Let’s face it. there’s something about a cruise that makes people let loose. Maybe it’s simply the “I’m on vacation” mindset. Maybe it’s the warm sunshine. Or maybe it’s just the intoxicating feel of cruising the Caribbean.
At the same time, there’s a definite trend in swimsuits to be a bit more revealing, with more people comfortable wearing a smaller outfit that shows a little cheek.
Combine the two, and you have a number of people interested in wearing a swimsuit that may be more revealing than what was common in years past. After all, if you got it, why not flaunt it?
But you likely also know that there are all sorts of people on board a cruise ship, including everything from retirees to kids and families. Therefore, you might be wondering if revealing swimsuits like thongs or other minimalist bikini cuts are allowed.
Can You Wear a Thong Swimsuit on a Cruise?
Yes, you can wear a thong on a cruise. There are no rules against it, and depending on where you sail from, you’ll find potentially many others doing the same.
How do we know?
First, being a veteran of dozen of cruises, we can tell you first-hand that you see all sorts of swimsuit cuts on the cruise ship. This can be everything from swimsuits that cover everything to those that leave little to the imagination. And yes, thongs can be common around the pool deck.
We’ve also searched the websites of all the major cruise lines, including Carnival, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, and Princess Cruise Lines. Nowhere did we find any sort of language from the cruise lines mentioning thong swimsuits or restrictions against them. And the last things the cruise lines want to do if have to police the cut of everyone’s swimsuit on vacation!
Therefore, if you want to bare your buns, have at it. There are no official rules in place to stop you.
More Common in Some Ports Compared to Others
Depending on where you sail from, you’re likely to see other people wearing thong swimsuits.
For example, a cruise from Galveston might have people covering up a bit more. But a cruise from Miami often has a younger crowd that seems much more comfortable with smaller swimsuits (it is just a few miles from South Beach, after all). Here, it’s much more common to see the more revealing attire.
However, if you do plan to wear a swimsuit that shows more than most, then we’d suggest a little discretion in some situations. For example, if there are lots of kids around, then you might want to wear a swimsuit that offers more coverage. But if you’re comfortable with it, then it’s certainly allowed.
Most ships have adults-only areas designed only for guests 21 years and older. Here, you don’t have to worry about the type of swimsuit you are wearing as everyone is of age. With the adults-only spot, we hope that everyone would be mature enough to handle a skimpy swimsuit without blinking an eye.
Of course, as with any swimsuit you want to remember to cover up when headed indoors. Cruise lines do have rules on appropriate attire in the indoor areas of the ships, including the buffet and restaurants. There, any swimsuit — whether revealing or not — should be covered.
Bottom line: Wear your thong bikini if it is what makes you happy, but you’ll see them most often worn on cruises from Miami and other Florida ports. Other warm-weather ports will have passengers wearing them as well, but likely not as common.
We would also suggest sticking to areas where there aren’t a lot of kids around, but there are no rules regarding where you can wear them on the pool deck.
Im going on a Princess Cruise in July and I will be wearing my thong swimsuit in public for the first time. I must admit im nervous but I wanna just go out and enjoy myself and be comfortable in my thong. Its ok for women to do it but why do men get soo much flak for it !?!
You do you.
I’ve seen a couple thongs on the cruise, but more common on beaches during the stops. I wear a thong at hottubs and pools onboard. I dont walk around in one, but have no problem sunbathing by the pool or on the deck in my thong. Havent had any issues.
What if the top is a bit see through? Would that be cause to be busted by cruise personnel?
Likely not unless it causes some sort of scene.
You absolutely can….as long as you “got it” a…no 2 ton tillies wearing dental floss. No one wants to see that and no men we do NOT want to see you wear anything but board shorts
My 20 yo daughter and her 19 yo friend wore thong bikinis on our cruise and got a lot of looks but no one said anything derogatory to them. Of course, these were gorgeous girls with awesome bodies. Lol.
I hear a thong on a water slide makes you go even faster down the slide
Whatever floats your boat!
It’s great to see I am not the only guy wearing a thong on cruises at the pool and beach excursions. I too enjoy wearing my thong and my wife is great supporter of me wearing my thong. I nothing like catching all the sun rays possible. We will be cruising in November.
Power to ya bro. I have done it to. little by little. I really enjoy it. going next month on two and plan on wearing mine as often as I can. Yes I am a guy as well. 🙂 If it feels good? do it.
I have done 4 cruises, (3 Carnival, 1 Norwegian) and have always worn thongs at all the pools, tubs and slides. Only twice was I screamed at by someone not liking it, yet they never said anything to the girls with me about their thongs. Yes, I am a guy. Guess girls in thongs are ok but not guys. Received a lot of positive support for my openness and ‘rebel’ stance against what society thinks men must wear. I wear what I am comfortable in. I did try to limit my times to when the pools and slides were in less use but even still used them in peak hours where the lines on the slides were 5-10 mins long. Remember, at the end of the cruise, you will never see those people again and they wont see you. Yes, I got a lot of OMGs and snickers, but afterwards they went back to their business of having fun, just like I did.