“No g-strings, no monokinis” – Aussie cruisers told to cover up for South Pacific islands

Cruise Passenger readers always have plenty to say about what’s going on in Australian cruise, and in the broader cruise community. In Your Say, Cruise Passenger looks at the issues our readers are writing to us about on our blogs, posts and newsletters. 

Aussie cruisers heading out to the South Pacific have received a stern warning from Carnival to use swimwear that isn’t offensive to the locals of these islands. While many Aussies like to wear all different kinds of swimwear, including those that cover very little, Carnival has warned that “a respectful dress code is essential” for cruiser’s visit out to the island of Lifou.

The letter reads: “To observe the local customs of the island, a respectful dress code is essential. Swimwear should only be worn at the beach or by a pool and should be very modest in nature. G-strings, thongs, monokinis or mankinis should not be worn (even on the beach) and topless sunbathing is also not permitted at any time.

“When exploring the island and its local sites, including churches and market places, casual clothing (such as shorts and a shirt or cover-up) must be worn at all times.

“As a visitor to the island, please respect the wishes of local residents. Non-compliance could severely restrict or compromise our ability to keep the island as part of our future Carnival holiday itineraries.”

The last paragraph is perhaps the most telling, with Carnival spelling out that breaking the dress code could affect future itineraries, as the island may not want visitors if they feel they are not abiding to local customs or respecting the wishes of the local population.

These warnings are common for the South Pacific and are known to be sent out from time to time. It’s possible that there have been some complaints from local residents or authorities that lead to the warning being rehashed for guests.

Lifou’s population is about 9000 residents, so when about 3000 residents are hopping off a big ship like Carnival Splendor, it’s especially important that cruisers behave in a way that doesn’t offend local residents or disrupt any harmony in the local community.

What are other cruisers saying?

Other cruisers report receiving similar warnings, but note that cruise guests don’t always do what they’re told.

Kerry Bull said: “I went there last year and we were all asked to dress appropriately. There were so many girls parading in g-strings, it was embarrassing. The locals were not impressed.”

Another cruiser said the same thing: “I was disgusted that so many people on our cruise wore g-string bikinis to Lifou and wandered about uncovered. It’s selfish twats like that who will ruin it for everyone.”

Leisa Burnet added: “We got this letter on my last cruise to the islands and the amount of people that couldn’t be bothered to cover up when walking through the village was disgraceful. And they will be the first ones to whine when they stop ships from going there.”

Cruisers fear this behaviour will mean less and less South Pacific ports can be visited.

Noel Malafant said: “Yep, had that letter many times, but, unfortunately, no one cares, if it keeps going like this, they will close the Island off to cruise ships, and it will be another one to mark off the list, like Mare’ and Isle of Pines, neither have opened since Covid and probably never will, but…….lets hope..”

One cruiser claims they were told that visits to Mystery Island are sometimes cancelled for the same reason.

“Yes it’s a pity that even with this letter, which has been around for years, people still don’t care. I was told for these reasons Mystery Island gets missed too often.”

Other cruisers added that they’re happy to dress differently to respect the locals.

“I really like this, as an Aussie who works with a lot of islander I honestly believe we should respect them and their culture when visit their country as majority of them respect our culture when they are here.”

More Aussies rallied around Australians needing to be more respectful.

Jess Johnstone added: “People need to understand that even though your cruise left from Australia, it’s going to another country with a different culture. Respect it or stay home.”

Annette Ralston said: “These letters have been around for a while. Basically, the islanders are asking tourists to respect their culture. Surely that’s not too big and ask. Swimmers are allowed on the beach, but please coverup to go further afield.”

Janine Basso added: “When in Rome! This is common sense. There are parts of the world where if you don’t, you’ll end up in Gaol. If you are a traveller, respect the people and cultures of the places you travel to.”

Shirley Mortara said: “You need to respect the culture of the countries you visit. People have forgotten how to dress modestly. Some swimwear leaves nothing to the imagination.”

Sue Young said the same: “About time this was enforced, I find people very disrespectful of other cultures when visiting their islands, so yes cover up and wear decent bathers, if not then don’t leave ship.”

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