The Essential Cruise Shop's Guide to Costa Cruises Dress Code.
Packing for a cruise can be exciting, but the question of "what to wear" can be tricky. Costa Cruises, with its vibrant Italian spirit, offers a relaxed and festive atmosphere, and its dress code reflects this. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Costa Cruises dress code, ensuring you're perfectly attired for every moment, from sun-drenched days in the Mediterranean to elegant evenings at sea.
Daytime Dress Code: What to Wear from Morning to Evening
During the day, the dress code across the entire Costa fleet is casual and relaxed. Comfort is key, whether you're exploring the ship, lounging by the pool, or heading ashore for an excursion. However, your ideal daytime wardrobe will vary significantly based on your destination.
- Caribbean, Bahamas & South America: Pack light and breathable fabrics. Think cotton t-shirts, shorts, sundresses, and skirts. A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen are essential.
- Mediterranean: Summers are hot, so pack lightweight clothing similar to a Caribbean cruise. However, remember to pack comfortable walking shoes for exploring historic ports with cobbled streets. Include a light scarf, shawl, or cardigan for visiting religious sites, which often require shoulders and knees to be covered.
- Northern Europe & Fjords: Layers are your best friend. Pack a mix of long and short-sleeved tops, comfortable trousers or jeans, a warm fleece or sweater, and a waterproof and windproof jacket. A hat, gloves, and warm socks are also recommended, even in summer, as weather can be unpredictable.
- UAE & Emirates: Expect hot and sunny weather. Pack lightweight, loose-fitting clothing made from natural fibres like cotton and linen. When going ashore, it's respectful to dress modestly. Women should consider packing long skirts or trousers and a scarf to cover their shoulders and head if visiting mosques.
General Public Areas (Lounges, Atrium, Cafés)
Casual wear such as shorts, t-shirts, and comfortable shoes are perfectly acceptable in all indoor public areas during the day.
Pool Decks and Outdoor Spaces
Swimwear is appropriate for the pool decks, but not for indoor areas. Always have a cover-up or a t-shirt and shorts handy to slip on when you leave the pool area.
Daytime Dining (Main Dining Room & Buffet)
Breakfast and lunch in all dining venues, including the Main Dining Room, are casual. However, there are a few simple rules to follow:
- Swimwear must be dry and covered with a t-shirt, shorts, or a proper cover-up before entering any indoor dining venue, including the buffet.
- Bare feet are not permitted in any restaurant. You must wear footwear, such as flip-flops, sandals, or trainers.
Evening Dress Codes Explained
As the sun sets, the atmosphere aboard a Costa cruise becomes a little more elegant. The evening dress code applies to the Main Dining Room and speciality restaurants from 6:00 PM onwards. Most nights are informal, with one or two special evenings dedicated to more glamorous attire.
Informal Evenings
On most nights of your cruise, the dress code is informal or "resort casual." This means you should dress as you would for a nice restaurant at home.
- For Women: Sundresses, skirts or smart trousers with a stylish top, or a casual dress.
- For Men: Long trousers or smart jeans with a collared shirt (polo shirts are acceptable). A sports jacket or blazer is optional but not required.
What Not to Wear
In the Main Dining Room and speciality restaurants in the evenings, the following items are not permitted:
- Shorts
- Bare feet or flip-flops
- Swimwear
- Baseball caps
- Tank tops for men
Gala Night / Gala Evening
The highlight of the Costa cruise experience is the Gala Night. This is the perfect opportunity to dress in your finest and enjoy a special celebratory dinner with the ship's officers. It's Costa's version of a formal night, but with a distinctly festive Italian flair.
- For Women: A cocktail dress, elegant pantsuit, or a long evening gown.
- For Men: A dark suit with a tie, or a dinner jacket/tuxedo.
The frequency of the Gala Night depends on the length of your cruise:
- 3-4 night cruises: Typically do not have a full Gala Night but will have one "elegant" evening.
- 5-7 night cruises: Expect 1 Gala Night.
- 8-14 night cruises: Expect 2 Gala Nights.
Please note, this schedule can vary by ship and itinerary, but it serves as a reliable guide.
Dress Codes by Venue (Evening)
- The Main Dining Room(s): Adheres to the evening dress code. Informal on most nights, elegant on Gala Night. Shorts are never permitted in the evening.
- Speciality Dining Restaurants: The dress code is the same as the Main Dining Room. It's a great opportunity to dress up, even on an informal night.
- The Buffet / Lido Marketplace: The buffet always maintains a casual dress code, even in the evening. If you prefer not to change from your daytime attire, the buffet is always an excellent dining option. Shorts are permitted here.
- The Main Theatre or Show Lounge: Most guests attend theatre shows dressed for dinner, but it is not strictly required. You can attend in more casual attire, but swimwear and bare feet are not appropriate.
- Bars and Lounges: The dress code generally reflects the overall "mood" of the evening. On Gala Night, you'll see more elegant attire, while on other nights, it's more relaxed.
Common Themed Nights & Special Events
Costa Cruises is renowned for its lively parties. While participation is always optional, joining in the fun is highly recommended! The two most famous themes are:
- Notte Bianca (White Night): An all-white party usually held on deck. Pack an all-white or mostly-white outfit to fully immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere. This is a staple on most Mediterranean and Caribbean sailings.
- Notte Italiana (Italian Night): A celebration of all things Italian! Guests are encouraged to wear outfits in the colours of the Italian flag: green, white, and red. This themed night is often accompanied by a special Italian menu in the dining rooms.
Other potential themes can include a 70s/80s night or a masquerade ball, but these vary significantly by ship and itinerary. Check your daily cruise planner once onboard for the definitive schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Costa Cruises Dress Code
Can I wear jeans on Costa Cruises?
Yes, jeans are perfectly acceptable for daytime wear around the ship and in the buffet for breakfast and lunch. For evening dinner in the Main Dining Room, smart, dark-wash jeans without rips or tears are often acceptable on informal nights. However, jeans are not considered appropriate for the elegant Gala Night.
Are shorts allowed in the Main Dining Room in the evening?
No, shorts (including dress shorts) are not permitted in the Main Dining Room for dinner on any evening. This rule applies to both men and women. Shorts are acceptable in the buffet restaurant in the evening.
How many formal nights will be on my cruise?
Costa Cruises has one main elegant evening, known as the Gala Night. The frequency is generally one Gala Night per 7-night cruise. On longer sailings (10 nights or more), you may experience two. Shorter cruises of 3-4 nights may not have a full Gala Night but will still have an elegant-themed dinner.
Do I really need a dinner jacket or a gown for a formal night?
While a tuxedo or full-length gown is welcome, it is not strictly required for the Gala Night. For men, a dark suit with a tie or a dinner jacket/blazer with smart trousers is perfectly acceptable. For women, a cocktail dress, elegant pantsuit, or a stylish skirt and blouse combination is appropriate. The goal is to look elegant and celebratory.
What is the dress code for children and teenagers?
The dress code for children and teens is more relaxed. During the day, standard casual wear is fine. For evenings in the Main Dining Room, they should be dressed smartly, similar to the adults—no swimwear or shorts. For Gala Night, encouraging them to dress up in a nice dress, shirt, and trousers helps them feel part of the special occasion.
Is the dress code strictly enforced?
Enforcement of the evening dress code, particularly in the Main Dining Room, is generally consistent. You will likely be politely turned away if you arrive in prohibited attire like shorts, swimwear, or flip-flops. While there's some flexibility on informal nights, it's always best to adhere to the guidelines to ensure you can dine in your chosen venue without issue. The buffet always remains a casual option.
Expert Packing Tips for Any Itinerary
A little planning goes a long way. Here are some final packing tips to ensure you're ready for your Costa adventure.
- For All Cruises: Don't forget your themed night outfits! Pack at least one all-white outfit for Notte Bianca and something green, white, or red for Notte Italiana.
- For the Mediterranean: Pack comfortable walking shoes for excursions and a light shawl or scarf for visiting religious sites. A reusable water bottle is also a great idea for staying hydrated ashore.
- For Northern Europe: Layering is crucial. Pack a waterproof jacket, a warm sweater, and comfortable, water-resistant shoes. Binoculars are fantastic for spotting wildlife and enjoying the fjord scenery.
- For the Caribbean: Pack extra swimwear so one can dry while you wear the other. Include sun protection essentials like a hat, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen. Water shoes are useful for rocky beaches.
Finally, remember that certain items are prohibited on board for safety reasons. These typically include clothing irons, travel steamers, and any extension leads with surge protection.
This information is believed to be correct at the time of publishing, however policies can change at short notice, and may vary in their implementation from ship to ship.
For the most current information, please visit the official Costa Cruises website:
