Cruise Dress Codes Explained: What to Wear on Formal Nights, at Dinner and Ashore

Every year, stories go round of cruise passengers being turned away from the restaurant because of what they were wearing – shorts at dinner, a vest top, flip-flops or a baseball cap. Staff usually won't budge, because dress codes are part of the experience many guests pay for. This guide explains how cruise dress codes work, what different lines expect, what to wear on formal nights and how to pack light.

How cruise dress codes work

1. Daytime: casual everywhere

During the day, anything goes on deck: swimwear by the pool, shorts and T-shirts around the ship. Most lines ask you to cover up with a shirt or cover-up – and wear shoes – in indoor restaurants and the buffet.

2. Evening: smart casual

In the evening, most lines expect smart casual in the main dining room and speciality restaurants: trousers or smart shorts (where allowed), a collared shirt or blouse, a dress, skirt or smart jeans. Swimwear, tank tops, caps and very worn clothing are usually not allowed.

3. Formal and "dressy" nights

On a seven-night cruise, most lines have one or two formal nights – now often renamed "Dressy", "Evening Chic" or "Gala night". They're optional on mainstream lines: you can still eat at the buffet or in casual venues if you don't want to dress up.

Dress codes by cruise line style

4. Mainstream and family lines

Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, Norwegian Cruise Line and P&O have relaxed dress codes. Smart casual is enough for dinner; formal nights are optional, and many guests simply wear a nice shirt or dress. Norwegian's "freestyle" approach has no formal nights at all.

5. Premium and traditional lines

Celebrity, Holland America, Princess and Cunard are a little dressier. Expect more guests in jackets and cocktail dresses on dressy nights, and on Cunard formal ("Gala") evenings many guests wear dinner jackets and evening gowns – it's part of the tradition. See our guide to Holland America's Nieuw Statendam.

6. Luxury and expedition lines

Luxury lines such as Regent, Seabourn and Silversea are "elegant casual" most evenings, with occasional formal-optional nights. Expedition ships and river cruises are generally relaxed – practical clothing is more important than formal wear.

What to wear

7. Formal night outfits

• Men: a suit, or a jacket with smart trousers and a shirt; tie optional on most lines. A dinner jacket suits Cunard and traditional lines.
• Women: a cocktail dress, smart jumpsuit or elegant trousers with a dressy top.
• Children: smart casual is fine – a shirt or a nice dress.

8. In port

Wear light, breathable clothes, comfortable walking shoes and sun protection. In many destinations – from Italian churches to mosques in Istanbul or temples in Egypt – you'll need to cover shoulders and knees, so pack a scarf or light layer.

Packing list

9. A simple packing list for a week

• Swimwear and cover-up, sandals and flip-flops for deck.
• Shorts, T-shirts and casual dresses for daytime.
• Two or three smart-casual evening outfits.
• One dressy outfit for formal night.
• Comfortable walking shoes for excursions.
• A light jacket or cardigan – air conditioning and evening decks can be cool.
• A scarf for sun and for visiting religious sites.

Tips

• Check your line's current rules in the cruise planner before you pack – codes change.
• Mix and match: a few neutral pieces with different accessories save space.
• No iron? Most ships ban irons; use the laundry service or a travel steamer where allowed.
• More money-saving tips: see our cruise drinks guide and our 21 first-cruise tips.