Little-known bikini rule Aussie cruisers need to know about island destination
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Cruisers heading to a tropical island in the South Pacific have been reminded they should beware of what they wear when visiting.
Lifou in New Caledonia’s Loyalty Islands, has local customs which are more conservative than Aussie travellers may be used to.
Aussies cruising to this island destination need to be aware of local customs. iStock
Cruises headed to the destination on Carnival Splendour were recently given a letter in their staterooms to remind them to be cautious over what they planned to wear on the beach.
While bikinis were allowed, they had to meet certain rules. And they had to be kept on.
“To observe the local customs of the island, a respectful dress code is essential,” the letter said, Cruise Hive reported.
“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.”
The New Caledonia website for travellers also carries a warning over the conservative nature of the destination.
It says Lifou is a “customary land where Kanak traditions are deeply respected.”
Bikinis are allowed, but only on beaches.
Lifou Island, New Caledonia is a popular cruise port for Aussies. iStock
Travellers also need to get permission to visit cultural sites and have a guide to take them there.
It’s even the custom to offer a gift to the chief.
Aussie-based ships Carnival Splendor and Carnival Encounter, and Carnival Adventure visit the islands as well as the mainland of New Caledonia regularly.
Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Edge, and Norwegian Spirit are also among ships with itineraries calling there over the next few months.
The French-speaking nation is known for sparkling blue water, warm temperatures, snorkelling, lush rainforests, sprawling grasslands, and tasty local food.
After travel advice not to visit due to local unrest was lifted, it is gradually gaining popularity again.
Other popular cruise ports also have clothing rules.
Camouflage clothing is banned in some Carribean cruise ports, including the Bahamas and Jamaica. That’s because it has military links.
Meanwhile, a notice recently posted on another cruise ship served as a reminder to passengers that some items of clothing are also banned in restaurants on-board.
Cruise ship passengers need to follow dress rules for the places they visit. iStock
A ‘dress code’ note displayed on Norwegian Aqua, the new ship launched last year, revealed the rules of what to wear for both casual and more formal dining.
For places like the buffet, it reminded passengers to put ON some clothes.
Another popular sneaky cruise ship act could also get you into trouble.
Popping to the buffet for a snack and taking it back to your room or to the pool is common practice for many cruisers.
But now the cruise act has been banned on one cruise line, with passengers warned they may be fined if they do it.
Costa Cruises issued a letter to passengers on one of its ships.
It warns it is “strictly forbidden” to take food from the buffet or other restaurants to eat in public areas, around the pool, or in cabins.
