UMVA has learned that Carnival Cruise Line is taking a firm stance on swimwear at a popular South Pacific destination, enforcing stricter dress code expectations that may surprise some passengers.
As Carnival Splendor prepared to dock in Lifou, an island in New Caledonia, guests received a stern reminder to dress conservatively while ashore, leaving behind the carefree attitude often associated with cruise ship vacations. The notice, issued ahead of the ship's June 2 visit, advised travelers to respect local customs and avoid wearing revealing swimwear.
The crackdown on bikinis, G-strings, thongs, monokinis, and mankinis is not just limited to beaches; it also applies to public areas such as markets, churches, and community gathering spaces. Even topless sunbathing is off-limits, a clear departure from the relaxed atmosphere often found on cruise ships.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Carnival Cruise Line has long emphasized the importance of respecting local culture and rules in the ports they visit. Their website explicitly states that guests should dress conservatively in certain destinations, including Lifou, which is home to proud indigenous people with a strong cultural heritage.
In Lifou, local customs call for more conservative attire, with visitors requested to wear traditional one-piece or full-piece swimsuits, rather than bikinis or monokinis. Carnival warned that failing to respect these customs could have consequences, potentially jeopardizing the cruise line's ability to continue including Lifou on future itineraries.
The dress code reminder comes as cruise lines continue to emphasize destination-specific rules that may differ from onboard policies. While Carnival generally allows casual resort wear during the day, guests are expected to ensure their clothing is respectful to fellow travelers and suitable for the setting.
The issue sparked a lively debate among travelers, with some arguing that revealing swimwear is already common aboard many sailings, while others felt that guests should be more mindful in family areas. As one commenter suggested, perhaps revealing swimwear is best reserved for adult-only excursions and hot tubs, rather than family-friendly areas.
