Cruise attire and what to wear on a cruise ship are common subjects cruisers have discussed since passenger ships began sailing on the high seas. What exactly is your cruise's dress code? What is considered to be cruise formal night wear versus casual?
From a clean T-shirt and jeans to a jacket and tie, clothes to wear on a cruise run the gamut from hyper-casual to elegant. You may be surprised that Viking Ocean Cruises' dress code is closer to Norwegian Cruise Line's than to Seabourn's. Or that the Royal Caribbean cruise dress code may be enforced differently from ship to ship.
Once you've made it on board, you’ll find that most cruise lines reiterate the dress codes for specific times and venues in the day’s newsletter. But if you're wondering how to pack before you leave, we are sharing insight into the dress code of each major cruise line.
Overall, daytime attire for excursions and around the ship is as you like, as long as it’s tasteful. We’ll mainly focus on evening attire to prepare you for dinners and nighttime activities.
Azamara Cruises' dress code is resort casual. Acceptable attire includes sportswear, collared shirts, pants and jackets (if desired, but not required) for men and sportswear, casual dresses, or skirts and pants with blouses or knit tops in terms of cruise outfits for women. Regular -- but not torn or distressed -- jeans are acceptable.
No bare feet, tank tops, baseball caps or bathing suits are allowed in Discoveries, Aqualina and Prime C Restaurants. In the casual Windows Cafe buffet, the only requirements are footwear and a cover-up or shirt.
Pack white-colored clothing if you want to participate in the cruise line’s “White Night.”
Number of Azamara Cruises Formal Nights: There are no official formal nights on Azamara Cruises. The line says, "Formal evening wear is not expected nor required. If you prefer to dress more formally, you are welcome to do so."
Nightly Casual Option on Azamara Cruises: All restaurants are resort casual in Azamara's fleet, but Windows Cafe (the buffet) allows for an even more relaxed option.
Generally speaking, Carnival Cruise Line has a casual dress code day and night, with evenings being cruise casual. One or two evenings lean toward being dressier in the table service restaurants.
A casual Carnival cruise dress code means dress pants, jeans, elegant shorts and polo shirts for the gentlemen. For ladies, casual dresses, skirts or trousers, blouses, summer dresses, capris, elegant shorts and jeans are considered casual.
Cruise elegant for evenings means dress slacks, dress shirts, optional sport coats for men, cocktail dresses, pantsuits, and skirts and blouses for women.
Carnival requests that guests not wear tracksuit trousers, basketball shorts, flip-flops, bathing clothes or cut-off jeans in the dining areas. If you want a casual atmosphere for dinner, the cruise line suggests eating at the Buffet Restaurant on the Lido deck.
Exactly how strict is Carnival's dress code? The answer is that it's far more likely to be enforced in specialty restaurants than other venues. You may also find that the shorter the cruise, the less formal it becomes.
Where the ship sails may also affect how passengers dress. For example, the overall dress code on Carnival Legend sailing a Canada/New England itinerary is more likely to be dressier than a three-day getaway cruise from Sydney on Carnival Splendor.
Similarly, casual clothing is the norm onboard Carnival Freedom and Carnival Pride on shorter sailings to the Bahamas or Caribbean, but formal wear becomes more prevalent when both ships do longer sailings through the Panama Canal.
Number of Carnival Cruise Formal Nights: Carnival hosts two elegant nights for a cruise that are six nights or longer. There's one elegant night on shorter cruises.
Nightly Casual Option on Carnival Cruise: The Lido Restaurant is open nightly and maintains a casual dress code for those who don't want to dress up.
Celebrity Cruises deems their dress code casual chic; think “office casual.” On most nights, Celebrity Cruises’ dinner dress code is smart casual, meaning polo shirts and button-downs with slacks for men and skirts, dresses, or pants with blouses for women. Jeans are also acceptable. Shorts and flip-flops are frowned upon for evenings.
The evening chic dress code on Celebrity Cruises matches the line's newest Edge-class ships: Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Ascent and Celebrity Beyond. Suggested attire on these nights is dressier, and formalwear -- including jackets and ties for men -- is welcomed but not required.
This might include pants with a dress shirt or sweater for men, with an optional sports coat or blazer. For women, cocktail dresses, or skirts/pants with an elegant top are appropriate.
There are one or two semi-formal nights on Celebrity cruises, depending on the length of the sailing. Evening chic is called for, and you should dress to impress. An elegant dress top or blazer would be appropriate, as would a cocktail dress, skirt, slacks, or designer jeans.
Some guests like a reason to get even more dressed up so they pack a tuxedo or gown. If getting dressed up isn’t your thing, smart casual attire is acceptable for dining and the theater shows.
Swimsuits, see-through cover-ups or robes, tank tops, baseball hats, and pool wear are prohibited in the main and specialty dining venues at all times. Shorts and flip-flops are not allowed during evening hours.
Even if you're sailing on Celebrity's slightly older ships, dress codes on ships like Celebrity Silhouette, Celebrity Equinox or Celebrity Eclipse are still a bit classier than on Carnival Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean.
Number of Celebrity Cruises Formal Nights: There are no official formal nights on Celebrity Cruises, but expect one to two evening chic nights depending on your cruise length.
Nightly Casual Option on Celebrity Cruises: Casual attire is always acceptable at the Lido deck buffet or poolside snack bar.
The dress code on Costa Cruises is casual overall. Most nights are informal, and resort wear is appropriate. A jacket is not required for men.
In restaurants, the cruise line asks passengers not to wear beach attire such as shorts, sarongs, or flip-flops.
Number of Costa Cruises Formal Nights: There is one or two formal nights on Costa cruises, depending on the length of itineraries.
Nightly Casual Option on Costa Cruises: For diners wishing for an even more relaxed vibe, a nightly buffet is offered, where casual attire rules.
The Cunard evening dress code calls for smart attire on Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria. This includes slacks, shirts with ties or open collars, crewneck sweaters, and jackets or blazers for men. Dresses, skirts, blouses or pantsuits for women are suitable.
Gala evenings on Cunard are truly formal and often themed, from the traditional Black-and-White Ball and Masquerade Ball to a Roaring Twenties Ball and a hat-focused Ascot Ball.
Tuxedos, dinner jackets or formal dark suits for men, and evening or cocktail dresses are appropriate cruise outfits for women. And who wouldn't want to dress up for a ball on the QM2?
Number of Cunard Formal Nights: A typical seven-night cruise features two gala evenings.
Nightly Casual Option on Cunard: Casual clothing is permitted each evening in select Cunard venues, including Kings Court, Lido Buffet, Golden Lion, the casino, Carinthia Lounge, Winter Garden, Garden Lounge, Yacht Club and G32. Even in these venues, no worn-out clothing, shorts, casual sandals, or tank tops are permitted. Jeans are acceptable.
The Disney Cruise Line dress code is cruise casual during the day. Pack cruise clothes for dress-up nights with Disney Cruise Line, including their popular Pirate Night or themed evenings, depending on your cruise itinerary.
There are optional formal and semi-formal nights on cruises of seven nights or more. "Dress-up" on Disney means dress shirts, slacks, and jackets for men and dresses or pantsuits for women.
The Disney Cruise Line evening dress code applies to the main dining rooms. Casual attire like shorts and T-shirts are permitted, but tank tops and swimwear are not.
The dress code for Palo, an adults-only specialty restaurant on every Disney cruise ship, calls for slacks (including jeans) and collared shirts or jackets for men, as well as dresses, skirts or pantsuits for women. Shorts, hats and flip-flops/tennis shoes aren't permitted.
The dress code at Remy on Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, or Enchanté on Disney Wish, is a bit dressier. Slacks and jackets are required for men and ties are optional. Cocktail dresses, pantsuits or skirts with blouses are appropriate for women. Jeans and women’s capri pants are not acceptable.
Number of Disney Cruise Formal Nights: Three- and four-night Disney cruises each feature one optional dress-up night. A seven-night cruise features one formal and one semi-formal night.
Nightly Casual Option on Disney Cruises: All of Disney's family dining venues are fairly casual.
A generally relaxed resort style onboard Explora Journeys is recommended instead of a mandate for a specific overall dress code. Depending on your taste, you may be disappointed or delighted to learn that there are no formal nights on board.
Consider the following as you pack for your Explora Journeys cruise on Explora I or Explora II: Swimwear and bathrobes are prohibited throughout the day in any restaurants and indoor bars and lounges.
Additionally, shorts, sleeveless T-shirts, baseball caps and sportswear are not allowed from 7:00 p.m. until late in the evening in Anthology or Fil Rouge. Sakura, Marble & Co. Grill and Med Yacht Club prohibit baseball caps and sportswear during dinner time, from 7:00 p.m. on.
Number of Explora Journeys: There are no formal nights.
Nightly Casual Option on Explora Journeys: Aside from Anthology and Fil Rouge, restaurants on Explora Journeys ships are fairly casual. In-room dining is available 24/7.
Casual is the way to go on MSC Cruises on any of the 22 vessels in the fleet. While guests are encouraged to dress their best during formal nights/gala dinners, it’s not a requirement. Suggested attire for men during these evenings is suits or jackets and cocktail dresses for women. No swimwear is allowed in the main dining rooms at any time. Jeans are allowed any time.
Passengers who want to participate in theme nights are encouraged (but not required) to dress according to a specific theme. Examples include the White Party, Gatsby Night, or the '60s and '70s-themed Flower Glory Party.
Number of MSC Cruises Formal Nights: MSC hosts one formal night on four- to six-night cruises, two on seven- to nine-night cruises, three on 10- to 14-night cruises and four on cruises of 15 nights or longer.
Nightly Casual Option on MSC Cruises: The MSC buffets serve passengers seeking a more low-key dining experience.
Related: Can You Wear PJ’s or a Robe to Your Cruise Ship Breakfast?
Norwegian Cruise Line prides itself on Freestyle Cruising, with cruise casual clothing on guests’ packing lists. This includes khakis, jeans, shorts and casual shirts for men and summer and casual dresses, skirts, regular or capri pants, shorts, jeans and tops for women. You can even wear swimwear at the buffet and outdoor restaurants, as long as you have a cover-up and footwear on.
For dinner in NCL's main dining room or more upscale specialty restaurants, collared shirts and pants or nice jeans are suggested for men, with closed-toe shoes. Slacks or jeans, dresses, skirts and tops are standard for women. Tank tops for men, flip-flops, baseball caps and visors are not permitted in the main dining room or any of the specialty restaurants.
In terms of jeans, pairs that are overly faded, with holes or tears, and worn below the hips are forbidden.
There are no official formal nights, but Norwegian's Night Out is the line's freestyle (and optional) version of a formal night. However, there is no associated dress code. Cruisers might also want to pack an all-white ensemble for the line's signature White Hot Party.
Number of NCL Formal Nights: Norwegian's Night Out is offered on sailings of three nights or more.
Nightly Casual Option on Norwegian Cruise Line: It's all casual, though each Norwegian ship typically reserves one main dining room and one specialty restaurant for passengers who prefer to get slightly dressed up.
The Oceania Cruises dress code is simple and casual, which may come as a welcome surprise to those who know the line as a luxury option.
Country club and resort-style attire are appropriate, including button-down shirts and slacks for men or dresses, nice pants or skirts, and tops for women. After 6:00 p.m., it’s requested that casual jeans, shorts, T-shirts, baseball caps, sandals and sneakers are not worn in the restaurants.
Tank tops and swimsuits are inappropriate at any of the onboard restaurants at any time. Baseball caps are allowed in the Terrace Café after 6:00 p.m.
Number of Oceania Formal Nights: There are no formal nights on Oceania Cruises.
Nightly Casual Option: Oceania's dress code is more casual than most upscale cruise lines; evening casual wear is allowed ship-wide. Shorts and casual shirts are allowed in the Terrace Cafe during the evening. Room service is an option for the sweatpants and T-shirt crowd.
What Paul Gauguin Cruises calls elegant resort wear is essentially a country club casual dress code and is requested for most evenings. Men should wear slacks and collared shirts, while women should wear dresses, skirts, or slacks with blouses or sweaters.
The cruise line requests that passengers do not dress in casual wear, such as shorts, T-shirts, frayed jeans or jeans with holes, baseball caps, flip-flops, and Crocs in the evenings in restaurants and lounges. Bathing suits are prohibited in the ship's restaurants and lounges; shirts and shoes must be worn in all indoor public areas.
Men can wear a jacket at the once-per-cruise Captain's Welcome Reception, though ties are not expected. There's a Polynesian Night once every sailing when passengers are encouraged to wear Polynesian-style attire, so pull out your tropical shirts and dresses.
Number of Paul Gauguin Cruises Formal Nights: There are no formal nights on Paul Gauguin Cruises.
Nightly Casual Option on Paul Gauguin Cruises: Come evening time, it's country club casual in all public spaces and restaurants aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin.
Princess Cruises has formal and smart-casual nights. The dress code for formal nights on a Princess cruise is dinner jackets or dark suits for men. Women can opt for evening gowns, cocktail dresses or elegant pantsuits.
On non-formal evenings, the dress code advice is to simply dress how you would to go to a restaurant at home, like in smart-casual attire of pants and open-neck shirts for men and skirts or dresses, slacks and sweaters for women.
In the dining rooms, items such as shorts, pool wear and baseball caps are prohibited. Shoes must be worn at all times. Jeans are permitted as long as they aren't fraying and don't have holes.
Number of Princess Cruises Formal Nights: Five- to six-night cruises have one formal evening; seven- to 13-night cruises have two; 14- to 20-night cruises have three; 21- to 28-night cruises have four; and cruises of 29 nights or more have a minimum of five. Short voyages of four nights or less have a dress-to-impress night, which is not a formal night but is a notch above daywear.
Nightly Casual Option on Princess Cruises: Passengers who want to avoid Princess' dressy evenings can head to the casual buffet for dinner, which is World Fresh Marketplace, The Eatery or Horizon Court, depending on the ship.
The dress code on Regent Seven Seas ranges from casual to formal. Casual, resort-style wear is appropriate for daytime, but the evenings' dress code is almost always elegant casual, except for the final evening of each cruise, which is casual.
At night, men should wear slacks and collared shirts; sports jackets are optional, and ties are not required. Skirts or slacks paired with blouses or sweaters, pantsuits or dresses are acceptable for women.
Jeans, T-shirts, shorts and tennis shoes are prohibited in public areas in the evenings, apart from the pool area.
Longer cruises have optional formal or semi-formal nights. On these evenings, passengers can wear elegant casual attire or opt for a more formal look, such as gowns, cocktail dresses, dark suits or tuxedos.
Number of Regent Seven Seas Formal Nights: Regent Seven Seas voyages of 16 nights or longer have two or more formal or semi-formal nights, but these are optional. Shorter cruises are always elegant casual.
Nightly Casual Option on Regent Seven Seas: The outdoor Pool Grill is the only public area on board that does not have an evening dress code.
Royal Caribbean's dinner dress code includes casual, smart-casual and formal. Casual attire includes jeans and collared shirts for men and sundresses or pants with blouses for women.
Smart-casual clothing is a step up from a typical dinner and includes collared shirts and slacks for men (jackets, sports coats and blazers are welcome) and dresses, skirts and blouses or pantsuits for women.
Formal dress includes suits and ties or tuxedos for men and cocktail dresses and evening gowns for women. The Royal Caribbean cruise dress code for the Chef’s Table dining experience enforces a formal dress code policy.
No baseball caps, tank tops or bathing suits are permitted in the main dining room or specialty restaurants, and footwear is always required. Shorts are okay for breakfast or lunch but not during dinner. In the casinos, cover-ups must be worn over bathing suits at all times and a shirt and shoes are always required.
As on other lines, you may find that the official dress code may be lightly enforced on some ships, often in relation to the destination or size of the ship. The larger the ship, the more casual evening options there are due to more onboard venues.
On relatively smaller ships, like Serenade of the Seas or Adventure of the Seas, the dress code is a bit easier to spot as there's less room for everyone to spread out. Regardless, the suggested attire is based on and varies by onboard venue.
Number of Royal Caribbean Formal Nights: Three-, four- and five-night Royal Caribbean cruises have one formal night; six to 10-night cruises have two formal nights. Eleven to 14-night cruises have three formal nights, and cruises with 15+ nights have three or four formal nights.
The number of formal nights is at the ship's discretion and might vary by itinerary. Chops Grille is also a more formal venue.
Nightly Casual Option on Royal Caribbean: The Windjammer Cafe buffet is the most laid-back choice for evening dining, though Royal Caribbean's specialty dining is also fairly laid back at venues like Giovanni’s Table and Izumi.
The Seabourn dress code is typically casual resort-style attire. Shorts and jeans are acceptable in all public areas, including restaurants, during the day. However, swimsuits, cover-ups and gym wear should be limited to the pool, spa, fitness center and outer decks.
The dress code on most evenings is elegant casual, which matches the ambiance of the line's ships, from the 300-suite Seabourn Ovation to the slightly smaller ships like Seabourn Sojourn with 229 suites. Men may wear slacks with collared dress shirts or sweaters, but jackets are optional. Women should choose dresses, pantsuits, skirts or slacks with nice tops.
On formal nights, proper attire includes tuxedos, suits or slacks (jackets required) for men and evening gowns, cocktail dresses or dressy pantsuits for women. Elegant jeans are welcome in all dining venues during the day, but they're inappropriate in The Restaurant after 6:00 p.m.
Number of Seabourn Formal Nights: There's one formal optional evening on cruises of up to 13 nights, two on 14- to 20-night cruises and three for cruises of 21 nights or more. There are no formal evenings on Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit.
Nightly Casual Option on Seabourn: Formal attire is only expected in the main dining room. Elegant casual attire is acceptable in all other ship venues come evening time.
Silversea has an onboard dress code after 6:00 p.m. for their ocean and expedition ships. Ocean ships include Silver Dawn, Silver Moon, Silver Muse, Silver Nova, Silver Ray, Silver Shadow, Silver Spirit and Silver Whisper. This dress code applies to the expedition ships Silver Endeavour, Silver Cloud, and Silver Wind.
During the day, casual wear is appropriate for daytime activities, similar to five-star resort sportswear. The cruise line recommends wearing flat or low-heeled shoes for deck activities.
At night, an Elegant Casual or Optional Formal dress code applies. Women can wear trousers, a blouse, a skirt or a casual dress for an Elegant Casual evening. Gentlemen may wear an open-collar shirt and slacks. A jacket is optional.
For those who want to don dressier attire during Optional Formal nights, an evening gown or cocktail dress for ladies and a tuxedo, dinner jacket, or dark suit with a tie for gentlemen is appropriate. Alternatively, adhering to the Elegant Casual dress code is welcomed, but a jacket is still required for gentlemen in all indoor spaces.
Men are required to wear a jacket when dining at La Dame restaurants.
Regardless of the daily dress code, jeans, shorts, baseball caps, hats, sneakers and flip-flop-type footwear are prohibited after 6:00 p.m. Casual wear is suitable in outdoor venues no matter the time.
The exception to the above dress code is on the expedition ship, Silver Origin, where shipboard attire is always casual. At night, open-neck shirts, trousers, and sports outfits are appropriate, except jeans and shorts, which are not permitted in The Restaurant.
Number of Silversea Formal Nights: The dress code calls for Elegant Casual throughout cruises of seven days or less. For sailings between eight to 14 days, expect between one to two Formal Optional nights. If you’re going on a cruise that is 15 days or more, expect two or more Formal Optional nights.
Nightly Casual Option on Silversea Cruises: On Formal Optional nights, passengers dining in La Terrazza can dress in informal attire. (This option applies to Seishin and Stars aboard Silver Spirit.) Dining at the outdoor Grill is casual on all nights.
The Windstar Cruises general shipboard style is elegant but relaxed, including jeans and Bermuda/walking shorts by day between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; guests may dress how they please during the day. The exception is no swimwear in any public lounges and restaurants and no clothing with offensive language or graphics that distract from the comfort and well-being of others.
The evening dress code suggests country club-type attire with an elegant approach: slacks and collared shirts for men (blazers, sport coats and ties are optional) and sundresses, slacks and informal cocktail dresses for women.
Non-frayed designer denim pants without holes or multi-colored jeans are also acceptable. Shorts, jeans, flip-flops, hats, T-shirts and sneakers are prohibited throughout the ship at night.
As with other lines, cruises in tropical waters tend to make dressing down more acceptable, as do voyages on the line's sailing vessels. As such, the dress codes on Wind Star, Wind Surf and Wind Spirit are a bit more relaxed than those on the cruise line’s motor yachts Star Pride, Star Legend and Star Breeze.
Number of Windstar Formal Nights: There are no formal nights on Windstar Cruises.
Nightly Casual Option on Windstar: The same casual elegant dress code applies in all dining venues aboard Windstar Cruises ships.
During the day, Viking Ocean's dress code calls for casual and comfortable attire, including shorts and jeans. Swimsuits, shorts, cover-ups and exercise attire should be reserved for poolside, in the fitness center and on the sports deck.
For evenings, elegant casual is recommended for venues, performances and special events. Suggested attire for men includes trousers and collared shirts (ties and jackets are optional but not required). For women, dresses, skirts or slacks with sweaters or blouses are recommended. Jeans are not permitted in dining venues apart from the World Cafe.
During Viking cruises to Alaska and Antarctica, dress codes are likely to be a bit more relaxed as outdoor on-deck and onshore activities often take place well into the evening. It's a challenge to bundle up for sky-watching in fancy clothes!
Number of Viking Formal Nights: There are no formal nights aboard Viking ships.
Nightly Casual Option on Viking Cruises: Dinner in Viking Ocean Cruises’ World Cafe is comfortable and casual; daytime dress is appropriate after 6:00 p.m.
Virgin Voyages does not have a dress code. The line prides itself on passengers -- who the line calls Sailors -- being who they want to be and dressing exactly as they like. Notwithstanding, you might want to pack a few trendy threads because most passengers make an effort, especially in the evenings.
The most memorable event on any Virgin Voyages cruise is usually the Scarlet Night party. This sought-after evening happens once per sailing. Guests wear red, as the event name indicates, and go all out -- anything goes, including feathers and sparkles.
There's even a glam station included in the Scarlet Night party for Sailors who want some extra pizzazz. Another option is visiting Dry Dock dry bar for a paid experience in which you can treat yourself to mermaid braids or another hairstyle for any day or evening.
Number of Virgin Cruises Formal Nights: Virgin doesn't have formal nights.
Nightly Casual Option on Virgin: There are two semi-formal restaurants on Virgin: The Wake and the Test Kitchen. At these venues, you may wish to wear a jacket or fancier shirt, but there are no fixed rules.