Do I Need Formal Clothes for a Cruise?

Answer:
The type of cruise that you are going on will influence

whether or not you need to bring formal attire. For a dinner cruise or a dinner and dancing cruise, you will usually not change clothes, but wear one outfit the entire time. This outfit might be formal, but it depends on the occasion, the cruise line, and the atmosphere.

For a cruise of a few days or a few weeks, you will want to bring a variety of clothing. The occasions for which you might need formal clothing usually happens on board the ship. Some cruise lines have a dress code for certain meals – ranging from business casual or “smart casual” to formal attire. Other cruises will not have a dress code, but you will find some passengers wearing formal attire. It is important to check with your particular cruise line or travel agent and find out what you should bring. Women may only need to bring a dress and sandals for the dressy meals, or they may need a formal gown. Men may need anything from slacks and a dress shirt to a suit, to a tuxedo. Some cruise lines even rent formal wear on board the ship for those who need it!