Royal Caribbean: Dress Rules For Religious Travels

Important To Know

  • Royal Caribbean now explicitly requires modest attire covering shoulders and knees for guests visiting religious sites.
  • Wearing camouflage-patterned clothing remains strictly prohibited in multiple Caribbean ports and can lead to legal prosecution.
  • New technological restrictions have been implemented, including a ban on wearing smart glasses in certain areas of the ship.
  • The cruise line recommends that passengers carry lightweight cover-ups to ensure they can enter historical cathedrals without being turned away.

Royal Caribbean has updated its official website to include specific dress code warnings for passengers planning to visit religious sites during their cruise. The new guidance emphasizes “modest dress” as a requirement for entry into churches, cathedrals, and other sacred locations at various ports of call. This update is part of a broader revision of the cruise line’s prohibited items and conduct pages, which also saw new restrictions placed on smart glasses and a reordering of traditional contraband like electronics and pets.

woman in hijab at al jabbar mosque interior
Photo by Nurul Sakinah Ridwan on Pexels.com

The advisory particularly highlights destinations such as Venice, accessible via ports like Ravenna, where strict enforcement is common. Using St. Mark’s Basilica as a primary example, the cruise line notes that men, women, and children must ensure their shoulders, chests, and knees are covered. Prohibited attire in these settings includes tank tops, sleeveless shirts, and shorts or skirts that end above the knee. Visitors are also expected to remove headwear and sunglasses upon entry. For those who arrive unprepared, the cruise line suggests seeking out nearby vendors that often sell temporary cover-ups to allow for respectful access to these historic landmarks.

Beyond religious sites, Royal Caribbean reaffirmed its strict stance on camouflage-printed clothing. In several Caribbean nations, including Barbados and Jamaica, wearing camouflage is a legal offense reserved solely for military personnel. Travelers who ignore this regional ban may face significant penalties, including fines or imprisonment. The cruise line also maintained its standard onboard policies, such as requiring shoes and shirts in all dining venues and prohibiting swimwear or uncovered bathing suits in the casino. These collective updates aim to ensure that passengers remain compliant with both local laws and cultural expectations while exploring international destinations.