The Essential Cruise Shop's Guide to Marella Cruises Dress Code.

Packing for a cruise can be tricky, but understanding the Marella Cruises dress code is simple. Known for its relaxed and friendly atmosphere, Marella strikes a great balance between casual comfort and the chance to dress up. This guide covers everything you need to know to pack perfectly for your holiday, no matter where you're sailing.

Daytime Dress Code: What to Wear from Morning to Evening

From breakfast on the lido deck to exploring a sun-drenched port, daytime on a Marella cruise is all about casual comfort. Your itinerary will be the biggest factor in your packing choices.

• Caribbean, Canaries & Mediterranean: Pack light, breathable fabrics. Think shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, and linen shirts. A sun hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen are essential.
• Transatlantic Crossings: You'll experience a range of temperatures. Pack a mix of summer wear for the warmer days and layers for the cooler sea days.

General Public Areas (Lounges, Atrium, Cafés)

Inside the ship, the dress code is casual. You can comfortably wear shorts, t-shirts, and casual dresses in lounges and cafés like The Coffee Port. The air conditioning can be cool, so carrying a light cardigan or wrap is always a good idea.

Pool Decks and Outdoor Spaces

Around the pool, it's all about Beachwear. Swimsuits, bikinis, and trunks are the norm. Footwear like flip-flops or sandals is perfect for this area.

Daytime Dining (Main Dining Room & Buffet)

For breakfast or lunch in any dining venue, the dress code is casual. However, there are a few simple rules to follow:

• You must wear a top over your swimwear (a t-shirt, kaftan, or cover-up is fine) when entering any indoor dining venue, including the buffet.
• Footwear is required in all indoor areas. You cannot enter restaurants barefoot.

Evening Dress Codes Explained

In the evening, the dress code is determined by the specific night. The suggested code applies to the main dining rooms and speciality restaurants from 6 PM onwards. Your daily 'Cruise News' planner will state the dress code for each evening.

Casual Evenings

On some evenings, particularly the first night or on port-intensive itineraries, the dress code may be listed as Casual. This is the most relaxed evening code.

• For Men: Open-neck shirts, polo shirts, and casual trousers or smart jeans.
• For Women: Casual dresses, skirts, or trousers with a nice top.

Smart Casual / Evening Chic (Marella's 'Smart' Dress Code)

This is the most common evening dress code on a Marella cruise. The aim is to look put-together and stylish, like you're heading out for a nice dinner at home.

• For Men: Trousers, chinos, or smart dark jeans (no rips) with a collared shirt. A jacket is optional but not required.
• For Women: A stylish dress, a skirt or trousers with an elegant top, or a smart jumpsuit.

What Not to Wear

On Smart evenings, the following items are not permitted in the Main Dining Room or speciality restaurants:

• Shorts (for men or women)
• Swimwear
• Sportswear, including tracksuits and football shirts
• Flip-flops
• Casual t-shirts with large logos or slogans

Formal Night / Gala Evening (Marella's 'Dress to Impress' Night)

This is your chance to shine! The Dress to Impress night is Marella's version of a formal or gala evening. While it sounds grand, the atmosphere is celebratory rather than stuffy. It's an occasion to wear your best outfits.

• For Men: A suit and tie, a dinner jacket (tuxedo), or a smart jacket and trousers with a tie or bow tie.
• For Women: A cocktail dress, a floor-length gown, elegant separates (like a silk top and evening trousers), or a sophisticated jumpsuit.

Frequency of 'Dress to Impress' Nights:

• 3-6 night cruises: Typically 0-1 Dress to Impress night.
• 7-night cruises: Typically 1 Dress to Impress night.
• 8-13 night cruises: Typically 1-2 Dress to Impress nights.
• 14-night and longer cruises: Typically 2 Dress to Impress nights.

Please note this is a general guide and the exact number can vary by itinerary.

Dress Codes by Venue (Evening)

While the ship has an overall dress code each evening, here's what to expect in specific venues.

• The Main Dining Room(s): Strictly adheres to the evening's dress code, whether it's Smart or Dress to Impress. Shorts and beachwear are not permitted.
• Speciality Dining Restaurants: Venues like Kora La or Surf & Turf Steakhouse always require at least a Smart dress code, even on casual evenings. It's best to treat a meal here as a special occasion.
• The Buffet / Lido Marketplace: The buffet is always a casual option. Even on Dress to Impress night, you can dine here in shorts and a t-shirt if you prefer a more relaxed evening.
• The Main Theatre or Show Lounge: Most guests will be dressed according to the evening's code, but it's not strictly enforced here. You will see a mix of outfits.
• Bars and Lounges: The dress code is generally relaxed, but most passengers tend to follow the ship's overall evening code.

Common Themed Nights & Special Events

Marella Cruises often hosts fun themed nights, which are optional but great fun to participate in. Check your itinerary or cruise planner for details. Common themes include:

• White Night: A very popular event, often held on the pool deck (weather permitting). Pack an all-white outfit to join in the party.
• 80s Night / Back to the 80s: A chance to break out the neon, leg warmers, and big hair for a night of retro music.
• Tropical/Caribbean Night: Common on Caribbean sailings. Think bright colours, floral shirts, and sundresses.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Marella Cruises Dress Code

Can I wear jeans on Marella Cruises?

Yes, you can wear jeans. During the day, all types of jeans are acceptable. In the evenings, smart, dark-coloured jeans with no rips or tears are generally acceptable in most venues, including the Main Dining Room on Smart evenings. However, they are not typically recommended for the Dress to Impress night.

Are shorts allowed in the Main Dining Room in the evening?

No, shorts (including smart, tailored shorts) are not permitted for men or women in the Main Dining Room or speciality restaurants in the evening. They are perfectly acceptable in the buffet restaurant at all times.

How many formal nights will be on my cruise?

Marella Cruises calls its formal night Dress to Impress. The frequency is straightforward: 7-night cruises typically have one Dress to Impress night. 14-night cruises typically have two. Cruises shorter than 7 nights may not have one. This schedule can occasionally vary, so check your daily cruise planner once onboard.

Do I really need a dinner jacket or a gown for a formal night?

While encouraged, a dinner jacket (tuxedo) or a full-length gown is not strictly mandatory for Marella's Dress to Impress night. For men, a suit or a smart jacket with a tie is perfectly acceptable. For women, a cocktail dress or elegant separates are very common. The goal is to look smart and celebratory, but you don't need to purchase a brand-new outfit.

What is the dress code for children and teenagers?

The dress code for children and teenagers is more relaxed than for adults. During the evening, they are encouraged to dress smartly, but smart shorts are often acceptable for boys in the Main Dining Room. Trainers, however, are generally discouraged in the main dining venues in the evenings.

Is the dress code strictly enforced?

Marella's dress code is enforced, but in a friendly and relaxed manner. You will likely be politely turned away from the Main Dining Room in the evening if you are wearing swimwear, shorts, or flip-flops. However, the enforcement on Dress to Impress night is more about looking smart than adhering to a rigid set of rules.

Expert Packing Tips for Any Itinerary

A little planning goes a long way. Here are our final, itinerary-specific tips for packing perfectly.

• For your Mediterranean cruise: Pack comfortable walking shoes for exploring ancient ruins and cobbled streets. A light scarf or shawl is useful for covering shoulders when visiting religious sites.
• For your Caribbean cruise: Don't forget high-factor reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent for shore excursions, and a waterproof bag for your phone and valuables on beach days.
• For any cruise: Pack a multi-socket extension lead (non-surge protected, as surge protectors are often confiscated), a reusable water bottle, and any necessary medications in your hand luggage.

Remember that certain items are prohibited onboard. These almost always include clothing irons, travel steamers, and surge-protected extension leads, which are considered a fire hazard.

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 up-to-date information, please visit the official Marella Cruises website: What To Pack For A Cruise.