Princess Cruises 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 Princess Cruises Dress Code
- Additional Resources
- Conclusion: Enjoying the Princess Cruises Dress Code
- Disclaimer
- Affiliate Disclosure
Introduction
Packing for your Princess cruise is exciting, but figuring out the Princess Cruises Dress Code can feel tricky. Princess Cruises maintains a traditional cruise atmosphere, blending relaxed daytime wear with more polished evening attire, especially on formal nights.
This guide will walk you through exactly what to pack, from casual pool days to elegant gala evenings. With our help, you will feel comfortable, confident and appropriately dressed for every occasion onboard.
Princess Cruises will usually outline the expected dress code in your cruise documentation, in the MedallionClass app and in the daily programme delivered to your stateroom. However, it is much easier to plan your wardrobe before you leave home. Understanding the dress code in advance can save luggage space, reduce stress and help you avoid any awkward moments at the restaurant door.
Whether you are a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sailor trying Princess for the first time, this 2025 guide is designed to be a practical, real-world explanation of the Princess Cruises Dress Code, with simple examples and packing suggestions.
Daytime Dress Code: What to Wear from Morning to Evening
During the day, comfort is king. What you pack will depend heavily on your itinerary, whether you are relaxing on deck or exploring a new port. The daytime Princess Cruises Dress Code is generally casual, but there are still some basic standards.
Here are some suggestions based on your destination and onboard location:
- Warm-Weather Sailings (Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico): Think light fabrics. Pack t-shirts, shorts, sundresses, and swimwear. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses are essential, and breathable sandals or flip flops work well for walking around the pool deck.
- Cool-Weather Sailings (Alaska, Northern Europe): Layering is crucial. You will need waterproof jackets, warm fleeces, long-sleeved shirts, and comfortable walking trousers or jeans. Do not forget a warm hat, gloves, and a scarf for windy decks or chilly excursions.
- Mediterranean Sailings: Comfortable walking shoes are a must. Pack lightweight clothing for hot afternoons, but also include a light jacket or cardigan for evenings and a shawl or scarf for visiting religious sites where shoulders and knees should be covered.
- Onboard Venues (Pool Decks): Swimwear is perfect for the pool and hot tubs. However, a cover-up, t-shirt or sundress is required when walking through indoor areas or visiting the buffet.
- Onboard Venues (Indoor): Casual wear like shorts, jeans, and t-shirts are fine in the buffet, atrium, and lounges during the day. Shoes are required in all indoor venues, and dry clothing is expected away from the pool.
Daytime: What Not to Wear
Even though the daytime dress code is relaxed, there are a few items that are generally discouraged or may result in you being turned away from certain areas:
- Swimwear without a cover-up in indoor areas such as the buffet or lounges.
- Bare feet in any restaurant, bar or indoor public space.
- Overly revealing outfits that may make other guests uncomfortable.
- Clothing with offensive language or graphics.
As a rule of thumb, if you would not wear it into a café at home, it is probably best avoided in indoor spaces on the ship.
Evening Dress Codes Explained
After 6:00 PM, the ship adopts an evening dress code. This applies to main public areas, including the Main Dining Room and speciality restaurants, and is a key part of the Princess Cruises Dress Code.
Princess Cruises primarily uses two categories: Smart Casual and Formal.
Smart Casual
This is the most common evening dress code, similar to what you might wear to an upscale restaurant at home. It is polished yet relaxed and does not require full black-tie attire.
- For Women: Skirts, dresses, smart trousers or capris, or stylish dark-wash jeans, paired with a nice top. Cardigans, light blazers or shawls are useful for air-conditioned dining rooms.
- For Men: Long trousers or smart, dark-wash jeans, paired with a collared shirt (like a polo or button-down). A sport coat or blazer is optional but adds a dressier touch.
Items not permitted in the main dining venues in the evening include shorts, t-shirts with large logos, swimwear, and baseball caps. Sportswear, ripped jeans and gym clothes are also best kept to the daytime.
Formal
This is your chance to shine. These evenings are for your most elegant attire, perfect for special portraits, fine dining, and enjoying the ship’s sophisticated atmosphere. Many guests look forward to dressing up and consider formal nights a highlight of their cruise.
- For Women: Evening gowns, cocktail dresses, or elegant pantsuits. Dressy jumpsuits, sparkly tops with long skirts, and statement jewellery all work well.
- For Men: A tuxedo, dinner jacket, or a dark suit with a tie. A waistcoat, cufflinks and polished shoes complete the look.
The number of formal nights depends on your cruise length. While the schedule can vary, a good guide is:
- 3-6 night cruises: 1 Formal Night
- 7-13 night cruises: 2 Formal Nights
- 14-20 night cruises: 3 Formal Nights
- 21+ night cruises: 4 or more Formal Nights
On formal nights, photographers are often available throughout the ship, and many venues feel more special. If you prefer not to dress up, you can always choose to dine in the buffet or order room service, where the strict evening Princess Cruises Dress Code is more relaxed.
Sourcing Your Formal Wear
Do not own a tuxedo or gown? You do not need to break the bank to look fantastic on formal night. There are plenty of smart alternatives to buying new.
- Rent Your Attire: Many services allow you to rent high-end suits, tuxedos, and dresses just for your trip. This can be a cost-effective option if you do not often attend formal events.
- Shop Second-Hand: Charity shops, consignment stores, and online marketplaces like Vinted or eBay are treasure troves for elegant, pre-loved formal wear. You can often find pieces that have only been worn once.
- Check Outlet Stores: You can often find designer dresses or smart suits at a deep discount at outlet malls or in end-of-season sales.
- Accessorise Smartly: A simple dress can be transformed with a statement necklace, sparkly clutch or elegant wrap. For men, a pocket square or cufflinks can elevate a basic suit.
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)
The evening’s dress code is generally observed ship-wide, but here is a quick breakdown for the most popular venues so you can match the Princess Cruises Dress Code to your plans.
- Main Dining Room & Speciality Restaurants: These venues strictly enforce the evening’s designated Smart Casual or Formal code. If you arrive under-dressed, you may be politely asked to change before being seated.
- Buffet (World Fresh Marketplace): This venue is always casual. It is the perfect spot if you do not feel like changing from your daytime clothes, although dry, neat clothing and footwear are still expected.
- Theatre & Lounges: Most guests will be in their evening attire (Smart Casual or Formal). You will notice a slightly dressier atmosphere on formal nights, especially around pre-dinner drinks and show times.
- Pool Bars & Open Decks in the Evening: These tend to be more relaxed, and smart shorts or casual outfits are usually seen, particularly in warmer climates. However, swimwear alone is not suitable in the evening.
Common Themed Nights & Special Events
Princess Cruises hosts several fun themed nights and deck parties. While dressing up is always optional, joining in is part of the fun and a great way to personalise your interpretation of the Princess Cruises Dress Code.
Check your daily “Princess Patter” schedule onboard, as themes can vary by ship and itinerary.
- The Love Boat Deck Party: A classic sailaway party celebrating the line’s famous television heritage. Think nautical colours, fun accessories and a relaxed party vibe.
- Tropical/Caribbean Night: Common on warm-weather sailings. Break out your floral shirts, sundresses, and bright colours. A flower hair clip or a tropical necklace takes up almost no suitcase space.
- White Night: Many itineraries feature a “White Night” or “Night of the Stars” deck party, where guests are encouraged to wear all-white outfits. A simple white shirt or dress can easily double as smart evening wear.
- 80s Rock & Glow Deck Party: A fun, high-energy party. Pack your neon colours and retro gear if you want to join in, or simply add a glow stick or bright accessory for a low-effort option.
If you do not want to dedicate too much baggage space to costumes, choose a few small, versatile accessories (such as a brightly coloured scarf or fun jewellery) that can work across multiple themes.
Expert Packing Tips for Any Itinerary
A few final tips will make packing simple and stress-free. Remember to pack smart and focus on versatility so you can follow the Princess Cruises Dress Code without overpacking.
- Mix and Match: Pack versatile items you can wear multiple times. A smart blazer, a simple black dress, or a neutral pashmina can be dressed up or down.
- Do Not Forget Layers: Even on a Caribbean cruise, the air conditioning indoors or a breezy evening on deck can be chilly. A light cardigan or wrap is invaluable.
- Shoes: Aim for three main pairs – comfortable walking shoes for excursions, smart-casual shoes for evenings, and sandals or flip flops for the pool deck.
- For Alaska: Binoculars and a waterproof bag for your phone or camera are must-haves for wildlife spotting on excursions.
- For Europe: Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes are non-negotiable. A portable power bank is also a lifesaver for long days of sightseeing.
Simple Princess Cruises Dress Code Packing Checklist
- Daytime tops and shorts/trousers for each day of your cruise.
- At least two swimsuits plus cover-ups.
- Two to three Smart Casual outfits for evenings.
- One to three Formal Night outfits, depending on cruise length.
- Light jacket or cardigan and, for cooler itineraries, a warmer coat.
- Comfortable walking shoes, evening shoes and pool footwear.
- Accessories: belts, scarves, jewellery, and a small evening bag.
Finally, leave prohibited items at home. For safety, clothing irons, travel steamers, and any extension leads with surge protectors are not allowed onboard. Check your pre-cruise documentation for the latest list of restricted items.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Princess Cruises Dress Code
Can I wear jeans on Princess Cruises?
Yes, jeans are acceptable. During the day, they can be worn anywhere onboard.
In the evenings, smart, dark-wash jeans with no rips or tears are permitted in the Main Dining Room and speciality restaurants on Smart Casual nights. However, jeans of any kind are not permitted in these venues on Formal nights.
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 the evening dinner service. While dress shorts may be acceptable in some casual bars, they are considered too casual for the main dining venues after 6 PM.
How many formal nights will be on my cruise?
This depends on the length of the sailing, as detailed in our “Evening Dress Codes Explained” section. Generally, 7-13 night cruises have 2 formal nights, while shorter cruises have 1, and longer cruises have 3 or more.
Do I really need a dinner jacket or a gown for a formal night?
While a tuxedo or gown is popular, they are not mandatory. For men, a dark suit with a tie is perfectly acceptable.
For women, an elegant cocktail dress, a dressy pantsuit, or a stylish skirt and blouse combination are also great options.
What is the dress code for children and teenagers?
Children and teenagers are encouraged to follow the same dress code as adults, especially in the evening. On Formal nights, this means they should also dress up in their best outfits, like dresses or smart trousers and a collared shirt.
Is the dress code strictly enforced?
Enforcement is generally expected in the Main Dining Room and speciality restaurants. Guests arriving in attire that does not meet the code (like shorts) may be politely asked to change.
The buffet always remains a casual option for those who prefer not to dress up or who want a more relaxed evening.
Additional Resources
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Conclusion: Enjoying the Princess Cruises Dress Code
The Princess Cruises Dress Code is designed to keep the onboard atmosphere relaxed during the day and pleasantly refined in the evenings. By understanding the difference between casual, Smart Casual and Formal nights, you can pack with confidence and avoid last-minute wardrobe worries.
Focus on versatile pieces, comfortable shoes and one or two outfits that make you feel special on formal evenings. With a little planning, you will be able to enjoy every part of your Princess cruise, from lazy pool days to elegant gala dinners, knowing that your outfits are perfectly in tune with the 2025 Princess Cruises Dress Code.
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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