A guide to cruise ship dress codes

If you’re new to cruising, you may not be familiar with each major cruise line's dress code. More so, you may not be familiar with the definition of each cruise line’s dress code. Simply put, dress codes can be split into two categories: casual and formal. Let’s take a look at what that means in more detail: 

Suggested attire for a casual dress code may include jeans, polo shirts, sundresses and blouses. Usually, swimwear is kept to the pool deck. Where it may become confusing is when cruise lines state a dress code of smart casual. When smart casual is suggested, dress to impress with shirts, dresses, skirts and blouses. 

A formal dress code offers you the chance to wow your travel companions with your best black-tie look - suits and ties, tuxedos, cocktail dresses and evening gowns are all welcomed. How many formal nights are on your cruise will depend on how long your voyage is but do expect to get dressed up at least once. 

Now, let’s see how dress codes vary from cruise line to cruise line: 

On Ambassador Cruise Line, casual clothing is sufficient during the day and for evenings spent in port. Generally, there are two formal nights planned on each cruise where formal dress is expected. 

Generally, smart casual is accepted on most APT Cruising voyages. Some cultures observe specific dress requirements such as headdresses for women. Tour Directors will supply more information on your tour. 

Azamara encourages guests to follow a resort casual dress code. There are no official formal nights on an Azamara cruise, but the cruise line says, “If you prefer to dress more formally, you are welcome to do so.” 

During the day, a casual dress code is encouraged on Celebrity Cruises. At night, smart casual attire is required for entry to main dining, speciality dining and the theatre. Each itinerary features an Evening Chic night which encourages guests to dress to impress. 

The dress code on Celestyal Cruises is casual. On cruises of seven nights or more, the cruise line hosts a Gala Night and the Captain’s Cocktail event, when guests are encouraged to attend in formal attire. 

Cunard encourages a casual dress code during the day and smart attire in the evenings. The cruise lines' gala evenings are formal and often themed, from the black and white ball to the masquerade event. 

On Emerald Cruises and Emerald Yacht Cruises, a smart casual look is perfect for both the day and the evening on board. Some Emerald guests prefer to wear slightly more formal attire for special occasions. 

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ dress code is designed to ensure you feel comfortable. Casual wear is perfectly acceptable for days onboard, while smart casual gives you the chance to dress up in the evening. There may also be some optional theme nights on longer sailings. 

Casual dress is appropriate during days spent on Holland America Line. While in the evening, smart casual and formalwear are encouraged, the latter specifically for Gala Nights. 

Neither Hurtigruten Coastal Express nor Hurtigruten Expeditions have an official onboard dress code though some guests choose to change to casual wear for dinner. 

Oceania Cruises’ dress code is casual, think resort-style or country club casual attire. For evening dining, elegant casual wear is suggested. There are no formal nights onboard. 

During the day, P&O Cruises’ dress code is casual and comfort is encouraged. The dress code for the evening is evening casual, which is whatever suits you - as long as the tracksuits are left behind. 

You should dress for a cruise with Princess Cruises the same way you would for any stylish land-based resort. Evenings onboard are either formal or smart casual. 

Casual wear is appropriate both onboard and ashore for days on Regent Seven Seas Cruises. After 6 pm, elegant casual is required. Casual wear is not to be worn at dinner.

When you’re onboard Royal Caribbean International, the right look will vary by venue. Casual, smart casual and formal are a few types of suggested attire. 

During the day, Saga Ocean Cruises encourage a casual dress code. There are one or two formal nights on every seven-night voyage. On other nights, the dress code is elegant casual. 

When you’re relaxing onboard a Scenic Ocean Cruises or Scenic River Cruises voyage, the dress code is smart casual. For the evenings, the recommended dress code is elegant casual. 

The daytime dress code on Seabourn is casual. Come 6 pm, the dress code is dependent on the dining venue and is either elegant casual or formal. 

During the day, the dress code on Silversea is smart casual. Formal nights are tiered depending on duration with sailing of 9 nights or less featuring one formal night. 

Star Clippers promotes a relaxed informal atmosphere. Because of this, the dress code during the day is casual and smart casual in the evening. 

The dress code onboard Uniworld River Cruises is smart casual. While there is no formal dress code, some guests like to dress up for special events in the evening.