What to Pack (and What Not To) for Your Next Cruise

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Packing for a cruise shouldn't feel like prepping for a costume party. But every cruise line has its own vibe, and dress codes can vary more than you'd expect.

 

Here's what you actually need to know.

 

Carnival: Casual rules the day. At dinner, guys can wear dress shorts or pants with a polo or button-down. Women can go with a casual dress, skirt, or pants and a nice top. No flip-flops, tank tops, or swimwear in the dining room. "Elegant Nights" happen once or twice per cruise, so pack a dress or slacks with a collared shirt.

 

Celebrity: Most nights are smart casual. For women, a dress or nice top with pants works. Men should wear long pants and a collared shirt. Instead of a formal night, they do "Evening Chic." Think cocktail attire for women and dress shirts or jackets for men. No tux needed.

 

Disney: Casual all day. People usually dress up a little more for dinner, but it’s not required. If you're dining at Palo or Remy, you will need to dress up. That means jackets or dress shirts for men and cocktail dresses or nice outfits for women.

 

Holland America: Most nights are cruise casual. Jeans are fine in the dining room if they’re not torn. Dressy nights call for cocktail dresses or suits, but it doesn’t need to be black tie.

 

MSC: Casual during the day, more polished at night. They typically have two "elegant nights" per cruise. Cocktail dresses and suits are common. They tend to follow theme nights pretty strictly, so check your itinerary.

 

Norwegian: No dress code. Their "freestyle cruising" means you wear what you want. Just avoid flip-flops, tank tops, and swimwear in the nicer restaurants. Optional dress-up night is available if you're into it.

 

Oceania: No formal nights at all. Country club casual is the standard. No jeans, shorts, or sandals at dinner, ever.

 

Princess: Smart casual for most evenings. On formal nights, go with a cocktail dress or a suit. They don’t require black tie, but they do expect some effort.

 

Regent Seven Seas: After 6 p.m., it's elegant casual. That means no jeans, shorts, or sneakers in restaurants. Formalwear is welcome on gala nights but not required.

 

Royal Caribbean: Casual all day. Most dinners are smart casual, with one or two formal nights per cruise. You can go all out or keep it simple. Cocktail dresses and suits are the sweet spot.

 

Seabourn: Country club casual every night. Jeans are a no at dinner. Formal optional nights call for cocktail dresses and jackets. It’s upscale, but not stuffy.

 

Silversea: Elegant casual is the standard. On formal nights, you’ll see tuxedos and gowns, but you don’t have to go that far. A suit or cocktail dress will fit right in.

 

Virgin Voyages: No dress code at all. Wear what you want. This is the cruise line where sequins and leather pants are totally normal at dinner. No theme nights. No judgment.

 

Bottom line: You don't need a suitcase full of ballgowns. If you're not sure what to bring, just ask me. I help clients pack all the time and can give you the exact vibe of your ship. Better to be prepared than stuck in flip-flops on formal night.