Help CenterNot always—but sometimes. Whether you have to get dressed up on a cruise depends on the cruise line, itinerary, and your dining or activity preferences. Here's what you need to know:
👗 1. Casual Is Perfectly Acceptable Most of the Time
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During the day (onboard or in port), casual attire like T-shirts, shorts, sundresses, and swimsuits with cover-ups is totally appropriate.
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Most casual dining venues (buffets, poolside grills, cafés) have no formal dress requirements—just no wet swimsuits or bare feet indoors.
🌆 2. Evening Attire Varies by Cruise Line
At dinner and in evening venues, cruise lines often ask for "smart casual" or "resort casual" attire.
| Dress Code Level | Typical Evening Look |
|---|---|
| Casual | Polos, blouses, sundresses, jeans (no rips), sandals |
| Smart Casual | Dress shirts, khakis, cocktail dresses, dressy tops |
| Formal / Elegant Night | Suits, ties, evening gowns, cocktail dresses, heels |
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Most 7-night cruises include 1–2 formal or elegant nights in the main dining room.
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Participation is optional—you can skip the formal dining and eat at a buffet or casual venue instead if you prefer not to dress up.
🚢 3. Cruise Line Styles Differ
| Cruise Line | Formal Nights? | Dress Style |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Caribbean | Yes (1–2 nights) | Flexible; formal optional |
| Carnival | Yes (1–2 “Elegant Evenings”) | Casual-friendly overall |
| Norwegian (NCL) | No mandatory formal nights | "Freestyle" — dress how you want |
| Princess | Yes | More traditional/formal |
| Celebrity | Yes (Evening Chic) | Modern upscale look |
| Disney Cruise Line | Yes (optional dress-up night) | Family-friendly formalwear |
| MSC Cruises | Yes | European-style elegance encouraged |