Dress Code

One of the questions we get asked above any other is, what do I need to pack?

With modern trends towards more casual cruising, airline luggage weight restrictions and reasonably limited wardrobe space in cabins suggests that you should try and pack as light as possible. However we recognise this is a cruise and inevitably you will need more clothes than most other types of holiday to adhere to any set dress code.

Click on a link below to see each cruise line's dress code:

If formal nights are not your bag then you can try the buffet dining or one of the alternative dining spots where the dress code does not apply. Here's a brief summary of what casual, smart casual and formal typically means on a cruise ship:

• Casual (daytime) - swimwear, sundresses, shorts, t-shirts
• Smart Casual (evening) - dresses or trouser suits for women; trousers & collar shirts for men
• Formal (evening) - cocktail dresses for women; suits and ties or tuxedos for men

Daytime Dress
The daytime dress code onboard is always casual. Footwear is required if you want to take lunch in any of the dining areas. Some destinations are more formal than others and smart casual is more appropriate in Bermuda, Europe or the Far East than in the more relaxed Caribbean, Hawaii and Mexican Riviera. Some countries have strict dress codes and ladies may need clothes that will cover both legs and shoulders.

• For the men, shorts, jeans, trousers, T-shirts and sports shirts go everywhere.
• For the ladies, shorts, trousers, casual skirts and sundresses.
• Around the pool swimsuits of course but you will need footwear and a cover up if you want to take lunch in the buffet.
• On active shore excursions ultra-casual is OK.

Evening Dress
There is now a trend towards more casual cruising and a choice of dining options with different dress options (most notably Ocean Village, Norwegian Cruise Line). Cruise ships assign daily dress codes - casual, informal (smart casual) and formal - that take effect in public rooms and restaurants from 6 pm onward.

Formal Nights
On traditional cruise ships black tie is the usual form for men on formal nights, though increasingly a smart suit or jacket will suffice. Women can wear anything from a classic black dress or a cocktail dress to a ball gown. On most cruise ships men can hire formal attire

If you would rather not dress for dinner you will be able to dine in one of the alternative dining spots onboard, where the formal dress code does not apply.

Depending on the cruise duration and cruise line, a number of pre-determined formal nights are organised. Below is a guide to what you can expect on a typical cruise (namely Celebrity Cruises, Cunard, Costa Cruises, Fred Olsen, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Swan Hellenic)

• 3 to 4 night cruises include one formal and two or three casual nights.
• 5 night cruises include one formal, one smart casual and three casual nights.
• 7 night cruises include two formal, one smart casual night and four casual nights.
• 10, 11, and 12 night cruises include three formal and three smart casual nights.
• 14 and 15 night cruises include three formal and four smart casual nights.