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

Packing for a cruise can feel daunting, but understanding the Princess Cruises dress code is simpler than you might think. This guide breaks down what to wear from sunny sea days to elegant evenings, ensuring you're perfectly prepared for every occasion onboard.

Daytime Dress Code: What to Wear from Morning to Evening

During the day, comfort and practicality are key, with attire needs changing based on your destination.

• Caribbean, Mexican Riviera & Hawaii: Pack light and breathable fabrics. Think cotton t-shirts, shorts, sundresses, and multiple swimsuits. A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen are essential.
• Alaska: Layering is crucial. Pack waterproof jackets, warm fleeces, sweaters, long-sleeved shirts, and comfortable jeans or walking trousers. Don't forget a hat, gloves, and sturdy, water-resistant walking shoes for shore excursions.
• Mediterranean & Europe: Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring historic cities. Pack lightweight clothing like capris, skirts, and polo shirts. Include a light jacket or cardigan for cooler evenings and a modest scarf or shawl for visits to religious sites.
• Northern Europe & Fjords: Similar to Alaska, pack layers. Include sweaters, a medium-weight waterproof jacket, and comfortable trousers. Weather can be unpredictable, so being prepared for sun, wind, and rain is wise.

General Public Areas (Lounges, Atrium, Cafés)

Casual is the rule. You are free to wear shorts, t-shirts, jeans, and casual dresses in all indoor public areas during the day. Footwear is required.

Pool Decks and Outdoor Spaces

Swimsuits are perfect for the pool deck, but it's polite to use a cover-up when walking through indoor areas or grabbing a bite at a poolside grill.

Daytime Dining (Main Dining Room & Buffet)

The dress code for daytime dining, including lunch in the Main Dining Room, is very relaxed. However, there are a few simple rules to follow:

• Swimwear is not permitted in the Main Dining Room or the World Fresh Marketplace (buffet). You must wear a cover-up or shirt over your swimsuit.
• Shoes or sandals are required in all indoor dining venues.
• Bare feet are not permitted in any restaurant at any time.

Evening Dress Codes Explained

After 6:00 PM, the ship transitions to an evening dress code. Princess Cruises primarily uses two categories: Smart Casual and Formal.

Smart Casual Evenings

This is the dress code for most evenings of your cruise. It's best described as polished and relaxed, like what you might wear to a nice restaurant at home.

• For Women: Skirts or dresses, smart trousers or capris, and stylish tops or sweaters.
• For Men: Long trousers or smart jeans, and collared shirts such as a polo shirt or button-down. Sport coats are optional.

What Not to Wear

The following items are not permitted in the Main Dining Room or speciality restaurants on Smart Casual or Formal nights:

• Shorts
• T-shirts with logos or offensive prints
• Swimwear
• Tank tops for men
• Baseball caps
• Torn or ragged clothing

Formal Night

These evenings are your opportunity to dress to the nines and enjoy a touch of classic cruise elegance. Think weddings, galas, or a special celebration.

• For Women: Evening gowns, cocktail dresses, or elegant pantsuits.
• For Men: A tuxedo, dinner jacket, or a dark suit with a tie.

The number of Formal Nights depends on the length of your voyage. While this can sometimes vary, the general rule is:

• 3-6 night cruises: 1 Formal Night
• 7-13 night cruises: 2 Formal Nights
• 14-20 night cruises: 3 Formal Nights
• 21-28 night cruises: 4 Formal Nights
• 29+ night cruises: A minimum of 5 Formal Nights

Dress Codes by Venue (Evening)

The evening's dress code applies throughout the ship, but here is a quick breakdown for key venues:

• The Main Dining Room(s): Strictly adheres to the designated Smart Casual or Formal dress code for the evening.
• Speciality Dining Restaurants: Always observe the evening's dress code. It is recommended to dress Smart Casual at a minimum, even if the ship's code is more relaxed (which is rare). Formal attire is always welcome here.
• The Buffet / World Fresh Marketplace: This venue remains casual every evening. It's the perfect option if you prefer not to change out of your daytime wear. Shoes and a shirt/cover-up are still required.
• The Princess Theater: Most guests will attend shows in their evening attire, whether Smart Casual or Formal.
• Bars and Lounges: Attire generally mirrors the rest of the ship. You'll see a mix of styles, but shorts and swimwear are discouraged in indoor bars in the evening.

Common Themed Nights & Special Events

Princess Cruises often features fun themed events. While dressing up is always optional, it can add to the experience. The availability of these nights varies by ship and itinerary, so check your daily "Princess Patter" schedule once onboard.

• The Love Boat Deck Party: A signature sailaway event celebrating the cruise line's heritage. Casual attire is fine.
• Caribbean/Tropical Night: Common on Caribbean sailings. Guests are encouraged to wear colourful floral shirts, sundresses, and other tropical-themed attire.
• White Night / Night of the Stars: A popular deck party where guests are encouraged to wear all-white outfits for a stunning visual effect.
• 80s Rock & Glow Deck Party: Break out the neon colours and retro gear for a night of dancing to classic 80s hits.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Princess Cruises Dress Code

Can I wear jeans on Princess Cruises?

Yes, jeans are acceptable. During the day, they can be worn anywhere. In the evenings, smart, dark-wash jeans with no rips or tears are permitted in the Main Dining Room and speciality restaurants on Smart Casual nights. However, jeans of any kind are not permitted in these venues on Formal nights.

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

No, shorts are not permitted in the Main Dining Room or speciality restaurants during the evening dinner service. While dress shorts may be acceptable in some casual bars, they are considered too casual for the main dining venues after 6 PM.

How many formal nights will be on my cruise?

The number of formal nights on a Princess cruise depends on the length of the sailing. As detailed earlier, the general schedule is: 3-6 night cruises have 1 formal night; 7-13 night cruises have 2 formal nights; 14-20 night cruises have 3 formal nights; and cruises 21 nights or longer will have 4 or more.

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

While a tuxedo or a full-length evening gown is a popular choice and certainly appropriate, they are not strictly mandatory. For men, a dark suit with a tie or a dinner jacket with smart trousers is perfectly acceptable. For women, an elegant cocktail dress, a dressy pantsuit, or a stylish skirt and blouse combination are also great options for a formal night.

What is the dress code for children and teenagers?

Children and teenagers are encouraged to follow the same dress code as adults, especially in the main dining venues during the evening. On Formal nights, this means they should also dress up in their best outfits, such as dresses, skirts, or smart trousers for girls, and trousers with a collared shirt for boys. A jacket and tie are encouraged but not always required for younger boys.

Is the dress code strictly enforced?

Enforcement can vary by ship and the staff on duty, but it is generally expected that guests will adhere to the published dress code, particularly in the Main Dining Room and speciality restaurants. Guests arriving in attire that does not meet the evening's code (like shorts or swimwear) may be politely asked to change before being seated. The buffet always remains a casual option for those who prefer not to dress up.

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 Alaskan cruise: Don't forget binoculars for wildlife spotting, insect repellent for specific ports, and a waterproof bag for electronics on excursions.
• For the Caribbean: Pack water shoes for rocky beaches, an insulated water bottle to stay hydrated, and some after-sun lotion just in case.
• For the Mediterranean: A portable power bank is a lifesaver for long days of sightseeing and taking photos. Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes are more important than brand-new ones.
• Universal Tip: Pack a multi-port USB charger to charge multiple devices from one outlet, as cabin space is limited.

Finally, remember that certain items are prohibited onboard all cruise ships for safety reasons. These include clothing irons, travel steamers, and any extension leads with surge protectors.

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.

Visit the official Princess Cruises "What to Pack" FAQ page for the latest updates.