Regent Seven Seas Dress Code: Essential 2025 Guide
In This Guide
- Introduction
- Daytime Dress Code: What to Wear from Morning to Evening
- Evening Dress Codes Explained
- Sourcing Your Formal Wear
- Dress Codes by Venue (Evening)
- Common Themed Nights & Special Events
- Expert Packing Tips for Any Itinerary
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Regent Seven Seas Cruises Dress Code
- Additional Resources
- Disclaimer
- Affiliate Disclosure
Introduction
Welcome to your complete 2025 guide to the Regent Seven Seas dress code. As an all-inclusive, ultra-luxury line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises strikes a careful balance between relaxed comfort and an elegant onboard atmosphere. Their dress code is designed to feel polished but not intimidating, especially in the evenings.
In practice, this is often described as Elegant Casual. You will not need ball gowns or tails unless you particularly enjoy dressing up. Instead, the focus is on quality fabrics, smart-casual outfits, and a refined but comfortable look that feels at home in Regent’s stylish restaurants and lounges.
This 2025 guide explains the Regent Seven Seas dress code for every part of your cruise: from poolside days and sightseeing ashore to Elegant Casual evenings and Optional Formal nights on longer sailings. You will also find practical packing advice, example outfit ideas, and answers to the most common questions asked by new and repeat guests.
By the end, you should feel confident that you are bringing exactly the right clothing, without overpacking, so you can relax and simply enjoy your time on board.
Daytime Dress Code: What to Wear from Morning to Evening
During the day, both onboard and ashore, the dress code is generally described as Casual Resort Wear. Think comfortable, stylish, and appropriate for both the climate and your planned activities. Comfort is key for shore excursions, while onboard you may prefer easy, breathable fabrics that make it simple to move between the pool, buffet, and lounges.
Here is how the daytime Regent Seven Seas dress code works in different situations.
Warm-Weather Sailings (e.g., Caribbean, Mediterranean)
- Lightweight clothing: Pack quality shorts, sundresses, linen trousers, polo shirts, breathable t-shirts, and cotton or linen blouses.
- Swimwear: Swimwear is perfect for the pool deck and spa area, but you must wear a cover-up and footwear when walking indoors or visiting the buffet.
- Sun protection: A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a light cover-up or shirt to protect your shoulders are essential on sunny itineraries.
Cool-Weather Sailings (e.g., Alaska, Northern Europe)
- Layering: Pack long-sleeved tops, sweaters or fleeces, and a waterproof or windproof jacket.
- Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes or boots with good grip are strongly recommended for cooler and potentially wet conditions.
- Cold-weather accessories: A hat, scarf, and gloves are wise additions for chilly or windy sea days and glacier viewing.
Embarkation Day & Sea Days
- Embarkation day: Smart-casual trousers or shorts with a polo, blouse, or casual shirt work well. You will be moving around with hand luggage and may want layers in case your stateroom is not ready immediately.
- Sea days: Many guests spend time in relaxed resort wear such as shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, and light knitwear. You can always step up your look slightly for lunch in more formal venues.
Pool Decks and Outdoor Spaces
- Swimwear and cover-ups: Swimwear is welcome on the pool deck, but cover-ups and footwear are required when entering any indoor area, including the pool bar and buffet.
- Casual footwear: Sandals, slides, or flip-flops are fine outdoors, but you may prefer closed shoes for any longer walks on deck.
Indoor Venues During the Day
- Buffet and lounges: Casual wear such as shorts, jeans, and t-shirts is acceptable at breakfast and lunch.
- What is not appropriate: Swimwear, bare feet, and gym-style tank tops are not allowed in indoor dining venues at any time of day.
Overall, if you imagine a good-quality beach resort, you will be very close to the daytime Regent Seven Seas dress code expectations.
Evening Dress Codes Explained
After 6:00 PM, the dress code elevates to Elegant Casual across the ship. This standard applies to all indoor public areas, including the lounges, theatre, and all restaurants. It is the foundation of the evening Regent Seven Seas dress code.
On longer voyages, Regent also features Optional Formal nights, giving you a chance to dress up in your finest if you wish, without making it compulsory.
Elegant Casual (Most Evenings)
This is the standard dress code for almost every evening on board and is more refined than daytime wear, while still feeling relaxed.
- For Women: A skirt or slacks (including designer jeans) with a blouse or sweater, a pantsuit, or a stylish dress. Fabrics such as silk, linen, or fine cotton work well.
- For Men: Slacks or trousers (including designer jeans) and a collared shirt such as a button-down or polo. A lightweight jacket or blazer is optional but can be a good choice for speciality restaurants.
- Footwear: Closed-toe shoes, loafers, wedges, ballet flats, or smart sandals are appropriate. Athletic trainers, beach flip-flops, and very casual sandals are not suitable in the evening.
- Not permitted: After 6:00 PM in any indoor venue, shorts, casual t-shirts, flip-flops, baseball caps, and gym-style sportswear are not allowed.
Optional Formal (Longer Sailings)
These special evenings are your chance to embrace a classic cruise look. Many guests enjoy taking photographs and dressing more formally, but participation is never required. If you prefer, you can still follow the standard Elegant Casual code.
- For Women: A full-length gown, cocktail dress, or an elegant evening pantsuit with dressy accessories.
- For Men: A tuxedo, dinner jacket, or a dark suit and tie are all appropriate choices.
The frequency of these nights depends on your cruise length, helping you plan how many high-formality outfits you wish to bring.
- Cruises of 9 nights or less: The dress code is Elegant Casual every evening. There are no Optional Formal nights.
- Cruises of 10 nights or longer: There are typically two Optional Formal nights.
Children and Teens in the Evening
Children and teenagers are expected to follow the same general Regent Seven Seas dress code standards in the evening. Smart trousers or chinos with a collared shirt for boys, and casual dresses or smart trousers with a nice top for girls, will fit in perfectly. Sportswear and beachwear are best kept for daytime.
Sourcing Your Formal Wear
If you love the idea of dressing up for an Optional Formal night but do not own a tuxedo or gown, do not worry. There are many smart and affordable ways to source your outfit, especially as you may only need it for one or two evenings.
Here are a few practical ideas to look your best without a big investment.
- Clothing rental services: Online rental services allow you to borrow high-end designer outfits, from suits to gowns, just for the duration of your trip.
- Charity and second-hand shops: In affluent areas you can often find excellent quality formal wear at a fraction of the original price.
- Outlet and off-price stores: Stores like TK Maxx or designer outlets are fantastic for finding new, brand-name formal attire at a deep discount.
- Smart alternatives: Remember, Optional Formal can simply mean a dark suit and tie for men, or an elegant cocktail dress or pantsuit for women, which you may already own.
For more ideas, we invite you to visit our blog to see The Essential Cruise Shop Blog’s clothing supplier partners for a directory of online stores.
Dress Codes by Venue (Evening)
In the evening, the Regent Seven Seas dress code is applied consistently across the ship, but there is one important distinction to remember: the speciality dining venues are slightly more formal, and jeans are treated differently there.
Here is a simple breakdown of what to wear, and where.
- Main Dining Room (Compass Rose): Follows the ship’s evening dress code. This will be Elegant Casual or Optional Formal, depending on the night.
- Speciality Restaurants (e.g., Prime 7, Chartreuse, Pacific Rim): These venues always require at least Elegant Casual attire. On Optional Formal nights, many guests will dine here in their formal wear. Crucially, jeans of any kind (even designer jeans) are not permitted in speciality restaurants in the evening.
- The Buffet (La Veranda / Sette Mari): This venue offers a more relaxed option. It remains Elegant Casual every single night, even on Optional Formal nights, and is ideal if you prefer not to dress more formally.
- Theatres, bars and lounges: All other indoor public spaces follow the ship’s Elegant Casual dress code after 6:00 PM.
If in doubt, ask your stateroom attendant or guest services, who can clarify how the Regent Seven Seas dress code will apply to a particular venue or event that night.
Common Themed Nights & Special Events
Regent Seven Seas Cruises generally does not feature the high-energy, costume-heavy “themed nights” that are common on some other cruise lines. You are unlikely to find a White Night, 80s Night, or Pirate Night on a typical Regent itinerary. The focus is more on gourmet dining, classical or jazz entertainment, and relaxed socialising.
However, you may encounter special social events, all of which fit comfortably within the standard Regent Seven Seas dress code.
- Deck barbecue: On many warm-weather sailings, there will be a casual poolside barbecue one evening. For this event, casual resort wear (including nice shorts) is often acceptable, as it is held outdoors.
- Block Party: This is a fun, casual event held in the corridors on one of the first few days. It is designed to help you meet your neighbours, and your daytime casual wear is perfectly appropriate.
- Officers’ welcome events: These usually fall on Elegant Casual or Optional Formal evenings. Smart evening wear in line with that night’s dress code is ideal.
Always check your daily Passages newsletter once on board for the schedule of events and any specific attire recommendations for that day.
Expert Packing Tips for Any Itinerary
A little smart packing goes a long way. Use these final tips to ensure you have everything you need while still keeping your luggage manageable. This will help you honour the Regent Seven Seas dress code without overpacking.
- Mix and match: Choose evening separates in complementary colours (for example black, navy, white, or cream) that you can mix and match. A few tops and two pairs of trousers or skirts can create many different outfits.
- Accessories are key: A pashmina, statement necklace, pocket square, or a nice watch can instantly elevate an Elegant Casual outfit and help the same base pieces feel different each night.
- Check your excursions: Some shore excursions have specific clothing requirements. For example, visiting religious sites in the Mediterranean will require you to cover your shoulders and knees.
- Outerwear for all climates: Even in warm regions, air conditioning in theatres and restaurants can feel cool. A light jacket, cardigan, or wrap is very useful in the evenings.
- Prohibited items: Do not pack any items that generate heat, as they are a fire hazard. This includes clothing irons, travel steamers, heating pads, and surge-protected power strips.
Example Capsule Wardrobe for a 10-Night Regent Cruise
To make the Regent Seven Seas dress code simple to follow, many guests like to build a small capsule wardrobe. Here is a sample packing list for one person:
- 3–4 pairs of trousers or skirts (including one pair of designer jeans)
- 5–6 smart-casual tops or blouses
- 2 casual day dresses or summer outfits (for warm itineraries)
- 2 Elegant Casual dresses or outfits for the evenings
- 1–2 Optional Formal outfits (if your cruise has formal nights)
- 1 lightweight blazer or jacket
- 2 pairs of smart shoes plus 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes
- Swimwear, cover-ups, sleepwear, gym wear, and underwear as required
This type of wardrobe will comfortably see you through a 10-night sailing while keeping your suitcase compact.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Regent Seven Seas Cruises Dress Code
Can I wear jeans on a Regent Seven Seas cruise?
Yes, but with clear rules. During the day, all jeans are acceptable. In the evening (after 6:00 PM), designer jeans are permitted as part of the Elegant Casual dress code, but only in venues like the main dining room, lounges, and theatre. Jeans of any kind are not allowed in the speciality restaurants (such as Prime 7 or Chartreuse) in the evening.
Are shorts allowed in the dining room in the evening?
No. After 6:00 PM, shorts are not permitted in any indoor public venues. This includes all restaurants, lounges, and the theatre. Shorts are best kept for daytime and outdoor spaces.
How many formal nights will be on my cruise?
It depends on the length of your itinerary. Sailings of 9 nights or less have no formal nights; the code is Elegant Casual every evening. Sailings of 10 nights or longer feature up to two Optional Formal nights.
Do I have to participate in Optional Formal night?
No, it is entirely optional. Many guests enjoy dressing in tuxedos or gowns, but it is not required. You can always dine in the buffet (La Veranda / Sette Mari) in Elegant Casual attire, or simply remain in Elegant Casual in other venues where this is permitted.
What is the difference between Elegant Casual and Optional Formal?
Elegant Casual is trousers (including designer jeans) and a collared shirt for men, and a skirt, trousers, or dress for women. Optional Formal is a step up, suggesting a tuxedo, dinner jacket, or dark suit for men, and a gown or cocktail dress for women, often with more formal accessories.
Is the dress code strictly enforced?
Yes, Regent maintains a high standard, and the evening dress code is generally enforced politely but consistently. You may be asked to change if you arrive at a main restaurant or speciality venue in shorts, t-shirts, or flip-flops after 6:00 PM.
What about the dress code for children?
Children and teens are expected to follow the same overall rules as adults. Smart-casual clothing is fine in the evening, but beachwear, sportswear, and logo-heavy t-shirts are best left for daytime use.
Do shore excursions have their own dress code?
Sometimes. For example, religious sites may require shoulders and knees to be covered, and certain excursions may recommend sturdy footwear or waterproof clothing. Always check your excursion description and use the Regent Seven Seas dress code as a base, adding any specific items required for the activity.
Can I wear trainers in the evening?
Smart, minimalist trainers may be acceptable in some venues, but very casual athletic shoes are best avoided at night. If you want to keep packing simple, choose clean, neutral, smart-casual footwear that can be worn both by day and evening.
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Disclaimer
The Essential Cruise Shop Blog provides this guide for informational purposes and is not a travel agency. The information contained in this guide is for general guidance only. While we do our best to ensure the information is up-to-date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind about its completeness or accuracy.
Cruise line policies, including dress codes, are subject to change without notice. We strongly recommend that you verify all details directly with your cruise line or a certified travel agent before making any bookings or financial commitments.
We cannot be held liable for any financial loss due to the reader’s failure to follow the above advice.
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