F.A.Q.


Questions? We've got answers.

Whether you're curious about our apparel, printing process, shipping policies, or why someone would start a cruise-themed T-shirt company in the first place, you've come to the right place.

Below you'll find information about our apparel, printing process, shipping policies, and the story behind Ship Show Shirts. If we missed something, don't hesitate to reach out. We're always happy to help fellow cruisers find exactly what they're looking for.

If you don't find the answer you're looking for below, feel free to contact us. We're always happy to help.

What Is Ship Show Shirts?


Ship Show Shirts was born on a cruise ship.

As someone who genuinely loves cruising, I spent years browsing cruise-themed apparel and repeatedly found myself thinking the same thing: most of it wasn't very good.

The designs were often generic, poorly executed, or looked like they were created with little understanding of the people who actually love cruising.

So I decided to build the kind of cruise apparel company I wished already existed.

With more than three decades of design experience, every product, color combination, and design choice is approached with the same goal: create apparel that looks great, feels great, and captures the fun, humor, and spirit of life at sea.

Whether you're a cruise addict, a fan of tropical destinations, a lover of pina coladas, or simply someone who appreciates a well-designed shirt, welcome aboard.


We spent a considerable amount of time evaluating apparel before launching Ship Show Shirts. Our goal was simple: find products that offer an excellent balance of quality, comfort, durability, color selection, and value. Most importantly, we wanted products we would be proud to wear ourselves.

Before making our final selections, we tested and rejected more than a dozen different apparel options. Every product we offer today earned its place through real-world testing, not by simply looking good in a catalog.


The biggest surprise during our testing process was the Independent Trading Co. SS4500 Midweight Hoodie.

This hoodie consistently outperformed products costing significantly more. The fabric is exceptionally soft, the fit is comfortable without feeling oversized, and the quality construction makes it feel more like a premium retail garment than a standard promotional hoodie.

Once we wore it, the decision was easy.

What Apparel Do You Use?


We spent a considerable amount of time evaluating apparel before launching Ship Show Shirts. Our goal was simple: find products that offer an excellent balance of quality, comfort, durability, color selection, and value. Most importantly, we wanted products we would be proud to wear ourselves.

Before making our final selections, we tested and rejected more than a dozen different apparel options. Every product we offer today earned its place through real-world testing, not by simply looking good in a catalog.

Tees


Our standard T-shirt is the Gildan G200 Ultra Cotton 6 oz. Tee.

It's a durable, comfortable shirt that has earned a reputation for holding its shape and wearing well over time. The heavyweight cotton fabric, extensive color selection, and excellent value make it a perfect choice for everyday wear.

Tanks


For tank tops, we decided to splurge a little.

We selected the Comfort Colors C9360 garment-dyed tank because it's quite simply one of the best tank tops we've ever worn. The fit is excellent, the fabric is soft and comfortable, and the garment-dyed colors look fantastic.

Since tank tops are practically standard equipment on a warm-weather cruise, choosing anything less didn't make much sense.

Hoodies


The dark horse of the group was the Independent Trading Co. SS4500 Midweight Hoodie.

This hoodie consistently outperformed products costing significantly more. The fabric is exceptionally soft, the fit is comfortable without feeling oversized, and the quality construction makes it feel more like a premium retail garment than a standard promotional hoodie.

Once we wore it, the decision was easy.

How Do Your Shirts Fit?


All of our apparel is selected with one simple goal in mind: real-world fit for real-world people.

Our T-shirts, tank tops, and hoodies all fit true to size and provide a comfortable, relaxed fit. If you normally wear a Large, order a Large. We spent a considerable amount of time testing products before launching Ship Show Shirts, and consistent sizing was one of our top priorities.

What Sizes Are Available?


Ship Show Shirts currently offers Small, Medium, Large, XL, XXL, and 3XL.

We do not currently offer sizes outside that range because extended sizes are often available in fewer colors and stock can be inconsistent.

Rather than list options that may not be reliably available, we focus on the sizes and colors we can offer with confidence.

How Are Your Designs Printed?


Our designs are produced using a proprietary, premium Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing process.

To be completely honest, I was extremely skeptical of DTF printing when I first started researching the business. I had seen some examples that were, frankly, not very impressive.

Then I started testing products.

The results completely changed my opinion. These prints are vibrant, durable, and capable of producing levels of color and detail that would be difficult to achieve with traditional screen printing.

The apparel doesn't require special handling or museum-level care. Wash it inside out, avoid excessive heat, skip the iron, and enjoy it.

I became such a believer in the process that Ship Show Shirts probably wouldn't exist without it.

Why Are Some Designs Available in More Colors Than Others?


Every design and shirt color combination is created individually. We don't believe in throwing artwork onto every color shirt available and hoping for the best.

Our goal is to offer combinations that look great and that we're proud to put our name on. Some designs naturally work across dozens of shirt colors, while others look their best on a more limited selection.

That said, if you've got your heart set on a particular color, keep reading.

Can I Request a a Different Shirt Color?


Absolutely.

If a design isn't currently available in your preferred color shirt, just send us an email. If the shirt color exists, we'll make it happen.

We carefully curate the combinations shown on the website because we think they look great, but at the end of the day you're the one wearing it. If you want your favorite design on mustard yellow, baby-poop green, or something slightly less adventurous, we'll gladly set it up for you.

For simple color changes there is no additional charge. Just allow us one to two business days to create the new option.

How Should I Care For My Apparel?


For maximum longevity, we recommend washing apparel inside out using normal detergent and drying on low heat.

Avoid excessive heat whenever possible, and never iron directly over the printed design.

For complete care instructions and additional recommendations, please visit our Washing and Care Instructions page.

Follow those simple guidelines and your apparel should continue looking great for years of adventures, vacations, and questionable decisions.

Why Are Products Printed On Demand?


Every Ship Show Shirts item is produced specifically for you after your order is placed.

This approach allows us to offer a much larger variety of designs, apparel styles, and color combinations than would be practical if we stocked everything in a warehouse. It also reduces waste and helps us avoid filling a garage, spare bedroom, or small aircraft hangar with unsold inventory.

Most importantly, it allows a small business to focus on creating great products instead of guessing which combinations people might buy.

Why Are All Sales Final?


Because every item is custom produced after an order is placed, our printing partner’s policy is that all sales are final.

The good news is that this policy exists because your apparel is being made specifically for you, not pulled from a shelf where it has been sitting for months.

The even better news is that if something isn’t right, we’re going to make it right.

What Happens If My Item Arrives Damaged or Incorrect?


While issues are extremely rare, we stand behind every order.

If your apparel arrives damaged, defective, or incorrect, contact us immediately. The item must be returned before a replacement can be issued. Once the return has been received, a replacement will be produced and shipped at no additional cost.

We do not offer refunds on custom-produced apparel, but we absolutely stand behind the quality of our products and will work to ensure you receive the product you ordered.

Do You Offer Free Shipping

For orders more then $75.00, shipping is free.

For orders less than $75.00, shipping on the first printed item is $4.99, and each subsequent ite after that is $1.50.

We ship via USPS Ground advantage, and we do not offer expedited shipping at this time. Plan for 7-10 business days for production and shipping of your item(s).

Do You Ship Outside The United States?

At this time, Ship Show Shirts ships exclusively within the United States.

International shipping introduces additional taxes, duties, regulations, and logistical challenges that we’re simply not ready to tackle yet. For now, we’re focused on serving customers here at home. Expanding beyond U.S. borders is something we may explore in the future.

Several of our international customers have planned ahead and shipped their Ship Show Shirts to their Florida hotel before embarking on their cruise. We can’t officially recommend it, but we can certainly appreciate the ingenuity... that’s the kind of planning that deserves an extra dessert in the main dining room.

And yes, we understand that everyone gets extra dessert in the main dining room. We try hard to be funny here at ship show shirts. sometimes it lands... sometimes not so much.

But Who Are You?


Fair question.

I’m Jeff Williams, founder of Ship Show Shirts, lifelong designer, photographer, and unapologetic cruise addict.

The idea for Ship Show Shirts was born on a cruise after years of seeing cruise-themed apparel that felt uninspired, poorly designed, or simply not something I would wear myself. With more than three decades of design experience, I decided to create the kind of cruise apparel I wished existed.

When I’m not working on new designs, you’ll usually find me planning my next cruise, talking about cruising, or wishing I was cruising. While I currently call Coeur d’Alene, Idaho home, I am actively working toward relocating a little closer to the white sand beaches, turquoise water, and year-round cruising opportunities of Florida.

I share many of my adventures with my amazing spouse, life partner, and trophy wife Rebecca, who somehow continues to tolerate both my creative projects and my cruise obsession.

And if you ever happen to spot me on a cruise ship, please come say hello! I genuinely enjoy meeting fellow cruisers, hearing travel stories, and putting faces to the names behind the orders.

Life is too short not to make new friends, book another cruise, and laugh a little along the way.