Daytime Attire on a Holland America Cruise Ship
Bringing comfortable clothes for the daytime is recommended on a Holland America Cruise. Casual attire is appropriate, including, shorts, sundresses, tank tops, etc. for the ladies, and for men; shorts, polo shirts, T-shirts, etc. will do. A swimsuit cover-up and shoes are suggested while inside the ship. Rubber-soled, low heeled or flat shoes are recommended while onboard.
Evening Attire on a Holland America Cruise Ship
Most evenings the dress code on Holland America "Smart Casual". For the main dining room, gentlemen will feel most comfortable in casual slacks (Dockers, khaki's) – you could get away with a nice pair of jeans, however. Wearing a pair of nice shorts (pressed, longer in length) is not entirely inappropriate with proper footwear; however, you are likely to be in the minority. Officially, swimsuits, tank tops and T-shirts and shorts are not suggested in the evening for the restaurants or for the public areas. A polo / sports shirt or a button-down shirt is appropriate. For the ladies, casual dresses, casual skirts or pants and blouses, summer dresses, Capri pants, dress shorts and tasteful jeans (no rips, cut-offs, acid washed, etc.) are all appropriate.
Holland America Cruise Formal Nights / Cruise Elegant Nights
Depending on the length of the cruise on Holland America, one or more nights will be a Cruise Elegant. Years ago, "Formal Nights" on cruises meant a pre-cruise trip to the tuxedo rental shop, or, shopping for a fancy cocktail dress or evening gown. While you will see the occasional tuxedo, you will more likely see a sport coat, dress shirt and dress slacks, or, a business suit (with and without neckties) on the gentlemen. For the ladies, appropriate cocktail attire, evening gowns, elegant skirts, pantsuits and blouses are suggested. Typically, there are two designated formal nights per week.
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Don't Feel Like Dressing-Up On Cruise Elegant Nights?
If your idea of formal dress is shorts and flip-flops, head to the Lido Restaurant (the buffet on the Lido Deck – typically near the pool towards the rear of the ship) on Cruise Elegant nights. The dress code in the Lido Restaurant is always relaxed – shorts and t-shirts are acceptable at any time. Shirts and shoes/footwear (flip-flops are OK) must be worn at all times inside the Lido Restaurant, however.
Attire For Dining at the Holland America Cruises Alternative Dining Restaurant (Supper Club, Steakhouse, etc.)
The reservations-required supper club dining restaurants / steakhouses onboard select Holland ships follows essentially the same dress code as the main dining rooms, including, "Cruise Elegant" nights. However, people will normally treat the night they dine out at the premium restaurants as a special night and you are more likely to see more sport coats and business suits on the men, and, cocktail dresses on the ladies dining in the steakhouse. This may hold true even on evenings that are not designated as "Cruise Formal". are available on the Holland Amsterdam, Holland Eurodam, Holland Maasdam, Holland Nieuw Amsterdam, Holland Noordam, Holland Oosterdam, Holland Prinsendam, Holland Rotterdam, Holland Ryndam, Holland Statendam, Holland Veendam, Holland Volendam, Holland Westerdam, Holland Zaandam and the Holland Zuiderdam.
Attire for Cruises to Cooler Climates: Canada/New England and Alaska Cruises
When traveling to the cooler climates on Holland America, sweaters, lightweight jackets, raincoats and comfortable shoes are suggested. Casual clothes that can be layered easily are highly recommended. Bring a heavier sweater if you are traveling to the glaciers, along with a raincoat and umbrella, because it is often cold and windy in such areas.
Attire for South America and Europe Cruises
Comfortable shoes and a just-in-case raincoat are an excellent idea for cruises to Europe and South America on Holland America. Bring a sweater if you are traveling to the glaciers, along with a raincoat and umbrella, because it is often cold and windy in such areas. Special note: It is essential that you wear the proper apparel when visiting the Vatican and other religious sites (no bare legs or shoulders).