Wondering If You Need a Tuxedo or If Jeans Are Okay For Dinner?
Good news: Cruise dress codes in 2026 are more relaxed than ever. Most mainstream lines have ditched strict “formal nights” for optional “Dress Your Best” or “Evening Chic” evenings. You can dress up for photos if you want—or keep it resort casual and no one will bat an eye.
Here’s the straightforward breakdown based on current policies across major lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Celebrity, Norwegian, Princess, and MSC.
Daytime is vacation mode—no rules, just comfort.
– Shorts, T-shirts, polos, sundresses, swimsuits (with cover-ups outside pool areas)
– Flip-flops, sneakers, hats, sunglasses
Swimwear stays poolside; throw on a cover-up for lunch or wandering the ship.
Most Evenings: Resort/Smart Casual
This is the new normal—think “nice dinner out,” not black-tie.
Men: Collared shirt (polo or button-down), slacks/khakis, dark jeans (no rips), loafers or dress shoes. Jacket optional.
Women: Sundress, blouse with skirt/pants/capris, nice jeans, flats or heels.
No shorts, tank tops, or flip-flops in main dining rooms after 6 p.m. but buffets and casual spots are fine.
1–2 “Dress Your Best” Nights Per 7-Night Cruise
These replace old-school formal nights.
Suggested (but optional):
Men: Suit, sport coat with tie, or nice slacks + dress shirt. Tux if you love it.
Women: Cocktail dress, elegant pantsuit, or gown.
Reality check: You’ll see everything from ball gowns to dark jeans. No one gets turned away from dining rooms for being underdressed—head to the buffet if you skip it.
Theme Nights (Fun & Optional)
Check your itinerary—common ones:
– White Night/Party (all white—super popular!)
– 70s/80s Disco, Tropical/Hawaiian, Pirate
Pack one themed outfit if it excites you.
Packing Tips From Captain Chuck
– Build a capsule: 7 mix-and-match day outfits, 3–4 evening tops/bottoms, 1 dress-up option.
– Accessories elevate everything (jewelry, scarf, nice shoes).
– Comfortable walking shoes for ports—cobblestones are real.
– For religious sites (Mediterranean): Covered shoulders/knees.
– Don’t overpack—cabins have limited space, and ships have shops/laundry.
At America’s Best Cruises, we’ll send you your exact ship’s dress guidelines when you book—no guesswork.
