Introduction: Cruise Dress Codes Are Easier Than You Think
Many first-time cruisers worry about what to wear. Most cruises are more relaxed than people expect, but you still need the right outfits for daytime, dinner, ports, and themed nights. Theme nights and dining are the 2 main driving factors of why you want to know the dress code ahead of time.
Quick Answer: What Should You Wear on a Cruise?
Pack casual clothes for daytime, swimwear for pools and beaches, comfortable shoes for ports, and a few nicer outfits for dinner. Some cruises have formal, elegant, or themed nights, but most mainstream cruise lines give you flexible options. Some cruise lines also do not allow certain attire in the main dining rooms so you need to take note of this as well.
First-Time Cruiser Series
⚓ First-Time Cruiser Series
This article is part of my First-Time Cruiser Questions Answered series. Start with the full guide before diving deeper into cruise cabins.
Read the Full First-Time Cruiser GuideWhat to Wear During the Day
Sea Days
Depending on your itinerary and time of year, shorts, T-shirts, sundresses, swim coverups, sandals, and casual outfits.
Pool Deck
Swimwear is fine near the pool, but coverups are usually expected inside dining areas. Swimwear and flip-flops are not allowed in the main dining rooms on some cruise lines.
Indoor Activities
Bring layers because indoor spaces can feel cool. Depending on your region and the time of year, a light hoodie or jack will be fine to cut the wind.
What to Wear to Dinner
Main Dining Room
Casual or smart casual outfits usually work most nights. For men this can simply be shorts and a collared shirt. Flip-flops should be avoided but usually go unnoticed. For women sun dresses and sandals are fine. This, of course, assuming it is a normal dinner attire and not formal night.
Specialty Dining
You will need to make an effort here. You paid for this, so dress for the occasion. Here you will need to be a bit more dressed. For men I would personally suggest pants and a nice shirt. Polo or button down. For the ladies, you can wear dresses, sundresses and paint suits.
Buffet
There is not really a dress code to enter the buffet. However, you should be dressed and should have shoes on. Also you should dry off a bit. Nothing is more slippery than a wet tile floor.
Pro Tip:
If you travel with children, and you allow them to roam freely, maybe educate them that they should dry off a little before entering the buffet for a snack or ice cream. Not only can a child take a nasty slip and fall but the risk of injuring someone else is far greater.
Formal Night, Elegant Night, and Theme Nights
Do You Need a Suit or Gown?
Usually no. You can dress up, but most lines offer flexibility. Some cruise line passengers still love the formal night and dress to the nines. However, it is not a must but you should be dressed presentable.
Theme Night Examples
This is the most under-rated dress code! People do not look into theme nights and miss out on the fun. Cruise lines like MSC are known for their White night, Virgin Voyages is known for their scarlett parties which are all red, Norwegian cruise line has a hell of a 90’s Glow party and Royal Caribbean and Carnival offer much of the same and some even have a pirate night!
What to Wear in Port
Beach Ports
Swimwear, coverup, sandals, sunscreen, hat, and dry clothes. You are also going to need something to carry it all. I have found a bag on Amazon that is a water-proof bag but also contains a built in combination lock and slash proof. It is from Lewis and Clark, and we love it. We can strap out valuables to a rented lounge chair and hit the water and know we secured the bag.
Pro Tip:
If you are traveling to the beach with children or if you just like cool photos, invest in a waterproof camera holder. They are cheap and provide for some great photos.
Walking Tours
Comfortable shoes, breathable clothes, and a small bag. I always find that no matter the flip-flop, they will not withstand the constant pressure of walking. they are fine for strolling around but when you are in ports like Old San Juan or Bermuda, where you will walk for hours, sneakers are a must!
Religious or Cultural Sites
Modest clothing may be needed. For example when we were in Italy, it is required that men and woman cover their shoulders and knee’s! I did not see the knee’s being an issue so much as it was summer, July, but covering your shoulders is a must when entering a church.
Cruise Clothing Comparison Table
| Situation | What to Wear | What to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Sea day | Casual clothes, swimwear, sandals | Wet swimwear in restaurants |
| Main dining | Smart casual | Bare feet, swimwear |
| Formal night | Dress, collared shirt, nice pants, suit optional | Assuming you need black-tie |
| Beach port | Swimwear, coverup, sandals | No dry clothes |
| Walking tour | Comfortable shoes, light clothing | New shoes or flip-flops only |
| Cool indoor spaces | Light sweater or layer | Packing only hot-weather clothes |
Common Mistakes With Cruise Clothing
Packing Too Many Formal Clothes
Most cruisers do not need multiple formal outfits. Pack smart. Honestly, I do not even take formal wear any more. We do not bother with it. We are there to enjoy and relax so we tend to go all day and the last thing we want to do is get all dressed.
However, I do pack smart. I pair of dress paints and multiple button down or polo shirts. Button downs are ideal because not only are they dinner attire but they can also be used when visiting ports. Pack smart!
Forgetting Comfortable Shoes
As mentioned earlier if walking extended periods of time your flip-flops are not going to cut it. Especially if you are visiting rough terrain on a excursions like a rain forest. Wear comfortable sneakers, walking shoes, etc.
Not Packing Layers
Always have a light sweater or hoodie. Not only can the theaters, casino or dining rooms get cold but the outside areas can get windy and chilly at night as well.
Forgetting Theme Nights
Check your cruise app or documents before sailing. Ask your travel advisor about the theme nights on your cruise. MSC is famous for the White Party, do not miss it. Like I said earlier, most major cruise lines have a theme night so get in on the fun!
Advisor Tip: Pack by Activity, Not by Day
Think about what you will actually do: pool, dinner, beach, excursions, shows, and travel days. That makes packing easier and prevents overpacking and don’t forget, it is OK to reuse clothing or mix and match outfits. No one will care you wore your shirt or shirts twice on the same cruise.
However, I know some folks love outfit changes so if that makes you happy, then the hell with the suggestions, pack what you want and dress the part. It is YOUR vacation after all.
Keep Reading
⚓ First-Time Cruiser Series
This article is part of my First-Time Cruiser Questions Answered series. Start with the full guide before diving deeper into cruise cabins.
Read the Full First-Time Cruiser GuideFrequently Asked Questions
Are dressed codes really enforced?
Yes. Some cruise lines are stricter than others. You can be denied entry into dining rooms. Play it smart and look presentable and you will be fine.
Do I really need to wear a suit?
No. formal nights are suggested dress. If you do not partake, just make sure to still be dressed business casual to enter the dining room.
Do I need 1 bathing suit for each day?
Absolutely not. 7 days pack 3 suits. You can wear them again. Washi them in the sink if you need to and use your laundry clothes line located in your shower.
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