Royal Caribbean - A Guide to the Dress Code

A. Daytime Attire (Approx. 7 am - 6 pm)

During the day, the atmosphere on a Royal Caribbean cruise is relaxed and casual. Comfort is key, whether you're exploring the ship or relaxing by the pool.

General Public Areas

In interior spaces like the Royal Promenade, lounges, and cafes, casual wear is the standard. Think shorts, t-shirts, casual tops, sundresses, and comfortable footwear like sandals or sneakers.

Pool Decks & Outdoor Areas

Swimwear is welcome on the pool decks, at the Solarium, and in other designated outdoor swimming areas. It is recommended to bring a cover-up for when you are not in the pool, as swimwear is not permitted in indoor venues.

Dining Venues (Daytime)

For breakfast and lunch, the dress code is casual in all dining venues, including the Main Dining Room and the Windjammer Marketplace (buffet).

• To enter any indoor dining venue, you must wear a shirt or a swimwear cover-up.
• Footwear is required at all times.
• Bare feet and wet swimwear are not permitted inside.

B. Evening Attire (Approx. 6 pm onwards)

After 6 pm, the dress code becomes more defined, falling into three main categories. The specific dress code for each evening will be listed in your daily Cruise Compass.

Category 1: Casual Evenings

• Definition: This is the most relaxed evening dress code. Think of it as what you might wear to a nice, casual dinner at home.
• Acceptable for Men & Women: Jeans, polos, casual blouses, and sundresses are all appropriate. Nice shorts are acceptable in most venues on casual nights.
• Venues: This code generally applies to the Buffet, casual eateries, and most bars and lounges every evening.

Category 2: Smart Casual

• Definition: A step up from casual. The goal is to look polished and put-together without being formal.
• Acceptable for Men & Women: Collared shirts, blazers, or sport coats for men; dresses, skirts, or smart trousers with a nice top for women.
• Unacceptable Items: In venues requiring Smart Casual (like the Main Dining Room), items such as shorts, hats, and t-shirts are not permitted for dinner.

Category 3: Formal / "Dress Your Best" Nights

• Frequency: On a typical 7-night cruise, you can expect one or two Formal Nights. Royal Caribbean often brands these as "Dress Your Best" evenings.
• Definition: This is your opportunity to shine! It's the most elegant evening onboard.
• Acceptable for Men & Women: Suits and ties, tuxedos, cocktail dresses, and evening gowns are the standard.

C. Venue-Specific Dress Codes (Evening)

Main Dining Room

The dress code for the Main Dining Room will be either Smart Casual or Formal ("Dress Your Best"), as specified in the daily Cruise Compass. Casual wear like shorts and t-shirts is not appropriate for dinner here.

Specialty Restaurants

Most specialty dining venues (e.g., Chops Grille, Izumi, Jamie's Italian) require a Smart Casual dress code every evening, even on designated casual nights. It is best to avoid shorts and casual t-shirts when dining in these restaurants.

Buffet (Windjammer Marketplace)

The dress code at the Windjammer remains Casual every night. It's the perfect option if you prefer not to change into more formal attire for dinner.

Theatre & Lounges

While many guests choose to stay in their evening wear, the dress code in the theatre and lounges is generally more relaxed than in the main dining rooms. You will see a mix of all evening attire categories.

D. Themed Nights & Special Events

Royal Caribbean often features themed parties and events. Participation is optional, but it's always fun to join in. Common themes include:

• Caribbean Night: Pack a tropical or floral shirt, a sundress, or bright colours.
• White Party: A simple all-white outfit is all you need for this ship-wide event.
• 70s or 80s Night: A great time to wear something retro for the disco-themed parties on the Royal Promenade.

Pro-Tips for Packing

• Check Your Itinerary: The number of "Dress Your Best" nights can vary by cruise length and itinerary. Shorter 3-4 night cruises often have one, while longer voyages may have two or three.
• Pack Layers: A light jacket, pashmina, or cardigan is perfect for air-conditioned indoor spaces or cooler evenings on deck.
• Versatility is Key: Pack items that can be dressed up or down. A smart pair of dark jeans or trousers can work for both Casual and Smart Casual nights.
• Prohibited Items: For safety reasons, personal clothing irons and steamers are not allowed onboard. Irons and laundry services are available for a fee.