The Essential Cruise Shop's Guide to Cunard Line's Dress Code.
Sailing with Cunard is a step into a world of timeless elegance and classic ocean travel. A key part of this unique experience is the dress code, which upholds the ship's sophisticated atmosphere. Understanding what to pack ensures you feel comfortable and confident, from sunny days on deck to glamorous evenings at dinner. This guide covers everything you need to know.
Daytime Dress Code: What to Wear from Morning to Evening
During the day, the dress code on board is relaxed and casual, allowing you to dress comfortably for the climate and your planned activities. Your itinerary will be your best guide.
- Caribbean & Mexican Riviera: Pack light, breathable fabrics. Sundresses, shorts, polo shirts, and swimwear are ideal. Don't forget a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen.
- Alaska, Northern Europe & Fjords: Layering is essential. Bring fleeces, warm sweaters, a waterproof and windproof jacket, and comfortable walking shoes or boots for excursions. A hat, gloves, and a scarf are also recommended, even in summer.
- Mediterranean: Think resort casual. Smart shorts, chinos, linen shirts, and summer dresses are perfect. Pack comfortable walking shoes for exploring historic ports and a light scarf or shawl for visiting religious sites.
- Transatlantic Crossings: These voyages can experience a mix of weather. Pack a variety of clothing, including layers like sweaters and a jacket for cooler sea days, alongside more casual wear for warmer days.
General Public Areas (Lounges, Atrium, Cafés)
Casual, comfortable clothing is perfectly acceptable throughout the day in most indoor public areas. Think trousers, shorts, skirts, and casual tops.
Pool Decks and Outdoor Spaces
Swimwear is appropriate for the pool areas, but not for the ship's indoor venues. Always have a cover-up, t-shirt, or shorts to hand for when you leave the pool deck.
Daytime Dining (Main Dining Room & Buffet)
For breakfast and lunch in any of the dining venues, including the Main Dining Room and the Lido or Kings Court buffet, the dress code is casual. However, there are a few simple rules:
- Swimwear must be covered. A kaftan, t-shirt, or sundress is required over your swimsuit when entering any indoor dining venue.
- Footwear is required at all times inside the ship.
- Bare chests are not permitted in any indoor venues.
Evening Dress Codes Explained
From 6 pm onwards, the ship transforms, and a more sophisticated dress code comes into effect in most public areas. Cunard has two main evening dress codes, which will be specified in your daily programme.
Smart Attire
This is Cunard's equivalent of an elegant "smart casual" code and is the most frequent evening dress code. It strikes a balance between formal and relaxed.
- For Gentlemen: A jacket is required; a tie is optional. Chinos or smart trousers with a collared shirt are standard.
- For Ladies: A stylish dress, skirt and blouse, or smart trousers and a top.
What Not to Wear
- Shorts
- T-shirts with large logos
- Swimwear
- Ripped or non-smart jeans
- Athletic wear
Gala Evening
These are the spectacular formal nights Cunard is famous for. It's your opportunity to dress to the nines and embrace the glamour of ocean travel. Think of it as "Black Tie" optional, but most guests fully participate.
- For Gentlemen: A dinner jacket (tuxedo) is the classic choice. Alternatively, a dark business suit with a tie is also acceptable.
- For Ladies: An evening or cocktail dress, a glamorous gown, or an elegant trouser suit.
The number of Gala Evenings depends on the length of your cruise. While the exact schedule is confirmed on board, you can generally expect the following:
- 3-4 night voyages: 1 Gala Evening
- 5-7 night voyages: 2 Gala Evenings
- 8-13 night voyages: 3 Gala Evenings
- 14+ night voyages: 4 or more Gala Evenings (typically one per week)
Dress Codes by Venue (Evening)
The evening dress code applies from 6 pm in most of the ship's public venues.
- The Main Dining Room(s) (Britannia, Britannia Club, Princess Grill, Queens Grill): The evening's specified dress code (Smart Attire or Gala Evening) is strictly followed.
- Speciality Dining Restaurants: The evening's official dress code also applies in these exclusive venues.
- The Buffet / Lido Marketplace: This venue remains a casual option every evening. If you prefer not to dress for the main restaurants, you can always enjoy a relaxed dinner here.
- The Main Theatre or Show Lounge (Royal Court Theatre): Guests typically wear the dress code of the evening to attend performances.
- Bars and Lounges: The evening's dress code applies in most bars and lounges, such as the Commodore Club. Some venues, like the Golden Lion Pub, may have a slightly more relaxed interpretation of Smart Attire, but shorts and t-shirts are not appropriate.
Common Themed Nights & Special Events
Cunard is renowned for its themed balls and parties, which often take place on Gala Evenings. While dressing to the theme is optional, many guests enjoy participating. Common themes include:
- Black and White Ball
- Masquerade Ball
- Roaring Twenties or Jazz Age Party
- Red and Gold Ball
The specific themes for your voyage will be detailed in your cruise information and daily programme. No special costumes are required; you can simply accessorise your gala wear to match the theme.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cunard Line Dress Code
Can I wear jeans on Cunard Line?
During the day, jeans are perfectly acceptable in all areas of the ship. In the evening, on Smart Attire nights, smart dark jeans (with no rips or fading) are permitted in some venues like the pubs and lounges, but they are not permitted in the main dining rooms. Jeans of any kind are not permitted on Gala Evenings.
Are shorts allowed in the Main Dining Room in the evening?
No, shorts are not permitted in the Main Dining Room or any of the main public venues after 6 pm. They are considered daytime wear only.
How many formal nights will be on my cruise?
Cunard calls its formal nights Gala Evenings. The number varies by cruise length: 3-4 night voyages typically have one Gala Evening. 5-7 night voyages have two Gala Evenings. 8-13 night voyages usually have three Gala Evenings. On voyages of 14 nights or more, you can expect four or more Gala Evenings. The exact schedule is confirmed once you are on board.
Do I really need a dinner jacket or a gown for a formal night?
Yes. Cunard's Gala Evenings are a celebrated tradition and the dress code is strictly followed. For gentlemen, a tuxedo (dinner jacket), or a dark suit and tie, is required. For ladies, a cocktail dress, evening gown, or elegant trouser suit is expected. Embracing the dress code is a key part of the unique Cunard experience.
What is the dress code for children and teenagers?
Children and teenagers are encouraged to follow the evening's dress code. On Smart Attire nights, this means smart trousers and a collared shirt for boys and a dress or smart separates for girls. On Gala Evenings, boys should wear a suit or jacket and tie, and girls should wear a party dress.
Is the dress code strictly enforced?
Yes, Cunard is known for upholding its dress code, particularly after 6 pm. Guests not adhering to the evening's code may be politely refused entry to the main dining rooms and certain bars and lounges. For those who prefer a casual evening, the ship's buffet restaurant always maintains a relaxed dress code.
Expert Packing Tips for Any Itinerary
A little planning goes a long way. Here are some final tips to help you pack perfectly for your Cunard voyage.
- For your Alaskan cruise: Don't forget a waterproof jacket, binoculars for wildlife spotting, and comfortable, sturdy footwear for excursions on potentially uneven terrain.
- For the Mediterranean: Pack a light scarf or shawl for visits to religious sites and comfortable walking shoes for cobbled streets. A reusable water bottle is also a great idea for staying hydrated on shore.
- For the Caribbean: In addition to swimwear, pack water shoes for rocky beaches, insect repellent, and after-sun lotion.
- For any itinerary: Pack an adapter for your electronics (ships often have UK and/or US/EU sockets), a small medical kit, and any prescription medications. Remember to pack all medications in your carry-on luggage.
Finally, note that certain items are prohibited on board for safety reasons. These typically include clothing irons, travel steamers, and surge-protected extension leads.
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 Cunard website:
