Before you set sail, make sure you understand the dress code for Royal Caribbean cruises. During the day, the Royal Caribbean dress code is mostly casual, but evenings often call for smart casual or even formal wear in certain dining areas. Knowing the dress code cruise Royal Caribbean follows will help you pack the right outfits and feel comfortable throughout your trip.
Royal Caribbean Dress Code
1. Overview-Dress Code is Relaxed and Venue Based
The dress codes nowadays on Royal Caribbean are far from being strict, and definitely so much more relaxed than the ones you would find on a more traditional luxury line. Basically, these guidelines usually operate only within dining venues and not so much around the rest of the ship.
Generally, you find your three types:
- Casual- Wear for most of the day.
- Smart Casual- Wear a notch higher for most of the specialty restaurants.
- Formal Night (or "Dress Your Best") Themed evenings of a higher attire.
2. Casual: Easy, Vacation-Friendly Wear
There is no overriding dress code for most of the evenings at the Main Dining Room (MDR). Just think "holiday grandma visit" type clothes: sport shirts and slacks for the men and sundresses or pants with a nice top for the ladies. Not formal and surely no swimwear.
Generally speaking, these would include:
- Men: Polo or collared shirt, khakis, "nice jeans" (no holes).
- Women: Sundress, blouse, skirt, or dressy pants.
3. Smart Casual: One Step Ahead
Traditionally linked to specialty restaurants, it is more than just casual wear:
- Men: Collared shirts and optional sports coat or blazer.
- Women: Dresses or skirts, pantsuits, and dressy blouses.
4. Formal ("Dress Your Best"): Fancy, Sometimes Fun
After this, formal nights are held upon cruises lasting several nights, where the dress code gives way to an air of formality but with room for fun:
- Men: Suits and ties; tuxedo is optional.
- Women: Cocktail dresses, evening gowns, or fabulous accessories.
At their simplest, they more or less associate semi-formal or elevated casual attire: dress shirts and slacks for men, semi-formal dresses for women.
Tip: Number of formal nights varies by cruise length; shorter sailings usually have one, longer ones up to three.
5. By Location — Know Where You Are
| Area | Dress Expectation |
|---|---|
| Main Dining Room (MDR) | Casual or Formal, depending on evening; relaxed overall |
| Specialty Restaurants | Usually Smart Casual; own rules apply |
| Buffets (e.g., Windjammer) | Very relaxed— shoes, cover-up if coming from pool |
| Around the Ship | No dress code; swimwear okay if covered; shoes advised |
Specialty venues like Empire or Lincoln Park Supper Clubs (on Icon Class ships) may enforce stricter formal wear requirements, including jackets for men.
Conclusion
- Pack an assortment of casual, smart casual, and one dress-up outfit—even if all-out dress-up is not on your agenda.
- Check nightly attire for the MDR ? via Royal Caribbean app or Cruise Compass.
- Being prepared is what counts, not being perfect. Relish your opportunity to dress up, but do keep it to simple and comfortable attire.
