Holland America Line 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 Holland America Line Dress Code
- Additional Resources
- Disclaimer
- Affiliate Disclosure
Introduction
Welcome to your complete guide to the Holland America Line dress code. If you are planning a cruise, it is completely normal to wonder what to pack, what is considered appropriate, and how formal the evenings really are.
Holland America Line keeps things pleasantly straightforward. The overall dress code balances relaxed daytime comfort with a more polished evening atmosphere, so you can enjoy the classic cruise experience without feeling over- or underdressed.
In this 2025 guide, we break down the Holland America Line dress code in simple terms. We cover daytime clothing, evening Smart Casual expectations, glamorous Gala Nights, and what to wear in specific venues. You will also find practical packing tips, sourcing ideas for formal wear, and answers to the most frequently asked questions from new cruisers.
By the end, you will know exactly how to plan your cruise wardrobe so that you feel comfortable, confident, and cruise-ready every day of your voyage.
Daytime Dress Code: What to Wear from Morning to Evening
During the day, comfort and practicality are the priorities. The Holland America Line dress code is relaxed across the ship, allowing you to enjoy your holiday without worrying about strict rules. That said, the best daytime wardrobe is one that matches your itinerary and the activities you have planned.
- Warm-Weather Sailings (Caribbean, Mexico, Panama Canal): Pack light, breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen, and moisture-wicking blends. Sundresses, shorts, skirts, capris, t-shirts, and polo shirts all work well. Swimwear is ideal for pool decks, but have a cover-up, t-shirt, or sundress ready for when you head indoors. A wide-brimmed hat, UV-protective sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen are essential for long days in the sun.
- Cool-Weather Sailings (Alaska, Northern Europe): Layering is the key to staying comfortable. Bring a mix of short- and long-sleeved tops, warm fleeces or sweaters, and comfortable trousers or jeans. A waterproof, windproof jacket is recommended for open decks and shore excursions. A warm hat, scarf, and gloves are very helpful for glacier viewing or early-morning wildlife spotting.
- Mediterranean Sailings: Expect a mix of warm days and cooler evenings, especially at the start or end of the season. Comfortable walking shoes are vital for exploring cobblestone streets and historic sites. Pack light layers, a sun hat, and modest options such as longer trousers or skirts and a shawl or wrap for visits to churches, mosques, and other religious sites where covered shoulders and knees may be required.
- Pool Decks: Swimwear is absolutely appropriate for the pool, hot tubs, and sun loungers. However, you must wear a cover-up, t-shirt, or sundress over your swimwear when entering any indoor venue or walking through public indoor areas. Footwear is always required indoors for safety and hygiene.
- Indoor Venues (Lounges, Buffet, Coffee Bars): Casual wear such as shorts, jeans, t-shirts, polo shirts, and sundresses is perfectly acceptable in indoor public spaces during the day. This includes the Lido Market (buffet), lounges, and even the Main Dining Room for breakfast or lunch, where the atmosphere is more relaxed than in the evening.
In short, if you would feel comfortable wearing an outfit to a casual café or family restaurant at home, it will normally be fine for daytime on board.
Evening Dress Codes Explained
After 6:00 PM, the Holland America Line dress code steps up a notch. The daily programme delivered to your stateroom (and available in the app) will clearly indicate the evening dress code ship-wide. There are two main categories: Smart Casual and Gala Night.
Smart Casual
Smart Casual is the most common evening dress code on Holland America Line. Think of it as what you might wear to a nice restaurant or a special night out at home – neat, comfortable, and put-together, but not overly formal.
- For Women: Skirts, trousers, or smart jeans (without rips or holes) paired with an elegant top, blouse, or light sweater. Casual dresses, shirt dresses, and pantsuits also work very well. Many guests simply add a necklace or scarf to dress up their daytime outfit.
- For Men: Trousers or smart, dark jeans teamed with a collared shirt or polo shirt. A sports coat or blazer is optional but instantly elevates the look. Closed-toe shoes or smart loafers are recommended.
- Not Permitted (in Dining Rooms): Shorts, sleeveless tops for men, swimwear, athletic wear, distressed or heavily ripped jeans, baseball caps, and flip-flops are not allowed in the Main Dining Room or speciality restaurants during the evening.
Smart Casual nights are ideal if you prefer a relaxed, modern cruise experience but still enjoy dressing nicely for dinner and evening entertainment.
Gala Night
These evenings are the formal highlight of your cruise. Holland America calls them Gala Nights, and they are a wonderful opportunity to dress up, take photos, and enjoy a more traditional cruise atmosphere.
- For Women: Cocktail dresses, elegant pantsuits, long gowns, or a formal skirt and blouse ensemble are all appropriate. Many guests accessorise with jewellery, wraps, and dressy shoes to create a polished look.
- For Men: A suit and tie is the most common option. A tuxedo or dinner jacket with trousers is also perfectly acceptable for those who want a more classic formal style.
The number of Gala Nights on your cruise depends on the length of the itinerary:
- Cruises up to 6 nights: Typically 1 Gala Night.
- Cruises 7–10 nights: Typically 2 Gala Nights.
- Cruises 11–14 nights: Usually 2 or 3 Gala Nights.
- Cruises 15 nights or longer: Often 3 or 4 Gala Nights, depending on the itinerary.
What if I Prefer to Stay Casual on Gala Nights?
Not everyone wants to dress formally, and that is fine. If you prefer to stay casual on a Gala Night, you can dine in the Lido Market (buffet) where the Holland America Line dress code remains casual. You can still enjoy the evening entertainment around the ship, but the more formal venues will expect you to follow the Gala Night guidelines.
Sourcing Your Formal Wear
If you do not own formal wear or want to avoid packing bulky outfits, there are several budget-friendly ways to meet the Holland America Line dress code without overspending. You do not need a designer wardrobe to look the part on a Gala Night.
- Clothing Rental Services: Many online platforms allow you to rent high-end dresses, suits, or tuxedos just for the duration of your trip. This is a cost-effective way to enjoy something special while saving suitcase space.
- Charity and Second-Hand Shops: Thrift stores, charity shops, and consignment boutiques can be treasure troves for formal wear. You may find gently used cocktail dresses, jackets, and suits at a fraction of their original price.
- Outlet and Clearance Stores: Designer outlets and high-street clearance rails often feature end-of-season formalwear. Look for simple, classic pieces that can be dressed up with accessories rather than highly seasonal items.
Consider building a small cruise “capsule wardrobe” where key pieces can be worn in different ways. For example, a simple black dress can work with flats and a cardigan on Smart Casual nights, then transform for Gala Night with heels and statement jewellery.
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.
Dress Codes by Venue (Evening)
The designated evening dress code (Smart Casual or Gala Night) generally applies to most public venues after 6:00 PM. However, some areas are more relaxed than others.
- Main Dining Room & Speciality Restaurants: Venues such as Pinnacle Grill, Canaletto, and Tamarind usually follow the evening dress code closely. If you arrive in shorts, beachwear, or very casual clothing, you may be politely asked to change before being seated.
- The Buffet (Lido Market): The buffet remains casual every evening, making it the ideal option if you do not wish to dress up for dinner. Casual trousers, clean jeans, t-shirts, and tops are generally fine here, although swimwear and bare feet are not allowed.
- Theatres and Lounges: Most guests attend shows and evening entertainment in the same clothing they wore to dinner, so the Holland America Line dress code for the night usually carries over to these venues. Enforcement is slightly more relaxed than in the main dining room, but overly casual outfits may still stand out on Gala Nights.
- Bars and Music Venues: These follow the overall evening tone of the ship. On Smart Casual nights, neat jeans and a collared shirt are common for men, while women often choose dresses or smart separates.
- In-Room Dining: If you do not feel like dressing up, ordering room service and enjoying a relaxed evening on your balcony or in your stateroom is always an option.
Common Themed Nights & Special Events
Holland America Line hosts a variety of themed events, particularly on longer or destination-focused itineraries. Dressing up to match the theme is always optional, but many guests enjoy joining in.
- Orange Party: A signature event celebrating the cruise line’s Dutch heritage. Guests are encouraged to wear orange clothing or accessories – even a simple scarf or tie will help you join the fun.
- Gala Night Masquerade: On some voyages, one of the Gala Nights may include a Masquerade theme, where guests can wear elegant masks along with their formal attire.
- Caribbean or Tropical Night: Common on warm-weather itineraries, this is the time for floral shirts, bright sundresses, and relaxed tropical prints.
- Alaskan Night or Destination Evenings: On Alaskan cruises, you may see events themed around the region, sometimes combined with charity walks such as “On Deck for a Cause” and seasonal menus.
Checking your pre-cruise documents or the first printed programme can help you decide whether to pack anything special for these events, but a few versatile accessories (such as an orange scarf or tropical shirt) can go a long way.
Expert Packing Tips for Any Itinerary
A little planning goes a long way when it comes to the Holland America Line dress code. Use this checklist as a starting point for any itinerary.
- For your Alaskan cruise: Pack a waterproof jacket, warm layers, and comfortable walking shoes for shore excursions. Binoculars are useful for spotting wildlife from deck, and a warm hat and gloves will help you stay outside longer during scenic cruising.
- For the Caribbean: Bring multiple swimsuits so that you always have a dry option, plus a high-quality reef-safe sunscreen. A light cover-up, flip-flops for the pool, and aloe vera gel for any sun exposure are also recommended.
- For the Mediterranean: Pack a light scarf or shawl for religious sites, very comfortable walking shoes for uneven streets, and an anti-theft bag or crossbody bag for busy cities and markets.
Beyond destination-specific items, it is worth creating a simple checklist focused on the Holland America Line dress code itself:
- At least one or two Smart Casual outfits that you can mix and match.
- One or two outfits suitable for Gala Nights (or accessories to dress up a simpler outfit).
- A lightweight cardigan or wrap for cool air conditioning in restaurants and theatres.
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes for evenings and more formal venues.
Remember that certain items are prohibited on board for safety reasons. These typically include clothing irons, travel steamers, and surge-protected extension leads or power strips. Always check the latest list on your cruise documents before packing.
For the most current information, we recommend visiting the official Holland America Line website: Holland America Line – What to Wear.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Holland America Line Dress Code
Can I wear jeans on Holland America Line?
Yes, jeans are acceptable on Holland America Line. During the day, they are welcome anywhere on the ship. In the evenings, smart, well-kept jeans (without rips or holes) are permitted in all venues, including the Main Dining Room, on Smart Casual nights.
Are shorts allowed in the Main Dining Room in the evening?
No, shorts are not permitted in the Main Dining Room or speciality dining restaurants in the evening. The evening Holland America Line dress code expects long trousers, slacks, or smart jeans for men and equivalent attire for women.
How many formal nights will be on my cruise?
Holland America Line refers to its formal nights as Gala Nights. You can generally expect one Gala Night on cruises up to 6 nights and two on a 7–10 night cruise. Longer voyages will have more, as outlined in the section above, but the exact number can vary slightly by itinerary.
Do I really need a dinner jacket or a gown for a formal night?
While tuxedos and ball gowns are welcome, they are not mandatory. For men, a suit or a dinner jacket with trousers is perfectly acceptable. For women, a cocktail dress, elegant pantsuit, or a formal skirt and blouse meets the Holland America Line dress code for Gala Nights.
What is the dress code for children and teenagers?
The dress code for children and teenagers mirrors the guidelines for adults. On Gala Nights, they are encouraged to wear their best outfits, such as smart dresses, skirts, shirts with collars, or smart trousers and a polo shirt. Comfortable but neat footwear is recommended.
Is the dress code strictly enforced?
Yes, Holland America Line generally enforces the evening dress code, particularly in the Main Dining Room and speciality restaurants. Guests who arrive in clothing that does not meet the code (such as swimwear or very casual shorts) may be politely asked to change. The Lido Market (buffet) remains a casual option every evening.
Can I wear trainers or sneakers in the evening?
Clean, minimalist trainers or sneakers are often seen on Smart Casual evenings, especially when paired with neat jeans or trousers. However, very sporty or worn athletic shoes may look out of place on Gala Nights, where dressier footwear is more appropriate.
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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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