“What do I wear on a cruise?” is probably one of the most frequently asked questions from first-time cruisers. Unfortunately, the answer is a lot more convoluted than a simple one-fits-all-cruises dress code.
The controversy around whether or not jeans are acceptable attire for dining on a cruise is highly debated. John Heald, an ambassador for Carnival, shared a heated comment from a cruiser on the subject. They wrote:
“Jeans are denim… it doesn’t really matter about the colour. They should not be worn on formal nights. NO WAY is denim of any colour a formal material. This is why Carnival has the reputation it does. We are onboard Spirit on the TA. Last night I counted at least half a dozen men and women in jeans for a formal night. Pax who do not respect the rules should be forced out of the main dining hall and sent to the buffets.”
The passionate comment sparked a conversation about jeans in dining areas. And eventually Heald conceded: “I do think we need to take another look at the dining recommendation dress codes. We haven’t, as it really is impossible to police this completely.”
Survey Results
After receiving this comment, John Heald asked his 600,000 plus followers their opinions on whether jeans are appropriate evening wear on cruise ships.
His survey was Carnival specific, as he referred to non-elegant and elegant evenings. Elegant evenings refer to a special night in the dining room where cruisers are encouraged to wear formal attire. The dress code for elegant evenings for Carnival is as follows:
- Men: Dress slacks, dress shirts, and we also suggest a sport coat; men may also wish to wear a suit and tie or tuxedo
- Women: Cocktail dresses, pantsuits, elegant skirts and blouses; ladies may also wish to wear an evening gown
Nearly 3000 people responded, and the results are as follows:
- 46% (1378) said that if someone was wearing jeans on elegant evening night, it would not bother them
- 22% (667) said that they never wear jeans in the dining room
- 21% (624) said they’d wear jeans to the dining room on non-elegant evenings
- 7% (214) said they’d wear jeans on elegant evenings
- 3% (96) said that people wearing jeans on elegant evenings would bother them and that it should absolutely not be allowed
The vote breakdown shows that most people were indifferent to people breaking dress codes and wearing jeans on elegant night. Despite 22% saying they would never wear jeans in the dining room (no matter the night) only 3% of people said it would bother them seeing people wear jeans on an elegant night.
The comments also suggested that cruisers did not care about what others decided to wear. Paul Hammersely commented “Wear what you want. I do not care. Neither should you.”, with Kathy Dugan suggesting that jeans aren’t an extremely informal choice: “A nice pair of jeans can be dressed up and look as good as any other clothing”.
Which cruise line has the strictest dress code?
The dress code on a cruise is down to what line you are travelling with. Carnival is generally known for its more relaxed atmosphere, hence cruisers more laid-back attitude towards wearing jeans. Cunard is known for enforcing one of the most formal dress codes out of all the cruise lines. You would not see many people wearing jeans on a Cunard ship.
Cunard’s dress code is as follows:
Daytime:
- Cunard maintains a “smart casual” daytime dress code.
- This translates to comfortable yet presentable attire. Think polo shirts, chinos, dresses, and tasteful shorts.
- Swimwear is perfectly acceptable around the pool areas, but a cover-up is required in indoor public spaces.
Evening:
- Smart Attire: This typically involves dress shirts and trousers for men, and dresses, skirts, or stylish trousers for women.
- Gala Evenings: These are the most formal nights, where guests are encouraged to dress their best. For gentlemen, this often means dinner jackets, tuxedos, or dark suits. Ladies typically wear evening gowns, cocktail dresses, or elegant formal wear.
Their website reinforces the elegance and extravagance of Cunard guest’s attire. Cunard writes, “Floor-length dresses in sumptuous silks. Ball gowns encrusted with jewels. Evening jumpsuits that exude sophistication. When it comes to formal nights on board (we call them Gala Evenings), our guests really do dress to impress.”
Regent also has a strict dress code, particularly after 6 pm. They specifically ask that guests do not wear jeans anywhere onboard in the evening, stating:
“After 6 p.m., the ship’s ambience becomes sophisticated and naturally, the attire should match. This might include slacks with a collared/dress shirt or sweater for men — with an optional tie, sports, coat or blazer. Pantsuits or dresses may be an option for women, as well as skirts or pants with an elegant top.
What is important to remember is that after 6 p.m., casual wear such as jeans, T-shirts, shorts and sneakers, are not considered appropriate in public spaces.”
Norwegian Cruise Line are known as one of the more relaxed lines for dress codes, however, they also have rules on jeans in specific areas. Their website says:
“Jeans that are overly faded, with holes or tears and worn below the hips are not permitted in main dining rooms or specialty restaurants.”
Back to the jeans debate
Cruise Passenger recognises the different layers of the jeans debate. It’s not as simple as “Can you wear jeans on a cruise ship?”
There is a difference between smart, brown or black jeans and acid-washed blue jeans that have a rip in the knee.
There is also a difference between the dress code and the expectations of every cruise line. What is not suitable on Cunard might be suitable on Royal Caribbean.
You should also be mindful when picking when to wear jeans. Casually dining at the buffet and attending a formal dinner in the main dining room are two very different evenings. This should be kept in mind when choosing your outfit for the night.
It’s really about respect. After all, if your fellow guests have gone to a lot of trouble to dress up, it is disrespectful to turn up in clothes that change the atmosphere.
What our readers say:
We asked our readers on Facebook to weigh in on the debate.
Gerry N Jeanette Conway said “Don’t write rules unless you are going to enforce them!”
David Ireland said “I’m an Aussie, formal wear for us is a clean t-shirt, shorts and black flip-flops… seriously, it doesn’t matter anymore. I used to lug the tux all over the planet but now, not even a tie. Modern cruising has lost the lux, it is gone and won’t ever be back.”
Linda Van NewTricks said, “I’m not there to be dictated to like a child. If I feel like dressing up I’ll dress up. If I don’t it will be castaway jeans.”
Pete James said, “I think if I’m a full-paying passenger, I’ll wear what I like, in my opinion as long as everything is covered and clean we’re good.”
On the other side of the argument:
Gavin Harper said, “Dress up, feel part of the occasion. The crew, after all, have dressed up to serve us.”
Irene Geels said, “If it’s a formal night then you should dress accordingly and it should be enforced. While on a Cunard cruise we were flabbergasted by passengers wearing track suits and trainers in the dining room.”
Julie Bryson said, “If people aren’t keen of formal night then they should just do buffet or eat elsewhere. Doesn’t take much to put a pair of trousers in your luggage and a shirt, jeans take up more room anyways. Same as nice dress or dress slacks and evening top for women. Same amount of room. They don’t have to attend but don’t take it away from those that enjoy it.”
Di Ritchie: “I really can’t believe that people don’t have enough pride in their appearance to not dress nicely for dinner in the restaurants. Buffet is different. Wear what you like but the restaurants? No way!”
But what do you think? Let us know in the comments below.
Related Posts
-
Tagged as the World’s Most Popular Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line has a five-decade history of providing bucket-listed voyages around the world.
-
Considered as the benchmark for luxury cruises, Ponant offers nothing but a 5-star cruise experience that is both authentic and high end.
-
Christmas cruising from Australia offers a unique way to celebrate the yuletide season as summer in this region coincides with the holidays.
-
Samantha Renvoye, this month crowned Cruise Consultant of the Year at the Cruise Lines International Association Australasia awards, has revealed her top tips when booking a cruise.
Whilst I don’t see any problem with the middle picture, (RM Williams attire). I also believe that if you were to display what attire is expected in the dining area then anyone and everyone should follow that Direction.
Sdeptember 2024 my wife & I sailed on the Royal Princess and we were very disappointed with the slack dress code in the dining room. We dined in Alegro Dining room and there were a lot of passengers who were very poorly dressed and were still allowed to enter the dining room. I saw one man who was permitted into the dining room in a singlet with very large arm holes and very average pair of shorts and thongs. We have cruised 27 times mostly on Princess and we have noticed that there a lot of younger passengers now cruising on Princess and their dress code leaves a little bit to desired. I have found like some of our friends that we are losing our desire to cruise on Princess any more because of their dining dress code which used to be much better than it is now.
Those passengers that criticise other passengers for not wearing penguin/suits on formal nights are on the wrong ships. You should be on a Trans-Atlantic crossing on the White Star Line, but instead you are sailing on a much cheaper Cruise ship. At 78 years of age and living in Australia, I wear chinos jeans and collared shirt with leather shoes to the ship restaurants every night and on formal nights too, my wife wears blouse and slacks and enclosed shoes. We cruise for relaxation and enjoyment with the company of other cruisers that we meet. We pay the same fare as those that want to dress up in penguin suits and we are entitled to dine wherever we like. I dont own a suit that fits me anymore and I am certainly not going to buy formal attire to wear only a couple of nights a year and it probably wont fit me when I cruise the next year. Yes, the wait-staff dress up on formal nights, but that is part of their uniform. I agree that torn clothing, tee shirts, rubber thongs and dirty clothing are not acceptable in the dining rooms.
Pride in our appearance these days has gone far beyond comprehension. I love to dress up, and in the dining room areas it should be enforced. Why can’t the less wealthier passengers enjoy being spoilt in everything, and wear a dress? Op shops have lovely outfits for a cruise, it’s not forever peoples! If you don’t like wearing proper outfits then just buffet your way for the cruise.
If there’s a dress code, one should follow it. On formal nights, people can still eat in the buffet; my husband and I do if we don’t feel like dressing up. Having said that, how do we define formal today? Once upon a time it was black tie and long gown (not cocktail), but that has definitely gone.
As someone said its no point having a dress code if not enforced. I saw on our last Princess cruise women wearing shorts going into the MDR, the concierge didnt say a word. Worse was on a formal night, most pax had reasonably good clothes on but one guy wore not only shorts but rubber thongs on his feet! No remarks by concierge, so why bother with the code? The staff dont want to confront passengers in case they get a black mark on their records and no contract, so they just let them go.
I certainly dont want the attitude of Cunard, who wears ‘ball gowns’?? Food no better on Cunard either!
We wear smart casual in MDR, I wear black pants with nice tops, husband wears suit trousers with a jacket.
I don’t think jeans should be allowed. It’s lazy people who don’t.if you can’t afford a pair of decent pants stay away.
I go on a cruise to relax and have a good time. I don’t own fancy evening clothes but i go out often enough to look respectable. i would draw the line at ripped or ragged jeans in main dining. I think everyone owns a pair of nice pants and nice tops be it male or female. Its not to much of an effort.
There should be no singlets, shorts, flip-flops or baseball caps allowed in the main or specialty restaurants at dinner. Those who prefer a McDonalds or Sizzler experience should go to the buffet.
I do not particularly worry about the clothing other passengers wear on formal nights. I do not own fancy formal attire nor does my husband but we dress as we would as if going to a lovely restaurant on land. Black crepe pants & a nice top for me, slacks & a collared shirt for hubby (he’s not a tie or suit man). But in saying that ripped jeans I do not like. If multiple restaurants onboard eg. Princess ships, maybe make one especially for fancy formal wearing passengers