The Essential Cruise Shop's Guide to Regent Seven Seas Dress Code.

Packing for an all-inclusive, ultra-luxury cruise with Regent Seven Seas Cruises should be an exciting part of the journey. Understanding the ship's dress code ensures you'll feel comfortable and perfectly attired for every occasion, from relaxing sea days to exquisite evening dinners. This guide covers everything you need to know for any itinerary.

Daytime Dress Code: What to Wear from Morning to Evening

During the day, both on the ship and ashore, the dress code is resort-style casual. Comfort is key, but the specific items you pack will vary greatly depending on your destination.

• Caribbean, Mexican Riviera & Panama Canal: Pack lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, and silk. Sundresses, quality shorts, polo shirts, and blouses are ideal. Don't forget swimwear, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a high-SPF sunscreen.
• Alaska: Layering is essential. Bring long-sleeved shirts, sweaters or fleece jackets, and a fully waterproof and windproof outer layer. Comfortable waterproof walking shoes or boots are a must for excursions. Remember to pack a hat, gloves, and a scarf, as temperatures can change rapidly.
• Mediterranean & Greek Isles: Pack for warm to hot weather, but include stylish options for exploring cities. Comfortable walking shoes are non-negotiable for cobblestone streets. For visits to religious sites like cathedrals and mosques, men and women should have clothing that covers their shoulders and knees, such as a light scarf, shawl, or trousers.
• Northern Europe, Fjords & British Isles: Similar to Alaska, layering is key. A mix of sweaters, long trousers, and a reliable waterproof jacket will serve you well. Weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for both sunshine and cooler, damp days.

General Public Areas (Lounges, Atrium, Cafés)

Throughout the day, casual wear is perfectly fine in all indoor public spaces. You can comfortably relax in the Atrium, enjoy a coffee, or read a book in a lounge wearing shorts, jeans, or casual trousers.

Pool Decks and Outdoor Spaces

Swimwear is appropriate for the pool deck, but not in any indoor areas. Always have a cover-up, t-shirt, or sundress handy to slip on when you leave the immediate pool area to go indoors or to the outdoor Pool Grill.

Daytime Dining (Main Dining Room & Buffet)

Casual attire is welcome for breakfast and lunch in all dining venues, including the Main Dining Room (Compass Rose) and the buffet (La Veranda). However, some basic rules apply.

• Swimwear is not permitted in any indoor restaurant, even if you are wearing a cover-up. You must be fully dressed.
• Footwear is required in all indoor dining venues at all times.
• Bare feet and tank tops are generally not considered appropriate for indoor dining, even at lunchtime.

Evening Dress Codes Explained

After 6:00 PM, the dress code elevates across the ship. Regent's evening attire strikes a balance between sophisticated and comfortable, ensuring a luxurious ambiance in its restaurants and lounges.

Elegant Casual Evenings

This is the standard evening dress code on almost every night of your cruise. It's chic, relaxed, and refined.

• For Women: Skirt or slacks with a blouse or sweater, a pantsuit, or a dress.
• For Men: Slacks or trousers and a collared shirt. A jacket is optional but not required.

What Not to Wear

In the evenings (after 6:00 PM), the following items are not considered appropriate for any indoor public venue:

• Shorts
• T-shirts
• Flip-flops
• Baseball caps
• Jeans (except for designer jeans, which may be worn with an elegant top or jacket)
• Swimwear or gym wear

Formal Night / Gala Evening

Regent features Optional Formal nights, giving you the choice to dress up for a special evening without the pressure of a strict mandate. These evenings are perfect for celebrating a special occasion.

• For Women: An evening gown, cocktail dress, or an elegant pantsuit.
• For Men: A tuxedo, dinner jacket, or a dark suit with a tie.

The frequency of Optional Formal nights depends on the length of your voyage:

• Cruises of 9 nights or less: No formal nights are scheduled; the dress code is Elegant Casual every evening.
• Cruises of 10 to 13 nights: There is generally one Optional Formal night.
• Cruises of 14 nights or longer: There are typically two or more Optional Formal nights.

Please note, this is a general guide, and the exact number of formal nights can vary. If you prefer not to participate, the Elegant Casual dress code is always welcome in the buffet restaurant, La Veranda.

Dress Codes by Venue (Evening)

After 6:00 PM, specific venues adhere to the ship's evening dress code.

• The Main Dining Room (Compass Rose): Follows the evening's designated dress code of either Elegant Casual or Optional Formal.
• Speciality Dining Restaurants: Venues like Prime 7 (Steakhouse), Chartreuse (French), and Pacific Rim (Pan-Asian) always require at least Elegant Casual attire. Jeans of any kind are not permitted in these premier venues.
• The Buffet / Lido Marketplace (La Veranda / Sette Mari): This venue maintains an Elegant Casual dress code every evening, even on Optional Formal nights, providing a more relaxed alternative.
• The Main Theatre (Constellation Theater): Guests typically dress in the evening's code, whether Elegant Casual or Optional Formal, to attend shows.
• Bars and Lounges: All lounges adhere to the Elegant Casual dress code after 6:00 PM. Shorts and t-shirts are not permitted.

Common Themed Nights & Special Events

While Regent Seven Seas Cruises focuses more on gourmet dining and destination immersion than on extensive themed parties, some special events do occur. These are usually more relaxed and often take place outdoors.

• Poolside Deck Party / BBQ: Often held once per cruise (weather permitting), this is a casual evening event where resort wear is perfectly acceptable.
• Block Party: A casual get-together held in the ship's corridors for guests to meet their neighbours. No special attire is required.

Unlike some cruise lines, you generally won't find specific themes like "White Night" or "70s Disco" that require special packing. Keep an eye on your daily onboard newsletter for any special events.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Regent Seven Seas Cruises Dress Code

Can I wear jeans on Regent Seven Seas Cruises?

Yes, but with restrictions. During the day, all types of jeans are acceptable. In the evening, for the Elegant Casual dress code, you may wear designer jeans or trousers. However, jeans (of any kind) are not permitted in the speciality restaurants like Prime 7 or Chartreuse in the evening.

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

No. After 6:00 PM, shorts are not permitted in any of the indoor public venues on board, including the Main Dining Room (Compass Rose), speciality restaurants, lounges, and the theatre.

How many formal nights will be on my cruise?

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has 'Optional Formal' nights. On cruises of 9 nights or less, the dress code is always Elegant Casual. On sailings of 10 nights or longer, there are typically two Optional Formal nights. On World Cruises and Grand Voyages, there may be more. As noted in our detailed guide, participation is entirely at your discretion.

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

No. Regent's formal nights are designated as 'Optional Formal'. While many guests enjoy dressing up in tuxedos, dinner jackets, or evening gowns, it is not a requirement. A dark suit and tie for men or an elegant dress or pantsuit for women is perfectly acceptable. If you prefer, you can also dine in La Veranda, which remains Elegant Casual on these evenings.

What is the dress code for children and teenagers?

Children and teenagers are expected to follow the same dress code as adults. For evening dining, this means adhering to the Elegant Casual standard and not wearing shorts, t-shirts, or casual sportswear in the main dining venues after 6:00 PM.

Is the dress code strictly enforced?

Yes, the evening dress code is generally well-observed and enforced, particularly in the main dining room, Compass Rose, and the speciality restaurants. Staff may politely ask guests who are not dressed appropriately to change or dine at the more casual Pool Grill. Adherence ensures a sophisticated and enjoyable atmosphere for all guests.

Expert Packing Tips for Any Itinerary

A smart packing strategy will ensure you are prepared for everything your luxury cruise has to offer.

• For your Alaskan cruise: Don't forget binoculars for wildlife spotting from your balcony, insect repellent for shore excursions, and multiple layers you can add or remove as the day progresses.
• For the Mediterranean: Pack a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during long days of sightseeing and very comfortable walking shoes. A stylish shawl or pashmina is invaluable for both sun protection and for covering shoulders when visiting religious sites.
• For the Caribbean: High-factor, reef-safe sunscreen is a must, along with an after-sun lotion. Consider packing water shoes for rocky beaches or water-based excursions.
• For any itinerary: Pack a small medical kit with basics like pain relievers, plasters, and seasickness medication. Remember an adapter for your electronics if you plan to use them in your hotel pre- or post-cruise.

Remember that certain items are prohibited on board for safety reasons. These include clothing irons, travel steamers, heating pads, and any surge-protected extension leads or power strips.

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 Regent Seven Seas Cruises website: Regent Seven Seas Cruises FAQs.