If you’re dreaming of setting sail on a luxury cruise, picturing yourself lounging by the pool with a cocktail in hand, you might want to pause before packing your suitcase.
While cruises have become more relaxed over the years, a recent notice aboard the Norwegian Aqua has reminded passengers that there are still some surprising rules about what you can—and can’t—wear on board, especially when it comes to dining.
So, before you toss your favourite thongs and tank tops into your bag, let’s take a closer look at the dress codes you’ll encounter at sea, why they exist, and how to avoid any embarrassing fashion faux pas on your next cruise holiday.
The Dress Code Crackdown: What’s Changed?
Cruise lines have long had dress codes, but the rules have evolved. Gone are the days when every night was a black-tie affair, but that doesn’t mean you can rock up to dinner in your swimmers and a singlet.
The Norwegian Aqua, launched just last year, has made it clear: some items are simply not permitted in certain dining venues.
But when it comes to the main dining room or specialty restaurants, the rules get stricter. The sign warns: ‘Tank tops, hoodies, robes, jeans with holes or excessively revealing tears, and caps/hats are not permitted.’ Flip-flops and shorts are also a no-go in some venues during dinner hours.
Why Do Cruise Ships Have Dress Codes?
You might be wondering, ‘Why all the fuss?’ Well, cruise lines want to maintain a certain atmosphere in their dining rooms, especially in the evenings. It’s all about creating a sense of occasion—after all, part of the fun of cruising is getting a bit dolled up for dinner! Plus, with so many people from different backgrounds sharing the same space, a dress code helps keep things comfortable and respectful for everyone.
How Do Other Cruise Lines Compare?
If you’re thinking, ‘Maybe I’ll just book with another cruise line,’ don’t be too hasty! Most major cruise companies have similar guidelines, though there are some differences in the details.
Princess Cruises
Their ‘smart casual’ dress code means skirts, dresses, slacks, blouses, and sweaters for women, and pants with collared or dress shirts for men. On formal nights, it’s time to break out the evening gown, cocktail dress, or even a tuxedo if you’re feeling fancy. Pool attire, gym shorts, ball caps, and ripped jeans are a definite no in the dining rooms, and shoes are always required.
Royal Caribbean
In the main dining room and specialty restaurants, tank tops and bare feet are banned. Swimwear is strictly for the pool deck, so don’t try to sneak in for a quick bite in your cossie.
Carnival Cruise Lines
During the day, casual clothes are fine, but after 5:30 pm, it’s smart casual in the public lounges and restaurants. Shorts, flip-flops, bathers, cut-off jeans, sleeveless shirts for men, and baseball hats are all on the banned list for the main dining room.
Celebrity Cruises
Swimsuits, see-through cover-ups, robes, bare feet, tank tops, T-shirts, and baseball caps are all frowned upon in the dining rooms. Smart casual is the standard, except on formal nights, when you’re encouraged to dress up a bit more. Shorts and flip-flops are never considered smart casual, so best to leave them in your cabin.
What If You Don’t Want to Dress Up?
Don’t worry! If the thought of putting on a suit or cocktail dress makes you break out in a sweat, there are still plenty of casual dining options on board.
The buffet and some other relaxed venues are happy to welcome you in shorts and a T-shirt, as long as you’re not dripping wet from the pool and you’ve got shoes on.
Key Takeaways
- Cruise ships enforce dress codes in their dining venues, with rules becoming stricter in main and specialty restaurants compared to casual areas like the buffet.
- Banned clothing items often include tank tops, hoodies, robes, jeans with holes, caps or hats, thongs, shorts, and sleeveless shirts for men, especially during evening meals.
- Most cruise lines require smart casual attire after certain hours, and formal nights call for cocktail dresses, evening gowns or suits, with everyday casual wear like swimwear and beach attire not permitted in dining rooms.
- For passengers who prefer to remain casual, buffet and casual eateries are available on board, provided basic standards like wearing shoes and sufficient cover-up are met.
Have you ever been caught out by a cruise ship dress code? Do you think the rules are too strict, or do they add to the experience? Share your stories and tips in the comments below—we’d love to hear from our seasoned cruisers and first-timers alike!
