Here at Vision Cruise we know everyone likes to look their best when there’s a big meal coming up – it’s no secret that we do too! When it comes to holiday meals, fancy dressing tends to get thrown out the window and you see a lot of t-shirts and shorts around the dinner table. However, guidelines on certain cruises are slightly different and some wish their guests wear their best suits to dine on the open seas.

Royal Caribbean International – Onboard Royal Caribbean there are 3 dress codes: casual, smart casual and formal. Most evenings for dinner, casual is the usual dress code- which means shorts and a t-shirt, jeans or a summer dress can be worn. However there are usually nights dedicated to formal wear – where guests dress up in their best suits and dresses to embark on an elegant evening. Rules on clothing do tend to be stricter in the main dining rooms compared to the Windjammer cafe – be sure to check with your cruise line for the specific dress codes for the day’s you are on-board.

P&O Cruises – P&O Cruises recognise that cruisers love to add a bit more luxury to their cruise by dressing up – therefore they offer two dress codes: evening casual and black tie. Evening casual is usually the dress code for most nights onboard – stylish resort or leisurewear is ideal. No trainers, football shirts or tracksuits are allowed, however dark denim is fine. Black tie nights bring a special atmosphere to the ship as it has long been a part of the P&O experience. Ladies tend to wear glamorous cocktail dresses, floor length gowns or trouser suits and men tend to opt for dinner jackets or tuxedos. Formal national dress or military uniform is also acceptable on black tie nights.

Celebrity Cruises – Both smart casual and formal wear dress codes are applicable onboard a Celebrity cruise. Most evenings, smart casual dress is accepted and includes skirts and trousers with no visible sign of wear-and-tear. There are usually a set number of days for formal wear which you can find out when booking – on these nights suits and dresses are usually worn by guests.

Norwegian Cruise Line – If you opt to Freestyle cruise onboard Norwegian Cruise Line there are no restrictions as to what you can wear when dining. However, you may want to pack a few of your best dresses (or suits!) for special occasions as some restaurants do have restrictions.

Carnival Cruises – On many evenings onboard a Carnival cruise, a casual dress code is operated. There are a few formal evenings, depending on how long the cruise is – so be sure to bring your best attire for these special evenings.

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines – Onboard Fred Olsen, dressing up is the norm. Generally, smart casual is required – this means wearing a jacket or shirt for men and a dress or skirt for women. Trainers are not acceptable and wearing swimwear is also a no-no.

Princess Cruises – Most evenings onboard Princess smart casual dress is required – men should wear trousers with shirts and women should wear skirts or dresses. For the formal nights onboard, women are required to wear an evening gown, cocktail dress or smart pantsuit. As for men, they are required to wear a dark suit or tuxedo.

MSC Cruises – MSC Cruises states on their daily newsletter whether the dress code is casual, smart casual or formal for that specific day – ensure you pack a few outfits for each occasion so you’re not stuck in shorts and a t-shirt when everyone else is in cocktail dresses and tuxedos!