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Don’t let clients feel bewildered by cruise lines’ myriad dress codes. Chloe Cann decodes the key sartorial rules to help simplify packing and outfit planning
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In line with its Switch on Fun outlook, casual attire is the order of the day onboard Carnival’s ships. Of the restaurants, a more relaxed dress code applies at The Lido - open for breakfast and lunch - than in the main dining rooms, though shirts and footwear are always a must.
Come dusk, a “cruise casual” dress code of jeans and dressy shorts for men and casual dresses, skirts and shirts for women comes into play. “Cruise elegant” evenings, which take place once or twice per cruise, give guests the chance to glam up.
Clients on P&O Cruises should be aware of the line’s various dress codes. After 6pm shorts and blue or worn denim are not considered appropriate for men or women in public areas, while sandals and sleeveless tops are considered inappropriate for men.
For P&O’s “evening casual” nights, casual separates or dresses are the suggested attire for ladies, while open-neck polo shirts and trousers are suggested for gents. Smart dark denim is also fine, but trainers, football shirts and tracksuits are not.
On some P&O ships there are also “smart - jacket required” evenings: on these occasions, women wear tailored trousers, separates or a dress; men wear a shirt and trousers with a jacket, or a suit and tie. On a typical two-week cruise, there are normally four “smart” evenings.
Black tie nights call for cocktail dresses, ball gowns or smart trouser suits for women and dinner jackets, tuxedos, dark lounge or business suit and tie for men. For a typical two-week cruise there are four black tie evenings. For cruises over seven nights, there will be a black and white themed ball. Children can wear more casual clothes, save for denim on black tie and smart evenings.
Fred Olsen has streamlined the dress code across its fleet. Its traditional black tie nights - three or four take place during a two-week cruise - remain, but for the other evenings the dress code is “smart casual”. For men, this means a jacket and tie or an open-necked shirt, with chinos or smart, dark jeans, and for women, an elegant dress or casual separates.
The cruise line also continues to offer its theme nights, at which guests are welcome to wear fancy dress or adopt the “smart casual” dress code. Nathan Philpot, sales and marketing director, says: “While many cruise lines have done away with dress codes, we are aware that a significant number of our guests welcome the opportunity to dress up on special occasions, such as the Captain’s Welcome Cocktail Party.
“However, we have listened to our guests’ feedback and there is a demand for a more informal dress code for the remainder of the evenings onboard.”
Comfort and practicality trump immaculate attire onboard Hurtigruten’s ships. The Norwegian cruise line doesn’t have a captain’s table and jeans are acceptable at all times. Maxine Parker, sales manager, says: “Our ships have an informal atmosphere and that extends to the dress code. Some people change for dinner, but the majority don’t.
“In the Arctic Circle it’s important to wear practical clothes - if the Northern Lights appear, you want to be able to dash out on deck to watch, so comfortable layers are ideal. In winter, I’d recommend sturdy waterproof shoes and thermal underwear if you’re planning to spend time off the ship.”
Most of Princess’s cruises include at least two formal nights, so passengers can enjoy sporting both glamorous outfits and more relaxed attire. For formal nights, evening gowns, cocktail dresses, tailored trousers and smart separates are advised for women, while tuxedos, dinner jackets or dark suits would be suitable for men.
Apart from formal nights, the dress code in the main dining rooms is smart casual. Alex White, UK head of sales, says: “Our advice is to dress as you would when eating at a nice restaurant at home, so trousers or smart jeans and an open-neck shirt for the gents, skirts, dresses or trousers for the ladies.”
As of December 21, Crystal Cruises is introducing a pared down evening dress code. Casual daytime attire remains the norm before 6pm, after which the suggested evening dress code takes effect, featuring just two modes: “Crystal casual”, which is a dressed-up version of casual attire, including dresses, skirts, dressy trousers and blouses for women, and dress shirts (no tie required), open-collar or collared polo shirt and smart trousers for men; and “black tie optional”, which calls for tuxedos or dark suits with ties for men and cocktail, evening dresses or formal separates for women. Guests can expect one “black tie optional” on every seven- to 10-night cruise.
Edie Rodriguez, president and chief executive, says: “With an increasing mix of domestic and international holidaymakers, it is important Crystal supports the changing style preferences among them. With just two straightforward evening attire preferences, we ease the stress of packing and planning.”
Unless your clients embark on a Regent itinerary of 16 nights or more, they won’t need to pack their cocktail dresses, dark suits, ties or dinner jackets.
The cruise line favours an “elegant casual” dress code in the evenings, which includes dresses, skirts and blouses or trousers and blouses/trouser suits for women and trousers and collared shirts for men - though if they wish to wear a tie they can.
Casual wear is appropriate throughout the day, as well as on the last night of every voyage as Regent acknowledges that guests may want to pack their luggage in case of early morning flights the next day.
Passengers onboard G Adventures’ expedition ship should be ready for any eventuality. Rich Hellar, marine product manager, says: “Our passengers dress for the weather, layer upon layer so they can be outside on deck at a moment’s notice to catch a whale sighting or icebergs.
“Our captain’s dinner guests might wear a jacket, but nothing formal. We love having our guests outside so we encourage them to be wearing the proper attire to do so.”
Reflecting its “Mediterranean way of life” tagline, MSC encourages guests to pack laid-back chic outfits. Giles Hawke, executive director, says: “We tend to take a relaxed attitude to clothing choice and suggest guests pack things they like wearing, taking into account the season and their itinerary.
“We ask that people are smart in the public areas and dining rooms as a matter of courtesy to others, and we always have at least one formal night per sailing. It’s up to guests to decide if they want to get involved - it’s not a ‘must do’.”
“The dress code on HAL is casually elegant most of the time,” says Carly Perkins, marketing manager. “Daytime is relaxed and most guests will wear resort-type clothing appropriate to the weather. Evenings are mostly informal - gentlemen are welcome to wear a jacket in the dining room, but many opt for a long- or short-sleeved shirt while ladies wear trousers or a skirt.
“Two evenings per cruise there’s the option to really dress up; some guests will bring tuxedos and evening gowns, but it’s fine to wear a jacket and tie or cocktail dress. Guests who don’t want to dress up can dine in the Lido restaurant in the evenings.”
Harking back to the firm’s roots as a pioneer of luxury transatlantic cruising, Cunard’s dress codes are quite extensive, varying according to the destination and ship itself. Guests can refer to the online guide for more details.
During the day, the cruise line’s dress code is relaxed across all three ships. Evenings are divided into two dress codes: “formal” nights demand an evening or cocktail dress or trouser suit for women and a tuxedo, dinner jacket or dinner suit for men, while for “informal” evenings just a jacket is required for men and a cocktail dress or smart separates for women.
Clients who shy away from the more dressy attire required on “formal” nights can dress casually and dine in either the Kings Court or Lido restaurants.
A “resort wear” dress code is in place with Celebrity during the day, while in the evening shorts and flip-flops are not allowed. Two types of dress are suggested: “smart casual and above” and “formal”.
Examples of “smart casual and above” include: a skirt or trousers complemented by a sweater or blouse for women, and trousers with a sports shirt with sleeves or a sweater for men. A cocktail dress, gown or dressy trouser suit is suitable “formal” wear for ladies and a tuxedo, suit or dinner jacket with trousers is suitable for men’s “formal” wear.
Guests are asked to follow the “smart casual and above” dress code in the Celebrity Theater for all evening performances.
Jo Rzymowska, managing director, UK and Ireland, says: “The general smart/casual dress code onboard our ships reflects the Celebrity Cruises modern luxury ethos.
Formal nights are still a feature of our cruise holidays, and our guests love an excuse to get dressed up every now and then. However, if guests do not want to join in the formal nights, they can eat in our more relaxed dining venues.”
With Norwegian Cruise Line’s “freestyle cruising”, guests can set their own sartorial agenda; the dress code is resort casual but guests can sport their finest attire if they wish.
Nick Wilkinson, director business development UK, Ireland and Scandinavia, says: “When on holiday, you want to feel comfortable and what you wear plays a large part in that. Our relaxed dress code as part of our freestyle cruising philosophy suits all guests and continues to be a major part of why guests choose to cruise with Norwegian.”
To pick a dress code, you first need to pick a restaurant onboard Royal Caribbean ships. Steve Williams, head of sales, says: “You can be as formal or informal as you like. We have 18 restaurants onboard Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas and at least seven of them are classed as ‘laid-back options’ that serve food around the clock.
“Jonny Rockets diner, Marketplace and Windjammer don’t have a dress code and many guests take advantage of dressing more casually to enjoy lunch or dinner in these venues.
“For those who enjoy dressing up or perhaps want to mark a special occasion, formal dress is encouraged in The Grande restaurant - for this occasion, most gentleman will wear a smart suit or tux and ladies tend to opt for a cocktail dress.”
Riviera suggests passengers adopt a relaxed dress code. Each river cruise typically provides guests with one opportunity to dress up: the captain’s dinner, at which the only requirement is that men wear long trousers and not denim. Ladies wear either sundresses or cocktail dresses, or a skirt and top.
Of her experience on the William Shakespeare, Nichola Gaunt, agency sales support, says: “I would describe the dress code as a bit of a mix - certainly smart casual, no jeans. Men wore chinos and short-sleeve shirts, while ladies wore lightweight trousers or dresses.”
Adopting a “home from home” approach, Uniworld wants guests to feel at ease, and that philosophy extends to dress codes. Wes Bosnic, senior vice-president revenue management and strategic development, says: “Despite the luxurious surroundings of the vessels and six-star service, life onboard is very relaxed.
“We suggest the dress code during the day is lightweight casual clothing with comfortable walking shoes for shore excursions. For the evening, we suggest men bring a jacket for the captain’s welcome and farewell dinners and ladies may wear a cocktail dress or similar attire, but around the ship you’ll see that smart casual wear is the order of the day.”
The only restriction onboard River Cruise Line ships is that shorts or denim are not worn during dinner in the restaurant. While the dress code is informal, it’s suggested that passengers dress up for the captain’s party night.
Alison Sternal, marketing services supervisor, has cruised onboard MS Serenity. She says: “During the day, I wore either cropped linen trousers with a sleeveless shirt and cardigan or long white linen trousers and a long-sleeved shirt. In the evening, I wore smart trousers, a vest top and cardigan and for the captain’s dinner I wore a cocktail dress.”
Viking recommends passengers come prepared with sturdy footwear and comfy clothes. The river cruise line encourages a relaxed atmosphere onboard and in port.
For the evenings, Viking suggests guests dress in “evening casual” wear. Guests have a chance to dress up at the captain’s dinner, the farewell dinner and at the concerts and ballet performances ashore, which are part of numerous itineraries.
Onboard Shearings’ river cruises, there’s a relaxed attitude to clothing, so clients can focus on enjoying the scenery rather than spending hours staring into their wardrobe.
Caroline Brown, commercial director, says: “Our river cruises provide a friendly, intimate atmosphere for guests and the informal dress code enhances this. During the day, the dress code is smart casual. For dinner, the dress code is also smart casual - for example, open-neck shirts, trousers and dresses.
“During our captain’s farewell dinner, we recommend a lounge suit or jacket and a tie for the gentlemen and a smart or cocktail dress for the ladies, giving customers the perfect chance to get dressed up.”
