Princess Cruises has issued a fleetwide update to its tattoo policy, formally requiring all shipboard employees to keep visible tattoos covered while on duty. The change, announced in an email sent to all departments by the company’s Fleet HR Team, will take effect on September 10.

A Shift from Past Practice

Until now, tattoos were generally tolerated across the fleet so long as they were not offensive. Enforcement varied from ship to ship, with some Hotel Directors asking crew to conceal tattoos even though it was not officially mandated. The new rules bring consistency by folding the guidelines directly into Princess Cruises’ Dress Code Policy.

What’s Changing

Under the new policy, all visible tattoos including full sleeve designs, must be fully covered while on duty. Crew will be permitted to use neutral or skin-tone sleeve covers to comply. Tattoos on the face and neck remain prohibited, while offensive or inflammatory designs continue to be strictly restricted.

Religious or culturally significant tattoos will be reviewed individually, and the Entertainment Department may still receive case-by-case approval from the Shoreside Head of Entertainment to display tattoos during performances.

Why the Update?

In an internal email Princess Cruises outlined four reasons behind the shift:

• Brand Standards: To reinforce a polished and professional appearance across the fleet.
• Guest Sensitivities: To ensure a respectful and inclusive environment for Princess Cruises’ diverse guest base.
• Uniform Consistency: To maintain a clean and cohesive look among crew.
• Industry Alignment: To better match Carnival Corporation’s broader standards, while retaining Princess specific nuances.

The policy takes effect September 10, with supervisors and managers tasked to monitor compliance and escalate issues as needed. Crew are encouraged to secure their own neutral or skin-tone tattoo covers to meet requirements.

Princess acknowledged the adjustment may be challenging for some, encouraging crew members with concerns to reach out to their onboard Human Resources Officer.

The new rules reflect a tightening of standards at Princess Cruises, even as other lines have adopted more relaxed approaches toward visible tattoos. By aligning more closely with Carnival Corporation’s corporate policies, Princess appears to be prioritizing brand image and guest expectations over greater individual expression at sea.