Royal Caribbean 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 Royal Caribbean Dress Code
- Additional Resources
- Disclaimer
- Affiliate Disclosure
Introduction
Planning your Royal Caribbean cruise and wondering what to pack? You are in the right place. Understanding the Royal Caribbean dress code before you sail is one of the easiest ways to feel relaxed, confident, and camera ready from the moment you step onboard.
Royal Caribbean is known for its friendly, family-focused atmosphere and a relaxed approach to style. During the day the vibe is casual, while evenings can range from easygoing to glamorous, depending on the itinerary and nightly theme. The official Royal Caribbean dress code is not meant to be intimidating; it is simply there to set expectations and create a pleasant atmosphere in key venues such as the Main Dining Room and speciality restaurants.
In this essential 2025 guide to the Royal Caribbean dress code, we will walk you through exactly what to wear at different times of day, how to handle formal nights, what is expected in specific venues, and how to build a practical cruise wardrobe without overpacking. Whether you are travelling as a couple, a family, or solo, this guide will help you pack with confidence and avoid last-minute outfit stress.
Daytime Dress Code: What to Wear from Morning to Evening
During the day, comfort and casual wear are key. The daytime Royal Caribbean dress code is very relaxed, and most guests dress much as they would at a casual beach resort. Your clothing will mostly depend on your destination and planned activities, whether you are lounging by the pool, taking part in onboard activities, or exploring a port of call.
Here is a breakdown of what to pack for daytime wear:
- Warm-Weather Sailings (Caribbean, Mediterranean): Pack light, breathable fabrics. Think shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, sundresses, and swimwear. A sun hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen are essential. Lightweight cover-ups and linen shirts are ideal for moving between the pool deck and indoor areas.
- Cool-Weather Sailings (Alaska, Northern Europe): Layering is crucial. Pack waterproof jackets, warm fleeces, long-sleeved shirts, comfortable trousers or jeans, and sturdy, water-resistant walking shoes. A thin thermal layer can be very helpful on glacier-viewing days or breezy evenings on deck.
- Pool Decks: Swimwear is standard by the pool and in the hot tubs. You must wear a cover-up or shirt and footwear to enter any indoor part of the ship from the pool areas. Quick-dry flip-flops or sliders work well and are easy to slip on and off.
- Indoor Venues (Lounges, Cafés): Casual wear like shorts, jeans, and sundresses is fine. The air conditioning can be chilly, so carrying a light cardigan, hoodie, or wrap is a good idea, especially if you feel the cold.
- Daytime Dining (Buffet & Main Dining Room): Casual attire is accepted for breakfast and lunch. Footwear is required, and wet swimwear is not permitted. A simple t-shirt and shorts or a sundress is absolutely fine for most casual dining during the day.
Port Days and Excursions: On port days, the practical dress code is dictated by the tours you have booked. For beach excursions, pack swimwear, a cover-up, and water shoes if you are visiting rocky shores. For city sightseeing, opt for breathable fabrics, a hat, and cushioned walking shoes. In some destinations, especially when visiting religious sites, shoulders and knees should be covered, so pack a light scarf or longer shorts and dresses for modesty.
Footwear for Daytime: Comfortable footwear will make or break your day. Pack at least one pair of supportive trainers for exploring, flip-flops or sliders for the pool, and perhaps a pair of casual canvas shoes that can work both on and off the ship.
Evening Dress Codes Explained
After 6:00 PM, Royal Caribbean’s evening dress guidelines take effect in many venues. The specific Royal Caribbean dress code for each night will be listed in your daily Cruise Compass newsletter or the Royal Caribbean app. While the dress code is most closely followed in the Main Dining Room and speciality restaurants, it is useful to know what is expected before you pack.
There are three main categories you will encounter:
Casual
This is the most relaxed evening code. Think of what you might wear for a casual dinner at a favourite restaurant at home. Casual nights are perfect for simple, comfortable outfits that still look neat in photos.
- For Men: Polos, casual shirts, nice jeans, or trousers. Closed-toe shoes or smart sandals are recommended in the Main Dining Room.
- For Women: Sundresses, skirts with a casual top, or nice jeans. Simple flat shoes or sandals are ideal if you plan to walk around the ship after dinner.
Smart Casual
This is a step up from casual and is the most common code for the Main Dining Room. It is ideal for those who like to look a little more polished without going fully formal. When in doubt, aim for smart casual on most evenings.
- For Men: Collared shirts, trousers or smart jeans (no rips or holes), and closed-toe shoes. A sports coat or blazer is optional but adds a nice touch, especially for photos with the ship’s photographers.
- For Women: Dresses, skirts, stylish trousers or smart jeans with an elegant top. A jumpsuit or coordinated two-piece outfit can also work very well.
Formal Night / Dress Your Best
This is your chance to shine. Royal Caribbean often refers to these evenings as Dress Your Best, and while you will certainly see tuxedos and full-length gowns, they are not mandatory. The idea is to create a slightly more glamorous atmosphere without making the dress code feel strict.
- For Men: A suit with a tie, a tuxedo, or a sports coat with smart trousers and a collared shirt. Polished shoes or smart loafers are ideal.
- For Women: Cocktail dresses, evening gowns, or an elegant pantsuit. Dressy jumpsuits and midi dresses also work beautifully for formal night.
The number of formal nights depends on your cruise length:
- 3-5 night cruises: Typically 1 formal night.
- 6-7 night cruises: Typically 2 formal nights.
- 8-10 night cruises: Typically 2-3 formal nights.
- 11 nights or longer: Typically 3 or more formal nights.
If you prefer to keep things simple, you can repeat key pieces. For example, men can bring one dark suit and change the shirt and tie, while women can choose one versatile dress and vary the look with jewellery, a wrap, or different shoes. The Royal Caribbean dress code is flexible enough to allow smart outfit repeating, especially on longer itineraries.
Sourcing Your Formal Wear
Do not want to buy a new tuxedo or gown just for one or two nights? You have plenty of options to meet the Royal Caribbean dress code in a budget-friendly and sustainable way.
- Rental Services: Many companies specialise in renting formal wear for cruises and will deliver directly to your home before you leave. This is ideal if you want a tuxedo or long gown without the long-term cost.
- Charity and Second-Hand Shops: You can often find incredible, high-quality formal wear at a fraction of the price in local charity or consignment shops. This is also a great option if you enjoy unique or vintage styles.
- Outlet Stores: Check designer outlet stores for last-season styles, which are perfect for a cruise and offer significant savings. Classic black dresses and dark suits never really go out of fashion.
- Shop Your Wardrobe: A smart blazer and trousers for men, or an elegant little black dress for women, are often all you need. By adding a statement necklace, cufflinks, or a pocket square, you can easily elevate an existing outfit to formal-night level.
- Cruise Capsule Wardrobe: Consider building a small capsule wardrobe where pieces mix and match. A neutral dress can be dressed up for formal night and worn again with flat sandals on a smart casual evening.
For more ideas, we invite you to visit our blog to see The Essential Cruise Shop’s clothing suppliers partners for a directory of online stores that can help you find cruise-ready outfits.
Dress Codes by Venue (Evening)
The evening Royal Caribbean dress code is not applied uniformly across the entire ship. Some areas are more relaxed than others. Here is what to expect in different locations:
- Main Dining Room: This venue closely follows the nightly dress code, whether it is smart casual or formal. Shorts, casual t-shirts, and swimwear are not permitted for dinner. On most ships, jeans are acceptable on casual or smart casual nights as long as they are neat and free of holes.
- Speciality Restaurants (for example, Chops Grille, Wonderland, Giovanni’s): These venues typically require smart casual attire every night, even on ship-wide casual evenings. Many guests choose to dress slightly smarter here as these meals often feel like special occasions.
- Windjammer Marketplace (Buffet): The buffet remains casual. It is the perfect spot if you do not feel like dressing up for dinner on a formal night. Clean, dry casual clothing and footwear are expected, but the atmosphere is very relaxed.
- Theatres and Lounges: Attire here is mixed. You will see everything from formal wear to more casual outfits, and enforcement is relaxed. Most guests wear whatever they had on in the dining room.
- Suite Lounge and Coastal Kitchen (where available): Guests in suites may find the dress code slightly more refined, especially in dedicated suite venues. Smart casual is a safe choice here on most evenings.
If you prefer not to follow the formal night dress code, there is always an alternative such as the buffet or room service. Royal Caribbean wants you to feel comfortable, so think of the dress code as guidance rather than a rigid rulebook, especially outside the Main Dining Room and speciality restaurants.
Common Themed Nights & Special Events
Royal Caribbean loves a good party. While themes vary by ship and itinerary, here are some popular ones to look out for. Participation is always optional, but many guests enjoy getting involved, so a little advance planning can help.
- Caribbean Night: A staple on Caribbean sailings. Pack a bright floral shirt, tropical dress, or bold accessories in sunny colours.
- White Night: A simple and elegant theme. Pack an all-white outfit (or mostly white with a pop of colour) to join the party. A white shirt and light trousers can be enough.
- 70s or 80s Disco Night: Often held on the Royal Promenade, this is a chance to break out retro gear. If you do not want to pack full costumes, a funky pair of sunglasses or a sparkly top can still get you into the spirit.
- HUSH Silent Party: A fun headphone disco party where the only theme is dancing. Comfortable shoes and light layers are ideal for an active evening.
To avoid overpacking, choose a few versatile pieces that can double up for both the Royal Caribbean dress code at dinner and the themed events later in the evening. For example, a simple white dress or shirt can work for both smart casual night and a white party, depending on how you accessorise.
Expert Packing Tips for Any Itinerary
A little smart packing goes a long way. Here are our final tips to help you meet the Royal Caribbean dress code while keeping your suitcase under control:
- Pack versatile items: A pashmina or shawl can add elegance on formal night or provide warmth in a chilly theatre. A smart pair of dark trousers can work for both smart casual and formal evenings when paired with different tops.
- Stick to a colour palette: Choose two or three base colours and build your outfits around them. This makes mixing and matching much easier and reduces the number of shoes and accessories you need.
- Choose wrinkle-resistant fabrics: Fabrics that do not crease easily, such as jersey and certain blends, will look better after being packed in a suitcase and reduce the need for pressing.
- Use packing cubes: Packing cubes make it easier to separate daywear, evening outfits, and accessories, so you can quickly pull together an outfit that suits the dress code each night.
- Alaska-Specific: Do not forget binoculars for wildlife spotting and insect repellent for shore excursions. Pack a warm hat and gloves for glacier viewing days, even in summer.
- Mediterranean-Specific: A portable power bank is a lifesaver for long port days filled with photos and navigation apps. Comfortable walking shoes and a lightweight crossbody bag are non-negotiable.
- Prohibited Items: Do not pack clothing irons, travel steamers, or surge-protected extension leads. These are safety hazards and will be confiscated. Laundry, pressing, and sometimes self-service laundry options are available onboard, depending on the ship.
- Embarkation Day Outfit: Wear something comfortable but presentable, as your first photos on the ship (and sometimes at the gangway) will often be taken before your luggage arrives at your stateroom.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Royal Caribbean Dress Code
Can I wear jeans on Royal Caribbean?
Yes, you can. Nice jeans (free of rips or holes) are perfectly acceptable for both casual and smart casual evenings and can be worn in most venues, including the Main Dining Room on those nights.
They are not considered appropriate for formal night in the Main Dining Room, where more polished outfits are encouraged.
Are shorts allowed in the Main Dining Room in the evening?
No, shorts are not permitted in the Main Dining Room or speciality restaurants during dinner service. This rule applies regardless of the nightly dress code.
Shorts are, however, acceptable for breakfast and lunch in the Main Dining Room and at the Windjammer buffet any time.
How many formal nights will there be on my cruise?
The number of Dress Your Best nights depends on your cruise length. The general guide is: 3–5 night cruises have one, 6–7 night cruises have two, and 8–10 night cruises have two or three.
Always check your daily Cruise Compass onboard for the definitive schedule, as special itineraries can sometimes vary.
Do I really need a dinner jacket or a gown for a formal night?
No, they are not strictly required. While you will see guests in tuxedos and full-length gowns, a suit and tie or even a sports coat with smart trousers are perfectly acceptable for men.
For women, a cocktail dress or elegant pantsuit is also appropriate. The goal is to dress up within your personal style and budget; you do not need to buy a completely new wardrobe.
What is the dress code for children and teenagers?
The dress code for children generally mirrors the adult code for the evening. They are encouraged to dress up on formal nights, but the standard is more relaxed, especially for younger children.
The main rule is no shorts, casual t-shirts, or swimwear for dinner in the Main Dining Room. Smart jeans and a polo shirt or simple dress are usually fine.
Is the dress code strictly enforced?
Enforcement is most prominent in the Main Dining Room and speciality restaurants at dinner. Guests not meeting the minimum requirements (for example, wearing shorts) may be politely asked to change or dine at the Windjammer buffet instead.
In other venues like bars and the theatre, the dress code is much more relaxed, and you will see a wider variety of outfits.
Is there a different Royal Caribbean dress code for speciality restaurants?
Most speciality restaurants follow a smart casual dress code every evening, even if the ship is on a casual night overall. In practice this means collared shirts or dressy tops, trousers or neat jeans, and closed-toe shoes for men, and dresses, skirts, or smart trousers and tops for women. If you plan several speciality dinners, it is worth packing a few outfits that meet this standard comfortably.
Additional Resources
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Disclaimer
The Essential Cruise Shop 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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