Dressing for a Luxury Cruise: What Should You Pack?

Originally posted: 28 September 2017 | Updated on 12 September 2019 by Darcy Alexander

Although we’re huge fans of cruise holidays growing ever more accessible over the past couple of decades, there are times we like nothing more than dusting off the tux, and indulging in a night of ultra-luxury. Celebrating the golden age of cruising, when every night was formal night, and every aspect of the experience was decadent and elegant.

This is why the crème-de-la-crème of luxury cruise lines continue to wow guests year after yearm with exceptional on-board elegance, delightful food from highly-skilled chefs and the almost omnipresent pop of Champagne corks. Luxury cruises are unlike anything else on the seas.

So, if you’re looking to head out on your first ever luxury cruise, but you’re unsure of the sartorial etiquette on board these exceptional ships, don’t worry, because we’ve put together a guide for dressing during the day, into the evening and on dry land for the duration of your cruise.

We’ve separated the list by cruise line – featuring five of our favourite luxury cruise lines, so you’ll be more than prepared for your luxury cruise!

Regent Seven Seas

Specialising in small-capacity ships and all-inclusive packages, Regent Seven Seas epitomise refined leisure travel. Almost all meals and drinks are all-inclusive, giving you more time to think about the evening’s clothing choices.

During the day: guests cruising with Regent Seven Seas are encouraged to adopt Country Club casual during their days on board. Think sweaters draped elegantly around your shoulders, fitted shirts and soft pastel colours. These suggestions aren’t enforced, however, they’re suggested to help maintain the line’s elegant ambience. Although shorts are not permitted in public spaces after 6.00pm.

In the evening: for cruises of two weeks or under, every night the dress code is ‘elegant casual’ – formal trousers (US = slacks) and collared shirts for men, and skirts, slacks, blouses, sweaters, trouser suits and dresses for the women. For cruises more than two weeks in length, there will be two formal nights where gowns, cocktail dresses, tuxedos and dinner jackets are required.

Onshore: on-shore clothing suggestions are the same as Regent Seven Seas’ daytime dress code. Country Casual is the order of the day again as you explore the delightful cities the line visits.

Azamara

The three small and intimate ships of the Azamara fleet provide luxurious comfort and fabulous destinations. Longer port calls and overnight stays mean that Azamara cruises have long been the line of choice for culture vultures.

The dress code remains the same throughout the day, evening and onshore, which is referred to as ‘Resort Casual’. Similar to Regent Seven Seas Cruises, this takes the form of tailored shorts, formal trousers, skirts, jumpers, polo tops, collared shirts, pantsuits and dresses.

There are several clothing options which are not permitted in the dining room or speciality restaurants. This includes tank tops, baseball caps, bathing suits, shorts, and jeans. Bare feet are also a big no-no.

Seabourn

Seabourn is well known for its round-the-world 100+day cruises, making it super important to pack accordingly. They also have one of the more in-depth dress codes of the major cruise lines.

During the Day: Resort Casual is the order of the day – including jeans and shorts. However, Seabourn is keen to point out that swimming outfits and exercise attire should be reserved for around the pool.

In the Evening: Tuxedos, suits, evening gowns and other forms of formal attire are required in the main restaurants. All other dining venues are slightly more casual, with formal trousers and collared shirts suitable. There are also ship-wide formal nights throughout Seabourn cruises.

On Shore: The wide variety of shore excursions and ports call for weather- appropriate clothing. From the Caribbean islands to the Norwegian Fjords, Seabourn reminds passengers to book for the climate and the activities.

Silversea Cruises

Founded in Monaco, you’d be right to expect a high level of elegance and sophistication from Silversea Cruises. The fleet of nine beautiful ships provides some of the most extravagant and decadent cruise experiences around.

During the Day: Casual clothing is recommended by Silversea Cruises throughout the days spent on board. The line recommends avoiding high heels on the ship, as the movement of the ship and steps found on the decks could prove problematic.

In the Evening: Silversea Cruises host three types of evenings, all with their dress codes: casual evenings, informal evenings and formal evenings.

Suggested clothing for the casual evenings consists of pants, blouses, skirts, casual dresses, open-neck shirts and slacks. For informal evenings, the clothing suggestions are dresses and pantsuits for women and jackets for men. During the most formal evenings, women are required to wear evening gowns or cocktail dresses, and men are asked to wear tuxedos, dinner jackets or dark suits – ties are required.

On Shore: Similar to daytime spent on the ship, Silversea Cruises recommends relaxed and informal clothing. Again flat shoes come highly recommended – so you don’t struggle when exploring the wonderful destinations visited.

Now you’re readily equipped for all things fashion and dress etiquette onboard your favourite luxury cruise lines. Give us a call today on 0808 2746 777 to book an extravagant trip on the seas and to learn more about the huge range of deals onboard the world’s finest cruise lines.