The Essential Cruise Shop's Guide to P&O Cruises Dress Code.

Packing for a cruise can be tricky, but understanding the P&O Cruises dress code will ensure you're perfectly prepared for every occasion onboard. This guide breaks down what to wear from sunny sea days to glamorous evenings, helping you pack smart and cruise in style.

Daytime Dress Code: What to Wear from Morning to Evening

During the day, the atmosphere on a P&O cruise is relaxed and casual. Your wardrobe should be comfortable and practical, tailored to your destination's climate.

• Caribbean & Canary Islands: Pack light, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, and jersey. Shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, and swimwear are essential. Don't forget a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen.
• Mediterranean: Layers are key. While days can be warm, evenings can cool down. Pack light trousers, shorts, tops, and a few light cardigans or a pashmina. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring historic ports with cobbled streets. A light scarf is useful for visiting religious sites.
• Northern Europe & Norwegian Fjords: Prepare for variable weather. Essential items include waterproof jackets, warm fleeces, sweaters, comfortable trousers or jeans, and sturdy, waterproof walking shoes. Packing in layers is the best strategy to adapt to changing temperatures.

General Public Areas (Lounges, Atrium, Cafés)

Throughout the day, casual wear such as shorts, trousers, jeans, and casual tops is appropriate in all indoor public areas.

Pool Decks and Outdoor Spaces

Swimwear is perfect for the pool areas, but a cover-up is needed when moving away from the immediate poolside. A kaftan, sarong, t-shirt, and shorts are ideal for grabbing a drink from the bar or walking across the deck.

Daytime Dining (Main Dining Room & Buffet)

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

• Swimwear must be covered. Please wear a t-shirt or another form of cover-up over your swimwear when entering any indoor dining venue, including the buffet.
• Footwear is required at all times inside the ship.
• Bare chests are not permitted in indoor venues.

Evening Dress Codes Explained

P&O Cruises simplifies its evening attire into two main categories, which apply from 6 PM onwards in designated venues. The specific dress code for each evening will be detailed in your ship's daily newspaper, "Horizon".

Evening Casual

This is the dress code for the majority of nights on board. It’s relaxed yet stylish, calling for attire you might wear to a nice restaurant at home.

• For Women: Stylish dresses, smart trousers or skirts with fashionable tops.
• For Men: Chinos, smart dark jeans, or trousers with a collared shirt (short or long-sleeved). A jacket is optional.

What Not to Wear

On Evening Casual nights, the following items are not permitted in the Main Dining Room or speciality restaurants:

• Football shirts or tracksuits
• Light-wash or ripped/torn jeans
• Shorts
• Clothing with offensive slogans or images
• Swimwear

Black Tie

These are the gala evenings and formal nights, providing an opportunity to dress in your finest outfits. These nights are a celebrated part of the P&O Cruises experience.

• For Women: Cocktail dresses, ball gowns, elegant trouser suits, or chic separates.
• For Men: Dinner jackets or tuxedos are the classic choice, but a dark business or lounge suit with a tie is also perfectly acceptable.

The frequency of Black Tie nights depends on the length of your cruise:

• 3-5 nights: 1 Black Tie night
• 6-9 nights: 2 Black Tie nights
• 10-13 nights: 3 Black Tie nights
• 14+ nights: 4 or more Black Tie nights

Please note, this is a general guide and the final schedule may vary. Always check the daily program once on board.

Dress Codes by Venue (Evening)

• The Main Dining Room(s): Strictly adheres to the ship's designated evening dress code, either Evening Casual or Black Tie.
• Speciality Dining Restaurants: Venues such as The Epicurean, Sindhu, and The Glass House follow the ship's main dress code for the evening. Dining in these venues often feels like a special occasion, so most guests embrace the specified attire.
• The Buffet / Lido Marketplace: This venue remains casual every evening. If you prefer not to change into Evening Casual or Black Tie attire, the buffet is the perfect place for a relaxed dinner.
• The Main Theatre or Show Lounge: Guests typically wear the dress code of the evening when attending a show.
• Bars and Lounges: The dress code of the evening applies to most bars and lounges, such as the Crow's Nest and Anderson's.

Common Themed Nights & Special Events

P&O Cruises often hosts themed nights, which are great fun to participate in. While dressing up is always optional, it adds to the festive atmosphere. The themes can vary by ship and itinerary, but common ones include:

• Tropical Night: Often featured on Caribbean or warm-weather itineraries. Think floral shirts, sundresses, and bright colours.
• 70s or 80s Night: A chance to break out the flares, disco gear, or neon colours for a party on deck or in one of the lounges.
• Union Jack / Great British Sailaway: A patriotic deck party celebrating the cruise line's heritage, especially on sailings from Southampton. Red, white, and blue attire is encouraged.

Details of any themed nights will be provided in the daily "Horizon" newspaper.

Frequently Asked Questions About the P&O Cruises Dress Code

Can I wear jeans on P&O Cruises?

Yes, smart, dark-wash jeans with no rips or tears are acceptable in most venues, including the Main Dining Room, on Evening Casual nights. They are not considered appropriate for Black Tie nights.

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

No, shorts (including smart, tailored styles) are not permitted in the Main Dining Room or speciality restaurants for any guest during the evening. They are perfectly acceptable in the buffet and on deck.

How many formal nights will be on my cruise?

The number of Black Tie (formal) nights depends on your cruise duration. Typically: 3-5 nights have 1 Black Tie night; 6-9 nights have 2 Black Tie nights; 10-13 nights have 3 Black Tie nights; and cruises of 14 nights or more will have 4 or more. This can vary, so always check your specific itinerary.

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

While many guests enjoy dressing up in tuxedos and ball gowns for Black Tie nights, it is not mandatory. A dark business suit with a tie for men, or an elegant cocktail dress or smart trouser suit for women, is perfectly acceptable. If you prefer not to participate, casual dining is always available in the buffet.

What is the dress code for children and teenagers?

The dress code also applies to children and teenagers. On all evening occasions, they should not wear shorts in the Main Dining Room or speciality restaurants. On Black Tie nights, they are encouraged to dress smartly, similar to the adults.

Is the dress code strictly enforced?

Yes, in the venues where it applies. P&O Cruises does enforce the evening dress code, particularly in the Main Dining Room and speciality dining venues. Staff may politely refuse entry to guests whose attire does not meet the requirements for that evening.

Expert Packing Tips for Any Itinerary

A little planning goes a long way. Here are some final tips to make packing a breeze:

• For your Caribbean cruise: Pack extra swimwear so you always have a dry one ready. A reusable water bottle is great for staying hydrated on shore excursions.
• For the Mediterranean: A lightweight, packable day bag is essential for carrying water, sunscreen, and souvenirs when exploring ports. Remember a scarf or shawl for entry into churches and cathedrals.
• For the Norwegian Fjords: Don't forget binoculars for spotting wildlife and viewing the stunning landscapes from your balcony or the ship's deck. A warm hat and gloves are also highly recommended, even in summer.
• General Tip: Pack a multi-socket power adapter (non-surge protected) to charge all your devices, as cabin sockets can be limited.

Finally, remember 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 P&O Cruises website: P&O Cruises - What to Wear.