What to Wear on a Cruise
What to pack for your next cruise? Image AI generated
The Ultimate Guide to Cruise Dress Codes
Cruise Dress advice by Cruise Line: What to Wear Day and Night
Packing for a cruise involves more than sunscreen and swimsuits - it’s about matching the dress code vibe of your ship. From laid‑back Sundays to black‑tie soirées, here’s an updated, destination‑ready guide featuring additional cruise lines with verified info.
This guide is for Ocean and River Cruises. See separate Expedition Packing Guide.
Cruise Dress Code Definitions
The term “dress code” is somewhat outdated now with most cruise lines opting for wording such as “recommended dress” with suggestions on what to pack to feel most comfortable alongside your fellow guests. It’s ore anbour providing guidance so that you don’t feel over- or under- dressed whilst onboard.
Casual / Resort Casual
Resort Casual Wear - Ideal daytime cruise wear. Image AI generated
Think relaxed holiday wear: T-shirts, shorts, sundresses, jeans, sandals or trainers.
Suitable for daywear and buffet dining.
Resort casual may imply a touch more polish - collared polos, casual shirts, maxi dresses, or deck shoes. Sophisticated (posher) maybe even designer casual clothing.
Swimwear should only be worn at the pool or spa (not in restaurants or lounges).
Smart Casual/Elegant Casual/Country Club Casual
Country Club Casual outfits are elevated casual wear.
Smart Casual Evening wear
Step up from casual daytime attire.
Men: Collared shirts, chinos or trousers. Sometimes dark, smart designer jeans permitted. In hot climates some lines allow very smart tailored shorts. Jackets optional but welcome.
Women: Dresses, skirts, jumpsuits, or dressy trousers with a tunic or top.
No flip-flops, ripped denim, baseball caps, or beachwear.
Required in most main dining rooms and all specialty restaurants on premium/luxury lines.
Formal/Black Tie/Dress-to-Impress /Elegant/Chic
Some dress codes require more formal attire. Image AI generated
These are more formal evenings - if indicated then use dress code below as guide.
Reserved for gala or formal evenings, especially on longer or traditional cruises.
Men: Tuxedos/dinner suits, dark suits with a tie, or dinner jackets.
Women: Evening gowns, cocktail dresses, or elegant separates.
Not required on all lines—but those that have them usually go all out.
Often optional but with a minimum semi-formal smarter dress requirement in public areas.
If opting out, guests may be limited to certain dining areas on formal nights (buffet or other casual eatery)
Themed Nights
Optional party nights - choose to participate or not
Common themes: White nights (pack white clothing), Tropical (bright clothing or accessories), Decade related (60s, 70s etc), Masked Balls - pack a mask or make/buy onboard)
Themed nights may not be on every sailing. Check with cruise line to see which of these nights are planned for your voyage..
Even if no theme night is shown, it is best to check or pack for the most common which is White or Black & White nights.
Suggestions For Theme Nights
You can just give a nod to the theme with a few accessories or embrace it by packing related clothes or even fancy dress (Amazon is a good place to start).
White Nights:
White Night is a popular cruise Theme. Image AI Generated
White shirts t-shirts, white chinos/jeans, white jackets (combination of). White Dresses, jumpsuits, jeans/trousers, skirts, tops if “too” white think of adding metallic accessories (gold works well).
Tropical Nights:
Dig out bright colours for tropical/Caribbean theme nights. Image AI generated
Bright colours, tropical prints, Hawaiian shirts, or give a nod to the theme with brightly coloured accessories. Often cruise lines will provide colourful beads or flower garlands/leis.
Decade Related:
Clothing related to the decade. 60’s - mini skirts, white boots, monochrome checks, psychedelic colours/patterns. 70’s - flares, maxis, tie die, platform shoes /boots. 80’s - neon, fitness/aerobic clothes, leg warmers, padded shoulders, puff skirts. 90’s slogan tee shirts, baggy tee shirts, cargo pants/baggy trousers; anything spice girls (Union Jack dress), bucket hats, track suits/shell suits. If in doubt and the era fits, school uniform works.
Masquerade/Masked Balls:
Some ships hold masquerade balls. Image AI Generated
Although masks may be available onboard, they are likely to be expensive Think about sourcing or making a suitable mask to match your planned outfit - either on a stick or to wear. If your itinerary includes a stop in Venice, treat yourself to a Venetian mask replica. You will also find a selection on Amazon.
Dress Code - Cruise Line (A–Z)
AIDA Cruises
Tone: Ultra-casual, relaxed, and family-friendly
Day: Casual always; T-shirts, shorts, swimwear poolside
Evenings: Smart casual suggested at specialty venues
Formal nights: None
Theme nights: White Night, Colourful Night - always optional
AmaWaterways (River)
Tone: Refined yet informal
Day: Comfortable layers for excursions
Evenings: Smart casual; slightly dressier for Captain’s Dinner
Formal nights: None
Theme nights: Occasionally regional-themed galas
American Cruise Line
Tone: Classic American river and small-ship elegance
Day: Casual, polo shirts, trousers, sundresses
Evenings: Smart casual generally; jacket preferred in dining
Formal nights: Typically none, but events may be dressy
Theme nights: Captain’s Welcome, Heritage/Regional themed dinners
Ambassador Cruise Line
Tone: Traditional British style
Day: Resort casual
Evenings: Smart casual; multiple formal nights
Formal nights: Based on cruise length (2 per cruises 7 nights and over))
Theme nights: Occasional themed nights might include Festival Deck Fest (colourful attire encouraged), Pirate Theme Night, Jungle Theme Night (Junglemania). Possibly only on themed cruises.
A‑Rosa (River)
Tone: Casual, spa-focused
Day: Very casual; Dress for sightseeing. Spa/swimwear allowed on deck.
Evenings: Relaxed casual
Formal nights: None
Theme nights: Fitness or wellness-themed social events
Avalon Waterways (River)
Tone: Smart casual river travel
LDay: Comfortable excursion wear
Evenings: Smart casual; dress-up for Captain’s Dinner
Formal nights: None
Theme nights: Regional/cultural-themed dinners
Azamara
Tone: Resort casual with elegance
Day: Smart Casual
Evenings: Resort casual – no swimwear
Formal nights: None
Theme nights: White Night, Cocktail Soirées at sea
Carnival Cruise Line
Tone: Fun and laid-back
Day: Super casual
Evenings: Cruise Casual;
Formal nights: Cruise Elegant evenings (1-2 per cruise)
Theme nights: 70s Disco, Havana Nights, Red & White Party
Celebrity Cruises
Tone: Stylish resort cruise
Day: Resort casual
Evenings: Smart Casual - elegant and sophisticated
Formal nights: Evening Chic (1-2 per cruise)
Theme nights: Occasional "Shine the Night" party, which encourages sparkly attire.
Celestyal Cruises
Tone: Mediterranean easy style
Day: Casual & summer-light
Evenings: Smart casual; elevated for Gala Nights)
Formal nights: Smart but not ultra formal. 1 Captain’s Gala (optional)
Theme nights: Greek Night, White Night
Club Med Cruises
Tone: Active, family-driven
Day: Resort casual, activewear
Evenings: Casual; smart casual for main dining
Formal nights: None
Theme nights: Beach-rave soirées, Caribbean nights
Costa Cruises
Tone: Casual Italian-style cruising
Day: Resort casual
Evenings: Casual; 1–2 Optional Formal Nights
Formal nights: Jacket recommended, optional
Theme nights: La Dolce Vita, Italian Night, Dress to Impress
Crystal Cruises
Tone: Classic luxury with polished dress
Day: Casual elegance, elevated resort wear
Evenings: Crystal Casual - elegant Smart
Formal nights: Black Tie Optional (l1 per 7–10 nights)
Theme nights: White Night, (Red, White & oBlue for 4th July)
Cunard Cruise Line
Tone: Formal and traditional (possibly strictest dress code at sea)
Day: Elegant leisure and resort wear; Smart casual
Evenings: Smart - Jackets required; Dress as for a smart restaurant
Formal nights: Gala evenings full black tie (2–4 per cruise)
Theme nights: These are on Gala Nights and therefore adhere to the formal dress code. Themes include Black & White, Red & Gold, Roaring 20s and a Masquerade Ball
Disney Cruise Line
Tone: Family-friendly and fun
Day: Cruise casual and disneyfied - do t forget your Mickey ears
Evenings: Casual (shorts and tee shirts acceptable); Disney Dress-Up
Formal nights: Trousers and shirts recommended for men, dressier clothes (some wear adult Princess gowns) on 7+ night cruises
Theme nights: Pirate Night (most cruises - some people go all out), Frozen Night, Marvel Hero Night, Halloween & Christmas
Explora Journeys
Tone: Contemporary luxury with a relaxed vibe
Day: Elegant resort wear
Evenings: Elegant casual; no shorts
Formal nights: None
Theme nights: None
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Tone: Traditional British charm
Day: Cruise casual
Evenings: Smart casual;
Formal nights: Black Tie Formal Nights (most adhere) – 1–2 per cruise
Theme nights: Occasional British Night, Hawaiian Night on longer cruises.
Four Seasons Yachts
Tone: Ultra-luxury, yacht-style elegance
Day: Resort casual; stylish activewear
Evenings: Elegant casual; lounges and dining smart
Formal nights: None
Theme nights: None.
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
Tone: Sophisticated German luxury
Day: Casual with understated elegance
Evenings: Elegant casual;
Formal nights: Gala nights more formal but not black tie. Suits/dress 1–2 gala nights per cruise
Theme nights: White Dinner (Dress in White Attire), Captain’s Gala
Holland America Line
Tone: Refined & classic
Day: Casual and comfortable
Evenings: Smart casual;
Formal nights: Yes – ‘Dressy Nights’ are a bit more formal with trousers, jackets, collared shirts and dresses recommended. On Grand Voyages there will be more traditional formal nights.
Theme nights: Orange Party - Orange clothing, accessories or wigs
Majestic Line
Tone: Scottish small-ship charm
Day: Casual, layering for weather
Evenings: Cadual - Smart casual if preferred but optional
Formal nights: None
Theme nights: None
Marella Cruises
Tone: Relaxed British mainstream
Day: Casual - Beachwear allowed
Evenings: Smart
Formal nights: Dress-to-Impress weekly optional ( Smart as standard but feel free to dress up more formally if you want)
Theme nights: White Night, British night, Various Themed cruises
Margaritaville at Sea
Tone: Casual, tropical vacation vibe
Day: Island casual
Evenings: Casual; optional smart casual in restaurants
Formal nights: None
Theme nights: Jimmy Buffett tribute, Red Party, White Hot Fridays
MSC Cruises
Tone: Casual European style
Day: Casual and comfy
Evenings: Smart Casual
Formal nights: Elegant nights (1–2 per cruise)
Theme nights: White Night, Sunshine Night (bright colours)
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
Tone: Freestyle and flexible
Day: Casual
Evenings: Smart casual
Note: “tank tops for men, flip flops, baseball caps, visors and jeans that are overly faded, with holes or tears and worn below the hips are not permitted in main dining rooms or speciality restaurants.”
Formal nights: None - closest thing is Norwegian's Night Out when you might want to dress a bit fancy.
Theme nights: White Hot Party, Norwegian's Night Out (fine dining & cocktails)
Oceania Cruises
Updated for Voyages from 1 September 2025
Tone: Quiet luxury and refined
Day: Resort casual
Evenings: Elegant casual only
Formal nights: None
Theme nights: White Night, Gourmet Soirée, New! Blue Horizons Party (dress elegantly in any shade of blue)
Paul Gauguin Cruises
Tone: Luxurious small-ship tropical escape
Day: Casual
Evenings: “Country Club” Casual
Formal nights: None (jacket suggested for Captain’s Welcome Reception
Theme nights: White Night, Polynesian cultural nights (Tropical Clothing
P&O Cruises (UK)
Tone: British resort-style cruising
Day: Casual
Evenings: Evening casual
Formal nights: Yes - Black tie/Celebration Nights (modern take on Formal Night) (1 on cruises 7-10 days), 2 on 11-14 night voyages).
Theme nights: White Night, Gatsby (20’s inspired), Tropical
Related Post: Dress Codes on P&O Cruises
Ponant
Tone: French Riviera sophistication
Day: Refined resort wear
Evenings: Elegant casual
Note: Shorts and bermudas are not allowed in the evening
Formal nights: Gala Evenings - cocktail wear recommended
Theme nights: Gala white nights and Officers Evening
See separate list for Expedition Itinerary requirements.
Princess Cruises
Tone: Classic and varied
Day: Casual resort wear
Evenings: Smart casual or formal
Formal nights: Yes - Between 1 and 5 on cruises of more than 4 nights depending on duration.
Evening gown, cocktail dress or elegant trouser suit for women
Tuxedo, dark suit or dinner jacket and trousers for men
Theme nights: Occasional themed nights - check with cruise line.
Related: What to Wear on Princess Cruise
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Tone: Ultra-luxury modern elegance
Day: Yacht casual (elevated resort wear)
Evenings: Yacht Sophisticated (Smart Casual)
Formal nights: None (but chic dress encouraged)
Theme nights: Yacht Club themed sail-away
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Tone: Ultra-luxury and understated
Day: Elevated Resort casual
Evenings: Elegant casual; jackets suggested
Formal nights: Only on sailings 16+ nights (optional black tie)
Theme nights: occasional = check with RSSC for your sailing.
Saga Cruises
Tone: Mature and relaxed luxury (over 50s)
Day: Casual and comfortable
Evenings: Smart casual
Formal nights: Yes (1-4 dependent on duration
For ladies: Evening gown, Cocktail dress, Dress suit, Elegant separates
For gentlemen: Smart suit with tie, Dinner jacket including bow tie
Theme nights: None
Sail Croatia
Tone: Yacht-party casual with island vibes
Day: Active and beachwear
Evenings: Resort casual
Formal nights: None
Theme nights: Occasional Blue & White Night
Scenic / Emerald Cruises
Tone: Luxurious but laid-back
Day: Resort Casual. Smart practical wear for excursions
Evenings: Elegant casual - Jackets optional
Formal nights: None
Theme nights: Occasional theme nights
SeaDream Yacht Club
Tone: Barefoot luxury
Day: Stylish yet elegant, “country-club casual” resort wear
Evenings: Elegant Casual; no jackets required
Note: No jeans/denim, shorts, skorts, t-shirts, flip-flops, tattered/torn clothing, or bathing suits to dinner or while enjoying the evening activities on board.
Formal nights: None
Theme nights: None
Seabourn
Tone: Ultra-luxury with a relaxed vibe
Day: Resort casual
Evenings: Elegant casual - jacket optional
Formal nights: Yes - 1-3 Black Tie Nights depending on duration.
Theme nights: No
Silversea Cruises
Tone: Refined luxury
Day: Upscale casual
Evenings: Elegant casual evenings; jacket optional
Formal nights: On voyages over 7 nights Black Tie or Elegant Casual but with Jacket
Theme nights: None
Star Clippers
Tone: Sailing ship elegance
Day: Casual wear (nautical is fun)
Evenings: Smart casual; jackets optional
Formal nights: None
Theme nights: Occasional Pirate Night
TUI River Cruises
Tone: Casual River Cruise
Day: Casual
Evenings: Smart casual; no formal nights. Jacket not required
Formal nights: None
Theme nights: None
Viking Cruises (Ocean & River)
Tone: Smart casual with Scandinavian simplicity
Day: Resort Casual and relaxed
Evenings: Smart casual; jacket appreciated at Captain’s events
Formal nights: None
Theme nights: None
Virgin Voyages
Tone: Trendy, bold, utterly casual
Day: Whatever suits the vibe
Evenings: Dressy casual; no strict code
Formal nights: None
Theme nights: Scarlet Night, PJ Party, Pool Party
Windstar Cruises
Tone: Yacht casual
Day: Relaxed resort wear
Evenings: Country‑club casual
Formal nights: None
Theme nights: None
Hopefully with the help of this guide you can decide whether to dress to impress or pack to slack depending on your cruise line.