royal caribbean cruise staff uniform

Understanding Cruise Ship Officer Stripes

Let’s talk about stripes, baby. Nope, we’re not talking about zebras, we are talking about the stripes on the shoulders and sleeves of so many uniforms onboard a cruise ship. These stripes, more formally known as epaulettes, denote not only what rank an officer is, but can also offer insight into which department they work in as well as in some cases what they do on onboard. This post will help you understand what cruise ship officer ranks correspond to what cruise ship officer stripes .

While most people know there are 3 departments onboard a cruise ship – Technical, Deck, and Hotel – when it comes to stripes though there are a few extra categories to know about, namely: medical, environmental, IT, and human resources.

Can You Still Have a Cruise Ship Officer Rank Without Stripes?

Now, not every crew member onboard a ship that has “officer privileges” wears a uniform with stripes. When I was working onboard I never had a uniform with epaulettes. There is a tricky category that exists in the cruise ship world known as “stripe equivalents”. These are crew that’s uniforms do not feature stripes but they get privileges and benefits as if they had that equivalent amount of stripes. These are hotel positions and are things like: Cruise Director, Cruise Staff, Shore Excursions, Youth Programs, Production Managers, Cast Members, etc. For a deeper understanding of overall cruise ship rank structure, take a look at this post Understanding Cruise Ship Ranks . (Note: on some cruise lines some of the above positions will be uniformed striped positions)

Take a look at the below guide to understand how cruise ship crew officer ranks affect how many stripes they wear. The next time you’re onboard you can play a little bit of I-Spy and who’s who and impress your friends! Onboard ship these stripes are part of a much larger cruise ship rank system and the jobs listed here are just a sampling of all of the different jobs that exist on a cruise ship. Understanding what the epaulettes mean is just part of understanding the complex system that keeps a cruise ship running.

Without any further a-do, let’s talk about stripes.

Note: For nearly everything below, aside from the top four or so positions and especially within the hotel department there are differences between cruise lines. This is to act as a general guide and not a definitive guide.

The Color Between the Stripes Denotes Department, Not Rank

You may have noticed while onboard that some of the stripes have colors between them. Here’s a quick outline of what those mean:

Note: 1) This outline is based on what it is on many cruise lines. It is not the same amongst every cruise line but the base concepts are the same. 2) Gold stripes are most conventional; however, silver stripes are sometimes used. These can for instance be seen on some TV shows showing yacht-life.

• Technical Department : Gold stripes, no cloth in between stripes, no loop at the top; they do sometimes have propellers at the top.
• Deck Department : Gold stripes, no cloth in between stripes, with a loop, diamond, or anchor at the top.
• Hotel Department : Gold stripes, white cloth in between stripes, no loop or propeller. **Reliable sources have told me that some cruise lines hotel departments have silver stripes instead of gold.**
• Medical : Gold stripes, red cloth in between, no loop or propeller
• Environmental : Gold stripes, blue cloth in between. No loop or propeller.
• Human Resources Department : Gold stripes, grey cloth in between. No loop or propeller.
• IT : Gold stripes, green cloth in between. No loop or propeller. (Green on some lines is for environmental)

Want to know more about cruise ship crew life? From dating onboard to how crew get their mail…here’s a guide to cruise ship crew life .

How Many Stripes Do Different Cruise Ship Officer Ranks Have?

As you may have guessed, with greater stripes comes greater responsibility. Yes, the more stripes you have the higher your rank.

Rank Affects Onboard Privileges

There are slight differences in privileges amongst the cruise ship officer ranks. The most notable (other than responsibility and salary) is cabin. Typically from two stripe up the cabin will have a porthole. Three stripe and up might even have a regular sized window.

There are some subtle other differences. Some cruise ship officers of a certain rank might get free dinners in certain specialty restaurants, may get a discount in the onboard shops, or might even get to sit on a bar stool in a passenger lounge. There are lots of subtle ways that how many stripes and the corresponding rank affect life onboard a cruise ship.

Half Stripes Are a Thing

Did you know that you can have a half stripe? Half stripes can appear in three ways. The first is the rank itself. You can be a 1/2 stripe officer, this could be as a cadet, or certain positions in the Hotel Department. The second is at the top of the epaulette. If the half stripe is at the top of the epaulette it means that it is a ranked position. (See below with Staff Chief Engineer being a half stripe below Chief Engineer).

Lastly, the last way a half stripe appears is in between two full sized stripes. This means that is the highest that your position can go, that you’ve been in the job for a set number of years – typically three or five, and normally that there isn’t a direct next step in advancement. This is sometimes referred to as a “frustration stripe”, as in, you are frustrated that you can’t move up or if there is an advancement opportunity you haven’t moved up (yet).

*Note: Below I have only noted 1/2 stripe cruise ship officer ranked positions versus writing out possible positions.

*Note: Amazon Affiliate. If you click on links from Amazon and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no cost to you.

What Stripe Does the Captain Have?

4 stripe with a heavy bottom stripe and a loop (or diamond/ anchor / other insignia) :.

What Are 4 Stripe Officer Positions on a Cruise Ship? :

So, who has four stripes? The highest ranking officers onboard have four stripes. These are typically the Chief Engineer, Staff Captain, and Hotel Director. Some cruise lines will also have the Staff Chief Engineer as four stripes. These are all considered “staff officer” positions. (That particular title might differ between cruise lines but they’re the highest ranking that likely have additional privileges).

• On some cruise lines:  Staff Chief Engineer
• Staff Captain
•  Hotel Director (also known as Hotel Manager/Hotel General Manager)

3 ½  Stripe Officers:

• Staff Chief Engineer (Staff Officer Rank) Note: On some cruise lines this position has four stripes.
• Senior Doctor
• Assistant Hotel General Manager/Hotel Director

What Are 3 Stripe Officer Positions on a Cruise Ship? :

• 1 st Officer (sometimes called Safety Officer)
• Security Officer (on some lines this is 2 stripes)
• Environmental Officer (blue stripe in between)
• Senior Medical Officer 
• 1 st Engineering Officer (sometimes called AC Engineer)
• 2 nd Engineering Officer
• Chief Electrician
• Executive Housekeeper
• Culinary Operations Manager/Food and Beverage Director
• Guest Relations Manager
• Marketing Manager / Revenue Manager
• Shore Excursions Manager
• Entertainment Director
• Sports Manager
• Human Resource Manager (grey stripe in between)

2 ½ Stripes Officers:

What Are 2 Stripe Officer Positions on a Cruise Ship? :

• 2 nd Officer
• Security Officer (on some lines this is 3 stripes)
• Senior 3 rd Engineer
• 2 nd Electrician
• Hotel Service Engineer
• Event Manager – for some lines this is 1 stripe, and Entertainment Director role would often be 3 stripes
• Dining Room Manager
• Provision Master
• Bar Manager
• Assistant Housekeeping Manager
• Production Manager (sometimes 3 stripes)
• Broadcast Technician
• Crew Officer
• IT Officer (green stripe in between)

What Are 1 Stripe Officer Positions on a Cruise Ship?:

• 3 rd Officer
• Junior 3 rd Engineer
• 3 rd Electrician
• Assistant Hotel Service Engineer
• Assistant Dining Room Manager
• Specialty Dining Room Managers
• Guest Relations Supervisor
• Night Audit Officer
• Port Paper Officer
• Assistant Housekeeper

What Are the Officer Positions On A Cruise Ship?

It might seem like officer positions are the same on every cruise ship and with every cruise line, but that’s not the case! Specifically within the Hotel Department which positions are officers can be different by different cruise lines. The Technical (engineers) and Deck (Navigation) departments are much more consistent.

Want to know more about how cruise ship officer rank affects life onboard? Take a look at this post about Understanding Cruise Ship Ranks .

There Is a Lot to Understand about Cruise Strip Officer Stripes

Now, the next time you’re onboard you’ll have a better idea of what the cruise ship officer stripes mean and how to tell the different cruise ship officer ranks based on their epaulettes!

Curious what life is like onboard a cruise ship? Take a look at these FAQ’s About Living and Working on a Cruise Ship .

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What to Wear on a Royal Caribbean Cruise (dress code & outfit photos)

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Are you going on a Royal Caribbean cruise and wondering what to wear? Don’t worry, I’ve got your covered!

Since it had been a few years since I’d gone on a Royal Caribbean cruise, I did a lot of research as I packed and planned my cruise outfits for a recent cruise.

In this post I share what to wear on a Royal Caribbean cruise, for days on the pool deck to dinners in the main dinning room. I also answer some questions about how to dress on a Royal Caribbean cruise, including for formal nights.

I’ve also included real photos from the cruise ship and the cruise outfits we wore, to give you some cruise outfit inspiration. However, If you’re a first time cruiser with Royal Caribbean, I hope this can be helpful!

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

What to Wear on a Royal Caribbean Cruise

Embarkation day.

It’s a good idea to plan what to wear on your cruise embarkation day. You can pick a cute outfit for embarkation day photos, but more importantly, consider your plans for the first day of the cruise.

If you plan on using the pools, hot tubs or waterslides, consider wearing a bathing suit under your clothes.

Something unique on many Royal Caribbean cruise ships, are the activities like the zipline, rock wall and Ultimate Abyss dry slide . If you think you might want to take advantage of all the amazing things to do on your cruise ship on first day of your cruise, make sure to wear comfortable clothing and sneakers or other closed toe shoes.

Don’t forget to pack a cruise carry on bag for embarkation day with all your essentials!

During the day, Royal Caribbean cruise ships are quite relaxed and you can wear casual clothing. Resort wear and swimsuits are perfect for the pool deck. Comfortable, sporty clothing is useful as well for playing mini golf and participating in the variety of onboard activities.

Be sure to pack shorts, tanks tops and t-shirts or light sundresses for sea days if you’re on a warm weather cruise.

Like all major cruise lines, bare feet and pool wear are not permitted in restaurants. Remember to pack a swimsuit cover up for when you go and eat, or for walking inside the cruise ship’s public areas.

Don’t forget flip flops for the pool and sneakers for some of the onboard activities.

Warm Clothing for Ice Skating

Something that many people forget to pack for a cruise , are long pants and a sweatshirt. While these are always good to have for potential cooler weather, this is especially important when going on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Be sure to pack warmer, comfortable clothing if you sign up for a free ice skating session in Studio B. Even if you don’t plan on going ice skating yourself, you’ll want to pack a light sweater or cover up to see the ice skating show, which is always amazing!

Related: What to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise

Port Days and Shore Excursions

When planning what to pack for a Royal Caribbean cruise , it’s a good idea to plan your clothing for days in port based on what activity or shore excursion you’re planning in your port of call.

Swimsuits with a cover up are just fine if you’re heading straight to a beach or a catamaran snorkeling excursion. If you’re sightseeing or taking a tour, casual clothing is perfect.

Some important things to pack are comfortable shoes for walking and a light scarf or cover up for shoulders (ladies), if you are entering religious buildings.

Something to be careful of and not wear on a cruise for certain ports, is camouflage clothing. In some Caribbean islands, wearing camouflage clothing is actually illegal and you can be asked to go back to the cruise ship to change or even face a fine.

Tip: Don’t forget to pack a beach bag , your government ID (or any recommended identification), a credit card and some small bills for tips on tours.

Related: What to Pack in Your Shore Excursion Day Bag

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Royal Caribbean Dress Code

Royal Caribbean has 3 dress codes in the Main Dining Room for dinner; casual, smart casual and formal attire.

According to the cruise line website, the Royal Caribbean dress code is as follows:

On casual nights nice jeans, polo shirts, casual dresses and nice tops are suggested for the main dining room in the evening. For lunch and breakfast, you can wear shorts, however pool wear is best kept for the Lido deck.

Smart Casual:

Smart casual nights are a bit fancier than the casual dress code. Smart casual attire includes wearing pants and a collared shirt, dresses, skirts and blouses, or pantsuits. Jackets, sports coats and blazers are included in suggested attire.

On formal nights formal wear is welcome. The formal night dress code includes suits and ties, tuxedos, cocktail dresses and evening gowns. Dress pants and a dress shirt are also worn by many men on a cruise .

Remember to pack dress shoes, as well as a shawl and evening bag or clutch.

Related: Can I Wear Jeans on a Cruise?

How Many Formal Nights on Royal Caribbean

To plan your outfits, here are the number of formal nights on Royal Caribbean cruises.There can be 1 to 4 formal nights during a sailing and is at the ship’s discretion. Our Chef’s Table dining experience also enforces a formal dress code policy.

• 3-5 night cruises – 1 formal night (1-4 night cruises may or may not have a formal night)
• 6-7 night cruises – 2 formal nights
• 8-10 night cruises – 2 formal nights
• 11-14 night cruises – 3 formal nights
• 15 + night cruises – 3 or 4 formal nights

Tip: Our own personal experience, and that of many others, is that in practice many cruise passengers are dressing more casually than Royal Caribbean’s official dress code suggests. Keep this in mind as you plan what to wear on your cruise .

Related: What’s Included on Oasis of the Seas (Entertainment, Activities, Food & Drink)

Dress Code in Specialty Restaurants

The dinner dress code is applicable in the Main Dining Room and specialty restaurants. The Chef’s Table has a formal dress code.

Windjammer Buffet

If you really want to keep it casual, the Windjammer buffet is a great idea. The food is good and the buffet is self serve.

Make sure to check the opening and closing hours, as the Windjammer is not open 24 hours. Other casual alternative eateries include the Cafe Promenade, Sorrento’s Pizza and room service are all good casual options.

Related: The Ultimate Cruise Lingo Glossary – 85 Terms You Need to Know

How formal is formal night on a Royal Caribbean Cruise?

You might be asking, how formal is formal night on Royal Caribbean? Royal Caribbean has a formal dress code on 1-3 nights during a cruise, which includes black tie formal wear as a dress suggestion. However, in our experience there is a wide range of clothing that cruise passengers actually wear and most people are not in a tuxedo or long evening gown.

Although Royal Caribbean describes the formal night dress code as night “your best black-tie look”, with suits and ties, tuxedos, cocktail dresses or evening gowns suggested as options, in reality it’s not as formal in practice. Royal Caribbean’s dress codes are loosely enforced, with most cruise passengers dressing less formally than this.

On a Royal Caribbean cruise formal night, you may see a few tuxedos and evening or cocktail gowns. However it’s far more common to see men in suits, or even a nice pair or pants and a dress shirt. Ladies can often be seen wearing a cocktail dress, little black dress, sundress or pants and a top.

Tip: Royal Caribbean’s formal night is a nice occasion for family members to dress up and even take a some photos with the ship’s photographer.

Related: 50 Best-Selling Amazon Cruise Essentials

Royal Caribbean Theme Nights

While there is no official dress suggestion for theme nights, it can be fun to bring a few special outfits for the occasion. On our cruise there was a 70’s Night Party, which is pretty common on many Royal Caribbean sailings.

To know about theme nights for your cruise, it’s a good idea to join cruise roll calls, facebook groups and take a look at the Cruise Compass from recent past sailings on your cruise ship.

Tip: Check out past cruise compasses and menus, is a great way to prepare for your cruise vacation.

Related: Royal Caribbean Cruise Compass Oasis of the Seas

Packing for Your Cruise Based on Cruise Destinations

This guide on what to wear for a Royal Caribbean cruise is general, so it’s a good idea to now tailor your cruise packing list to your itinerary and cruise destination.

Here are cruise packing lists to read, save and share:

• What to Pack for a Royal Caribbean Cruise (detailed)
• What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise: The Ultimate Guide
• What to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise (packing list included)
• What to Pack for a Bahamas Cruise: The Ultimate Guide
• What to Pack for a Bermuda Cruise: The Ultimate Guide
• Cruise Wear for Men: Men’s Packing List for a Cruise
• What to Wear as a Teenager on a Cruise
• Plus Size Cruise Wear: 25+ Beautiful Cruise Outfits (with packing list)
• 25 Gorgeous Swimsuit Cover Ups for a Cruise
• 17 Cruise Cabin Essentials Every Cruiser Needs

Final Thoughts on What to Wear on a Royal Caribbean Cruise

Planning what to wear on a Royal Caribbean cruise isn’t as hard as it seems. On the most part, you can pack casual and smart casual attire, and the dress policy on Royal Caribbean is pretty relaxed.

That said, Royal Caribbean has beautiful, elegant main dining rooms and specialty restaurants, and it’s fun to dress up a bit on a cruise vacation, so don’t be shy!

Have you cruised with Royal Caribbean or are you planning to? Please let me know in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself ;-). Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!

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Royal Caribbean International unveils Royal Genies

By Rebecca Gibson | 21 March 2016

Royal Caribbean International has unveiled the day and evening uniforms for its new Royal Genies, which will be introduced as part of the Royal Suite Class experience on two Oasis-class and two Quantum-class ships this May.

The new complimentary Royal Genies have been trained and certified by the British Butler Institute to act as 24-hour personal assistants for guests staying in the ships’ Star Class accommodation. In addition to being able to organise date nights and family celebrations, they will also be able to make dining, entertainment and customised shore excursion reservations. They will also be able to handle other requests such as in-room dining and cocktails, laundry, ironing, shoe shining, luggage handling and unpacking.

Star Class guests will also gain access to the most comprehensive collection of facilities and services and the most expansive accommodation such as Quantum-class’ two-deck high Royal Loft Suite, Owner’s Loft Suite, Four Bedroom Family Suite, Grand Loft Suite, Sky Loft Suite and Two Bedroom AquaTheatre Suite.

Royal Suite Class will also benefit guests staying in the Sky Class and Sea Class suite accommodation and amenities such as amenities such as complimentary VOOM internet access, speciality dining in all signature venues, a beverage package, inclusive gratuities, preferred seating at select venues, and upgraded room amenities.

Plus, they will have exclusive access to the onboard Coastal Kitchen restaurant and to Barefoot beach on Royal Caribbean’s private beach resort Labadee in Haiti. Star and Sky Class guests will also be able to enjoy a private Suite Sun Deck and reserved VIP seating in entertainment productions.

The Royal Suite Class will be rolled Harmony of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas (Sydney departures only) when they debut in spring 2016.

Tags: Royal Caribbean International     Royal Suite Class     Royal Genies

Rebecca Gibson

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• Royal Caribbean orders seventh Oasis-class ship
• Port NOLA reports return to pre-pandemic cruise numbers for 2023
• Royal Caribbean christens Icon of the Seas in Miami
• Royal Caribbean names Lionel Messi as icon for Icon of the Seas

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Royal Caribbean and Cintas Ink Agreement for Uniform Program

• January 27, 2016

Cintas Corporation has signed an agreement with Royal Caribbean International, to manufacture uniforms for its fleet of ships, according to a prepared statement.

The uniforms will be manufactured by Cintas and distributed worldwide. The agreement was signed in the presence of the Tianjin Economic Delegations of China in Los Angeles, which endorsed Cintas for the contract’s support of the Chinese economy.

“Cintas’ presence in the marketplace will help prepare for the future growth in Asia,” stated Mike Jones, SVP for supply chain management, Royal Caribbean International. “This strategically allows the procurement and logistics teams to manage the uniform programs worldwide. The planning also will increase production in China and will have additional savings to the overall uniform cost. Cintas’ design and fabric technology is superior to anything else we’ve seen and with their help we’re able to bring new innovations to the cruise market.”

From the expansive F&B venues to entertainment staff, Cintas was tasked to create many different looks to match the venues on the ships.

“We’re proud of our 23-year-long history with Royal Caribbean and are thrilled to play a key role in helping them reach this new milestone,” said Dan Ambrosio, Vice President of Global Lodging & Cruise for Cintas.

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Looking for a picture of RCCL crew uniform

By ohioNCLcruiser , December 9, 2008 in Royal Caribbean International

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ohioNCLcruiser

Hey everyone,

I have been searching flickr.com and webshots but can't find anything. Does anyone have a picture of the uniforms Royal uses for the hotel people, mainly front desk? Thanks!

Link to comment

Share on other sites.

Does this help?

Perfect! Thank you so much!

If you are looking for any of the other uniforms, click below, and then click on the 10 different uniforms.

http://www.cintas.com/Uniform-Work-Apparel/Royal-Caribbean.aspx

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

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Is Royal Caribbean’s Dress Code as Strict as You Think? A Quick Guide

This post may contain affiliate links. if you click one, i may earn a commission at no cost to you. as an amazon associate, i earn from qualifying purchases..

Have you ever wondered if cruising with Royal Caribbean means packing a suitcase full of ball gowns and tuxedos? As a regular Royal Caribbean guest, I’m here to give you the lowdown on how strict, or lenient, the dress code really is. 

Whether you’re wondering what to wear for formal nights , the main dining room or just generally around the ship, read on to find out what to pack and what you can leave behind.

The Royal Caribbean dress code is relatively relaxed. While there are formal and smart casual attire guidelines in the main dining rooms, these are not strictly enforced around the ship.

Most venues on the ship offer a more laid-back dress code, allowing guests to choose from a range of dining options if they prefer not to dress up. Overall, the emphasis is on guest comfort while maintaining a sense of occasion where appropriate.

Formal Night Dress Code

Formal nights on a Royal Caribbean cruise are a chance to get a bit dressed up, although the guidelines aren’t too strict. For men, wearing a collared shirt and smart trousers will suffice. Women can choose from a range of options like dresses or a smart blouse and trouser combination. If you’re wondering what exactly to wear or want more details, you can find out more about Royal Caribbean’s formal night here .

Men need to wear a shirt with a collar and smart trousers, while women have a range of options from smart dresses to trousers with a blouse. You don’t have to go all out with a tuxedo or evening gown, but some people do enjoy dressing up a bit more.

The whole idea is to have a bit of fun while looking nice. There are photographers around to take photos, so you can remember how great you looked.

Recommended reading: Royal Caribbean Formal Night: What to Expect

Main Dining Room Dress Code

The dress code in the main dining room varies according to the night’s theme, be it casual, smart casual, or formal. On casual nights, it’s important to note that shorts, tank tops, swimwear, and flip-flops are not permissible attire for dinner. The final night of the cruise is often a casual night, accommodating guests who’ve likely started packing away their more formal clothing.

While formal and smart casual nights do have specific dress codes in the main dining room, guests who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere have the option to dine in other venues, like the buffet, where the dress code is more lenient.

Smart Casual Dress Code

On smart casual nights, the attire falls somewhere between the laid-back vibe of casual nights and the elevated elegance of formal nights. While you don’t have to pull out your tuxedo or evening gown, a collared shirt for men and a dress, blouse, and skirt or trousers for women are good choices. If you’re a fan of jeans, opting for a smart, dark-coloured pair is perfectly acceptable.

The timing of smart casual nights isn’t disclosed in advance, but you can easily find out on the Royal Caribbean app or the paper ‘Cruise Compass’ provided. If you’re on a short 3-4 night cruise, you generally won’t encounter a smart casual night. For cruises lasting 5-7 nights, expect one smart casual night, and anticipate two on cruises of 8-13 nights. 

Any cruise over 14 nights will typically feature up to three smart casual nights. The flexibility of the dress code means you can transition effortlessly from one style to another, depending on the night’s theme.

Theme Night

If you’re on a Royal Caribbean cruise that lasts four nights or more, you might enjoy theme nights. These special nights make the trip more fun and let everyone dress up and participate in activities based on a certain theme.

Theme nights are just special evenings where the entertainment is built around a fun theme. You might get to enjoy an evening where everyone wears black and white or maybe a night where everyone dresses up like it’s the 1980s.

You won’t know about the theme nights until you’re actually on the ship. But once you’re on board, you can check the Cruise Compass. This is a daily guide that will tell you all about what’s happening, including any theme nights.

The themes can vary, but some you might see are:

• Black and White Night : Everyone dresses in black and white.
• Decades Night : Pick a decade, like the ’50s or ’80s and dress the part.
• Country Western : Think cowboy boots and country music.
• Masquerade Ball : A fancy evening where you can wear a mask.
• Toga Parties : A fun night where you can wear a toga.

On one of my cruises, we had a Hawaiian night. We didn’t know about it before we left, but luckily we had some suitable clothes packed, just in case. 

It’s a good idea to pack some clothes that you can easily adapt for a theme night. That way, you’re ready to join in, whatever the theme turns out to be. However, if it’s not your thing, there is no expectation to join in.

Packing a versatile range of clothing that can be adapted to fit a theme at short notice is a good idea. That way, you’ll be ready to join in the fun, no matter what the Cruise Compass has in store for you.

Casual Dress Code

Under the casual dress code on Royal Caribbean cruises, the atmosphere is laid-back and easygoing during the day. You’re welcome to wear whatever you find comfortable, be it shorts, jeans, or casual tops.

However, a couple of guidelines are in place for everyone’s comfort and safety. Shoes should be worn at all times, and while swimwear is the go-to choice for the pool deck, it’s not suitable for other areas of the ship. Just adhere to these simple rules, and you’ll be all set to enjoy your day.

Pool Deck Dress Code

When it comes to the pool deck dress code on Royal Caribbean cruises, the focus is on casual and comfortable. Swimwear is encouraged for swimming or sunbathing on the pool deck, but it’s not suitable for other parts of the ship. In addition to your swimwear, you can wear shorts, t-shirts, and flip-flops to stay cool in the sun. 

If you plan to venture away from the pool deck, such as the Windjammer Buffet, make sure to change into more appropriate clothing. If you turn up just to grab a quick bite to eat in swimwear, with a towel wrapped around you, you will be turned away. Make sure you put on some clothes to cover up. 

Wrapping It Up

So, do you really need to pack a suitcase full of ball gowns and tuxedos for a Royal Caribbean cruise? As you’ve seen, the answer is a clear ‘no’. The dress code on Royal Caribbean cruises is more about making sure you’re comfortable while still giving you the chance to spruce up if you wish.

We’ve covered everything from what to wear on formal nights to the more relaxed attire for the pool deck and the unexpected fun of theme nights. The key takeaway is that you have options. Whether you want to go casual or dress to impress, you’ll find a place on the ship where you’ll fit right in.

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Significance of Epaulettes worn by Cruise Ship Staff

• 19 November 2012

Staff on board a cruise ship are identifiable by uniform and name tags. The stripes (epaulettes) worn on their shoulders denotes their rank on the ship.

To understand the significance of these Stripes, we have compiled the following guide:

Four stripes:

• Chief Engineer
• Hotel Manager
• Staff Captain
• Staff Chief Engineer

Three stripes:

• A/C Engineer
• Casino Manager
• Chief Housekeeper
• First Purser
• Guest Relations Manager
• Second Engineer

Two and a half stripes:

• Assistant Bar Manager
• Assistant Chief Housekeeper
• Assistant Food Manager
• Guest Relations Officer
• Second Electrician
• Second Electronic Engineer
• Second Officer
• Security Officer
• Third Engineer

Two stripes:

• Second Deck Officer
• Second Engineer Officer
• Second Purser

One and a half stripe:

• Third Purser

One stripe:

• Fourth Deck Officer
• Fourth Purser
• Petty Officer

Departments

Colour between the stripes indicates the department:

Crew Code of Conduct and Rules on Cruise Ship

Cruise lines have a set of rules and regulations in place for all crewmembers to live by. These policies and procedures govern how you should conduct yourself, how you treat others, your personal appearance, and your work ethic and performance. When policies have been violated, discipline is necessary. Here’s what to expect from the code of conduct and rules for crew on cruise ships.

Personal Conduct of Cruise Ship Crew

Crew members are expected to behave a certain way on the ship which is not only their work place but their home. Since you have the right to work and live in a safe and professional environment, cruise lines have put these policies and rules in place. Here is a typical list of what is not tolerated or allowed on a cruise ship and which may lead to disciplinary action:

• Drunkenness is not tolerated and cruise lines practice blood alcohol content testing.
• Do not chew gum in passenger areas.
• Do not use offensive language.
• Vandalism is not tolerated.
• Theft of ship’s property or a guest’s property is not tolerated.
• Fighting is not tolerated.
• Drugs and weapons are forbidden.
• Sexual harassment is not tolerated.
• Smoking is not allowed in unauthorized areas.
• Guests are not allowed in crew areas.
• Unauthorized persons are not allowed to board the ship.
• Absenteeism of safety drills is not tolerated.
• Violation of USPH rules concerning hygienic working practices is not tolerated.

Cruise Ship Crew Dress Code

Cruise lines expect that their employees take pride in their presentation and conform to the cruise lines’ appearance standards. Here are some typical rules that pertain to cruise ship crew dress codes:

• Wear the appropriate uniform with regards to time of day, ship’s itinerary, function or location.
• Name tag must be worn on the side of the uniform determined by the cruise line.
• Shoes and socks must be conservative and some cruise lines require women to wear pantyhose. Shoes should be polished and in good shape.
• Only the top button of a shirt may be open as to not show cleavage or hairy chests.
• Safety clothing and equipment must be worn as required.
• All clothing worn as part of your uniform must be clean, pressed, and free of stains or damage.

Cruise Ship Crew Grooming Rules

Cruise ship crew are also expected to adhere to personal hygiene standards and other appearance standards at all times. Most cruise lines have similar grooming rules when it comes to cleanliness, hair care, shaving, tattoos, makeup and jewellery. Here are some guidelines to follow.

• Crew member must be clean and odour free this includes hair, hands, nails, mouth, body and clothing.
• Avoid use of strong perfumes and colognes.
• Beards and moustaches are only allowed if kept well-trimmed. (Crewmember is not allowed to start growing facial hair during their contract.)
• Visible tattoos are not permitted.
• Visible body piercings are not permitted (except one earring in each ear for women).
• Women should wear only conservative makeup and jewellery.

Men’s hair must not be longer than to a shirt collar

Crew member Use of Guest Areas

Depending on cruise line and rank will determine if you are allowed to use or be in guest areas while off duty. Some cruise lines allow officer-ranking employees to use the pool deck, passenger gym and restaurants. If you are allowed to be in passenger areas during off duty times, remember that guests have first priority.

For example, in Royal Caribbean’s “Getting Onboard” employee handbook, they specify the following crew restrictions for public areas:

If you are found in a guest stateroom and you are not fulfilling a guest accommodation (ie. cabin service), you will be dismissed immediately.

Shipboard casinos, guest swimming pools, and whirlpools are off-limits to shipboard employees.

Elevators are for guest use only.  

Crew Members Conduct with Guests

How you conduct yourself with the guests can make or break your career working on a cruise ship.  This is exceptionally important. To start, never argue with a guest. Instead, report any problems with a guest to your supervisor.

Second, never cross the line between guest and crew member. Never invite a guest into a crew area. Avoid guest elevators. Be aware of young guests with parents that misinterpret your interaction with their son/daughter. Also, be careful with how overly social you are with a guest that it isn’t interpreted as romantic or worse yet, sexual harassment.

Crew Member Conduct While Working

You are expected to follow all  rules and regulations set out for the department that you work in. At the very least you must be punctual to all shifts and follow all USPH rules concerning hygiene. Other policies may include accuracy if dealing with money or sales quotas when dealing with concessionary departments.

In addition, a crew member’s actions must not impede the progress or navigation of the ship. This could mean anything from phoning the bridge during a red zone period or arriving back to the ship after the allowable time for crew.

Furthermore, each Captain has the authority to establish additional rules and regulations for his ship (known as Captain’s Standing Orders). He may have different uniform requirements for a turnaround day. He may specify passenger areas that officer-ranked employees are able to use or not use such as pool areas and bars. Understanding the basic code of conduct for cruise lines may make you reconsider if ship life is for you.

Cruise Lines Code of Conduct – Additional Resources

To learn more about what happens when a crew member violates the code of conduct, read Disciplinary Action and Appraisals for Cruise Ship Crew.

Here are a few specific cruise lines’ code of conduct and rules for shipboard employees:

• Royal Caribbean:  Getting Onboard 2006
• Princess Cruise Lines:  Terms and Conditions of Employment 2007    [PDF]
• Holland America Line: House Rules

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Life on ship – Royal Caribbean

Uniform on a cruise - what to wear?

• Current Article

Just about every cruise line has a dress code of some type. (Except for the occasional nudist charter, they all at least agree that clothing is required!) But, from there on, dress codes range from those where dressing for dinner means putting on a clean T-shirt to those where any male passenger not in a tuxedo might as well be wearing nothing at all.

And for every dress code, there are those who try to bend the rules. Those who follow the dress code to the letter often complain of lax enforcement, and truth be told, many cruise lines do seem loath to turn people away, especially for minor infractions. There are plenty of stories of people in shorts and T-shirts when at least a suit and tie is supposed to be required, but lax enforcement isn't universal; at least on some ships, people do get turned away from the dining room.

What we can tell you is what each cruise line says you should wear.

The Code:  Azamara's dress code is "resort casual"; acceptable attire includes sportswear, golf shirts, shorts, pants and jackets (if desired, but not required) for men and sportswear, shorts, casual dresses, skirts and pants for women.

Number of Formal Nights:  The line says "Formal evening wear is not expected nor required. If you prefer to dress more formally, you are welcome to do so," but there are no formal nights. Also, tuxedo rentals are not available onboard.

Nightly Casual Option:  All restaurants are "resort casual," but Windows Cafe (the buffet option) allows for an even more relaxed option.

Written Restrictions and Jeans:  No bare feet, tank tops, caps, bathing suits, shorts or jeans are allowed in the dining room or specialty restaurants. It's in writing. No jeans in the dining room or specialty restaurants, but jeans are OK in the buffet.

Carnival Cruise Line

The Code:  Carnival's evening dress code is typically "cruise casual," but on one or two nights during the voyage, "cruise elegant" eveningwear is suggested. On "cruise casual" nights, the line recommends sport slacks, khakis, jeans (no cut-offs), long dress shorts and collared sport shirts for men, and casual dresses, casual skirts or pants and blouses, summer dresses, capri pants, dress shorts and jeans (no cut-offs) for women. Cruise elegant dress means dress slacks, dress shirts and sport coats (optional) for men and cocktail dresses, pantsuits, elegant skirts and blouses for women. On elegant nights, passengers may choose to dress more formally in suits and ties, tuxedos or evening gowns, but that level of dress is not required.

Number of Formal Nights:  There are two elegant nights per seven-night cruise, and there's one on shorter cruises.

Nightly Casual Option:  For those not wanting to dress up, the Lido restaurants are open nightly and have a casual dress code.

Written Restrictions and Jeans:  Shorts (including gym and basketball shorts), beach flip-flops, bathing suit attire, cut-off jeans, caps and sleeveless shirts for men are the only items of clothing never permitted in the dining room during dinner.

Celebrity Cruises

The Code:  Celebrity's website states that you'll need two types of evening clothes for a cruise. Most nights are "Smart Casual and Above," meaning sport shirts and slacks for men, while women will be comfortable in skirts or pants and blouses, or casual dresses. On "evening chic" nights, both men and women may  prefer  more dressy attire, though it is not required. Nor are jackets and ties required for men.

A number of Evening Chic nights:  Cruises of four to six nights have one evening chic night, those of seven- to 11-night cruises have two, and those with 12 or more nights have three.

Nightly Casual Option:  Casual dining is offered most nights on every cruise, depending upon the itinerary, and it's served in the International Marketplace, outdoor grill, the AquaSpa Cafe and Cafe al Bacio & Gelateria.

Written Restrictions and Jeans:  T-shirts, swimsuits, robes, tank tops, caps and poolwear are not allowed in the main or specialty restaurants. Shorts and flip-flops are not allowed during evening hours. As long as jeans don't have holes, rips or tears, they are permitted in the main dining room any night of the cruise.

Costa Cruises

The Code:  The atmosphere onboard is casual. Most nights are informal, with "resort wear" appropriate. A jacket or shawl, though not required, is recommended.

Number of Formal Nights:  There are two gala evenings per Caribbean cruise and one or two per European sailing, depending on length. Suits for men and cocktail dresses for women are recommended.

Nightly Casual Option:  For diners wishing for an even more relaxed vibe, a nightly buffet is offered.

Written Restrictions and Jeans:  In restaurants, the cruise line asks passengers to not wear beach clothes (shorts, sarongs or flip-flops); shoes are required. Though Costa does not reference jeans directly in its written policy, denim is allowed in the dining room, according to a spokesperson.

MSC Cruises

The Code:  "Casual resort wear" is appropriate, except for formal evenings when men are required to put on suits or jackets and ties, and women cocktail dresses. In addition, passengers who would like to participate in theme nights are encouraged to dress according to a specific theme. Examples include White Night, Tropical Night or 60s/70s/80s Night.

Number of Formal Nights:  There's one formal night on four- to six-night cruises, two on seven- to nine-night cruises, three on 10- to 14-night cruises and four on cruises of 15 nights or longer.

Nightly Casual Option:  The standard Lido buffet (and room service) will serve passengers seeking a more low-key dining experience.

Written Restrictions and Jeans:  After 6 p.m., jeans, T-shirts and shorts are not permitted in the ships' public areas. No swimwear is allowed in main dining rooms. Jeans are allowed on casual resort wear nights, as long as they aren't torn or ripped.

Norwegian Cruise Line

The Code:  Norwegian has no formal dress code. Cruise casual is acceptable most of the time and includes summer and casual dresses, skirts, regular or capri pants, shorts, jeans and tops for women, and khakis, jeans, shorts and casual shirts for men. For dinner, collared shirts and pants or "nice" jeans are suggested for men, and slacks or jeans, dresses, skirts, and tops are standard for women. Suggested dress applies to dinner in all restaurants, although upscale specialty restaurants like Cagney's and Le Bistro do require passengers to dress a bit more formally. Referred to as smart casual, this includes slacks or jeans, dresses, skirts and tops for women, and jeans or slacks with collared shirts and closed-toed shoes for men.

Number of Formal Nights:  There are no official formal nights, but "Norwegian's Night Out" is the line's freestyle (and optional) version of a formal night. Cruisers might also want to pack an all-white ensemble for the line's signature White Hot or Glow parties.

Nightly Casual Option:  It's all casual, save for fancier specialty dining venues (specified above).

Written Restrictions and Jeans:  Swimwear is fine at the buffet and outdoor restaurant -- so long as you put on a cover-up. Jeans in the main dining room and specialty restaurants are acceptable as long as they aren't overly faded, with holes or tears, or worn below the hips. Tank tops for men, flip-flops, baseball caps and visors are not permitted in the main dining room or any of the specialty restaurants.

Royal Caribbean International

The Code:  Royal Caribbean has formal, smart casual, and casual nights. Formal attire includes suits and ties or tuxedos for men and cocktail dresses for women. Smart casual attire includes jackets and ties for men and dresses or pantsuits for women. Casual attire includes sports shirts and slacks for men and sundresses or pantsuits for women.

A number of Formal Nights:  Three-, four- and five-night cruises have one formal night; six- to 11- and 13-night cruises have two formal nights; and 12-night, 14-night and longer cruises have three formal nights.

Nightly Casual Option:  The Windjammer Cafe is the laid-back evening choice -- though tank tops and caps are not allowed during dinner. Also, a good idea to buy beautiful underwear .

Written Restrictions and Jeans:  No caps, tank tops or bathing suits are permitted in the dining room. Shorts are not allowed during dinner. "Tasteful" jeans (with no blemishes, tears or mis-sizing) are permissible, according to a Royal Caribbean spokesperson.

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Who’s Who on Cruise Ship and What’s a Stripe?

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Everyone onboard is the Captain’s responsibility; guest and crew alike!  Everyone working falls into one of four departments:

Deck Department – Overseen by the Captain and led by the Chief Officer, this department is comprised of navigation and security.  Although you will not be working with navigation often, if at all, you will be working with Security Officers as you embark and disembark the ship.  You will also see them occasionally walking through the crew areas to make sure all is well.  

Engine Department – Headed by the Chief Engineer, this department is responsible for all mechanical and electrical functions on the ship to include communications, electricity and plumbing. 

Environmental Department – The Environmental Officer is responsible for all training related to environmental requirements compliance and duties.  We lead the industry in this area, so don’t let HAL down.

Hotel Department – The largest department onboard, led by the Hotel Manager, the Hotel Department is responsible for Culinary Operations, Beverage Department, Guest Relations, Onboard Revenue/Concessionaires, the Purser, Shore Excursions, Housekeeping, Medical, and the Entertainment Department to name a few.  You will be working closely with the Hotel Department more than any other.  

A brief summary of important people you need be familiar with is below.  In general, your point of contact is the Event Manager.  

Hotel Manager (HM) – Head of the Hotel Department.  Responsible for overall guest satisfaction.

Cruise Director (CD) – Head of the Entertainment Department.  Reports to the Hotel Manager and is responsible for overall entertainment ratings onboard the ship as well as guest interaction.

Event Manager (EM) – Runs the Entertainment Department behind the scenes.  The EM will be your source of direction and mentoring as well as communication with the Seattle Office if necessary.

Human Resources Officer (HRO) – Will welcome you onboard and assist you with materials, benefits and any other HR issues.

Purser – Schedules paydays and pays all crew onboard.  You will see to draw pay if needed.

Each department on the ship is distinguished by its own stripe pattern.  After a brief overview of the different uniforms you will have enough to get started onboard.

Captain – The only five stripe officer, the Captain wears a wide gold bar, two regular gold stripes, plus a loop.  

Chief Officer – Sports four regular gold stripes plus a loop. 

Other Officers in the Deck Department wear different numbers of gold stripes with top stripes looped.  

Chief Engineer – Bears four gold stripes.  

Other Officers in the Engineering Department wear straight gold stripes accordingly with their rank starting at Second Officer that wears three stripes.

Environmental Officer – Dons four gold stripes lined with blue.  

Communication’s Officer – Is clad with two gold stripes which are lined with green 

Hotel Manager – Owns four straight gold stripes that are sandwiched by white stripes.

Other Hotel Department Officers wear different numbers of gold stripes sandwiched with white stripes, but, although a part of the hotel department, the medical team, has straight gold stripes with red filling. 

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The 9 best gay cruises for 2024 (+ planning tips).

Dance parties, drag queen performances and fun destinations await on these LGBTQ voyages.

The Best Gay Cruises

Courtesy of The Cruise with La Demence

Embark on an all-gay or LGBTQ-friendly cruise for excellent entertainment, food and excursions.

Whether you are looking to hop aboard a Pride Week cruise with a major line or sail away with a smaller company that specializes in LGBTQ voyages, the following cruise operators promise a fun, safe and memorable vacation.

(Note: While many of these cruise lines sail to LGBTQ-friendly ports of call, travelers should research destinations to learn more about cultures, customs and safety in each location and determine what's right for them.)

Virgin Voyages

Atlantis events, brand g vacations, celebrity cruises, royal caribbean international, the cruise with la demence, source journeys.

Gabriel Goldberg | Courtesy of VACAYA

Founded by avid travelers Randle Roper, Patrick Gunn and John Finen, VACAYA bills itself as the first all-LGBT travel company in the full-ship charter/resort buyout sector of the travel industry to launch in more than 25 years.

"[VACAYA] was sparked by our own vacations, where we all had encountered two very different experiences," says Gunn. "The all-gay cruises were liberating, empowering and fun, but limited to a small spectrum of people. And while everyone loves a good time, there's more to a memorable vacation than just parties. Mainstream vacations offered more activities and destinations, and were accessible to a diverse set of people, but didn't always feel like a friendly, judgment-free environment."

As such, VACAYA set out to bring LGBTQ travelers from across the spectrum together in a welcoming, inclusive setting, while offering varied onboard activities and immersive itinerary options. Cruisers will enjoy traveling to ports around the world, in the Caribbean , the Galápagos, Europe , Antarctica and more. You can participate in shipwide events ranging from themed deck parties to performances by LGBTQ entertainers to rejuvenating yoga classes. Note that VACAYA's cruises are for adults only.

Previous cruisers had abundant praise for VACAYA's voyages, highlighting the company's responsiveness when booking and the kindhearted staff, as well as the genuine connections they made with other passengers on board. Many were also impressed by the events and entertainment options throughout their sailings.

In 2024, VACAYA will offer a number of voyages worldwide. The seven-night Caribbean Cruise on Celebrity Apex in February will sail round-trip from Fort Lauderdale, with several fun-filled days at sea in addition to stops in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Antigua. In August, VACAYA has a 12-night river cruise in Northern Europe on board Advance by Transcend Cruises; this sailing includes the Amsterdam Pride event. The 11-night Antarctica expedition on Atlas Ocean Voyages' World Navigator in December 2024 is sold out, but you can join the waitlist.

Courtesy of Virgin Voyages

The Virgin brand has long been known for its celebration of the LGBTQ community, and cruise line Virgin Voyages is no different. The strictly adults-only cruise operator aims to provide a unique experience, with onboard tattoo parlors, impressive live entertainment, and dining options that include more than 20 eateries and menus created by Michelin star chefs. This line gets the stamp of approval from previous LGBTQ cruisers, who praise the ships' gender-neutral bathrooms, diverse staff and onboard shows with resident drag queens.

Virgin Voyages offers gay-specific sailings through travel companies like Atlantis Events, but its more mainstream itineraries still offer a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere that attracts LGBTQ cruisers year-round. Virgin hosts a number of events during Pride Month each year, including deck parties and interactive social media campaigns.

"Each June here at Virgin Voyages, we like to go big for Pride Month with larger-than-life events … all monthlong," the cruise line says in a statement on its website. "It's an important time for us – both internally within our crew and for our sailors – to honor and celebrate the LGBTQ community; who for so long has had to continually fight for equality and the right to be seen, heard and included."

Virgin Voyages sails to a variety of LGBTQ-friendly countries, including New Zealand, Greece and Spain. In June 2024, consider a seven-night sailing aboard Scarlet Lady departing from Barcelona with stops in Marseille and Cannes in France as well as Spain's Palma de Mallorca and Ibiza.

Read: The Best Cruise Lines for the Money

The world's largest gay and lesbian travel brand, Atlantis Events was founded in 1991 and welcomes more than 20,000 travelers annually on LGBTQ vacations. For its all-gay cruises, Atlantis charters megaships from popular lines like Royal Caribbean International , Norwegian Cruise Line and Virgin Voyages in addition to smaller vessels with companies like Oceania Cruises so cruisers will have a fully immersive experience.

On board, travelers can enjoy all the perks these ships have to offer (think: pools, hot tubs, sports courts and plenty of dining choices), plus special events like drag performances, motivational speakers, LGBTQ movies on demand in each cabin and high-energy circuit parties across the ship.

"As an LGBTQ cruiser, you're looking for a ship with lots of entertainment, including dance parties and events," says Marcos Martinez, founder of Men Who Brunch, a Black gay lifestyle blog. "One of the best cruise [lines] for gay cruising is Atlantis, since you'll be able to meet hundreds of attractive men and party all day and night on the ship."

Atlantis hosts primarily gay men; women make up about 5% to 10% of bookings, according to the Atlantis website. Previous cruisers said the atmosphere on board was fun, friendly and welcoming, though some noted that the company's customer service could be better, especially when it comes to details about the cruise.

Due to the company's popularity, its three 2024 cruises are already sold out.

Read: The Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean

Courtesy of Brand G Vacations

Specializing in all-gay river cruises – and now luxury ocean liners – Brand g Vacations was founded in 2011 and explores destinations all over the world. Chartered river cruises typically welcome between 40 and 200 LGBTQ passengers (and their straight allies), which allows cruisers to get to know one another in a smaller setting. Guests tend to skew more mature (think: 40 and older), and the line attracts both men and women.

Onboard entertainment differs slightly from larger ocean voyages: Expect more cabaret-style entertainment than massive all-night dance parties. Cruisers will also enjoy performances by drag queens, gay Broadway stars and more, on top of typical river cruise perks like sightseeing and lavish meals. Past guests recommend choosing Brand g if you're looking for a well-planned, relaxed and luxurious experience over a busier, more party-heavy vacation.

Brand g aims to provide a nearly all-inclusive cruise experience , with Mercedes or small van airport transfers, upscale hotel stays prior to embarkation, and unlimited alcoholic beverages as well as meals included in the fare. As such, prices tend to be on the high end. Plus, cruisers can feel good about their trip knowing that Brand g donates to causes in the U.S. and around the world that assist LGBTQ refugees, AIDS organizations, LGBTQ centers and more.

In 2024, Brand g sails through unique waterways around the world, including the Amazon, the Loire, the Danube, the Mekong, and the Columbia and Snake rivers in the Pacific Northwest. The line's small cruise ship charters also take guests to Iceland, Spain, Morocco, Italy, Croatia and other European destinations.

Read: The Top River Cruise Lines

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Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises sets the scene for an excellent vacation for gay travelers, from its extravagant annual Pride parties to its daily LGBTQ programming throughout the year. The mainstream line has received numerous awards for its inclusivity, receiving accolades from the Cruizie Awards, TTG Travel Awards and Travel Weekly's Magellan Awards for being one of the best cruise lines for LGBTQ passengers.

LGBTQ cruisers can start their vacations off on a high note with a special welcome party on the first night of their voyage to meet other travelers on board. After night one, there are other social events for gay cruisers to party and hang out together. Additionally, Celebrity Cruises was the first cruise line to legally marry a couple at sea in 2018, and it continues to perform same-sex marriages on its ships.

Past cruisers enjoyed their voyages with Celebrity, noting that the line was welcoming, the food was delicious, and there were plenty of areas to hang out as a group with fellow LGBTQ passengers or other companions throughout the ship.

Although all itineraries are gay-friendly, consider booking a sailing during Pride Month in June for an extra special experience. Onboard entertainment during this month includes guest entertainers, a flag raising ceremony, Celebrity's signature Pride Party at Sea and more. The Italian Riviera & France cruise will depart from Barcelona on June 8, 2024, on the new Celebrity Ascent; this 10-night Mediterranean sailing stops at ports in France, Italy and Malta. Private travel companies like VACAYA also charter Celebrity ships for all-gay voyages throughout the year.

Read: Cruise Packing List: The Top Essentials for Any Cruise

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Specifically marketed toward lesbians and LGBTQ women, Olivia has hosted more than 350,000 travelers by land and sea over five decades. Cruisers can choose between river voyages or ocean sailings to destinations around the world. On the lesbian cruises, expect a mix of nostalgic decade-themed dance parties, folk singers, writing workshops, karaoke and other activities. Cruisers can also relax poolside, spend some time in the onboard spa or take it easy in one of the ships' lounges.

Travelers who are looking to connect with others who share similar backgrounds can do so in one of Olivia's specialized programs. There are group and solo traveler meetups, as well as programs like Sisters, which is for LGBTQ women of color; Gen-O, for cruisers 40 and younger; Women in Uniform gatherings, for veterans and those currently in the armed forces; and events for OWLs (which stands for "older, wiser lesbians"). Past cruisers on Olivia's voyages report feeling a true sense of community and belonging on board, resulting in a fun, carefree trip.

In June 2024, set sail with Olivia from Edinburgh, Scotland, to Dublin on Windstar Cruises' Star Legend. Or, visit the islands of Tahiti on the line's Star Breeze in September. Other cruise itineraries include Alaska, the Greek Isles, Mexico and the Panama Canal.

Read: The Best Girls Trip Ideas

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International provides a welcoming and inclusive experience for LGBTQ travelers. The popular cruise line frequently partners with Atlantis Events to offer all-gay voyages throughout the year, but even the standard sailings earn praise.

Highlights of the sailings are the ships' entertainment options (including the Tony Award-winning musical "Mamma Mia!") and attentive staff, according to past cruisers. Itineraries typically include LGBTQ meetups at the beginning of each cruise for gay travelers to meet like-minded passengers. Outside of the sailing experience, Royal Caribbean has also publicly committed to supporting the LGBTQ community throughout the year, and it was the first cruise line to earn the title "Gay Traveler Approved" from GayTravel in 2016.

In 2024, consider a Royal Caribbean voyage that sails to gay-friendly destinations. "Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, [is] full of gay bars, clubs and gay beaches," says Martinez. Hop aboard Navigator of the Seas in May for a seven-night sailing round-trip from Los Angeles that stops in Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Ensenada, Mexico. Navigator of the Seas also hosts a seven-night itinerary throughout the year that calls on Mazatlan, Mexico, as well.

Ready to plan a cruise? Find the best value sailings on  GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Courtesy of The Cruise With La Demence

According to past cruisers, if you're looking for one of the best party scenes on the open seas, consider an all-gay cruise with La Demence. Powered by a popular gay nightclub in Brussels with the same name, La Demence – French for "the madness" – primarily caters to a European crowd. Most passengers are male, though women are also welcome.

On board, passengers should expect to dance the night away at massive deck parties that last into the wee hours of the morning. The line prides itself on its top-notch DJs, impressive light setup and electric party atmosphere. Previous cruisers had high praise for the itineraries – which exclusively visit gay-friendly locations – as well as the fruity cocktails, themed nights (costumes strongly encouraged) and glamorous entertainment. Enjoy unique events like drag bingo, high heel runs and more.

La Demence sails every summer to European destinations like Greece, Italy and Malta. The 2023 cruise was chartered on Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas. Fares include all food and nonalcoholic beverages, plus access to all parties, shows and the onboard gym.

Read: The Top Party Cruises

Source Journeys has been planning luxury vacations for LGBTQ travelers for more than 20 years. The Miami-based company, with the vision of founder and chief executive officer Craig Smith, offers small group land tours and full-charter cruises for like-minded travelers with a focus on giving back to the communities they visit. The company also supports LGBTQ organizations, such as the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force and the Human Rights Campaign.

Past guests of their tours say their fellow travelers were as fun and interesting as the destinations. They appreciated the excellent personalized planning for the trips by Smith and his life partner, Rafael Rodriguez.

The company's cruises in 2024 include a seven-night Galápagos sailing in late September on a Relais & Chateau luxury yacht: Ecoventura's new ship, Evolve. The intimate ship accommodates just 20 passengers. Source Journeys is also offering a seven-night river cruise through Burgundy and Provence, France, in June on Avalon Waterways' Avalon Poetry II, as well as a seven-night voyage from Venice along the Dalmatian Coast. This ocean cruise scheduled in August is chartered on Star Clippers' masted sailing ship, Royal Clipper.

Frequently Asked Questions

When it comes to gay cruising, gone are the days of discreet "Friends of Dorothy" meetups. The term – a euphemism that dates back to the 1950s – was once used to indicate gay social events on daily cruise line programs, without explicitly calling out members of the community on board. It's a far cry from today's LGBTQ cruising industry, which loudly and proudly celebrates passengers from all walks of life.

According to experts, LGBTQ cruising is a market that will only continue to grow. Travelers can take their pick between cruise operators tailored specifically to queer communities and major cruise lines that offer festive Pride celebrations and inclusive onboard entertainment. As travel on the high seas continues to grow in popularity for vacationers, gay and lesbian travelers should consider setting sail on a fun-filled cruise vacation for their next trip.

When planning a cruise, vacationers should first consider what their ideal sailing looks like.

Gay-friendly vs. all-gay sailings: Cruisers should think about whether they'd like to travel aboard a gay-friendly mainstream line – such as Celebrity Cruises or Virgin Voyages – or opt for an all-gay, full-ship charter with a third-party vacation company.

"Each and every LGBTQIAPK person has a different level of comfortability in their 'outness,' " says Patrick Gunn, co-founder and chief marketing officer of LGBTQ vacation company VACAYA. Of VACAYA's all-gay charters, he adds, "For one magical week, our community gets to be the majority and live life out loud in the blissful utopia VACAYA creates on a gay cruise. That single change from being an always-minority to a sudden majority can have a profoundly positive real-world effect on individuals."

• Travel style: Some cruise operators (think: Atlantis Events and La Demence) are known for their electrifying all-night parties, which may be perfect for gay groups of friends. Meanwhile, other companies like VACAYA and Olivia look to provide a more diverse selection of activities, ranging from tea dances (LGBTQ parties that, historically, included tea service) to philanthropic service activities to immersive onshore experiences.
• Ports of call: Some of the most LGBTQ- and gay-friendly destinations for cruises include: Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Sydney; Barcelona, Spain; Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan; Helsinki; Quebec City; Auckland, New Zealand; Mykonos, Greece; Reykjavik, Iceland; Amsterdam; Tel Aviv, Israel; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and San Francisco. Countries that gay travelers may want to avoid include the Maldives, Jamaica, Morocco, Malaysia and Haiti, as homosexuality is illegal in these destinations.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has visited destinations around the globe on nearly every type of ship built, including the newest megaships, luxury yachts, expedition vessels, traditional masted sailing ships and intimate river ships on the Mekong River. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Cruise Lines
• The Top Solo Cruises (No Supplement Fare)
• The Top Themed Cruises
• The Top 3-Day Cruise Itineraries
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

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The 9 Best Gay Cruises for 2024 (+ Planning Tips)

W hether you are looking to hop aboard a Pride Week cruise with a major line or sail away with a smaller company that specializes in LGBTQ voyages, the following cruise operators promise a fun, safe and memorable vacation.

(Note: While many of these cruise lines sail to LGBTQ-friendly ports of call, travelers should research destinations to learn more about cultures, customs and safety in each location and determine what's right for them.)

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Founded by avid travelers Randle Roper, Patrick Gunn and John Finen, VACAYA bills itself as the first all-LGBT travel company in the full-ship charter/resort buyout sector of the travel industry to launch in more than 25 years.

"[VACAYA] was sparked by our own vacations, where we all had encountered two very different experiences," says Gunn. "The all-gay cruises were liberating, empowering and fun, but limited to a small spectrum of people. And while everyone loves a good time, there's more to a memorable vacation than just parties. Mainstream vacations offered more activities and destinations, and were accessible to a diverse set of people, but didn't always feel like a friendly, judgment-free environment."

As such, VACAYA set out to bring LGBTQ travelers from across the spectrum together in a welcoming, inclusive setting, while offering varied onboard activities and immersive itinerary options. Cruisers will enjoy traveling to ports around the world, in the Caribbean , the Galápagos, Europe , Antarctica and more. You can participate in shipwide events ranging from themed deck parties to performances by LGBTQ entertainers to rejuvenating yoga classes. Note that VACAYA's cruises are for adults only.

Previous cruisers had abundant praise for VACAYA's voyages, highlighting the company's responsiveness when booking and the kindhearted staff, as well as the genuine connections they made with other passengers on board. Many were also impressed by the events and entertainment options throughout their sailings.

In 2024, VACAYA will offer a number of voyages worldwide. The seven-night Caribbean Cruise on Celebrity Apex in February will sail round-trip from Fort Lauderdale, with several fun-filled days at sea in addition to stops in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Antigua. In August, VACAYA has a 12-night river cruise in Northern Europe on board Advance by Transcend Cruises; this sailing includes the Amsterdam Pride event. The 11-night Antarctica expedition on Atlas Ocean Voyages' World Navigator in December 2024 is sold out, but you can join the waitlist.

Virgin Voyages

The Virgin brand has long been known for its celebration of the LGBTQ community, and cruise line Virgin Voyages is no different. The strictly adults-only cruise operator aims to provide a unique experience, with onboard tattoo parlors, impressive live entertainment, and dining options that include more than 20 eateries and menus created by Michelin star chefs. This line gets the stamp of approval from previous LGBTQ cruisers, who praise the ships' gender-neutral bathrooms, diverse staff and onboard shows with resident drag queens.

Virgin Voyages offers gay-specific sailings through travel companies like Atlantis Events, but its more mainstream itineraries still offer a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere that attracts LGBTQ cruisers year-round. Virgin hosts a number of events during Pride Month each year, including deck parties and interactive social media campaigns.

"Each June here at Virgin Voyages, we like to go big for Pride Month with larger-than-life events … all monthlong," the cruise line says in a statement on its website. "It's an important time for us – both internally within our crew and for our sailors – to honor and celebrate the LGBTQ community; who for so long has had to continually fight for equality and the right to be seen, heard and included."

Virgin Voyages sails to a variety of LGBTQ-friendly countries, including New Zealand, Greece and Spain. In June 2024, consider a seven-night sailing aboard Scarlet Lady departing from Barcelona with stops in Marseille and Cannes in France as well as Spain's Palma de Mallorca and Ibiza.

Read: The Best Cruise Lines for the Money

Atlantis Events

The world's largest gay and lesbian travel brand, Atlantis Events was founded in 1991 and welcomes more than 20,000 travelers annually on LGBTQ vacations. For its all-gay cruises, Atlantis charters megaships from popular lines like Royal Caribbean International , Norwegian Cruise Line and Virgin Voyages in addition to smaller vessels with companies like Oceania Cruises so cruisers will have a fully immersive experience.

On board, travelers can enjoy all the perks these ships have to offer (think: pools, hot tubs, sports courts and plenty of dining choices), plus special events like drag performances, motivational speakers, LGBTQ movies on demand in each cabin and high-energy circuit parties across the ship.

"As an LGBTQ cruiser, you're looking for a ship with lots of entertainment, including dance parties and events," says Marcos Martinez, founder of Men Who Brunch, a Black gay lifestyle blog. "One of the best cruise [lines] for gay cruising is Atlantis, since you'll be able to meet hundreds of attractive men and party all day and night on the ship."

Atlantis hosts primarily gay men; women make up about 5% to 10% of bookings, according to the Atlantis website. Previous cruisers said the atmosphere on board was fun, friendly and welcoming, though some noted that the company's customer service could be better, especially when it comes to details about the cruise.

Due to the company's popularity, its three 2024 cruises are already sold out.

Read: The Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean

Brand g Vacations

Specializing in all-gay river cruises – and now luxury ocean liners – Brand g Vacations was founded in 2011 and explores destinations all over the world. Chartered river cruises typically welcome between 40 and 200 LGBTQ passengers (and their straight allies), which allows cruisers to get to know one another in a smaller setting. Guests tend to skew more mature (think: 40 and older), and the line attracts both men and women.

Onboard entertainment differs slightly from larger ocean voyages: Expect more cabaret-style entertainment than massive all-night dance parties. Cruisers will also enjoy performances by drag queens, gay Broadway stars and more, on top of typical river cruise perks like sightseeing and lavish meals. Past guests recommend choosing Brand g if you're looking for a well-planned, relaxed and luxurious experience over a busier, more party-heavy vacation.

Brand g aims to provide a nearly all-inclusive cruise experience , with Mercedes or small van airport transfers, upscale hotel stays prior to embarkation, and unlimited alcoholic beverages as well as meals included in the fare. As such, prices tend to be on the high end. Plus, cruisers can feel good about their trip knowing that Brand g donates to causes in the U.S. and around the world that assist LGBTQ refugees, AIDS organizations, LGBTQ centers and more.

In 2024, Brand g sails through unique waterways around the world, including the Amazon, the Loire, the Danube, the Mekong, and the Columbia and Snake rivers in the Pacific Northwest. The line's small cruise ship charters also take guests to Iceland, Spain, Morocco, Italy, Croatia and other European destinations.

Read: The Top River Cruise Lines

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Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises sets the scene for an excellent vacation for gay travelers, from its extravagant annual Pride parties to its daily LGBTQ programming throughout the year. The mainstream line has received numerous awards for its inclusivity, receiving accolades from the Cruizie Awards, TTG Travel Awards and Travel Weekly's Magellan Awards for being one of the best cruise lines for LGBTQ passengers.

LGBTQ cruisers can start their vacations off on a high note with a special welcome party on the first night of their voyage to meet other travelers on board. After night one, there are other social events for gay cruisers to party and hang out together. Additionally, Celebrity Cruises was the first cruise line to legally marry a couple at sea in 2018, and it continues to perform same-sex marriages on its ships.

Past cruisers enjoyed their voyages with Celebrity, noting that the line was welcoming, the food was delicious, and there were plenty of areas to hang out as a group with fellow LGBTQ passengers or other companions throughout the ship.

Although all itineraries are gay-friendly, consider booking a sailing during Pride Month in June for an extra special experience. Onboard entertainment during this month includes guest entertainers, a flag raising ceremony, Celebrity's signature Pride Party at Sea and more. The Italian Riviera & France cruise will depart from Barcelona on June 8, 2024, on the new Celebrity Ascent; this 10-night Mediterranean sailing stops at ports in France, Italy and Malta. Private travel companies like VACAYA also charter Celebrity ships for all-gay voyages throughout the year.

Read: Cruise Packing List: The Top Essentials for Any Cruise

Specifically marketed toward lesbians and LGBTQ women, Olivia has hosted more than 350,000 travelers by land and sea over five decades. Cruisers can choose between river voyages or ocean sailings to destinations around the world. On the lesbian cruises, expect a mix of nostalgic decade-themed dance parties, folk singers, writing workshops, karaoke and other activities. Cruisers can also relax poolside, spend some time in the onboard spa or take it easy in one of the ships' lounges.

Travelers who are looking to connect with others who share similar backgrounds can do so in one of Olivia's specialized programs. There are group and solo traveler meetups, as well as programs like Sisters, which is for LGBTQ women of color; Gen-O, for cruisers 40 and younger; Women in Uniform gatherings, for veterans and those currently in the armed forces; and events for OWLs (which stands for "older, wiser lesbians"). Past cruisers on Olivia's voyages report feeling a true sense of community and belonging on board, resulting in a fun, carefree trip.

In June 2024, set sail with Olivia from Edinburgh, Scotland, to Dublin on Windstar Cruises' Star Legend. Or, visit the islands of Tahiti on the line's Star Breeze in September. Other cruise itineraries include Alaska, the Greek Isles, Mexico and the Panama Canal.

Read: The Best Girls Trip Ideas

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International provides a welcoming and inclusive experience for LGBTQ travelers. The popular cruise line frequently partners with Atlantis Events to offer all-gay voyages throughout the year, but even the standard sailings earn praise.

Highlights of the sailings are the ships' entertainment options (including the Tony Award-winning musical "Mamma Mia!") and attentive staff, according to past cruisers. Itineraries typically include LGBTQ meetups at the beginning of each cruise for gay travelers to meet like-minded passengers. Outside of the sailing experience, Royal Caribbean has also publicly committed to supporting the LGBTQ community throughout the year, and it was the first cruise line to earn the title "Gay Traveler Approved" from GayTravel in 2016.

In 2024, consider a Royal Caribbean voyage that sails to gay-friendly destinations. "Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, [is] full of gay bars, clubs and gay beaches," says Martinez. Hop aboard Navigator of the Seas in May for a seven-night sailing round-trip from Los Angeles that stops in Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Ensenada, Mexico. Navigator of the Seas also hosts a seven-night itinerary throughout the year that calls on Mazatlan, Mexico, as well.

Ready to plan a cruise? Find the best value sailings on  GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

The Cruise With La Demence

According to past cruisers, if you're looking for one of the best party scenes on the open seas, consider an all-gay cruise with La Demence. Powered by a popular gay nightclub in Brussels with the same name, La Demence – French for "the madness" – primarily caters to a European crowd. Most passengers are male, though women are also welcome.

On board, passengers should expect to dance the night away at massive deck parties that last into the wee hours of the morning. The line prides itself on its top-notch DJs, impressive light setup and electric party atmosphere. Previous cruisers had high praise for the itineraries – which exclusively visit gay-friendly locations – as well as the fruity cocktails, themed nights (costumes strongly encouraged) and glamorous entertainment. Enjoy unique events like drag bingo, high heel runs and more.

La Demence sails every summer to European destinations like Greece, Italy and Malta. The 2023 cruise was chartered on Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas. Fares include all food and nonalcoholic beverages, plus access to all parties, shows and the onboard gym.

Read: The Top Party Cruises

Source Journeys

Source Journeys has been planning luxury vacations for LGBTQ travelers for more than 20 years. The Miami-based company, with the vision of founder and chief executive officer Craig Smith, offers small group land tours and full-charter cruises for like-minded travelers with a focus on giving back to the communities they visit. The company also supports LGBTQ organizations, such as the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force and the Human Rights Campaign.

Past guests of their tours say their fellow travelers were as fun and interesting as the destinations. They appreciated the excellent personalized planning for the trips by Smith and his life partner, Rafael Rodriguez.

The company's cruises in 2024 include a seven-night Galápagos sailing in late September on a Relais & Chateau luxury yacht: Ecoventura's new ship, Evolve. The intimate ship accommodates just 20 passengers. Source Journeys is also offering a seven-night river cruise through Burgundy and Provence, France, in June on Avalon Waterways' Avalon Poetry II, as well as a seven-night voyage from Venice along the Dalmatian Coast. This ocean cruise scheduled in August is chartered on Star Clippers' masted sailing ship, Royal Clipper.

FAQ Module : FAQs - Travel - Best Gay Cruises

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has visited destinations around the globe on nearly every type of ship built, including the newest megaships, luxury yachts, expedition vessels, traditional masted sailing ships and intimate river ships on the Mekong River. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Cruise Lines
• The Top Solo Cruises (No Supplement Fare)
• The Top Themed Cruises
• The Top 3-Day Cruise Itineraries
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

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