Dress Codes for Major Cruise Lines
September 27, 2022
Planning what to wear on a cruise can make a big difference in how comfortable and prepared you feel. Most cruise lines maintain a casual dress code during the day, while evenings may call for smarter attire in the main and specialty dining areas. Buffets and casual dining areas generally remain relaxed even in the evenings.
To help travelers prepare, we’ve summarized the typical dress codes for major cruise lines. These recommendations are intended for dinners in the main and specialty restaurants and may vary by ship or itinerary.
Carnival Cruise Line
- Overall: Casual by day; smart casual in the evening.
- Specialty Dining (e.g., Fahrenheit 555): Cruise Elegant attire may be suggested; jeans may be allowed on Cruise Casual evenings.
- Suggested for Women: Casual dresses, skirts or pants with blouses, summer dresses, capris, or jeans. Cocktail dresses or elegant outfits on Cruise Elegant nights.
- Suggested for Men: Casual pants, jeans, dress shorts, collared shirts. Dress trousers and shirts, jackets, or suits for Cruise Elegant nights.
- Guidelines: Avoid offensive graphics, nudity, profanity, or messages promoting hate or violence.
Disney Cruise Line
- Overall: Cruise casual; dress-up nights are optional.
- Adults-Only Restaurants: “Polished” attire recommended, including dress pants, collared shirts, or designer jeans.
- Suggested for Women: Shorts, t-shirts, summer dresses, capris; optional dress-up nights: dresses or pantsuits.
- Suggested for Men: Shorts, t-shirts, jeans, polo shirts; optional dress-up nights: trousers with collared shirt and jacket.
- Guidelines: Swimwear and tank tops are not generally appropriate for adults-only dining areas.
Holland America Line
- Overall: Smart casual, with Dressy Nights offering semi-formal options.
- Suggested for Women: Capris, slacks, skirts with blouse, summer dresses; semi-formal evenings: dresses, skirts, or slacks with blouse.
- Suggested for Men: Designer jeans, slacks, polo shirts; dress trousers and collared shirts on Dressy Nights. Jackets and ties optional.
- Guidelines: Avoid shorts, t-shirts, pool/beachwear, distressed jeans, or tank tops for men.
Princess Cruises
- Overall: Resort casual; Formal Nights available.
- Suggested for Women: Skirts/dresses, slacks with blouses or sweaters; gowns, cocktail dresses, or pantsuits on Formal Nights.
- Suggested for Men: Trousers and collared shirts; jackets or ties optional on Formal Nights.
- Guidelines: Pool/beach attire, shorts, ball caps, and ripped jeans are generally discouraged in restaurants.
Royal Caribbean International
- Overall: Casual by day; smart casual in the evening. Formal attire for Chef’s Table dining.
- Suggested for Women: Jeans, sundresses, skirts, pantsuits, blouses; cocktail dresses or gowns on Formal Nights.
- Suggested for Men: Trousers, polos, collared shirts; jackets or blazers optional; full suit or tuxedo for Formal Nights (tie optional).
- Guidelines: Applies to children; avoid swimwear, bare feet, flip-flops, baseball caps, and tank tops in dining areas.
Viking Cruises
- Overall: Casual by day; elegant casual by night.
- Suggested for Women: Dresses, skirts, or slacks with blouse or sweater.
- Suggested for Men: Trousers and collared shirt; jacket and tie optional.
- Guidelines: Swimwear is generally limited to pool or beach areas.
Virgin Voyages
- Overall: Flexible; personal style is emphasized.
- Guidelines: Be respectful in dining areas; cover-ups and shoes are encouraged but not required.
- Source: TravelMarketReport.com
The best in Alaska, year after year
Here are the top 5 tours American travelers are searching for right now!
Princes Cruises - Discover the World Sale. Book today!
If your Sailors are thinking about going longer, now's the moment to nudge them all the way there. Our spring savings unlock up to $1,000 off — and the more nights they add, the more they save. It gets even better when they level up their cabin, since higher categories mean higher instant savings (and RockStar or Mega RockStar takes it up another notch). Add a second Sailor at 70% off, and suddenly this isn't just a trip — it's a shared experience that feels too good to pass up.
MAY OFFER 60% Off Second Guest + Kids Sail Free* + Free 3rd & 4th Guests MAY 5 – JUNE 1, 2026
Longer days, sweeping views and unforgettable journeys are almost here—and summer on the Alaska Railroad is closer than you think.
Limited-time offer, up to $250 off cruises