The worried passenger ‘fairycoreee’ posted on Reddit: “Swimsuit dress codes on ships? Are there dress codes regarding swimwear?” They said they were planning on wearing a “skimpy” bikini at the cruise ship pool.
A cruise passenger ‘Good200000’ said: “You can wear anything you want at the pool. No one will bother you.”
Dress codes vary across cruise lines but are likely to be more relaxed on the pool deck and in the spa.
Passengers will usually be banned from wearing swimming costumes in other public areas and will need a cover up to walk around the ship.
Swimwear isn’t allowed in any of the restaurants on the majority of cruise lines, unless there’s a bar by the swimming pool.
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Another passenger ‘trilliumsummer’ warned: “There will be looks, judgement and probably some leering. You may or may not notice.
“I haven’t been witness to anyone directly commenting to a thong wearer, but have heard others make comments.”
A guest ‘thequattroformaggi’ added: “Yeah, you will get judged but wear what you please, there is no dress code.”
Family-friendly cruise lines may have stricter rules on swimwear than adult only cruises, but guests will need to check before packing.
One passenger, ‘princessblackbird’ said: “I like to wear thong bikinis and always lay out on the top sundeck away from most people.
“I have still had nasty looks and comments about covering up, usually from older people and parents with little kids. But there are no dress codes for swimwear by the pool, so wear what you’d like.”
Guests can contact the crew if they think another passenger is being rude as they may be able to resolve the situation.
Even some family-friendly lines have a swimming pool just for adults which might be a better choice if guests are worried about their costumes.
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Another guest said: “I’ve seen older European ladies strip and change on the pool deck so I think a skimpy bikini should be okay.”
A passenger added: “When I visited Europe, I saw people of all ages, shapes and sizes in very skimpy swimwear and no shortage of topless women.
“In America, we feel the need to be puritanical and judge everyone on their suits and bodies.”
Dress codes differ around the world and guests may need to cover up if they visit a beach or pool off the ship.
In France, men are sometimes required to wear speedo swimming trunks at public swimming pools.
Guests can always contact the cruise line when they book if they want more advice on a dress code.
Passengers will need to change or wear a cover up on most cruise lines when they walk from the pool to other areas onboard.
Flip-flops are also banned from areas outside the pool on some cruise lines as they are considered a trip hazard.
