Can you wear shorts or jeans to dinner? Do you really need a formal outfit? And how strict are cruise lines, actually?
The answer varies more than you might think. Some cruises are completely relaxed, while others still lean into formal nights and smart evening wear.
Here’s what cruise dress codes really mean, what you’ll actually see onboard, and what you need to pack.
What Do We Mean By Cruise Dress Codes?
“Smart casual”, “formal”, “evening chic”… they all sound fairly self-explanatory, but the reality can vary wildly depending on the cruise line.
On one ship, smart casual might mean a collared shirt and chinos. On another, you’ll see people in jeans and t-shirts and nobody bats an eyelid.
That’s because cruise dress codes aren’t universal. Each cruise line sets its own expectations, and even then, how those rules are followed onboard can be very different from what’s written on the website.
There are a few constants, though. Dress codes mainly apply in the evenings, particularly in main dining rooms and speciality restaurants. During the day, cruises are much more relaxed – think shorts, T-shirts and swimwear around the pool (with a cover-up indoors).
Where it gets more confusing is in the evenings. Some lines expect a noticeable step up, others barely change at all, and a few still hold onto proper formal nights.
And that’s where things can catch people out!
Types 4 Dress Codes On Cruises
Cruise lines love their own terminology, but most dress codes fall into a few familiar categories. Once you understand these, everything else becomes much easier to decode.
Casual
This is what you’ll wear most of the time. Shorts, T-shirts, sundresses, polos – anything comfortable goes, as long as it’s not got offensive slogans or anything that could cause an issue for other guests.
You’ll see this during the day on every cruise line, and on some ships, it carries right through into the evening too.
Smart Casual
This is the most common evening dress code, and the one that causes the most confusion.
It basically means a step up from daytime wear – think collared shirts (or polo shirts) instead of T-shirts, dresses or blouses instead of beachwear, and generally looking a bit more put together. Jeans are often fine, but ripped or overly casual styles sometimes aren’t.
Formal / Gala Nights
This is where things get dressier – but how dressy depends on the cruise line. On some ships, it’s full black tie with tuxedos and evening gowns.
On others, it’s more of a “make an effort” night where a shirt and jacket or a cocktail dress will do. These are usually optional, but they’re still a big part of the traditional cruise experience on certain lines.
Theme Nights
Often overlooked, but very much part of cruise life.
Think White Nights, 80s parties or Caribbean-themed evenings. These are always optional, but they can be some of the most fun nights onboard if you join in.
Are Dress Codes Actually Enforced?
Some cruise lines talk a big game when it comes to dress codes – but what actually happens when you turn up to dinner is often very different.
In reality, enforcement varies hugely. On some ships, turn up underdressed and you’ll be politely turned away. On others, you could bend the rules quite a bit and no one will bat an eyelid – at least, nobody employed by the cruise line. Other guests may be judging you!
It’s one of the biggest differences between cruise lines, and something that can really shape the onboard atmosphere.
The table below breaks it down in a simple way. It focuses specifically on dinnertime in the main dining rooms, as that’s where dress codes matter most.
And when we talk about enforcement, we’re not referring to the obvious basics – like wearing shoes or not turning up in swimwear. This is about how strictly the finer details are applied, like whether you’d actually be stopped for wearing jeans or shorts when they’re technically not allowed.
Use it as a quick guide to get a feel for how relaxed – or strict – each cruise line really is.
| Cruise Line | Shorts In Main Dining Room | Jeans In Main Dining Room | Jeans On Formal Nights | Dress Code Strictly Enforced |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azamara | No | Yes (smart) | N/A – No formal night | No |
| Ambassador | No | Yes (smart) | No | Yes |
| Carnival | Yes | Yes (smart) | Yes (smart) | No |
| Celebrity | No | Yes (smart) | Yes (smart) | No |
| Celestyal | Sometimes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Costa | Yes | Yes | N/A – No formal night | No |
| Cunard | No | No | No | Yes |
| Disney | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Explora Journeys | Yes (tailored) | Yes | N/A – No formal night | No |
| Fred. Olsen | No | Yes (smart) | No | Yes |
| Holland America | No | Yes (smart) | No | No |
| MSC | Yes (tailored) | Yes | Yes | No |
| Norwegian (NCL) | Yes | Yes | N/A – No formal night | No |
| Oceania | No | Yes (smart) | N/A – No formal night | Yes |
| P&O Cruises | Yes (tailored) | Yes (smart) | No | Yes |
| Princess | No | Yes (smart) | No | Yes |
| Royal Caribbean | Yes | Yes | Yes (smart) | No |
| Scenic | No | Yes (smart) | N/A – No formal night | Yes |
| SeaDream | No | No | N/A – No formal night | Yes |
| Silversea (Classic) | No | No | No | Yes |
| Silversea (Expedition) | No | No | N/A – No formal night | Yes |
| Star Clippers | No | Yes (smart) | N/A – No formal night | No |
| Virgin Voyages | Yes | Yes | N/A – No formal night | No |
| Windstar | Yes (tailored) | Yes (smart) | N/A – No formal night | No |
I used to think that it was there more ‘expensive’ cruises where you had to dress up more, but that’s not the case at all. Some budget cruise lines are notoriously strict. While some luxury lines let you wear whatever you feel most comfortable in.
My husband was once turned away from the dining room on a P&O Cruise while wearting suit trousers, a collared shirt, tie and waistcoat. They demanded a jacket even in the summer heat. He didn’t have a jacket on the ship as he thought the smart waistcoat would be a more sensible option.
We looked around the dining room. All the men had their jackets on the back of their chairs. My husband pointed out that the other men weren’t wearing jackets. The dining room host said that he needed the jacket just for the walk from the desk to the table!
After hearing the clarification of the rule, my husband suggested borrowing a jacket from another guest for a few moments, as our table was just a steps away. At this point, they relented and let us in.
Other cruise lines are for more relaxed about the rules. On Royal Caribbean, MSC, Disney Cruise Line and NCL, formal night is seen more as an optional thing. If you don’t want to dress up, you can still eat dinner in the main dining room.
And when it comes to children, there are no dress codes. So if your children don’t want to wear formal clothes, or prefer something that’s still smat but a little more comfortable, that’s always fine.
If you’re unsure, the safest approach is simple – pack one or two outfits that meet the “smart” or “formal” brief, and then relax. It’s always easier to dress up than it is to realise you don’t have the option.
Dress Codes By Cruise Line
Azamara
Azamara keeps things firmly in the “resort casual” camp, with a relaxed but polished feel throughout the ship. There are no formal nights, although you’re welcome to dress up if you fancy it.
In restaurants, you’ll need to avoid beachwear, shorts, caps and distressed jeans, but otherwise it’s easy-going and unfussy.
Ambassador Cruise Line
Ambassador takes a more traditional approach, with three clear dress codes across your cruise. Casual is fine during the day and on relaxed evenings.
Smart dress means shirts, trousers, dresses or smart separates for dinner and shows.
Formal nights – usually one or two depending on sailing length – call for suits, dinner jackets or cocktail-style outfits. However, you can always opt for the buffet if you’d rather keep things casual.
Carnival
Carnival keeps things relaxed overall, with a simple day-to-night shift. Daytime is fully casual – think shorts, T-shirts and swimwear.
Evenings are mostly “cruise casual”, so jeans, polos and summer dresses are all fine. On one or two “Cruise Elegant” nights, it steps up slightly – shirts and jackets for men, dresses or dressy outfits for women – but full formalwear is optional. Theme nights like White Night or 80s parties are also common.
Read more: Carnival Cruise Formal Night: 11 Must-Know Tips
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity leans towards “casual chic”, with a slightly more polished feel than mainstream lines.
Days are relaxed, but evenings step up to smart casual – think dresses, blouses, shirts and trousers. One or two “Evening Chic” nights add a dressier option, but formalwear isn’t required and smart casual is still perfectly acceptable.
Celestyal Cruises
Celestyal suggests a “relaxed but elegant” style in the evenings, with dresses or smart outfits for women and trousers with shirts for men.
In reality, it’s very laid-back, with many guests staying in daytime wear. There may be a single gala night on longer sailings, but even that feels optional rather than expected.
Costa Cruises
Costa keeps things fairly relaxed, with a casual approach during the day and an “elegant if you feel like it” attitude in the evenings. Most nights, smart casual works perfectly for dinner, with optional dressier outfits for special occasions. There’s no strong push towards formal nights – it’s more about effortless, European-style dressing than strict rules.
Cunard
Cunard is one of the most formal cruise lines at sea. Days are relaxed, but most evenings call for proper smart attire – think jackets, collared shirts, dresses or elegant separates.
On Gala Evenings, it steps up to full black-tie, with tuxedos, evening gowns and themed events. You can avoid dressing up by using casual venues, but the overall atmosphere is undeniably formal.
Read more: What to Wear on a Cunard Cruise: Dress Code Guide for Every Occasion
Disney Cruise Line
Disney keeps things firmly in the “cruise casual” camp, with a family-friendly, relaxed approach. Shorts, T-shirts and sundresses are fine most evenings, although swimwear isn’t allowed in dining rooms.
On longer cruises, you’ll get optional formal or semi-formal nights, plus fun themed events like Pirate Night. You can dress up if you want, but there’s no pressure – most guests keep it comfortable and casual.
Explora Journeys
Explora Journeys keeps things effortlessly upscale, with no formal nights at all. Days are completely relaxed, while evenings move to an elevated resort-casual style – think chic, polished outfits rather than anything overly dressy.
Tailored shorts are often fine, but sportswear, flip flops and caps aren’t welcome in the evenings. It feels refined without ever being formal.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Line
Fred. Olsen keeps things traditional but relaxed, with a clear shift from casual days to smarter evenings. During the day, anything comfortable goes.
In the evenings, it’s smart casual – think shirts, chinos, dresses or smart separates – with no beachwear or flip flops in dining rooms. Some sailings may include formal nights, but overall it feels low-key rather than dressy.
Holland America Line
Holland America strikes a nice middle ground, with casual days and a clear move to smart casual in the evenings. That means collared shirts, dresses or smart separates for dinner, with shorts and beachwear not allowed in main restaurants.
On “Dressy Nights”, many guests step things up with jackets or dressier outfits, but it’s not strictly formal.
You’ll definitely want to pack something orange too, because the Orange Party is a lot of fun and most people dress up!
MSC Cruises
MSC sits in that easy middle ground, with casual days and a noticeable step up in the evenings.
Smart casual is the norm for dinner – think collared shirts, dresses or tailored outfits – while Gala Nights invite you to dress up as much (or as little) as you like. There’s also a strong focus on themed parties, like White Nights, adding a fun, dress-up element without strict rules.
Norwegian Cruise Line
NCL is one of the most relaxed cruise lines when it comes to dress codes, leaning into its “freestyle cruising” approach. Days and evenings are both casual, with no formal nights at all. For dinner, it’s more about looking neat than dressing up – think shorts, polos, dresses or smart-casual outfits, especially in speciality restaurants.
Oceania Cruises
Oceania goes for “effortless sophistication” – polished, but never formal. Days are relaxed with resort-style wear, while evenings move to a refined smart casual look. Think dresses, blouses, collared shirts and tailored trousers, with shorts and T-shirts limited to casual venues at night. There are no formal nights, but the overall feel is quietly upscale rather than laid-back.
Read more: Oceania Cruises Dress Code: What to Wear
P&O Cruises
P&O strikes a balance between relaxed and traditional, with casual days and “Evening Casual” as the standard at night – think shirts, trousers, dresses or smart separates.
On selected “Black Tie” nights, it’s a proper step up to tuxedos, suits or formal dresses. You can still dress down in casual venues, but the overall feel leans classic cruise.
Princess Cruises
Princess keeps things classic and fairly traditional, with smart casual as the baseline most evenings – think dresses, skirts, shirts and trousers. During the day, it’s relaxed and practical.
On select evenings, it steps up to formal, where suits, dinner jackets or cocktail dresses are encouraged. It’s not overly strict, but it does lean towards a more polished, traditional cruise feel.
Read more: Princess Cruises Dress Code & Packing Guide
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean offers a flexible mix of casual, smart casual and formal nights. Days are relaxed, while most evenings sit at smart casual – think collared shirts, dresses or blouses.
On “Dress Your Best” nights, you can go full formal with suits or evening wear, but it’s optional. Overall, it’s varied but not strictly enforced.
Read more: Royal Caribbean Formal Night Dress Code: What to Wear & 6 Must-Know Rules
Scenic
Scenic keeps things firmly in the relaxed luxury category, with no formal nights at all. Days are casual and comfortable, while evenings move to an elegant casual style – think dresses, blouses, collared shirts and trousers.
Jackets and ties are optional rather than expected, giving it a polished feel without any real pressure to dress up.
SeaDream Yacht Club
SeaDream leans into a “yacht club” feel, with stylish but relaxed days and a clear step up in the evenings. Dinner calls for casually elegant outfits – dresses, blouses, collared shirts and trousers – with no jeans, shorts or flip flops allowed. There are no formal nights, but the evening standard is definitely polished.
Silversea
Silversea has two slightly different dress codes depending on the type of cruise. On classic (ocean) voyages, days are relaxed resort wear, while evenings follow an “elegant casual” standard – think dresses, blouses, collared shirts and tailored trousers.
On longer sailings, you’ll also get a few “formal optional” nights where guests can dress up, but it’s never required.
Expedition cruises are more relaxed. Evenings stay firmly in elegant casual, with no real push towards formalwear at all. Across both, shorts, T-shirts and very casual footwear aren’t allowed indoors after 6pm, so there’s always a polished feel in the evenings.
Star Clippers
Star Clippers is about as relaxed as it gets, with a laid-back, sailing yacht atmosphere. Days are fully casual, and even in the evenings there’s no real formality – just long trousers and a collared shirt for men, with similar casual-smart outfits for women. Jackets are optional, and it’s all very easy-going and informal.
Read more: Everything I Wore On A Star Clippers Cruise (Dress Code Guide)
Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages throws traditional dress codes out completely.
There are no formal nights and no real rules about what to wear, even in restaurants – you’ll see everything from swimwear to dressed-up looks. It’s all about self-expression, with themed events like Scarlet Night and pyjama parties adding to the fun. If anything, the “dress code” is simply: wear what you like.
Read more: Virgin Voyages Reaffirms Relaxed Dress Code Amid Industry Crackdown
Windstar Cruises
Windstar keeps things relaxed but polished, with a yacht-style feel throughout. Days are completely casual, while evenings shift to a “country club” standard – think collared shirts, smart tops, dresses or tailored trousers. Jeans are usually fine if they’re neat, and jackets are optional. There are no formal nights, just an easy, quietly elegant vibe.
What To Wear On A Cruise – Practical Tips
Packing for a cruise is where dress codes suddenly feel very real. You don’t need a different outfit for every occasion, but you do need a bit of range.
Start with your cruise line – that will dictate how smart your evenings need to be. Then think about your itinerary. Hot weather, cooler evenings, air conditioning and excursions all play a part, so layers are your best friend.
For most cruises, a simple formula works: a few casual daytime outfits, a couple of smarter evening looks, and one dressier option just in case. Comfortable shoes are essential – both for the ship and for port days.
The biggest mistake? Overpacking. Most people wear the same outfits on rotation and never touch half of what they bring.
Keep it simple, keep it versatile, and you’ll be absolutely fine.
Read more: What To Wear On A Cruise (And What Not To Pack)
What Not To Wear On A Cruise
Most cruise lines are relaxed, but there are still a few easy mistakes that can catch you out – usually at the worst possible moment, like when you’re heading to dinner.
Swimwear in restaurants is the big one. Even the most laid-back cruise lines expect you to cover up and put shoes on before heading indoors. It sounds obvious, but it trips people up all the time.
Flip flops and very casual footwear can also be an issue in the evenings, especially in main dining rooms. Some lines allow them, others don’t – and it’s not always clearly signposted.
Sportswear, gym gear and beachwear are another common no-go for dinner, even on casual ships. And while jeans are often fine, ripped or distressed styles usually aren’t.
Clothing with offensive slogans or graphics is also a definite no. Cruise lines are very family-focused environments, and anything seen as inappropriate can get you asked to change.
Finally, don’t assume shorts will always be acceptable at night. On some cruise lines they’re fine, on others they’ll get you turned away.
If in doubt, aim slightly smarter than you think you need to – it’s the easiest way to avoid any awkward wardrobe changes.
Read more: 9 Things Experienced Cruisers Never Wear On A Cruise
Be Careful With Pineapples And Flamingos
This one catches people by surprise. On cruises, certain symbols – especially pineapples and sometimes flamingos – can have hidden meanings linked to the swinging lifestyle.
It’s not something most people will notice, but it’s worth being aware of before packing that pineapple shirt or dress, just to avoid any unexpected attention.
Read more: The Secret Meaning of an Upside-Down Pineapple (You Need to Know This!)
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Final Word
Cruise dress codes might sound complicated at first, but once you break them down, they’re much easier to navigate.
Most cruises are far more relaxed than people expect. As long as you’ve got a mix of casual outfits, something a bit smarter for the evenings, and one dressier option just in case, you’ll be covered for pretty much anything.
The biggest thing to remember is that every cruise line is different. What feels perfectly normal on one ship might feel completely out of place on another – which is why it always pays to check before you pack.
But don’t overthink it. Cruises are meant to be easy, and your wardrobe should be too. Pack smart, keep it simple, and you’ll spend far less time worrying about what to wear – and far more time enjoying your holiday.
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