The Essential Cruise Shop's Guide to Four Seasons Yachts Dress Code.
Embarking on a voyage with Four Seasons Yachts promises an experience of unparalleled luxury and style. The dress code reflects this ethos, balancing effortless seaside relaxation with sophisticated elegance. This guide will help you curate the perfect wardrobe for your journey, ensuring you feel perfectly at home amidst the glamour of the yacht life.
Daytime Dress Code: What to Wear from Morning to Evening
The daytime ambiance aboard a Four Seasons Yacht is one of Resort Casual elegance. The focus is on high-quality, comfortable, and stylish attire suitable for a five-star resort. Your wardrobe will be guided by the sun-kissed destinations the yacht frequents.
- Caribbean & Mediterranean Itineraries: Your packing list should feature lightweight and breathable fabrics. Think designer swimwear, linen trousers and shirts, chic kaftans and cover-ups, tailored shorts, stylish sundresses, and polo shirts. The key is to look put-together yet relaxed.
General Public Areas (Lounges, Atrium, Cafés)
In the yacht's beautiful indoor spaces, casual resort wear is the standard. A stylish top paired with tailored shorts, a skirt, or light trousers is perfect for enjoying a coffee, browsing the boutiques, or relaxing in a lounge.
Pool Decks and Outdoor Spaces
The pool deck is the heart of daytime relaxation. Elegant swimwear is encouraged. However, when moving away from the immediate pool and sunbathing areas, a cover-up is essential.
- A chic kaftan, sarong, or a simple shirt and shorts must be worn over swimwear when entering any indoor venue.
- Footwear, such as stylish sandals or espadrilles, is required indoors.
Daytime Dining (Main Dining Room & Buffet)
For breakfast and lunch, the dress code remains relaxed. You can dine in your resort casual wear. Cover-ups and footwear are always required over swimwear in all dining areas, including outdoor terrace restaurants.
Evening Dress Codes Explained
As the sun sets, the glamour aboard the yacht gently rises. The evening dress code transitions to what can be described as Evening Chic or Elegant Resort. This isn't about rigid formality but about embracing a sophisticated and stylish flair for dinner and evening entertainment.
Evening Chic
This is the standard for every evening on board. It’s about dressing elegantly to match the yacht's exquisite surroundings and world-class dining experiences.
- For Women: An elegant dress (cocktail, midi, or maxi), a chic jumpsuit, or sophisticated separates such as a silk blouse with tailored trousers or a stylish skirt. Accessorise with fine jewellery and elegant heels or dressy sandals.
- For Men: Lightweight trousers or smart chinos paired with a collared shirt (long or short-sleeved). A blazer or sports jacket is highly recommended to complete the look. Dress shoes or smart loafers are the appropriate footwear.
What Not to Wear
In the evenings, the following items are not considered appropriate for the restaurants and lounges:
- Shorts
- T-shirts and polo shirts
- Swimwear
- Flip-flops or athletic trainers
- Sportswear or athletic clothing
- Baseball caps
Formal Night / Gala Evening
Four Seasons Yachts moves away from the cruise industry's traditional concept of designated "formal nights." There is no requirement for tuxedos or ballgowns. Instead, every evening is an occasion to dress elegantly. While you are welcome to wear a tuxedo or gown if you wish to celebrate a special moment, the standard expectation is consistently Evening Chic.
Dress Codes by Venue (Evening)
The Evening Chic dress code is expected throughout the yacht's public areas after dusk.
- The Main Dining Room(s): Adheres strictly to the Evening Chic code. This is a fine dining experience where elegant attire is part of the ambiance.
- Speciality Dining Restaurants: All alternative and speciality dining venues will require Evening Chic attire. The intimate and curated nature of these spaces calls for a sophisticated wardrobe.
- The Buffet / Lido Marketplace: Should a more casual evening dining option be available, it will still maintain a standard of smart resort wear, eschewing the beachwear of the daytime.
- The Main Theatre or Show Lounge: Attire should match the Evening Chic code of the yacht.
- Bars and Lounges: All indoor bars and lounges will observe the Evening Chic dress code in the evening. The Poolside Bar may retain a more relaxed feel, but cover-ups and footwear are still required.
Common Themed Nights & Special Events
While you are unlikely to find traditional cruise ship theme nights, Four Seasons Yachts may host sophisticated events. These will be communicated on board and could include:
- A White Party: An elegant evening event on the deck where guests are invited to dress in all-white attire.
- Captain's Welcome Reception: An opportunity to meet the yacht's senior officers. Guests typically dress in their finest Evening Chic attire for this event.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Four Seasons Yachts Dress Code
Can I wear jeans on Four Seasons Yachts?
During the day, high-quality, stylish jeans are acceptable. For evenings, while not explicitly forbidden, the dress code leans towards more elegant attire. If you do wear jeans, they should be dark-wash, designer-quality, and paired with a smart jacket or blazer for men, or a chic blouse for women. They would not be appropriate in the main dining venues for dinner.
Are shorts allowed in the Main Dining Room in the evening?
No, shorts are not considered appropriate for any of the indoor restaurants or lounges in the evening. Tailored shorts are perfectly acceptable for daytime and casual lunches by the pool, but the evening ambiance calls for more sophisticated attire.
How many formal nights will be on my cruise?
Four Seasons Yachts does not have traditional 'formal nights' that require tuxedos or ballgowns. Instead, the ethos is one of consistent 'relaxed elegance' every evening. The expectation is to dress smartly and stylishly for dinner each night, maintaining the yacht's sophisticated atmosphere without the rigidity of a designated formal dress code.
Do I really need a dinner jacket or a gown for an evening?
A dinner jacket or blazer for men is highly recommended for evenings and will ensure you feel comfortable in the sophisticated dining venues. A tuxedo, however, is not necessary. For women, while a full-length gown is a wonderful option, it is not required. An elegant cocktail dress, a stylish jumpsuit, or a sophisticated separates ensemble are all perfectly in line with the Evening Chic dress code.
What is the dress code for children and teenagers?
The dress code for children and teenagers mirrors the relaxed elegance of the adults. During the day, casual resort wear is fine. In the evenings, they are expected to dress smartly for dinner, avoiding sportswear, shorts, and t-shirts in the main restaurants. Smart trousers or chinos with a collared shirt for boys and a nice dress or stylish separates for girls would be appropriate.
Is the dress code strictly enforced?
On an ultra-luxury yacht experience like Four Seasons, the dress code is typically self-regulated and adhered to by guests who appreciate the sophisticated ambiance. While enforcement is discreet, the staff will uphold the standards of the yacht, and guests who are inappropriately dressed for an evening venue may be politely guided to a more casual setting or asked to change.
Expert Packing Tips for Any Itinerary
Packing for a luxury yacht is about selecting versatile, high-quality pieces.
- For the Mediterranean: Pack a light scarf or pashmina; it's perfect for breezy evenings on deck and essential for respectfully visiting religious sites ashore. Include comfortable yet stylish walking shoes or espadrilles for exploring charming coastal towns.
- For the Caribbean: Prioritise breathable fabrics like linen, silk, and high-quality cotton. Include several swimwear options, elegant cover-ups, a wide-brimmed sun hat, and high-SPF sunscreen.
- For All Voyages: Consider versatile accessories that can elevate an outfit. Pack a smart clutch for evenings and a stylish tote for daytime explorations. Remember to bring any personal medications in your carry-on luggage.
Please be aware that certain items are not permitted on board for safety reasons. These typically include personal clothing irons, travel steamers, and surge-protected power strips. A comprehensive pressing and laundry service will be available to all guests.
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.
