Last updated: 19 October 2025
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 Celebrity Cruises Dress Code
- Additional Resources
- Disclaimer
- Affiliate Disclosure
Introduction
Packing for any cruise can be a puzzle, but Celebrity Cruises makes it stylish and straightforward. Known for its "modern luxury" ethos, the cruise line strikes a perfect balance between sophisticated and relaxed. You won't find stuffy, old-fashioned rules here, but rather a polished atmosphere, especially in the evenings.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Celebrity Cruises dress code. We'll cover casual daytime wear, the two main evening categories, and what to pack for any itinerary. This will help you feel comfortable and confident throughout your voyage.
Daytime Dress Code: What to Wear from Morning to Evening
During the day, comfort is key, whether you're relaxing onboard or exploring a port of call. The dress code is casual, and your itinerary will be your biggest guide.
- Warm-Weather Sailings (e.g., Caribbean, Mediterranean): Pack light and breathable fabrics like cotton and linen. Think swimwear, sun hats, sunglasses, shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses.
- Cool-Weather Sailings (e.g., Alaska, Northern Europe): Layering is essential. Pack waterproof and windproof jackets, warm jumpers or fleeces, long-sleeved tops, comfortable trousers or jeans, and sturdy walking shoes. A hat, gloves, and scarf are vital for glacier viewing days.
- Pool Decks: Swimwear is perfectly acceptable on the pool decks. However, when heading indoors, you must wear a cover-up or shirt over your swimwear.
- Indoor Venues (e.g., Cafés, Lounges, Buffet): Casual attire like shorts and t-shirts is fine. You must wear footwear (e.g., sandals, flip-flops, shoes) and a top; bare feet and swimwear alone are not permitted.
Evening Dress Codes Explained
After 6 p.m., the ship's atmosphere becomes more elevated. Celebrity has simplified its evening wear into two distinct categories: Smart Casual and Evening Chic. The daily programme, delivered to your stateroom, will inform you which code applies each night.
Smart Casual
This is the standard dress code for most evenings. It's about looking polished and put-together, like you would for a nice restaurant dinner at home.
- For Women: A skirt or smart trousers with a stylish top, a sundress, or smart jeans (dark wash, free of rips or holes).
- For Men: Trousers or smart jeans (dark wash, no rips) with a collared shirt, such as a polo or a button-down shirt. A sports jacket or blazer is optional but always looks sharp.
- Not Permitted (in Main Dining Room & Speciality Restaurants): T-shirts, shorts, flip-flops, swimwear, baseball caps, and bare feet.
Evening Chic
This is Celebrity's modern and more flexible version of the traditional "Formal Night." It's your chance to dress up and look your best, but a tuxedo or ballgown is not required unless you want to.
- For Women: A cocktail dress, an elegant skirt or trouser outfit, or a more formal gown.
- For Men: A suit with a tie or a dinner jacket with trousers is appropriate. A tuxedo is also welcome. At a minimum, smart trousers with a dress shirt and a blazer are recommended.
The number of Evening Chic nights depends on your cruise length:
- 3-6 night cruises: 1 Evening Chic night
- 7-10 night cruises: 2 Evening Chic nights
- 11-14 night cruises: 2 or 3 Evening Chic nights
- 15+ night cruises: 3 or more Evening Chic nights
Sourcing Your Formal Wear
Don't feel you need to buy an expensive new outfit for Evening Chic nights, especially if you won't wear it again. There are several practical alternatives to consider.
- Clothing Rental Services: Online services allow you to rent high-end designer dresses or suits for a fraction of the retail cost.
- Charity & Second-Hand Shops: You can often find incredible, unique formal wear in fantastic condition at charity shops or consignment stores.
- Outlet Stores & Sales: Plan ahead and shop the sales seasons or visit outlet malls to find classic formal pieces at a deep discount.
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 evening dress code is primarily enforced in the main dining and speciality restaurants. Other areas of the ship are more relaxed.
- Main Dining Room & Speciality Restaurants: These venues strictly adhere to the nightly Smart Casual or Evening Chic dress code.
- Oceanview Café (Buffet): This venue remains casual every evening. It's the perfect option if you prefer not to change out of your daytime clothes or want a more relaxed dinner.
- Theatres, Bars & Lounges: While there's no strict code, most guests will be dressed in the evening's suggested attire as they attend shows or enjoy a drink before or after dinner.
Common Themed Nights & Special Events
Celebrity Cruises often hosts fun themed nights or deck parties. While always optional, packing an item or two to join in can add to the fun. The specific themes vary by ship and itinerary, so always check your daily planner once onboard.
- White Night: A very popular event, especially on warm-weather sailings. Guests are encouraged to wear all-white outfits for a stylish party on the pool deck.
- Silent Disco: Not a dress code, but a much-loved event. You'll see guests wearing headphones and dancing to different music channels under the stars.
- Pride Party: Celebrity proudly hosts LGBTQ+ Pride parties on many sailings to celebrate diversity.
Expert Packing Tips for Any Itinerary
A little smart packing goes a long way. Here are some final tips to ensure you have everything you need for a fantastic cruise.
- Mix and Match: Pack outfits with coordinating colours. This allows you to create multiple evening looks from just a few key pieces (e.g., one blazer, two pairs of trousers, several different shirts).
- Use Accessories: A statement necklace, a colourful scarf, or a smart tie can easily elevate a Smart Casual outfit to feel more special.
- Comfortable Footwear: This is non-negotiable. You'll need comfortable walking shoes for port days and smart-but-comfy shoes for evenings onboard.
- Check Your Itinerary: For Alaskan cruises, binoculars and insect repellent are invaluable. For Mediterranean sailings, a light scarf or shawl is useful for ladies visiting religious sites.
- Prohibited Items: For safety, do not pack personal clothing irons, travel steamers, or any extension leads with surge protectors. These items are banned and will be confiscated.
This information is believed to be correct at the time of publishing. However, policies can change, and we recommend you visit the official Celebrity Cruises website for the most current information: Celebrity Cruises Dress Code Information.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Celebrity Cruises Dress Code
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about what to wear.
Can I wear jeans on Celebrity Cruises?
Yes. Jeans can be worn anywhere during the day. In the evening, smart, dark-wash jeans (free of rips or holes) are perfectly acceptable on Smart Casual nights in all dining venues. However, jeans are not considered appropriate for Evening Chic nights in the Main Dining Room or speciality restaurants.
Are shorts allowed in the Main Dining Room in the evening?
No. Shorts are not permitted for any gender in the Main Dining Room or speciality restaurants during the evening. This rule applies on both Smart Casual and Evening Chic nights.
How many formal nights will be on my cruise?
Celebrity has replaced "Formal Night" with Evening Chic. The number of these nights depends on your cruise length, as detailed in the section above (e.g., one on a 6-night cruise, two on a 7-10 night cruise).
Do I really need a tuxedo or a gown for Evening Chic?
No, not at all. While you will see guests in full formal wear, it is not required. For men, a suit or a blazer with smart trousers is perfectly fine. For women, a cocktail dress or an elegant trouser outfit is completely appropriate.
What is the dress code for children and teenagers?
The dress code for children and teens generally follows the same guidelines as for adults. On Smart Casual nights, they should be in smart attire (no shorts in the main dining venues). On Evening Chic nights, they are encouraged to dress up with the rest of the family.
Is the dress code strictly enforced?
Enforcement is most noticeable in the Main Dining Room and speciality restaurants. Staff may politely ask guests who are not meeting the dress code (e.g., wearing shorts in the evening) to change or to dine at the casual Oceanview Café instead. Bars, lounges, and the theatre are more relaxed.
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.
Affiliate Disclosure
Many of the links are affiliate links, The Essential Cruise Shop may receive a commission from qualifying clicks, orders or bookings. This income helps support our efforts to provide and improve our site and turn it into a one stop resource for travellers with a bias towards cruising.
