Daytime Attire on a Princess Cruise Ship
Resort Casual attire is suggested on a Princess Cruise. During the day, shorts, sundresses, tank tops, etc. for the ladies, and for men; shorts, polo shirts, T-shirts, etc. will do. Rubber-soled, low heeled or flat shoes are recommended while onboard.
Evening Attire on a Princess Cruise Ship
The dress code on a Princess cruise is referred to as “Smart Casual" for most evenings. For the main dining room, gentlemen will feel most comfortable in casual slacks (Dockers, khaki's) –no tears, rips or holes. A polo / sports shirt or a button-down shirt is appropriate. For the ladies, casual dresses, casual skirts or pants and blouses, summer dresses and Capri pants –no tears, rips, etc., are all appropriate. Shorts, yes even dressy shorts are discouraged in the main dining rooms.
Princess Cruise Formal Nights / Cruise Elegant Nights
Depending on the length of the cruise, one or more nights will be a Cruise Formal. 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, dinner jacket, dress shirt and dress slacks, or, a business suit (with and without neckties) on the gentlemen. For the ladies, appropriate cocktail attire, elegant skirts, dressy pantsuits and blouses will typically be favored over evening gowns.
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Don't Feel Like Dressing-Up On Cruise Elegant Nights?
If you just can’t see having to take off the ball cap just to eat dinner, 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 casual shipboard attire– shorts and t-shirts are acceptable at any time. Shirts and shoes/footwear must be worn at all times inside the Lido Restaurant, however. The staff probably won’t care if you are wearing your ball cap.
Attire For Dining at the Princess Cruises Alternative Dining Restaurant (Supper Club, Steakhouse, etc.)
The same dress code of “Smart Casual” in the mining dining venues including “Formal Nights” at the reservations-required supper club dining restaurants / steakhouses onboard Princess ships. However, people will normally treat the night they dine out at the steakhouse 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" at the Princess Cruises alternative dining restaurants. Specialty restaurants are available on all of the Princess Cruise Fleet.
Attire for Cruises to Cooler Climates: Canada/New England and Alaska Cruises
Princess Cruises recommends sweaters, lightweight jackets, raincoats and comfortable shoes to cool climates. 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 and it’s better to have it than not.
Attire for South America and Europe Cruises
For travel to areas in South America and European countries on Princess Cruises, comfortable shoes and a just-in-case raincoat are a great idea. 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).