Do You REALLY Have To Dress Up On A Cruise?

Many people imagine cruises are very formal, and think it will be all suits, ballgowns, and strict dress codes every night.

This is one of the most common concerns people have before they book, and it can genuinely put people off cruising.

I’ve been on dozens of cruises across many different cruise lines, and the reality is actually very different.

The level of formality depends on the cruise line you book with. Many are relaxed and informal, with no strict dress codes at all.

What People Think Cruising Is Like

People seem to think that cruising means formal nights every night.

There will be strict dress codes across the whole ship, all of the time.

They worry that they will feel out of place if they don’t dress up.

Where This Perception Comes From:

Decades ago, cruising was quite a formal affair, but things have moved on.

Lines like Cunard still keep those traditions alive, and their marketing often shows people dressed up in suits and long dresses, dancing late into the night.

If you sail with Royal Caribbean or Norwegian, for example, you are unlikely to see anything like that!

The Reality On Most Modern Cruise Ships

Most cruise lines are now very relaxed; they understand that people don’t want to dress up or take mountains of luggage with them when they cruise.

Daytime wear is always casual, think shorts and t-shirts, and swimwear around the pool

Evenings are “smart casual” at most.

Men tend to wear jeans, chinos, polo shirts or casual shirts. Ladies wear sundresses, skirts, or trousers, depending on the weather.

I tend to pack a few comfortable dresses that I can wear during the day or in the evening.

If you have to pack one outfit for the day, and another for the evening, every day of a seven-day cruise, you will have to pack an awful lot of things!

I rarely dress formally, and I have never felt out of place in a more casual sundress.

Have a look at some examples of what I wear onboard here:

Cruise Dress Examples – (Everything I Wear Onboard: Emma Cruises)

What Are “Formal Nights” Really Like?

Often, there are two formal/Gala or “Dress to Impress” nights on a seven-day cruise.

There are usually suggested dress codes, rather than strict rules that they enforce.

Of course, some people like to go all out and pack suits and ball gowns for the occasion. Many people don’t.

You are not forced to participate. It is your holiday, after all!

Typically, I would just wear a comfortable dress, one I would be happy to wear at any time of day.

If I don’t want to go to the main dining room, I can always go to the buffet or another more casual restaurant instead.

What Happens If You Don’t Dress Up?

Don’t worry! You won’t be kicked off the ship or told to leave if you don’t adhere to the formal night dress codes.

Some main dining rooms may encourage dress codes on formal nights, but buffet restaurants and casual venues are always an option, you can choose to miss the formality and eat elsewhere.

Cunard actually has themed “Gala” (formal nights). When I was onboard, the theme was Masquerade, but they also have Black and Gold, Roaring 20’s, and Black and White themed nights. I have heard rumours about these themes being removed, but I’ve not had that confirmed yet.

Masquerade Ball
An evening of mystery, intrigue and suspense awaits as Cunard transports you back to Renaissance Italy and the infamous Venetian Masquerade Carnivals. Whatever you decide to wear, bring along a mask to match – or even make your own.

Cunard

There have been times when sailing with the more formal cruise line, Cunard, that I have just ordered room service instead of bothering to dress up. There is no need to go to the main dining room.

When we boarded The Queen Mary 2 for our transatlantic sailing, we had stayed outside to see the wonderful evening sailaway from New York City.

It was January, and we were frozen! The last thing we wanted to do was get changed to go to the main dining room.

At that time, room service was free then (although this has recently changed; there is now a charge depending on the cabin category). Find out more here:

Cunard Now Charges For Room Service After Breakfast – Price Lists & More

Have a look at that transatlantic sailing with the most formal cruise line here:

Cruise Lines That Are More Formal

The amount of formality does depend on the cruise line.

Some lines are more traditional:

• Cunard
  • Formal nights are a big part of the experience.
  • There is often a ship-wide dress code after 6 pm.
  • “Gala” nights are the most formal of all, but even on other nights, there is a strict dress code.
• Holland America Line
  • Are more traditional, but still relaxed compared to the past.
  • There is a “smart casual” dress code in the evenings, with no shorts, tank tops or distressed jeans allowed in the main restaurant.

Even on these lines, Formal wear is encouraged, but not always enforced ship-wide.

There are ways to avoid dressing up if you prefer.

Find out more here:

You Can Skip Formal Nights on a Cruise – Here’s How

Cruise Lines That Are Very Casual

If you don’t want to bother about dressing up and dress codes, you would be sensible to pick one of the more relaxed cruise lines, for example:

• Royal Caribbean International
  • They suggest Jeans, polos, sundresses and blouses. They don’t allow shorts or swimwear in the main dining rooms during the evening.
• MSC Cruises
  • Suggest collared shirts, tailored trousers or shorts, skirts, and dresses.
  • In reality, as long as you don’t go to the main dining room in your swimwear, pretty much anything goes on MSC.
  • I sailed on MSC Meraviglia over Christmas, and even on Christmas Day, many didn’t dress up at all.
• Norwegian Cruise Line
  • Their “freestyle cruising” concept means you can eat where you want, when you want – wearing whatever you feel comfortable in.
  • There are a few rules: you must have footwear and not be wearing swimwear, which I think is fair enough!
• Costa
  • Is a very relaxed Italian cruise line, where there is no need to dress up.
  • There is a “formal” night, but as long as you are dressed, you are pretty much good to go!
• Carnival
  • Carnival doesn’t allow ripped/cut-off t-shirts, sheer or see-through clothing, athletic clothing, or swimwear in the main dining room.
  • As long as you avoid those things, pretty much anything goes!

We simply ask that attire feels put-together and suited to the setting – shirts and footwear required, graphics respectful, and styles that offer appropriate coverage for a dining environment. Swimwear should be saved for the pool and extremely short shorts for other activities.

Norwegian Cruiseline

On more relaxed cruise lines, there is no pressure to dress up in the main dining room, and there are many dining options if you want to avoid going there altogether.

How To Choose The Right Cruise For You

You really need to find a cruise line that suits your preferences.

If you hate dressing up, don’t book Cunard!

If you prefer to dress smartly and don’t like to see others constantly in t-shirts and shorts, maybe avoid Carnival, MSC or Costa.

My advice would be to:

• Check the cruise line’s dress code before booking.
• Look at sample daily schedules from your chosen cruiseline to see what is going on onboard, and what dress codes apply (if any).

If you love dressing up, there are cruises for that – If you hate it, there are plenty of cruise lines where you never have to dress up at all.

My advice would be to check the cruise lines’ dress codes before you book. You don’t want to waste time and money on a cruise that doesn’t suit you at all.

For more useful hints and tips about cruising, watch my comprehensive video guide next:

Before You Go:

There are many articles on my website showing examples of what people wear on different cruise lines.

I have added a selection below, but you can search my website for other examples.

MSC Dress Code Photo Guide – 96% Agree The Dress Codes are Relaxed

What to Wear on a P&O Cruise – 39 Examples and Enforcement

What To Wear on a Royal Caribbean Cruise – Examples and Enforcement

Cunard Dress Code (Mens, Womens, Childrens – Real Examples)