What to wear on a cruise
The short answer
Most cruises are casual by day and smart casual at dinner. Some lines keep one or two dressy nights; others dropped them entirely. Comfortable shoes with good grip matter more than any outfit — decks can be wet.Free guide2 min readUpdated September 2026
| Cruise line | What the line says | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Carnival Cruise Line | Cruise Casual, with Cruise Elegant evenings | September 21, 2026 |
| Royal Caribbean International | Casual most nights, plus 1 to 4 “Dress Your Best” evenings | September 21, 2026 |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | Cruise casual, and no mandatory formal nights | September 21, 2026 |
| MSC Cruises | Casual by day, a more polished look in the evening, plus Gala Night | September 21, 2026 |
| Princess Cruises | Casual most nights, with a number of formal dining nights | September 21, 2026 |
| Celebrity Cruises | Casual chic, with Smart Casual in the evening | September 21, 2026 |
| Disney Cruise Line | Cruise casual in most venues; swimwear and tank tops are not permitted | September 21, 2026 |
| Holland America Line | Smart casual in the dining rooms, with Dressy Nights | September 21, 2026 |
| Virgin Voyages | No formal nights and no strict dress code | September 21, 2026 |
| Viking | Casual by day, “elegant casual” in the evening, and no formal nights | September 21, 2026 |
| Cunard Line | Smart attire most nights, with gala evenings | September 21, 2026 |
| Oceania Cruises | “Effortless sophistication” — polished and upscale, but no formal nights | September 21, 2026 |
Comfort tips
- Shoes with good grip for wet decks, and a comfortable pair for evenings.
- A light sweater or wrap: dining rooms and theaters are air-conditioned.
- One dressier outfit if your line has dressy nights — it is always optional to join in.
Rather talk it through? Kathryn Lyn answers the phone.
Call (239) 357-0814