Do not pack the camo! Here's why you shouldn't bring camouflage clothing on a cruise.
If you’re packing for a cruise, you may want to bring a swimsuit for pools on board or some dressier attire for formal nights. But passengers should consider leaving their camouflage clothing at home.
Camouflage is illegal to wear in more than a dozen countries, including many popular Caribbean cruise destinations like Barbados, Jamaica and Saint Lucia. “It's often because the government wants only members of the military to be wearing those colors,” Royal Caribbean International said on its website.
Cruise lines may not prohibit camouflage on board, but it could cause trouble during stops.
If passengers manage to get off the ship at a port where it’s prohibited, they could be fined depending on the place and how strict their rules are, Joanna Kuther, a New York City-based travel agent and owner of Port Side Travel Consultants, told Paste BN. However, she said it’s unlikely they’d be arrested.
These items are banned on cruises: Read this before you pack.
Travelers caught with camouflage in a number of Caribbean destinations also “will be forced to give it to the authorities,” Royal Caribbean said on its website. Cruise lines may share destination-specific requirements online, and note them in the details of shore excursions.
Kuther noted the rules typically apply to camouflage of any color or pattern, and to both clothing and accessories. “Basically, I tell my clients, as a rule, just don't bring it, don't wear it while you're cruising,” she said.
Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for Paste BN based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@usatoday.com.