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

If you’re taking your first cruise with MSC, you may be wondering about the dress codes and to what extent they are enforced.

MSC does have formal nights – which they call ” Gala Nights” – but most of the time dress codes onboard are casual.

In this post, we will explore all guidelines in place in regard to dress codes onboard.

What Is The Dress Code on an MSC Cruise?

The evening dress codes on MSC cruises are either casual or Gala, depending on the night.

Most nights are relaxed nights; the only restrictions are that no shorts or swimwear should be allowed in the main dining rooms.

On ‘Gala’nights, the dress code suggests a collared shirt for men and a dress or blouse/trousers combination for women.

That said, the dress codes on MSC cruises aren’t very strictly enforced. 

The dress I wore on Gala night, MSC Euribia

Daytime Dress Code

What Is The Daytime Dress Code On MSC Cruises?

The daytime dress code on MSC cruises is incredibly relaxed. The only dress code rules are that swimwear cannot be worn inside the ship and guests must wear shoes.

Even the cruise lines that have strict evening dress codes rarely enforce dress codes during the day. Guests are free to wear almost anything onboard during the day.

There are a few things which you’re not allowed to wear onboard:

  • Swimwear usually can’t be worn inside the ship, guests must be dressed.
    • In reality, if you are covered in a towel or robe and want to quickly get back to your room, as long as you don’t pass through any restaurants or bars, you’ll be fine.
  • Shoes must be worn at all times in the ship and on the top decks

As far as dress codes go, MSC is one of the most relaxed cruise lines. Almost anything goes.

If you were to wear something particularly offensive or inappropriate, you may be asked to remove it, but generally speaking, if you are dressed, that is good enough.

MSC doesn’t have any rules about not wearing costumes/fancy dress onboard.

Casually dressed in Hola, a speciality restaurant on MSC World Europa

Do MSC Have A Dress Code for Excursions?

There aren’t any specific dress codes for excursions with MSC, but some may come with dress suggestions.

Some excursions may require things like walking boots and for some excursions, you may need to bring things like hats or swimwear. This depends entirely on the excursion that you choose to take.

If there is anything you need to remember to bring or wear during an excursion, you will be notified at the time of booking and when you receive your tickets.

On excursions, it makes sense to dress appropriately for the weather

What Is The Evening Dress  Code On MSC Cruises?

MSC has two main dress codes that apply to the ship.

The first is a formal Gala or elegant dress code that applies only to the main dining room on certain nights of the cruise.

The second is a more relaxed casual dress code – which happens the majority of the time.

Evening Dress Code – Gala Nights

‘Gala’ nights, may involve having a special menu in the main dining room created by a Michelin-starred chef. They may also include the opportunity to have photos taken with the captain.

MSC Dress Code Examples Gala Night Womens Dress Mens Suits Jacket Formal

On Gala Night, dress to impress! Whether that means a tuxedo, suit and tie, an evening gown or cocktail dress, or perhaps it’s your very best jeans and polo shirt, your attire should fit your own level of elegance. The only thing required is your smile.

MSC Cruises

What does the dress code mean in practice?

Men:
Most men on MSC cruises will wear a collared shirt with smart chinos/trousers.

Jackets and ties are optional, although many people will wear them. Some guests will dress up in a Tuxedo or full suit, but this isn’t required.

Patterned shirts and national dress can also be worn – so don’t be afraid to be creative!

Women:
The majority of women on MSC cruises will wear a smart-looking dress or skirt/blouse combination.

Trousers and a blouse are also acceptable!

Almost any style, colour, and pattern is okay. Most women wear sandals/heels or flat shoes.

It’s always a good idea to bring a shrug, cardigan, or cover-up because the main dining room (due to the air conditioning) can get quite cold.

MSC Cruises Gala Night Dress Code Examples Women Dress Men Suit Sparkly Staircase Photos

How Many Gala Nights Are There?

MSC can change the number of dress codes at any time, but generally speaking the following guidelines apply:

Cruises Between 3-5 Nights: 1 Gala Night 

Cruises Between 6-13 Nights: 2 Gala Nights

Cruises Over 14+ Nights: 3 Gala Nights

To learn more about MSC’s formal nights, including where the dress code applies, check out this post:

MSC Cruises Formal Nights – Everything You Need To Know

Evening Dress Code – Informal Nights

On non-Gala nights, the dress code on board will be casual.

On casual nights I often just wear the clothes that I’ve been wearing during the day.

There are a few things which aren’t allowed such as swimwear or shorts in the main dining room but apart from that, you are free to wear almost anything.

After dinner, I went to a “secret bar” on MSC World Europa.

Find out more about the secret bar and my cruise on MSC World Europa here:

Informal Nights

The dress code for the casual night is as follows:

A more polished look is recommended for evening wear when dining in the main dining rooms, speciality restaurants and while enjoying the entertainment in the theatre, bars, and lounges. Collared shirts, tailored trousers or shorts, skirts, and dresses are suggested.

MSC Cruises

What does the dress code actually mean?

Men:

Any t-shirts or shirts would be acceptable for men.

Technically speaking, shorts aren’t allowed in the main dining room, but jeans are okay. Hoodies, sweaters, and jackets are also acceptable.

Women: 

For women, a pair of jeans and a T-shirt would be perfectly appropriate.

Alternatively, any dress/skirt/trouser combination would be more than okay. Sneakers, sandals, heels or flat shoes would all be appropriate.

Generally speaking, as long as you are clean and dressed, you’ll be okay! 

How Many Informal Nights Are There?

Informal nights are any nights that aren’t Gala nights.

If you are cruising for 7 nights and have two Gala nights, you can expect the other 5 nights onboard to have informal dress codes.

Will I Know Ahead of Time About The Dress Codes?

The dress codes for dinner can be checked in the MSC App. They used to print a daily paper schedule, but are now moving away from paper copies. I am sure you could ask for a printed copy if necessary.

If you are cruising with MSC I would strongly recommend that you download the app, it is free to use and has lots of useful functions. You can even look at the menus ahead of time!

Have a look at the App here:

Dress Codes For Children

Children are also expected to adhere to the formal night dress codes.

That said, MSC’s dress codes are already very relaxed, and for children, these are relaxed even further.

I would not worry too much about what your children will wear on an MSC cruise. You definitely won’t be turned away from the dining room because of what your children are wearing.

Adults are not allowed to wear shorts in the main dining room, but children can definitely get away with breaking this rule. 

For boys:

Most young boys will wear chinos or a shirt or T-shirt. Some dress up with bow ties and jackets, although this is definitely not a requirement. Again, as long as they are dressed and clean, you will be fine.

For girls: 

Most girls will usually wear a dress or shirt/trousers. Almost anything is okay.

MSC’s relaxed dress codes are one of the primary reasons why I consistently recommend them as one of my favourite cruise lines for families.

MSC Cruises Formal Nights Dress Code For Children

Dress Codes in Speciality Dining Restaurants

Most of MSC’s speciality dining restaurants don’t have strict dress codes.

The majority of guests dress nicely when going to a speciality restaurant, more so than the main dining room, as it’s generally seen as a bit of a treat!

Passengers tend to go to speciality restaurants for birthdays, anniversaries, or just to experience that extra bit of luxury.

Is The Dress Code Ship-Wide on MSC Cruises?

The formal night dress codes apply only to the main dining room. Guests who want to avoid them can eat in other restaurants.

The informal dress code applies everywhere else on the ship.

Is The Dress Code Ship on MSC Cruises Enforced?

To answer this question I decided to ask the lovely members of our Facebook group.

96% of people described MSC’s dress code as relaxed!

I think the results speak for themselves!

Are dress codes on MSC enforced?

Only one person said that they found the dress codes to be formal. The rest said that they either felt that the dress codes were relaxed – or other passengers treated the dress codes as relaxed.

Other Dress Codes:

Some MSC cruise ships do have ropes courses, when taking part on the ropes course it is advised that you wear closed-toe shoes.

I had so much fun on the ropes course on the MSC Meraviglia, even though it was in January. It was freezing, but it was so much fun.

msc meraviglia ropes course and waterslides

Themed Evenings

On all MSC cruises, MSC has themed evenings.

These themed evenings come with suggested dress codes although guests do not have to take part.

I often see people worrying that they don’t have an outfit to fit a certain theme. You don’t need to worry about this! In my experience, a very small proportion of guests fully embrace the evening’s theme, and you will not look out of place if you don’t.

Examples of MSC’s themed evenings include things like 70s, white night, country, and pirate.

Emma cruises - 1970s night/ themed night
1970s night/ themed night trousers – I don’t normally dress like this in everyday life!

Do You HAVE To Dress Up On an MSC Cruise?

If you don’t want to take part in any dress codes or formal nights on an MSC cruise, you don’t have to.

Casual dress is always acceptable in the buffet and public areas of the ship. The only guidelines are that passengers don’t wear swimwear and have shoes on at all times. 

I recently had a very different MSC experience when I stayed in the exclusive “Yacht Club” area of the ship.

Even then, I found the dress codes to be relaxed. Find out more about that cruise here:

The Only Dress Code Rules:

In my opinion, MSC dress codes are very easy to stick to! This is what it says on the MSC website:

Specific restrictions may be enforced by onboard staff members, including restaurant hostesses and management. At no point is swimwear allowed in any formal dining venue for any meal, including breakfast and lunch. Shorts, flip-flops, and tank tops are not allowed for evening wear or Gala Night in the main dining rooms, speciality restaurants, or MSC Yacht Club. T-shirts are not allowed to be worn on Gala Night. Dress code rules that are posted outside the buffet should be followed.

MSC Cruises

Before You Go

Compare MSC’s dress codes with that of Cunard, one of the most formal cruise lines here:

MSC vs Cunard – How do They Compare? (Dress Codes, Ships and Entertainment)

Find out some top tips for cruising with MSC here:

19 Essential MSC Cruise Tips That I Use Everytime (Freebies, Money Saving & More)

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