What should I wear for my luxury ocean cruise?

Embarking on a luxury cruise holds the promise of relaxation, luxury, adventure and, of course, impeccable style. But mastering the dress code can be difficult. You may be wondering what you should pack in your suitcase and what kind of clothing to wear whilst on board. 

Throughout all the different cruise lines, there are dress requirements that guests must adhere to. These codes vary significantly, ranging from daily casual to strictly formal attire, depending on the ship and its policies. In some cases there may be no dress code at all. 

In this detailed blog post, you will find the dress codes for different cruise lines. From daytime attire to evening elegance. 

Ultra-luxury ocean cruises
Crystal 

Crystal want their guests to feel confident and relaxed throughout their stay. 

During the day, guests are encouraged to dress casually. Crystal allow casual attire to be worn everywhere, including all restaurants, until 6pm. For the ladies they recommend sundresses, elegant shorts, jeans, t-shirts, blouses and linen clothing. For the gentlemen, they recommend shorts, jeans, t-shirts or polo shirts, and linen clothing.

As the day turns to night, Crystal ask you to step up from Day Casual after 6pm. 
They ask guests to adopt a more refined formal dress code. For ladies, they recommend cocktail dresses or gowns, suits, evening skirts or pants with an elegant top and evening shoes. For the gentlemen, they ask you to dress accordingly with suits or tuxedos, shirts and dress shoes; ties are optional 

Explora Journeys 

Explora Journeys don't have a dress code, but suggest an elegant resort-casual style. However, they do have some rules to consider for their restaurants, indoor bars and lounges. Swimwear and bathrobes are not allowed throughout the day in any of the restaurants, indoor bars or lounges. Shorts and sleeveless t-shirts are not allowed during dinner time in Anthology or Fil Rouge. Baseball caps and sportswear are not allowed during dinner time in Anthology, Fil Rouge, Sakura, Marble and Co. Grill, Med Yacht Club.

Regent Seven Seas

Casual wear consists of resort-style outfits; some examples are jeans, shorts, t-shirts and tennis shoes— all appropriate for daytime both on board or ashore. However casual wear is not appropriate after 6:00pm.

Elegant Casual is the dress code for the evening. Dress at dinner for ladies includes a skirt or slacks with a blouse or sweater; a pantsuit or a dress. Slacks and a collared shirt is recommended for gentlemen but ties are not a requirement. Sport jackets are optional, and casual wear is not to be worn at dinner to make a more sophisticated atmosphere. This is Regent Seven Seas, after all.

Seabourn

During the day, Seabourn allows casual, resort-style attire. For both ladies and gentlemen, the dress code is as follows: shorts, jeans, t-shirts and dresses in lounge and dining venues.

In the evening, two different dress codes are put into place after 6pm. If you're looking for a more comfortable but elegant attire, then elegant casual is an option. For ladies, slacks or a skirt; a blouse, pantsuit or dress is required. For gentlemen, slacks with a collared dress shirt or sweater are acceptable for dinner across all dining venues—a jacket is optional. Jeans are welcome in all dining venues, but not acceptable for the restaurant after 6pm.

If you’re looking for something more formal, then there is a second dress code should you wish. In the restaurant, men must adhere to either a tuxedo, suit or slacks—a jacket is required. Ladies, an evening gown or other formal apparel is acceptable. A dress in other dining venues is classed as elegant casual. Again jeans are welcome in all dining venues during the day, but not appropriate in the restaurant after 6pm.

Silversea
During the day, guests are encouraged to dress in casual wear for daytime activities, similar to a five-star resort. In adherence to the new dress code policy, Silversea have advised that flat or low-heeled footwear should be worn for all daytime activities on deck. Ladies have flexibility, as they can opt for trousers, a blouse, a skirt or a casual chic dress, allowing a more casual and informal evening. Gentlemen may opt for open-collar shirts and slacks, with the option to add a jacket for a more formal feeling.

As the day transitions into evening, the dress code aboard the ship changes towards a slightly more refined and elegant style. After 6pm, guests have the option to change into more sophisticated evening wear, which is separated into two different categories, elegant casual and formal attire. Ladies are welcome to choose from a selection of refined options such as an evening gown or cocktail dress. Gentlemen may opt for a tuxedo, dinner jacket or a dark suit paired with a tie. Alternatively, adhering to the Elegant Casual dress code is welcome, but a jacket is still required for gentlemen in all indoor spaces.

Luxury ocean cruises

Azamara 
In keeping with their friendly yet sophisticated onboard environment, Azamara encourages guests to follow a “resort casual” dress code. 

In the daytime, ladies are recommended to wear sportswear, casual dresses, skirts, pants and capris, blouses and knit tops. Light fabrics such as linen, cotton, silk and wool gabardine are always appropriate. Gentlemen are recommended to wear sportswear, collared golf and polo shirts, shorts, pants and a sports coat, if desired. However, it is not a requirement. Light fabrics such as linen, cotton, silk and wool gabardine are best and always suitable.

Formal evening wear is not expected nor required in Azamara’s restaurants. If you prefer to dress formally, you are welcome to do so, but note that tuxedo rentals are not available on board. If you wish to wear one, bring your own.

Oceania Cruises
Unlike other cruise lines, Oceania has no specific dress code. However, they recommend that onboard clothing is resort-club or country-club casual. For evening dining, elegant casual resort wear is suggested. They request that casual jeans, shorts, t-shirts, baseball caps, sandals or tennis shoes not be worn in the restaurants after 6pm. 

Windstar Cruises

During the day Windstars dress code is very casual even shorts and tasteful t-shirts are acceptable in the dining room. They have set the tone for dinner and evening to casual elegance, stylish yet comfortable. For ladies, sundresses, slacks and informal cocktail dresses are appropriate. For gentlemen, they suggest slacks and collared shirts or polos. 

Windstar doesn't have any formal nights or costume parties so there are no requirements for men to bring a suit and tie. The only restrictions that Windstar does have is that shorts, jeans and t-shirts not be worn in The Restaurant, Degrees or public rooms during the evening.

Want to know more about luxury and ultra-luxury cruising? Give the team a ring on 0161 513 8200 to find out more!