What to Wear on a Princess Cruise
Your Complete Dress Code Guide for you Princess Cruise
What to pack for your Princess Cruise
Packing for a Princess cruise? Think stylish resort wear, chic evening looks, and practical pieces for every type of adventure. Whether you’re sailing through the tropics or exploring cooler coastal cities, Princess makes it easy to know what to wear, day and night.
Cruise Daywear: Resort-Style Comfort
Smart resort wear is perfect for your Princess Cruise
During the day, you’ll want to dress as you would for any upmarket land-based resort. Lightweight, breathable fabrics are ideal - think sundresses, shorts, and relaxed trousers or chinos. Pack enough casual separates so you can mix and match outfits throughout the voyage.
If you’re sailing somewhere hot, you’ll be grateful for a wide-brimmed hat or visor, plus a pair of sunglasses. For cooler destinations or breezy evenings at sea, bring a light sweater or jacket. A compact umbrella might come in handy during shore excursions, and if you’re visiting religious sites, make sure to pack modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
Footwear-wise, rubber-soled shoes are best for walking on deck, while comfy sandals or trainers will serve you well ashore.
Evenings on Board: Smart Casual vs Formal
Princess has two evening dress codes—Smart Casual and Formal—depending on the night’s theme and your length of cruise.
Smart Casual
Smart Casual on Princess Cruises
This is the most common dress code onboard. Think of what you’d wear to a stylish restaurant at home:
For women:
• Skirts or trousers with a blouse or smart top
• Casual dresses
• Sweaters or cardigans if it gets chilly
For men:
• Slacks or chinos with a collared shirt (polo or button-down)
• Optional blazer or lightweight jacket
Not allowed:
• Swimwear
• Shorts or baseball caps
• Ripped or distressed jeans
• Flip-flops
Shoes are required in all dining venues.
Formal Nights
On select evenings, the ship’s restaurants take on a more glamorous vibe. These are your red-carpet moments.
For women:
• Cocktail dress
• Evening gown
• Elegant trouser suit
For men:
• Tuxedo (if you fancy going all out)
• Dark suit or dinner jacket with trousers
While formal attire is only required in the main dining rooms and speciality restaurants, many guests choose to dress up across the ship on formal nights - especially for photos and evening events.
Princess Cruises Dress Codes FAQ
How Many Formal Nights Will There Be?
The number of formalc evenings depends on the length of your sailing (see image above).
Do formal night rules apply to casual dining, or just the main dining rooms?
Formal attire is only required in the Main Dining Room and specialty dining venues on formal evenings. Casual dining is flexible - many travellers choose to skip formal wear for those meals.
Are non-ripped jeans okay for men on smart-casual nights?
Yes! Dark, clean, non-distressed jeans are perfectly acceptable. Many guests wear khakis or dark jeans with a collared shirt.
Can men wear trainers or sneakers for smart-casual evenings?
Yes - clean trainers or casual shoes are acceptable on Smart Casual nights. Just avoid beach sandals or gym footwear in the main dining rooms.
Is there a strict dress code enforcement?
Princess has officially relaxed dress standards in recent years. Most evenings are smart casual, and even formal nights lean toward a “nice restaurant” vibe. That said, avoid overly casual wear like t-shirts with slogans, ripped jeans, or swimwear.
Is a tuxedo required?
Not at all. While tuxedos are welcomed, most men opt for a dark suit or jacket and slacks. A collared shirt and dress shoes are the key essentials.
Are jeans allowed at dinner?
Yes - as long as they’re neat, clean, and without holes or fraying. Dark jeans paired with a smart top are totally fine on Smart Casual nights. Avoid ripped or overly distressed styles.
Will I feel out of place if I wear jeans on formal night?
Whilst Formal evenings at Princess are more about feeling dressed up rather than dressing up to the nines, jeans would be out of place. The recommended dress code is Tuxedo, dark suit or dinner jacket and slacks for men.
Can I wear shorts on a Princess cruise?
Yes, during the day - tailored shorts are perfect for sea days, shore excursions, and casual venues like the buffet.
No, during dinner in the main dining rooms - shorts are not permitted, even on Smart Casual nights. Stick to trousers, dresses, or skirts for evening meals in formal settings.
Can I skip formal night entirely?
Absolutely. If you prefer not to dress up, you can dine in the buffet, casual restaurants, or order room service on formal nights.
Is there a dress code for kids?
Children should follow the same general guidelines as adults. Smart shorts, collared shirts, or simple dresses are all fine. No swimwear or beach clothes at dinner.
Final Tips
Layers are key. Conditions can change quickly at sea.
Don’t forget sun protection. Hat, sunglasses and SPF are must-haves.
Practical wins ashore. Bring comfortable walking shoes or sandals.
Bring at least one elevated outfit if your cruise has formal nights.
With this guide, you’ll be dressed and ready for every moment - from laid-back mornings on deck to candlelit dinners at sea.