European Port To Fine Cruise Passengers For Inappropriate Attire – Including Swimwear

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Cruise guests planning to visit Split, Croatia, will need to reconsider their outfit choices before disembarking, as the city has introduced fines of up to €150 (£128/$162) for wearing beachwear in public.

Split, Croatia

The new regulation, aimed at preserving the dignity of Split’s historic core, bans tourists from walking around in swimsuits, lingerie, or going shirtless, even in peak summer heat.

The same fine will also apply to public alcohol consumption, meaning a passenger strolling the streets in both a swimsuit and with a beer in hand could be fined €300 (£256/$324).

This move follows a similar policy in Dubrovnik, Croatia’s busiest cruise port, which introduced fines for swimwear-clad visitors in 2020.

The sheer volume of tourists – over 1 million cruise visitors in 2024, a 20% increase from the previous year – has prompted authorities to protect Split’s cultural integrity by ensuring tourists dress appropriately when away from the beach.

Bacvice Beach, the city’s most famous sandy shore, is just a short walk from the cruise port, making it a popular stop for passengers.

However, visitors heading to Old Town or other attractions post-beach must cover up to avoid penalties.

Cruise lines are advising passengers to wear swimsuits under their clothes or bring cover-ups to avoid unexpected fines.

Other European cities with dress code fines

Split is far from alone in enforcing strict dress codes for tourists. Other European cruise destinations have similar fines for inappropriate attire:

  • Venice, Italy – Fines for swimwear range from €25 to €500 (£21 to £427/$27 to $540).
  • Barcelona, Spain – Wearing swim attire away from the beach can result in a €300-€500 (£256-£427/$324-$540) fine.
  • Sorrento, Italy – Authorities have cracked down on skimpy bikinis and bare chests to maintain the town’s reputation.
  • Palma de Mallorca, Spain – Swimwear restrictions have been in place since 2014 to prevent excessive tourism-related disturbances.
  • Albufeira, Portugal – A newly introduced fine (up to €1,500/£1,280/$1,620) targets topless tourists or those in swimwear away from designated areas.

Beyond dress codes, cruise passengers should also be aware of unique local laws.

For example, in Barbados, camouflage clothing is illegal, even for children, as it is reserved for military use. Several Caribbean nations, including Jamaica, Antigua, St. Lucia, and Trinidad & Tobago, enforce similar bans.

Cruise lines also have their own attire restrictions, particularly for dining areas and onboard venues.

Carnival Cruise Line, for instance, prohibits offensive clothing featuring nudity, profanity, violence, or inappropriate innuendo.

Most ships ban swimwear in restaurants, requiring passengers to change before entering indoor dining spaces.

Cruise passengers should review all pre-cruise materials provided by their cruise line to stay informed about local regulations and onboard policies – ensuring they enjoy their travels without any unexpected fines.

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