Saga Cruises - A Guide to the Dress Code

Understanding the dress code for your Saga cruise ensures you can pack effectively and feel comfortable and appropriate for every occasion on board. Saga maintains a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere, with a straightforward dress code that transitions smoothly from day to night. This guide breaks down everything you need to know.

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

General Public Areas

During the day, the dress code is casual and comfortable. The goal is relaxation, whether you are reading in a lounge, enjoying a coffee, or attending a lecture.

• Lightweight clothing such as shorts, T-shirts, polo shirts, trousers, and sundresses are all perfectly acceptable.
• Comfortable footwear, like sandals, trainers, or deck shoes, is recommended for walking around the ship.

Pool Decks & Outdoor Areas

Swimwear is appropriate for the pool decks and sunbathing areas. However, when moving from the outdoor decks to any indoor area of the ship, a cover-up is required.

Dining Venues (Daytime)

For breakfast and lunch in both the Main Dining Room and the Buffet, the dress code is casual. While swimwear is not permitted inside, you can dine in your casual daytime wear.

• A T-shirt or cover-up is required over swimwear to enter any indoor dining venue.
• Footwear must be worn at all times in restaurants.

B. Evening Attire (Approx. 6 pm onwards)

After 6 pm, the ship adopts a smarter dress code. Saga typically features two main categories for evening wear, which applies to most restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues.

Category 1: Smart Casual Evenings

Definition: This is the dress code for most evenings on board. It is more elevated than daytime wear but not strictly formal. Think of what you might wear to a nice restaurant at home.

• Acceptable for Men: Collared shirts (long or short-sleeved), smart polo shirts, and smart trousers or chinos. A blazer or jacket is optional but always a welcome addition. Smart shoes are required.
• Acceptable for Women: Blouses, smart tops, skirts, tailored trousers, or dresses. Jumpsuits are also a popular and appropriate choice.
• Unacceptable Items: Swimwear, shorts, and football/sports shirts are not permitted in the main restaurants or lounges in the evening.

Category 2: Formal Nights

Definition: Saga’s Formal Nights are an opportunity to dress in your finest evening wear. These evenings add a classic sense of occasion to the cruise experience.

• Frequency: On a typical 7-night cruise, you can expect one or two Formal Nights. Longer voyages will have more, typically up to four on a 14-night cruise.
• Acceptable for Men: A dinner jacket, tuxedo, or a dark suit and tie are the expected standard.
• Acceptable for Women: Cocktail dresses, elegant evening gowns, or dressy trouser suits or separates.

C. Venue-Specific Dress Codes (Evening)

Main Dining Room & Specialty Restaurants

All main and specialty dining venues enforce the designated evening dress code after 6 pm, which will be either Smart Casual or Formal as indicated in your daily programme.

Buffet

The Buffet (often called The Verandah) maintains a more relaxed atmosphere in the evening. While many guests will be in Smart Casual attire, smart, non-athletic shorts are generally acceptable here for dinner.

Theatre & Lounges

The dress code for the evening (Smart Casual or Formal) applies to the ship's main entertainment venues, such as the theatre and other bars and lounges.

D. Themed Nights & Special Events

Saga Cruises often hosts special events or themed evenings, which will be detailed in your daily onboard schedule. While participation is optional, it can add to the fun.

• Sailaway Deck Party: As you depart from port, there is often a casual party on the open decks. Comfortable, casual clothing is perfect.
• British Night: A popular theme celebrating all things British. Guests often choose to wear red, white, and blue, but it is not a requirement.

Pro-Tips for Packing

A little planning will ensure you have the perfect outfit for every moment of your Saga cruise.

• Pack Layers: A light jacket, cardigan, or pashmina is essential for cooler evenings on deck or for moving through the ship's air-conditioned interior spaces.
• Versatile Footwear: Bring comfortable shoes for daytime excursions, a pair of smart shoes for the evening, and flip-flops or sandals for the pool area.
• Accessorise: A few well-chosen accessories like a scarf, a statement necklace, or a tie can easily elevate a Smart Casual outfit.
• Check the Itinerary: Consider your destinations. You may need warmer layers for a Norwegian fjords cruise or lighter fabrics for the Mediterranean.
• Prohibited Items: For fire safety reasons, passengers are not permitted to bring their own clothing irons or travel steamers on board. The ship offers a laundry service for your convenience.