Beard and Moustaches

Starkey asks:

I have a question on beards and mustaches. Whats the story?

Hi Starkey – I assume you mean if, and to what degree, beards and moustaches are allowed for crew members.

That’s a good question.  Some companies in the hospitality and entertainment business can get a little weird about facial hair.  As I’ve mentioned a few times before, in college I worked as an intern at Disney World in Orlando.  When I arrived at new employee training, they handed us a book (not a booklet or a pamphlet, but a bona fide, bound BOOK) detailing the appearance policy of the company.  They had just started allowing sideburns back then – but ONLY 1″ long, and ONLY 1/2″ wide.

I’ve never seen any rules like that on a cruise ship.  For instance, check out this guy, who is labeled as a captain and has that scrappy looking beard.

If you are a competitor in the world beard championships or look at all like this guy, then you may have a problem.  Short of that, you’re probably ok as long as you keep it groomed.