Updated: April 2024
If you’re wondering what to wear on a cruise, you’re not alone. In fact, it’s one of the most common – and one of the most important – questions we get asked at Iglu Cruise. With each cruise line having a unique dress code, and formal evenings and theme nights aplenty, it’s easy to get a little lost with what you need to pack for your cruise and when it’s time to break out your Sunday best.
But, don’t panic just yet. Whether you’re a first time cruiser or a regular on one of the best world cruises available at the moment, we have everything you need to know about what you can and can’t wear – and when and where you can and can’t wear it – ahead of your next holiday.
So, whether you prefer to get dressed to the nines on a daily basis, or you want to spend your days lounging by the pool in your flip flops, you can find out exactly what you need to know about cruise attire, what to wear at night on a cruise, and more below.
Keep reading to find out more!
Contents:
- What to Wear on a Cunard Cruise
- What to wear on a Celebrity Cruises' Cruise
- What to Wear on a P&O Cruises' Cruise
- What to Wear on a MSC Cruises' Cruise
- What to Wear on a Norwegian Cruise Line Cruise
- What to Wear on a Royal Caribbean Cruise
- What to Wear on a Princess Cruises' Cruise
- What to Wear on a Marella Cruises' Cruise
- WWhat to Wear on a Ambassador Cruise Line Cruise
What to Wear on a Cunard Cruise
In the cruise world, Cunard sets the standard when it comes to luxury cruising and the dress code onboard reflects that. While casual resort wear is permitted during the day, and you’ll have plenty of time to lounge by the pool in your swimwear during your voyage, their famous Cunard Gala Evening events, emphasis on fine dining and general grandeur will mean you’ll have more than enough opportunities to channel your inner James Bond and really dress to impress.
During the day…
Despite being positioned as the pinnacle of sophistication and class in the cruising world, the Cunard dress code isn’t nearly as restrictive as you might think during the day. When you’re out on deck, feel free to wear whatever you’re most comfortable in – be that t-shirts, shorts, sundresses, and sandals. If you’re planning to spend time in and around the pool, it’s worth keeping in mind that you’re not permitted to wear swimwear in any of the indoor dining areas throughout the day.
So, be sure to make sure you’re packing enough to change in and out of your swimwear when you want to grab a bite to eat. The main thing to keep in mind here, though, is that you should dress for the weather. If you’re cruising through the Caribbean, for example, you may want to consider bringing lighter clothing – and a sun hat. For a little more help, check out our blog on packing for different climates and what you should think about when heading ashore.
In the evening…
When it comes to dining in the evenings, the Cunard cruise dress code becomes a little more formal; although, you will be pleased to know that there are areas of the ship where casual dress is still welcome. However, for those of you who want to keep your dining options open, it’s recommended that you wear a smart collared shirt with smart shoes and trousers or chinos, or a classy cocktail dress. If you pack what you would normally wear to a stylish restaurant or an evening at the theatre, you’ll be fine to enjoy all the restaurants and bars your Cunard cruise has to offer. If you enjoy a tipple, you can find out more about Cunard’s drink packages here – which may mean you enjoy the bars even more.
The dress code for Cunard cruises in the evenings is something you need to keep in mind if you prefer shorts over chinos and trousers. After 6pm, we recommend you avoid wearing shorts, sports attire, and sleeveless tops – unless you’re hitting the gym or enjoying the on-board spa, of course – as this will limit your options when it comes to the evening entertainment you’ll be permitted to enjoy. The Lido and Kings Court, and The Golden Lion, for example, offer more casual dining experiences, but the Queens Grill and Princess Grill will ask you to adopt more formal attire.
On Gala Evening…
If you’re planning to take part in one of your Cunard cruise’s optional Gala Evening events, this is the perfect opportunity for you to really dress to impress and show off your best formal suit or ball gown. For those of you wondering when the Cunard black tie dress code comes into play, this is when tuxedos and floor length dresses are encouraged.
Observing a generally elevated dress code throughout these evenings, these unique experiences often follow specific themes that will be communicated to you in advance. If you enjoy the elegance of Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby, then you’ll want to keep an eye out for a ‘Roaring Twenties’ themed night on your itinerary. Similarly, you can expect to find colour-themed Gala Evening events peppered throughout your Cunard cruise holiday. There will be areas of the ship where more-casual dress is permitted during a Gala Evening, but they’re a fantastic occasion and just one part of your holiday you won’t want to miss out on.
Cunard Dress Code FAQs
What is the dress code on Cunard?
During the day, cruisers are permitted to wear whatever they feel comfortable in, with swimwear not permitted in any indoor dining areas. In the evenings and after 6pm, the Cunard informal dress code becomes a smart casual dress code with shirts, trousers, skirts, and sundresses advised.
What to Wear on a Celebrity Cruises' Cruise
On a Celebrity Cruises getaway, the general rule of thumb is that you want to be aiming for ‘casual chic’ attire when you’re taking a break from the pool or the onboard Fitness Centre. In the daytime, the Celebrity Cruises dress code permits casual resort wear – so, sandals and shorts are fine. When it comes to the evening, we recommend swapping your sundress for something smart-casual. If you’re looking for an excuse to really dress up, then Celebrity Cruises’ Evening Chic nights are the perfect opportunity to do just that.
During the day…
The dress code on Celebrity Cruises during the daytime is on the more sophisticated side when it comes to cruise lines, but there’s nothing to worry about if you’re planning on packing things you’re comfortable in. Whether you’re strolling the deck, soaking in the sun on a lounger, or checking out some of the bars and restaurants available indoors, you’ll be fine wearing shorts, sandals, sundresses, and clothing that’s considered casual resort wear. You’ll want to be comfortable when you’re enjoying one of the available Celebrity Cruises drinks packages!
If you’re planning on taking full advantage of the pool facilities available, Celebrity Cruises asks that cruisers refrain from wearing their swimwear, see-through cover-ups, tank tops, and t-shirts when heading into the indoor dining areas. So, it’s worth keeping that in mind when packing for your day-to-day aboard your Celebrity Cruises cruise ship.
In the evening…
When the evening rolls around, the dress code for Celebrity Cruises shifts slightly from more casual resort wear to smart casual. So, if you’re planning on enjoying some of the restaurants and bars available, you’re going to want to switch into some slacks and avoid flip flops. Both shorts and flip flop sandals are not permitted in the dining areas when it comes to the dress code for dinner on Celebrity Cruises.
What you can wear, however, is a smart shirt or a stylish top with a pair of smart pants or a nice skirt. Jeans are also acceptable, but we recommend avoiding light-coloured jeans, faded jeans, or jeans with rips and tears in them. We like light grey jeans as much as the next person, but the dress code for Celebrity Cruises advises against it.
On Evening Chic night…
One of the best bits of any cruise holiday are the nights when you get the chance to dress to the nines and show off your sharpest outfits – be that an elegant ball gown, a tuxedo, or a cocktail dress – and Celebrity Cruises gives you the chance to do just that with their unique Evening Chic nights.
When one of these rolls around, you’re encouraged to dress to impress with cocktail dresses, skirts, suits, and slacks all acceptable alongside more glamorous ball gowns and tuxedos. The Celebrity Cruises Evening Chic dress code isn’t limited to just that, though, and you’ll also be fine wearing designer jeans, an elegant dress top, or a blazer.
If you’re prepared for an Evening Chic night, but you don’t know when they’re taking place, a program available at the Guest Relations Desk will give you all the information you need. However, these are optional and there will be areas of the ship where smart casual evening wear is fine – so, don’t stress if you don’t have a tuxedo to hand.
Celebrity Cruises Dress Code FAQs
What is the dress code for dinner on Celebrity Cruises?
Dancing a fine line between sophistication and a more casual style, the Celebrity Cruises dining dress code is often smart casual, with select nights in your itinerary encouraging more formal attire. In the daytime, resort wear is acceptable with Celebrity Cruises asking that you avoid wearing your swimwear, tank tops, and t-shirts in the indoor dining areas.
What to Wear on a P&O Cruises' Cruise
While the dress code for P&O Cruises is a bit more casual than other cruise lines, you’ll still find yourself with more than enough chances to dress up thanks to a selection of P&O formal nights during your cruise. In the daytimes aboard your P&O Cruises cruise ship, you’ll be fine donning your typical holiday attire – shorts and sundresses are fine both inside and
In the daytime, you’ll be fine donning your typical holiday wardrobe – shorts and sundresses are fine both inside and out here.
During the day…
The dress code for P&O Cruises during the day is one that allows comfort and freedom. While you should avoid wearing pool-wear and swimwear in the cruise ship’s lounges, bars, restaurants, and reception, you’re free to wear whatever you’re comfortable – be that t-shirts and shorts or sundresses and sandals.
P&O Cruises also ask cruisers to wear shoes when they’re away from the pool and it’s always worth packing some flat shoes and light layers if you’re planning on exploring the decks; it can get a little windy when you’re out in the open seas, even on a cruise ship like P&O Arvia or P&O Ventura.
In the evening…
When the sun starts to set and evening rolls around, you’ll want to change into something a little smarter to enjoy the restaurants, bars, and festivities available on your P&O Cruises cruise ship. Although, the smart casual P&O Cruises dress code still leaves you with some wiggle room when it comes to your outfit. You can dress up as much as you want to go out and enjoy one of the available P&O Cruises drinks packages on your cruise holiday.
Button-down shirts, smart trousers, skirts with stylish tops, and sundresses are all acceptable here. Dark jeans are also okay, but we would recommend avoiding lighter shades, faded patterns, and jeans with tears and holes. In the evenings, you’re going to want to leave your sportswear and tracksuits in your cabin – unless you’re visiting the onboard gym, of course.
On Black Tie Evening…
If you’re holidaying with P&O Cruises, you won’t want to miss the Black Tie Evening events hosted throughout your voyage. This is going to be your chance to don a formal suit, a tuxedo, a ball gown, or a cocktail dress and enjoy an evening of the finest food and entertainment. Formal national dress and military uniforms are also acceptable here, but some items of national dress – such as ceremonial blades – won’t be allowed.
The one thing you need to make sure you’re aware of is that, if you’re planning on following a smart casual dress code during a Black Tie Evening on a P&O Cruises cruise ship, you will be limited to the following venues:
- Buffet
- The Beach House
- 6th Street Diner
- The Olive Grove
- Keel & Cow
- The Glass House
P&O Cruises Dress Code FAQs
How many Black Tie nights on P&O Cruises?
While details may vary, so it’s always best to check your booking itinerary ahead of time, the following is a guide of how many Black Tie Evening nights you can expect to enjoy with P&O Cruises, depending on which ship you’re cruising aboard:
- P&O Arvia and P&O Iona
- 2-10 nights: 1
- 11-14 nights: 2
- 15-19 nights: 3
- Rest of P&O Cruises’ fleet
- 1-6 nights: 1
- 7-10 nights: 2
- 11-13 nights: 3
- 14-19 nights: 4
How strict is the P&O Cruises dress code?
P&O Cruises’ dress code isn’t the most strict when it comes to leading cruise lines, but there are some restrictions worth keeping in mind when you’re packing your bags for your next cruise holiday. Outside of specific theme nights which will be communicated to you prior to your holiday, any kind of fancy dress, novelty clothing with printed images and slogans, and any item of clothing that features inappropriate languages or images will be prohibited.
What to Wear on a MSC Cruises' Cruise
When you’re holidaying with MSC Cruises, comfort is what you can expect from its dress code. Throughout the day, whether you’re enjoying a spot of lunch in one of the restaurants available, or soaking up the sun on the deck, you’ll be fine wearing casual attire. In the evenings, a slightly more polished look will be required – which makes it the perfect time to switch from t-shirts and shorts to shirts and skirts.
You’ll be encouraged to dress to impress on Gala Night, but the dress code on MSC Cruises is relaxed enough that you’ll be fine in smart casual clothing when taking advantage of one of the available MSC Cruises drinks packages or enjoying the evening’s entertainment.
During the day…
During the daytime while at sea with MSC Cruises, you’ll be able to enjoy everything your cruise ship has to offer in casual clothing. T-shirts and shorts are completely fine, as are sundresses and skirts. It’s always worth keeping in mind where you’re cruising through and to when you pack, as it can get a little breezy on the decks – even in warmer climates.
If you’re going to be enjoying the pool, it’s worth keeping in mind that the dress code on MSC Cruises doesn’t permit swimwear in any formal dining area for any meal – meaning breakfast, lunch, and dinner. So, you’ll need to take a quick trip back to your cabin to change if you want to go from the pool to a restaurant during your voyage. Boasting one of the top cruise line spas, however, be sure to bring something for the steam room to take full advantage of everything on offer.
In the evening…
When the evening rolls around, the MSC Cruises dining dress code comes into effect – something that asks that you adopt smarter attire to enjoy everything on offer. Collared shirts, polo shirts, skirts, dresses, and tailored pants are all fine in the evenings. You’ll also be fine wearing tailored shorts when you visit a restaurant or bar in the evenings, but more casual shorts are not acceptable.
In addition to this, flip flops and tank tops are inappropriate in the main dining areas, the specialty restaurants, and the MSC Yacht Club during an evening. So, it’s best to save those for your daytime poolside excursions.
See our blog - Is MSC Cruises’ Yacht Club Worth it? To find out more about the extraordinary MSC Yacht Club.
On Gala Night…
Gala Night is your chance to show off your most stylish dress or sharpest suit. If you’re looking at the MSC Cruises dress code guidelines trying to find an excuse to break out your tuxedo or ball gown, this is the perfect opportunity.
Don’t worry if you don’t want to dress to the nines during your cruise, though. The MSC Cruises Gala Night dress code isn’t as restrictive as what you might find with other cruise lines; you can even wear your best pair of jeans and a nice polo shirt to Gala Night, so long as you’re making a little effort to match the occasion these evenings often represent.
MSC Cruises Dress Code FAQs
Is there a dress code on MSC Cruises?
Yes, there is – but, it’s not as restrictive as what you will find on other cruise lines. During the day, casual wear is appropriate, and smart casual is fine for most evenings. Gala Night asks that you dress to impress, but this is open to interpretation, and you’ll be able to enjoy themed nights throughout your voyage.
What to Wear on a Norwegian Cruise Line Cruise
Cruising with Norwegian Cruise Line is all about wearing what you feel comfortable in whenever and wherever, with ‘resort casual’ the main guideline when it comes to the dress code on Norwegian Cruise Line. While there are some restrictions when it comes to wearing tank tops and flip flops in the main dining areas and specialty restaurants, you’re otherwise free to wear whatever you would on a resort holiday while aboard a Norwegian Cruise Line cruise ship.
In the evenings, you’ll be encouraged to dress up a little more and adopt a smart casual attire, and there will be several special events with themed nights and parties throughout your voyage.
During the day…
Throughout the daytime, the Norwegian Cruise Line dress code is one that allows for comfort and freedom of choice. With ‘resort casual’ as the phrase used, feel free to spend your day wearing shorts, t-shirts, skirts, and sundresses. You can even keep your swimsuit on while you check out the poolside grill or buffet – provided you slip on a t-shirt or cover-up, and some footwear, when you do.
More casual resort wear, such as tank tops, flip flops, baseball caps, and ripped jeans, are restricted in the main dining areas and specialty restaurants, but the Norwegian Cruise Line dress code allows for more than enough freedom outside of this. If you want to enjoy that freedom with some beverages from the bar, be sure to check out the Norwegian Cruise Line drinks packages available ahead of time.
In the evening…
The dress code on Norwegian Cruise Line cruise ships shifts slightly as evening rolls around and you’ll need to don something a little more smart casual for dining as the sun sets. So, this is the perfect time to stick on a shirt, a skirt, some nice trousers, or a stylish top and take a break from your more casual daytime attire.
If you’re cruising with kids, you’ll be pleased to know that the children's dress code or Norwegian Cruise Line cruise ships permits children under 12 to wear shorts in any and all restaurants, regardless of the time of day. Also, if you’re just planning on hitting up the available buffets, you’ll be more than fine wearing shorts and jeans. The Norwegian Cruise Line dining dress code varies from restaurant to restaurant, with both upscale and casual options available.
On special event nights…
During your voyage, your Norwegian Cruise Line cruise itinerary will have several special event nights scattered throughout it and these are an excellent opportunity to dress up and experiment with interesting outfits – depending on each special event night’s theme, of course.
Norwegian Cruise Line cruises are known for their iconic White Hot Party special event nights, where an all-white outfit is what you’ll want to wear if you’re planning on sticking to the theme, and you’ll find yourself with more than enough opportunities to wear tuxedos, suits, evening gowns, and cocktail dresses.
Norwegian Cruise Line Dress Code FAQs
What is the dress code for Norwegian Cruise Line?
The Norwegian Cruise Line dress code is resort casual clothing in the daytime, so shorts and t-shirts are more than okay. In the evening, the Norwegian Cruise Line dining dress code is relaxed, but smart casual clothing is recommended. Beyond this, you will find several themed nights on your cruise itinerary ahead of time to help you plan your outfits accordingly.
What to Wear on a Royal Caribbean Cruise
If you’re departing on a Royal Caribbean cruise, you’re going to need to dress appropriately according to both the weather and the Royal Caribbean cruise dress code. Casual resort attire is welcome throughout the day, with shorts an option during breakfast and lunch, and you’ll be asked to dress to impress come the evening – so, shirts, skirts, blouses, pantsuits, and dresses are a must.
During a Royal Caribbean cruise formal night, you’ll have the chance to show off in black-tie, tuxedos, cocktail dresses and evening gowns.
During the day…
When you’re onboard with Royal Caribbean, the daytime dress code is considerably casual. Shorts are acceptable attire for both breakfast and lunch, with jeans, polo shirts, sundresses, and blouses all also acceptable. It’s important to dress for the weather and we know how tempting it would be to spend an entire cruise in a swimsuit, but Royal Caribbean asks that you keep swimwear to the Pool Deck on your Royal Caribbean cruise and that you make sure you’re wearing footwear when within any one of the available venues.
Royal Caribbean is one of the best cruise lines for teens, so you should find the daytime dress code quite relaxed.
In the evening…
In the evening, the dress code on Royal Caribbean cruises steps up to smart casual with shirts, skirts, dresses, blouses, and sports coats all recommended evening wear. You won’t need to dress to the nines during a normal evening, but the Royal Caribbean evening dress code does require you to wear something a little more formal than your daytime attire. And, enjoying one of the available Royal Caribbean drinks packages really is the perfect excuse to sharpen up on ship.
Casual clothing like tank tops and flip flops are not permitted in the main dining areas of specialty restaurants during dinner and throughout the evening, so your best bet is to leave wearing that for your daytime stroll around the deck and whenever you check out the pool onboard.
On formal nights…
A Royal Caribbean cruise formal night dress code encourages you to slip into your best evening gown or cocktail dress and don your finest tuxedo or black-tie attire for a fun evening of the finest food and entertainment on offer. However, there is some wiggle room if you don’t want to get fully dressed up – it all depends on where you want to spend your evening. The Schooner Bar and The Lime and Coconut, for example, would still offer you an option for a more casual evening out.
Button-down shirts, dress pants, and sundresses are also more than acceptable during these evenings, with a nice polo shirt and slacks something of a benchmark for about the most casual you’ll get away with. A dark pair of jeans paired with a nice shirt should also suffice, but we recommend avoiding trainers and any jeans with rips, holes, or faded patterns.
Royal Caribbean Dress Code FAQs
What is the dress code on Royal Caribbean?
The dress code on Royal Caribbean cruises is casual resort wear during the daytime and smart casual during the evening, with swimwear only appropriate for the pool areas and footwear required in every venue. Royal Caribbean formal nights will offer you the chance to dress in black-tie attire, but most smart casual outfits will also be acceptable.
How many formal nights are on Royal Caribbean cruises?
When you’re on a Royal Caribbean cruise, you’ll find the number of formal nights depends entirely on the length of your cruise – and the cruise ship you’re on. While this is subject to change, so it’s best to check your itinerary in advance, the following is a general guide of when to expect formal nights, and how many to expect:
- 3 night / 4 night / 5 night cruises: 1, usually on Day 2
- 6 night cruises: 2, usually on Day 2 and Day 5
- 7 night cruises: 2, usually on Day 2 and Day 6
It’s important to note that Oasis and Allure will host formal nights on Day 2 and Day 5 on Western itineraries and Day 2 and Day 6 on Eastern itineraries. In addition to this, at the moment, formal night is not being offered on any of the currently scheduled Empress of the Seas sailings – although this may change in the future.
What to Wear on a Princess Cruises' Cruise
When cruising with Princess Cruises, you’ll largely be able to dress in the same way you would ashore while aboard your cruise ship. The Princess Cruises dress code allows for almost any leisurewear during the daytime, with some limitations when it comes to shorts and swimwear, and asks that you adopt a smart casual attire for your evening’s activities. There will also be opportunities to wear more formal evening wear, with evening gowns and dinner jackets always encouraged.
During the day…
The dress code for Princess Cruises during the daytime offers up some flexibility when it comes to what you can wear, with shorts and t-shirts acceptable leisurewear for your day-to-day activities. It’s always worth checking ahead of time what sort of weather you’ll be coming across during your cruise and when you arrive and dressing appropriately while out on deck. So, you may find that having a few layers available is useful. That being said, if you’re planning to stay in one of the onboard bars to enjoy one of the available Princess Cruise drinks packages, you won't have to worry about the weather too much.
In the evening…
By the evening, the Princess Cruises dining room dress code shifts to encourage cruisers to wear more smart casual clothing – something you might wear to a nice restaurant while ashore. So, polos and dark jeans are as acceptable as button-down shirts and smart trousers here. You’ll also be fine wearing sensible skirts, stylish tops, pantsuits, and dresses during dinner and the evening.
One thing worth keeping in mind when it comes to what you should wear during a Princess Cruises cruise, however, is that shorts and swimwear are not appropriate for the restaurants available. So, if you’re planning to spend your day in a pair of shorts, it would be best to bring some trousers to change into for the evening.
During formal evening nights…
As you might expect, a formal evening aboard a Princess Cruises cruise ship requires formal attire. So, this is where you’ll be able to show off in a cocktail dress, an evening gown, your finest dinner jacket, or your best suit. Generally speaking, any formalwear is appropriate for formal nights on Princess Cruises, so don’t worry if you’re not quite sure if you want to don a tuxedo for the night – although, that’s definitely not something you should avoid either.
Princess Cruises Dress Code FAQs
What is the dress code for Princess Cruises?
During the daytime, the Princess Cruises dress code is open to almost all leisure-wear, with restrictions on shorts and swimwear in the restaurants available. In the evening, almost all smart casual attire is appropriate with formal evening event nights offered to encourage cruisers to dress to impress.
How strict is Princess Cruises dress code?
The dress code on Princess Cruises cruise ships isn’t the most strict dress code out there, but you will need trousers when it comes to dining in the available restaurants and it’s always best to avoid clothing with inappropriate imagery and wording.
What to Wear on a Marella Cruises' Cruise
If you’re embarking on an adventure with Marella Cruises, you’ll be pleased to know that the dress code for Marella Cruises is quite flexible, with opportunities to wear clothing as casual or as formal as you’d like throughout your stay aboard the cruise ship.
There is a smart casual dress code for evening dining that you’re asked to adhere to, but this is still quite casual compared to other cruise lines. There will be at least one Dress to Impress Night, though, where you can really show off in your best formalwear.
During the day…
When the sun is up, you’ll be able to enjoy your daytime activities in casual wear - with t-shirts, shorts, skirts, and sundresses all fine. However, if you’re planning on getting something to eat, it’s best to check the dress code with the restaurant you’re planning on visiting; onboard, the Marella Cruises restaurants dress code varies for each restaurant, with some offering more casual options and some requiring smart casual attire.
So, while you won’t need an extensive wardrobe of formal wear to enjoy everything on offer during the day, it might be worth keeping a nicer shirt and a smart casual outfit to hand to keep your options open. Although, again, Marella Cruises is one of the more relaxed cruise lines and you will be fine to dine in anything you would deem appropriate for a restaurant ashore. They just ask that you wear some sort of footwear, even in the more casual venues, as a health and safety precaution.
In the evening…
On a normal night, the Marella Cruises evening dress code is largely just as casual as it is during the daytime. There will still be a selection of more casual and more upscale dining options, with each restaurant having varying guidelines on what to wear, but you’ll find yourself with a lot of freedom when it comes to your attire. That means, you should have no trouble taking full advantage of any Marella Cruises drinks packages you decide to pick up – phew!
If you want to play it safe and keep your options open, we recommend smart casual attire with a nice shirt, smart trousers, a stylish top and skirt combo, or a dress. You will want to avoid shorts and swimwear here, though, as both are prohibited when it comes to the evening dining dress code for Marella Cruises.
On Dress to Impress Night…
A rebranding of Marella Cruises’ formal nights, the Dress to Impress Night on your Marella Cruises voyage is your chance to – as the name suggests – dress to impress. So, smart suits, slacks, cocktail dresses and skirts are all an option here. This isn’t a hard rule, though, and more of an encouragement. So, don’t worry if you don’t have a tuxedo to hand, you won’t be alone if you prefer to check out a Dress to Impress Night in something a little more casual.
With that in mind, though, the varying Marella Cruises restaurant dress code restrictions will still be in place on Dress to Impress Night. There will be some venues that allow for more casual attire, like the Buffet or The Glass House on Discovery and Discovery 2, but some that will ask you to adopt something more formal, like Kora La and Surf and Turf.
Marella Cruises Dress Code FAQs
What is the dress code on Marella Cruises?
Marella Cruises is one of the more casual cruise lines available, with each restaurant’s specific dress code offering a lot of options for casual, smart casual, and formalwear during both the day and the evening. Dress to Impress Night also encourages you to adopt a more formal attire, but this is an encouragement over a hard and fast rule.
Can I wear shorts when dining on Marella Cruises?
During the daytime, the rules are relaxed and you should find yourself with a good selection of dining options if you’re wearing shorts. However, in the evenings, it’s advisable to wear trousers – as shorts are restricted in most venues.
What to Wear on a Ambassador Cruise Line Cruise
Working out what to wear on an Ambassador Cruise Line cruise might seem daunting at first, but you’ll be pleased to know that comfort is key and casual clothing is perfectly fine more often than not – both during the day and while dining in the evening.
There will be a chance for you to dress to the nines and dust off your finest ball gown, though, with formal nights littering your cruise itinerary. You’re also encouraged to adopt formal attire if you book to dine at the chef’s table, an experience well worth considering.
During the day…
For the most part, casual attire is more than acceptable during the day on an Ambassador Cruise Line cruise. The Ambassador Cruise Line dress code is largely a suggestion, but during the day you will be able to wear whatever clothing you feel comfortable in with little concern. Of course, though, it’s important to consider the climate you’re cruising in and dress appropriately.
So, if you’re off to Scandinavia or North America, you may want to consider packing warmer clothing – hats and scarves, too. However, if you’re cruising through a warmer part of the world, lighter layers are recommended. It’s also worth keeping a sensible pair of shoes to hand, as you will need to wear footwear when dining and making use of any Ambassador drinks packages you might have.
In the evening…
On most nights, the Ambassador Cruise Line evening dress code allows for more casual attire, but smart casual is encouraged and you won’t find yourself alone if you choose to dine out in a suit or a cocktail dress. The Buckingham Restaurant, in particular, is one of the more formal dining options available and you’re encouraged to adhere to a smarter dress code when dining here.
However, this isn’t a hard rule and you should be more than fine in smart casual attire – a shirt with smart trousers, a stylish top paired with a skirt, a pantsuit, or a dress. In the main restaurant, you’ll also be fine to wear a nice pair of jeans and a t-shirt on most evenings. We do recommend avoiding lighter jeans, jeans with faded designs, and jeans with rips and tears, though.
On formal nights…
When a formal night rolls around on your itinerary, the Ambassador Cruise Line evening dress code shifts and you’re encouraged to adopt formal wear when dining out in one of the available venues. Although, you don’t need to worry if you don’t want to wear a tuxedo or a ball gown; the dress code for Ambassador Cruise Line formal nights allows for cocktail dresses, dinner jackets, suits, and pantsuits.
The one thing to keep in mind is that, during formal nights, casual clothing like jeans, t-shirts, shorts, and open-neck shirts are not permitted in the main restaurant. So, if you want to keep your options open, it’s best to pack at least one formal outfit for your voyage.
Ambassador Cruise Line Dress Code FAQs
Can I wear shorts on an Ambassador Cruise Line cruise?
Throughout the day and in the evenings, you should be fine to wear shorts in certain venues on normal nights. There are some restaurants that ask you to adhere to a smarter dress code and wear an outfit with trousers or a skirt, so it’s worth wearing trousers if you want to keep your options open. On formal nights, shorts will not be permitted in the main restaurant at all, with cruisers encouraged to adopt smarter clothing.
How many formal nights are on an Ambassador Cruise Line cruise?
The number of formal nights on your Ambassador Cruise Line cruise all depends on the length of the cruise holiday you’re on. It’s always a good idea to check your specific itinerary ahead of time, as this is subject to change, but the general rule of thumb for the number of formal nights on an Ambassador Cruise Line cruise is as follows:
- 2-5 nights: 1
- 6-20 nights: 2
- 21-41 nights: 3
- 42+ nights: 5
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Itching to pack your bags and hop on a cruise? Well, you’re far from alone. Book your next cruise getaway with Iglu Cruise today and prepare yourself for an unforgettable holiday. Discover our incredible cruise deals, with something for all budgets! Whether you’re looking for an all inclusive cruise, a short getaway, or another type of cruise holiday, we’ve got you covered.
Or, why not check out some of our other cruise blogs to find out more about cruise holidays, cruise ships, and more:
