What is the dress code?

This is a question that comes up quite a lot when deciding which cruise to book.

It really does depend on the cruise line.

The general rule is – 2 formal nights per week.

How formal is formal? Well, this is a good question because recently a customer of mine came home from a cruise with Royal Caribbean and even on the formal nights some people where really casual. Trousers and polo shirts. Not even a shirt and tie!

It seems that Royal Caribbean have really relaxed the dress code.

Celebrity cruises have totally scrapped their formal night for ‘evening chic’! This is more formal than a casual night and less formal than a formal night.

P&O have 2 formal nights for every 7 and then the rest of the cruise is casual.

Azamara have county casual dress code. I wore a dress for a few of the nights and didn’t feel overdressed. Some people o found were very casual. Jumpers and trousers.

Cunard are probably the strictest about their dress code. There are fewer casual nights and more semi-formal and again 2 formal for every 7 nights on-board.

Even Thomson cruise have 1 formal night during a 7 night cruise and advise than men wear diner jacket, tuxedo or dark suite and ladies to wear cocktail dresses or trouser suit.

I strongly believe that is there is a dress code this should be adhered to. The buffet restaurant is always available for those casual nights!

I really enjoy dressing up and enjoying the celebrations on-board, however I also like the casual nights were you can feel more relaxed!

Some cruise lines have special themed nights! Fred Olsen and NCL are keen on themed nights!

When I cruised on the NCL Jade there was a ‘white night’! I just took a white feather bower

Fred Olsen sometimes have 60’s or 70’s themes which is a bit more difficult to pull off!

Check your cruise personaliser if you are unsure.

Do you think some cruise lines have become more informal?

Do you enjoy the formal nights?

Let me know what you think

Thanks for reading!

Love Rosie xxx


About Me

I have worked in the travel industry for nearly 20 years… I started off on the high street and I have worked as a Cruise Consultant for the past 8 years. I can honestly say that it is just the best job ever! My passion is cruising, so being able…

Read more
Thank you for subscribing!
Make an enquiry
Request a video call
Call one of our cruise consultants