Carnival Issues Swimwear Dress Code Warning Ahead of Port Call

New Caledonia has some spectacular beaches and the perfect beach day is a highlight of many South Pacific sailings. Guests aboard Carnival Splendor, however, are being reminded that not all swimwear is acceptable in the French Territory.

The 3,012-guest Carnival Splendor departed on her current 8-night sailing from Sydney on Saturday, May 30. Lifou, New Caledonia is the ship’s first port visit of the itinerary, planned for Tuesday, June 2 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A letter from the ship’s master, Eduardo Ferrone, has been delivered to guests’ staterooms to remind travelers of the dress code and what is and isn’t permitted.

“To observe the local customs of the island, a respectful dress code is essential,” the letter explained. “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.”

Casual attire is acceptable when visiting other sites on the island, such as churches and marketplaces, but should include cover-ups as needed.

This reminder comes just days after Carnival Cruise Line’s brand ambassador, John Heald, reminded guests that camouflage clothing is not permitted in certain ports of call, including the Bahamas and Jamaica.

Cruise Hive has previously reported on such reminders, particularly when guests are upset at having their time ashore curtailed due to the need to change clothing before exploring a port.

Dress codes aren’t unusual either on cruises or in ports of call. When visiting iconic Italian churches and religious sites, for example, such as Il Duomo in Florence or St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, appropriate conservative attire is required or guests may not be permitted to enter.

Casual vacation attire may be entirely appropriate aboard Carnival cruise ships, but specialty restaurants do occasionally have stricter dress codes and no offensive clothing is ever permitted.

What Happens If Guests Don’t Comply?

Different countries have different consequences for visitors (and residents) who violate dress codes. Fines and even imprisonment may be applicable depending on the severity of any dress code violation in different destinations.

“Outside of tourist areas, standards of dress and behaviour are conservative. Dress and behave appropriately,” the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises all visitors.

Beaches may be popular with tourists, including cruise guests, but they are still considered public areas and all local laws apply.

Carnival Cruise Line further emphasizes the need to be respectful of local customs and laws.

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

While guests aboard Carnival Splendor may not be fined for inappropriate attire, they could be asked to return to the ship and further visits could be cancelled if guests are disruptive to local customs.

Carnival Splendor has two visits to Lifou in June. In addition to the June 2 visit, the ship will return on Monday, June 15. Carnival Adventure also has one visit scheduled for Sunday, June 14.

Another ship, Carnival Encounter, also has a visit in July, along with both Carnival Splendor and Carnival Adventure.

The Australian winter season (June through September) is the off-season for South Pacific cruises, but more ships will be visiting Lifou in the summer months (December through March).

At that time, guests aboard ships from Carnival Cruise Line, AIDA Cruises, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, and other lines will need to be aware of the dress code restrictions.