While cruise lines have adapted their dress code policies over the last couple decades, there are still a few basic rules that get overlooked on every cruise.
Whether it’s flip-flops in the main dining room or bathrobes at the buffet, it’s not uncommon to spot a cruiser in vacation mode, flouting the rules.
But there are some dress code rules that are based on the ports of call a cruise ship is visiting.
And there’s one major mistake American cruise passengers often make when visiting the Bahamas and Caribbean.
Camouflage clothing is not permitted in many of these areas. This rule applies when passengers are off the ship, so it has nothing to do with the cruise line.
John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador, recently reminded his social media followers of this in a Facebook post.
“Having just replied to a gentleman his ‘anger’ about being told to return to the Ship in Nassau, Bahamas I felt it best to remind everybody that there are some places that absolutely do not allow camouflage clothing, military style camouflage clothing, to be worn there. These are the Island’s rules and we have absolutely no control over them,” Heald wrote.
Read more: 10 things you’re not supposed to wear on a cruise
The reason for the rule is that these areas of the world don’t want a civilian to be confused as military. Someone wearing camo pants or even a camo bag can be thought of as impersonating military personnel.
There are almost 20 countries in the world that have a ban on civilians wearing camouflage clothing.
What’s the penalty if you wear camo anyway?
I wouldn’t recommend this, but if you are spotted you will face either a fine, imprisonment, or both. There have been reports of a $500 fine in some cases.
Heald concluded his post on the issue with this anecdote:
“I remember once when I was on a ship, I saw a chap wearing a camouflage and shorts so I bumped into him just so it made him feel like it worked. He didn’t laugh.”
One of the comments on the post gave a helpful reminder that the camo ban is not just reserved for clothing.
“I remember this from my first cruise, which was like 2003, I believe Barbados and many other islands banned all forms of camo, including that camo hat, the grunt style shirts, anything realtree, even came shorts, and shoes are banned. Keep in mind camo isn’t just wearing military camo, but any kind of camo,” the comment said.
