages.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line has a freedom of Freestyle Cruising which means that passengers can go “resort casual, get decked-out and look your best,” NCL said on its website.

While swimwear is acceptable at the buffet and outdoor restaurant on board NCL, guests are required to wear a shirt, cover-up and footwear.

“Tank tops for men, thongs, baseball caps, visors and jeans that are overly faded with holes or tears and worn below the hips are not permitted in main dining rooms or specialty restaurants,” the line added.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean International has a relaxed onboard attire policy.

“Shorts, t-shirts, slacks, trousers, casual skirts, blouses and sundresses are all perfect during the day, whether indoors or out,” RCL said on its website.

However, “you’ll also need some casual shorts and a couple of t-shirts or a cover-up for getting to and from the pool areas.”

Caps, tank tops, swimsuits and shorts are not allowed during dinner.

P&O Cruises Australia

P&O Cruises Australia maintain a casual attire code when the sun’s out and smart casual clothing after 5.30pm. When dining in restaurants, passengers must wear shoes “at all times.”

Viking Cruises

Viking Cruises maintain a casual and comfortable clothing policy with “elegant casual wear” for the evenings. Ties and jackets are optional. There are no formal nights.

Regent Seven Seas

Luxury line Regent Seven Seas Cruises have a casual to formal clothing code. After 6pm, the code is always elegant casual. Jeans, t-shirts, shorts and tennis shoes are not allowed in any public area after the sun sets.

Silversea

Silversea has a casual wear policy for daytime. There are casual, informal and formal dress codes when the sun sets. For informal eveningwear, men are expected to wear jackets and for formal evenings, men are expected to wear a tie and jacket. Jeans and baseball caps are not allowed in restaurants.

Cunard

Cunard tends to be more formal than other lines. While on board, guests must “refrain from wearing torn or tattered clothing, shorts, sandals or sleeveless t-shirts.” For evening wear, they are expected to be decked out in “smart attire” with the option of “dress to impress.” For gala, formal evenings, men are expected to wear dinner suits or tuxedo while women are all dressed up in gowns.