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On virtually every cruise there are dress codes ranging from casual during the day to formal on gala evenings. These rules differ per cruise line and often cause confusion on your first cruise. Do you know exactly what is expected of you? Then you avoid awkward situations on board and can fully enjoy the experience. Discover below which dress codes apply and how best to prepare.
Casual clothing during the day on the ship
Almost all cruise ships apply a relaxed dress code during the day. You can walk around comfortably in a T‑shirt, shorts, sportswear and sandals. This applies to the deck, the lounge and the pool bar. Swimwear is only allowed at the pool and on the adjoining sun decks.
When you leave the pool area, put on a decent cover‑up. This could be a sarong, an oversized shirt or a beach dress. Avoid transparent or very skimpy cover‑ups. In all indoor areas such as corridors, shops and restaurants you must wear at least a shirt and shoes. Planning your first cruise? Then this is useful to know. You can find more information under your first cruise.
Smart casual at dinner
Smart casual is the most common evening dress code. This term refers to clothing that is neat and well‑groomed without being overly formal. This level usually applies on the first and last night of your cruise, and on a few days in between. Find the term confusing? In practice it means neat and presentable without being excessively formal.
For men, smart casual means:
- Long trousers or smart chinos
- Collared shirt
- Closed shoes
- Blazer or jacket is optional
For women, this means:
- Dress, skirt with blouse, or trousers with a nice top
- Closed shoes
- Blazer or jacket is optional
Some cruise lines accept smart, non‑ripped jeans on smart‑casual evenings. Check your specific cruise policy in advance. Designer denim without rips is increasingly accepted, but torn or worn‑out jeans remain undesirable.
Formal evenings and gala dinners
On formal evenings more elegant clothing is expected. The number of gala nights depends on the length of your trip. A five‑night cruise usually has one formal evening, while longer sailings can have between two and four formal evenings.
For men, formal means:
- Suit with tie or dinner jacket
- Closed shoes
- Optional bow tie
For women:
- Cocktail dress or evening gown
- Elegant accessories
- Closed shoes or heels
Some cruise lines now refer to this dress code as “Dress Your Best” or “Evening Chic” instead of formal. This offers a little more flexibility, but the expectation remains that you will make an effort to look elegant.
What are you not allowed to wear in the restaurant?
Certain items of clothing are never allowed in restaurants and dining venues, especially during the evening meal. It is important to know this list to avoid disappointment.
The following are not allowed:
- Swimwear and see‑through cover‑ups
- Tank tops and sleeveless shirts for men
- Baseball caps and other hats
- Flip‑flops and beach slippers
- Ripped jeans with holes
- Bare feet
- Trainers
- Bathrobes
After 6 pm these rules also apply to most public areas outside the pool area. Respect these guidelines to retain access to restaurants and facilities.
‘ This is a hygiene rule that is strictly enforced. ’
Etiquette at the buffet
In addition to dress codes, there are also behavioural rules at the buffet. Always take a clean plate when you go back for another course. Never reuse your used plate. This is a hygiene rule that is strictly enforced.
Wait your turn in the queue and do not pick up food with your hands. Use the serving utensils. Do not let children go to the buffet unsupervised. Always wear shoes and a shirt in the buffet restaurant, even at breakfast and lunch.
Clothing rules on deck
The rules on deck are relaxed during the day. Swimwear, shorts and flip‑flops are fine. Do make sure you wear shoes when walking through corridors or entering indoor areas. Bare feet are not allowed anywhere except directly by the pool.
Note that wet swimwear is not welcome in lifts, corridors and other indoor spaces. Put on dry clothes or a respectable cover‑up before leaving the deck area. Some cruise lines refuse guests in dripping swimwear entry to the lifts. If you go inside in wet swimwear, you run the risk of being turned away.
Differences between cruise lines
Each cruise line has its own guidelines. These differences are important to understand before you board.
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean (a large international cruise line) distinguishes three levels: casual, smart casual and formal. For the casino, shoes and a shirt are always required. Cover‑ups must be worn over swimsuits outside the pool area.
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises (also a large cruise line) uses smart casual and evening chic. Do you prefer not to take part in formal evenings? Then you are welcome in the speciality restaurants or at the pool bar. This flexibility makes Celebrity popular with travellers who prefer not to dine formally.
MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises (a European cruise company) applies casual during the day and standard smart casual in the evenings. On gala nights, T‑shirts are not allowed. MSC Yacht Club guests (a luxury section on board with extra facilities) are given more freedom and may even eat in certain areas while wearing swimwear.
Princess Cruises and Azamara
Princess Cruises (a traditional cruise line) makes a clear distinction between formal and smart casual, with longer cruises having more formal evenings. Azamara (a smaller cruise line) applies a relaxed dress code where golf shirts and shorts are also acceptable in the evening.
‘ Cultural sensitivity also plays a part on some itineraries. ’
Avoid clothing with slogans
Avoid clothing with offensive texts, political slogans or foul language. The crew will call you out on this and may refuse you entry to restaurants. Cultural sensitivity also plays a part on some itineraries.
Certain Caribbean islands ban clothing with military camouflage patterns. In Mexico, items of clothing with indigenous patterns are sometimes seen as cultural appropriation. Check local customs in advance when you go ashore.
Practical preparation for your cruise
Before you pack, check the exact dress code for your chosen cruise. This information is usually available on the cruise line’s website or in your booking confirmation. Also read the daily ship information on board for any changes.
Take versatile items of clothing that you can mix and match. Choose neutral colours that are easy to combine. Pack at least one outfit that meets the highest formal level of your cruise. Items that you can wear both during the day and in the evening save valuable suitcase space.
Unsure between two options? Then choose the smarter one. You can never be too smartly dressed for a cruise dinner, but you can be too casual. This helps you avoid being turned away at restaurants, as well as awkward looks from fellow travellers.
Showing respect on board
Dress codes are not just about rules. They contribute to a pleasant atmosphere for all passengers on board. If you dress smartly for dinner, you show respect for your fellow travellers and for the crew who work hard to create your experience.
Many experienced cruisers particularly appreciate the formal evenings because they offer a special opportunity to dress up. They create a festive atmosphere that sets a cruise holiday apart from other types of trip. See it as part of the overall experience, not as a restriction.
On the Traveler Tips website you will find much more practical information about cruises, from packing lists to tips for your first day on board. Discover what other preparations you can make to get the most out of your cruise.
Frequently asked questions
First check your cruise line’s website or your booking confirmation; these list the official dress codes per day and per restaurant. Then read the daily ship newsletter or app on board, which usually indicates per evening (casual, smart casual, formal) what is expected. If you like, look up forums or Facebook groups for experiences from travellers on your exact ship and itinerary. Use that information to plan a few mix‑and‑match outfits for each dress code instead of packing a completely different outfit for every single evening.
For most evening dinners, smart casual is fine: for men, long trousers or smart chinos with a shirt and closed shoes; for women, a dress, skirt or smart trousers with a blouse or top and optionally a jacket. On formal or gala evenings it is better to opt for a suit with tie or a dinner jacket, or for a cocktail or evening dress with elegant shoes and accessories. Avoid swimwear, tank tops, flip‑flops, caps and ripped jeans in the restaurants so that you look neat yet still feel comfortable. Check your cruise line’s specific dress code in advance so you can bring clothes you feel confident in.
Versatile and comfortable items include lightweight, breathable trousers or chinos, plain T‑shirts or polo shirts without loud prints, and a thin cardigan or blouse that you can layer. Opt for neutral colours that are easy to combine so you can create several outfits with just a few pieces. A casual summer dress or a skirt with a top works well both on board and during excursions. Also make sure you have comfortable shoes such as trainers or closed‑toe sandals that are suitable both for walking and for moving around the ship.
Casual is fine during the day, but do not walk around outside the pool area in only swimwear, barefoot or wrapped just in a towel; always wear at least a shirt and shoes. In the evenings, most restaurants do not accept shorts, tank tops, caps, worn‑out jeans, flip‑flops or beachwear. Respect formal or smart‑casual evenings by wearing neat, clean clothing (for men, long trousers and a shirt; for women, a dress/skirt or smart trousers). Avoid clothing with offensive texts or political messages and always check your cruise line’s specific dress code in advance.
