Dress codes on board: casual, smart and formal attire

A dress code describes the style of clothing for a particular occasion or area of the ship. “Casual,” “Smart Casual,” “formal” and “gala” do not make up one universal list of clothing requirements used by all operators. Celebrity Cruises and Cunard tailor their guidance to the time of day, restaurant, theatre and special evening. The topic is part of general life on board a cruise; the specific examples here apply only to the cruise line named in each case.

Casual and smart clothing

Celebrity recommends casual resort wear during the day and allows swimwear with a cover-up by the pool. In main and specialty restaurants during the day, the cruise line asks guests to avoid swimwear, sheer cover-ups, bathrobes, bare feet, tank tops, T-shirts and baseball caps. In the evening, Smart Casual applies in those restaurants and in the Celebrity Theatre. Examples include dresses or skirts, trousers or jeans with a stylish top, and button-down shirts. Shorts and flip-flops are not considered Smart Casual. The guidance therefore distinguishes between daytime and evening attire, as well as between the pool area, restaurants and theatre. Find out more about restaurants and dining options on board to learn about the differences between the ship’s restaurants.

For daytime wear, Cunard suggests comfortable clothing such as shorts, trousers, T-shirts, knitwear and sportswear. Swimwear is not permitted in indoor restaurants; Cunard recommends changing before breakfast or lunch in the main restaurant. These daytime guidelines are separate from evening occasions.

Formal evenings and gala events

Depending on the voyage, Celebrity schedules one or two “Evening Chic” nights. Examples include a cocktail dress, skirt, trousers or designer jeans with an elegant top or blazer; a tuxedo or evening gown is not required. Guests who do not take part in Evening Chic can choose Smart Casual for the restaurant and theatre, according to Celebrity. The daily programme specifies the style for each evening.

Cunard explains that formal attire is not required every evening and gives examples for the restaurant and theatre such as a cocktail dress, a shirt with well-tailored trousers, or an elegant skirt with a top. Voyages of three nights or more include at least one gala evening. A more elevated dress code applies on that evening; attendance is voluntary, and the themes are announced in the “My Voyage” calendar. Voluntary attendance does not mean that casual clothing is appropriate in every indoor area at all times. The article on the captain’s dinner, captain’s reception and gala evening explains these types of events.

Distinguishing between restaurants, events and areas

The examples show that recommendations and entry rules can be worded differently. An outfit for the pool area is not automatically suitable for an indoor restaurant; a festive suggestion for a gala evening is not automatically a requirement every night. What matters is which cruise line, event and location the guidance applies to. This makes it possible to distinguish Smart Casual, Evening Chic and gala dress codes without treating a rule from one cruise line as an industry-wide requirement.

Putting it into perspective for your trip

For a packing list, the guidance can be sorted by day, evening and area of the ship: comfortable daytime clothing, the relevant restaurant rules, and, if applicable, an outfit for a specifically announced gala evening. Travel preparations and rules also cover other requirements specific to your trip. Celebrity Cruises and Cunard remain the reference points for the examples; the event organiser’s wording determines whether a style is recommended or required in a particular area.