Louisiana Cruise Guests Told to ‘Keep Them Covered’ For Safety

Fans of cruise vacations might need to leave a little bit of their Louisiana "fashion sense" at home before embarking on a Caribbean, Mexican, or European cruise this fall. We've mentioned in previous articles that camouflage, a fashion staple from Shreveport to Lafayette and Lake Charles to Baton Rouge, is welcomed on cruises but not in many ports of call.

However, this Louisiana fashion trend is a little different because the concern being raised isn't about clothing. It's about body parts. And here in Louisiana, it's a body part that many of us don't mind showing off in public, although some of us probably shouldn't allow ours to see the light of day.

I am sure your first thoughts of "offensive anatomy" had something to do with thong-style swimsuits. But no, they're okay. Perhaps the cruise lines want us to not wear Speedo-style swimsuits. Even though I wish they would outlaw the Speedo, they haven't and you and your banana hammock will be welcomed on board.

What Body Parts Should You Always Keep Covered on a Cruise?

Look down. It's your feet. Cruise lines and health experts alike are suggesting that even if you go on a "Barefoot Cruise" you wear shoes. Why is wearing shoes suddenly an issue on a cruise ship?

Let me answer that question with another question, would you go barefoot in a public shower? Would you go barefoot in a public restroom? Would you want to put your bare skin on a surface that has been exposed to the skin of thousands of other travelers? It's the same reason we wore shower shoes in the dorm and why prisoners often request shower shoes too.

In addition to the fathomable fungi that might await to meet your feet, there are other reasons to put on shoes while you're walking around a cruise ship. The fact that some guests spill is one of them The fact that some guests are incontinent, which means issues with bowel and bladder control, is an even better reason to be seen in Crocs. Yes, I count stepping in poo as being worse than being caught wearing Crocs.

Besides Hygiene There is Another Reason To Keep 'em Covered

While the decks on most cruise ships are designed to be slip resistant many of the floors inside the cruise ship deck plans are not. That's one reason why you need to wear shoes to the buffet. The other reason is going to a restaurant without shoes is very Arkansas, you don't want that stigma.

Seriously, slips and falls on cruise ships are commonplace, especially in areas adjacent to pools and spas. Then you also have spilled drinks in the other venues and the list for wearing shoes while on a ship grows longer and longer. Trust me, neither you nor your bank account want to go visit the ship's doctor.

Sure, go barefoot at the pool, in the pool, and the spa. You can feel fairly confident in walking barefoot in your cabin although that does make me squeamish. I would also suggest shoes in the Main Dining Room too. Trust me, they won't let you in without something on your feet and they frown on that ballcap too.