What to wear on royal caribbean formal night?

There are many reasons that you might want to know what to wear on royal caribbean formal night. Maybe you’re planning a trip and need to make sure that you’re dressed appropriately for the occasion, or maybe you’ve been invited as a guest and want to look your best. Either way, there are some things that are important when it comes to dressing for this event.

Royal Caribbean’s formal night is a great time to dress up, have some fun with your wardrobe, and take in the beauty of the ocean. If you’re looking for ideas for what to wear on this special occasion, we’ve got you covered!

What to wear on royal caribbean formal night

Royal Caribbean is one of the biggest names in the cruise industry, and they definitely know how to put on a show.

Whether you’re on a Royal Caribbean cruise or just taking a tour around the ports, you might be wondering what to wear for formal night.

Formal nights are pretty fun—they’re when everyone gets dressed up and goes out for dinner together. It’s also a great opportunity to practice your table manners!

If you’re cruising on Royal Caribbean, it’s likely that you’re going to be dining in a formal setting. This means that, if you’re not already aware, there are some rules about what you can and can’t wear.

Here’s what to expect:

  1. You’ll be expected to wear black tie or white tie attire for all formal occasions on the ship. This means that men should wear tuxedos (or a dark suit) with a white shirt and black bow tie; women should wear gowns or cocktail dresses with gloves and heels. Don’t forget about your watch!
  2. If you’re wearing a dress, it should reach at least mid-thigh length on both sides—and no shorter!
  3. The top of your dress should have no more than 2″ of cleavage showing (so basically nothing above your collarbone).
  4. Men may wear cummerbunds only with their tuxedo jackets; women may not wear them at all (unless they are wearing a floor-length gown).

Royal Caribbean’s formal night is an event that is sure to be a highlight of your cruise. It’s a chance to dress up and have fun, so you’re going to want to make sure you look your best!

Royal Caribbean Alaska Cruise is the vacation of a lifetime. From the moment you step on board, you’ll feel like royalty. The service is impeccable, and you’ll be treated like an A-lister every step of the way.

But what should you wear? We’ve got some tips for packing that will make your trip even more enjoyable!

Royal Caribbean’s Alaska cruise is the perfect vacation for people who want to see Alaska without having to worry about packing. The cruise ships are huge, with plenty of space for you and your family to relax and enjoy the scenery.

If you’re looking for a vacation that’s all about relaxation, this is it. You can spend time in the spa, take in a show or concert, or just hang out by the pool. Your kids will love the waterslides and pools around the ship.

HOW TO PACK FOR A CRUISE TO ALASKA
Crew members and travelers share six tips to get ready for adventures like glacier walks and dog sledding.
TRAVEL2022-07-08T12:31:37-04:00Posted on July 8, 20222022-08-04T10:52:28-04:00August 4, 2022byPaulo Gouveia1163

Alaska is famous for whale watching, dog sledding, glacier walks and more, and you can do it all on a cruise.

CREDIT: ROYAL CARIBBEAN

Getting ready for a cruise to Alaska is just about as unique as the vacation itself. What you’ll want to pack is different from what you would take to most destinations, like those in the Caribbean, Asia and the Mediterranean. The Last Frontier’s northerly position and varied geography—from mountains and oceans to glaciers and fjords—can make for many different weather conditions in one trip. So, where should you begin when it comes to packing for Alaska? Experienced Royal Caribbean crew members and travelers shared their best tips.

Here are the six top tips, straight from the insiders:

North Star
Get panoramic views from the North Star, a glass-enclosed capsule 300 feet above the ocean, on Quantum and Ovation of the Seas.

CREDIT: ROYAL CARIBBEAN

  1. Pack Lots of Thin Layers

A trick to packing for Alaska is bringing items that serve more than one purpose and lots of thin layers. This saves room in your suitcase and means you’ll have more flexibility. When you dress in thin layers, you can peel a layer off or put one on as the weather changes throughout your vacation.

Start with a comfortable layer, like a lightweight, short-sleeved shirt. Add a hoodie, cardigan or fleece for warmth, and top it off with a coat or jacket. If you get hot, you can shed whatever you need to make yourself more comfortable.

  1. Bring an All-Weather Jacket

A waterproof, breathable jacket trumps a simple windbreaker. It doesn’t need to be heavy or even lined (thanks to all your layers). However, you will want to bring a jacket that keeps out the damp. Since wet clothes take time to dry, this will help you stay comfy at all times.

Pro tip: No matter the temperature outside, get some of the best views from the comfort of North Star on Quantum and Ovation of the Seas. It’s Royal Caribbean’s signature all-glass observation capsule that will take you as high as 300 feet above the ocean.

Alaska is bursting with shore excursions thats are as adventurous as they are beautiful, like glacier walks.

CREDIT: ROYAL CARIBBEAN

  1. Consider Convertible Pants

Pants that unzip around the knee and convert to shorts might seem unnecessary, but trust us, their practicality is undeniable—they’re twofers! They’ll ensure you’re ready for both a dry, sunny hike and a chilly, misty dog sledding adventure. Ideally, get a pair made of breathable, wicking material.

Pro tip: If adventures like whale watching and kayaking pique your interest, a Royal Caribbean cruise offers them in spades. Take your pick from a lineup of shore excursions and Cruisetours—guided, land-based adventures you can take before or after your cruise—which can include helicopter tours, scenic rides on a glass-domed train, glacier walks and more.

  1. Skip the Umbrella

Yes, rain in some parts of Alaska can be frequent. Still, it’s best to leave the umbrella at home. You’ll be all set with a hood on your all-weather jacket or a weatherproof hat that can pull double duty by protecting you from the rain and sun. A hood takes up far less space than an umbrella, which means more room for your gear and adventure essentials.

See stunning natural sights in Alaska, like the Hubbard Glacier, both from land and the comfort of the ship.

CREDIT: ROYAL CARIBBEAN

  1. Pack Two Pairs of Closed-Toed, Comfortable Shoes

Comfortable walking shoes with good traction will be your best friends. Depending on the adventure level of your shore excursions and Cruisetours, you may also want to bring a pair of sturdy, lightweight hiking shoes that are waterproof (skip packing bulky rain boots). Two pairs are better than one in this case—especially if you’ve planned several days of exploring.

Pro tip: Whale watching in Juneau is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and there’s an environmentally friendly way of doing it, too. It’s on one of the many GTSC-certified—meaning sustainably operated—excursions offered by Royal Caribbean.

  1. Remember Your Accessories

Bring a lightweight knit hat, gloves and scarf for the cooler days, and pack high-quality socks made of wool or fleece to keep your feet warm and dry. These are small items that make a big difference in keeping you comfortable.

Royal Caribbean visits the Land of the Midnight Sun every summer, one of the best times to visit. Grab every member of your family because a cruise is an unforgettable vacation for all ages, especially in Alaska. Just choose from Ovation, Quantum, Radiance and Brilliance of the Seas, which all depart from Seattle, Washington; Vancouver, British Columbia; or Seward, Alaska.

Ready to discover Alaska? Head here to see which cruises will take you there.

CRUISE 101: WHAT CLOTHING TO PACK FOR YOUR FIRST CRUISE
Update: Royal Caribbean is committed to delivering vacations that are as safe as they are memorable. We are thrilled to welcome our guests to experience the memorable vacations we are known for once again, starting summer 2021. As you plan your next trip with your loved ones, we’ll be here with inspiration in all forms whenever you need it.
LIFESTYLE2020-03-03T10:18:41-04:00Posted on March 3, 20202021-06-15T15:57:46-04:00June 15, 2021byPaulo Gouveia1021
106

Wear what you think fits the mood and environment of where you’re going.

CREDIT: ROYAL CARIBBEAN

Packing for your first cruise can be uncharted territory. There are plenty of things to consider: where you’re going, which shore excursions you’ll take and your onboard activities. While your wardrobe will look different if you are cruising to Alaska than if you’re heading to the sunny Mediterranean, for days at sea there are some things to always keep in mind.

From daytime wear to packing pointers for a more sophisticated night, here is our curated list of tips on what to pack for your first cruise.

Casual attire is welcome on board – you are on vacation after all.

CREDIT: ROYAL CARIBBEAN

Dress Code Breakdown

While the days of dedicated “formal nights” in the main dining room have since sailed, one of the most pressing questions for first-time cruisers remains: “how formal is formal?” The answer: it’s up to you! Royal Caribbean encourages you to “Wear Your Best” whenever you want. This means that you can dress casual with jeans, polos, and blouses for our restaurants, but please do keep the swimwear, tank tops and bare feet to the pool deck.

However, you’re also more than welcome to elevate your style with button-up shirts, pantsuits, cocktail dresses, skirts, heels and blazers.

Have in mind which dining venues you want to try on board when you’re packing. Some specialty restaurants such as 150 Central Park, Chef’s Table and Chops Grille have their own recommended dress codes, including:

Smart Casual: A step up from more typical wear, collared shirts, slacks, nice dresses, skirts or pantsuits, and even sport coats and blazers.
Formal: Your evening best—suits and ties, and evening dresses and your nicest jewelry. Nothing is too fancy!

Consider checking each restaurant before you go. If you’re planning on sampling the creative cuisine and unique drinks at Wonderland, for instance, you might want to opt for something a step above casual and even a bit experimental (bring out the frills?) to match the atmosphere. But the best part is it’s all up to you.

Pro tip: Consider picking a specific night to dress up with everyone in your group. You can take pictures and stun others as you paint the town red!

There are plenty of unique options to stay active on board—pack accordingly.

CREDIT: ROYAL CARIBBEAN

Athletic Gear

For first-time cruisers looking to stay active while sailing, our ships offer plenty, so be sure to pack athletic wear. Bring what you’d wear to your favorite workout (running shorts, leggings, sports bras and tank tops) since there’s a full-scale gym on board with top-of-the-line equipment and dedicated classes like yoga, Pilates and spinning.

But you’ll need your gear outside the gym as well for activities like rock-climbing, track, basketball tournaments, and even a sky-diving simulator. If you plan to visit the ice-skating rink on one of our Voyager, Freedom or Oasis Class ships, then bring high, thick socks and long pants.

Swimsuits are an obvious must-have, but if you’re looking to try the FlowRider surf simulator, you’ll want one that stays snug when you hang ten or wipe out.

Always remember to bring your swimsuit when you pack for vacation!

CREDIT: ROYAL CARIBBEAN

Clothing To Take Along

For your first day on board, pack your carry-on with the essentials you want to have on hand–think your passport and a change of clothes–because your luggage will be delivered to your stateroom later in the day.

Since irons and steamers aren’t allowed on ships (safety first!), toss some anti-wrinkle spray into your bags, too. Hanging your wrinkled clothes in the bathroom during a hot shower is another trick to make them look pressed. Self-service laundry isn’t available on board, but dry cleaning and laundry services are offered at an additional fee, if you want to go that route. Also, bringing an empty bag may seem counterintuitive, but you’ll likely need one to pack souvenirs you pick up along the way.

Pro tip: Drop by one of the Royal Shops on board to pick up things you accidentally forgot to pack: shirts, sweatshirts, hats, sandals and more are all available.

Now that clothes are out of the way, remember to bring these other must-pack items and some of these useful gadgets.

Have your perfect travel getup in mind and ready to put it to use? Book your next adventure here.

Alaska cruise packing list: What to pack for your sailing
IN: Alaska
25
Jun
2022
By:
Jenna DeLaurentis
What to pack for an Alaska cruise is not as difficult as it may seem. While packing for a cold weather cruise may require more preparation than a cruise to the Caribbean, a few key layers should suffice in nearly all weather conditions.

Alaska glacier viewing
When looking at a map, you may be surprised to see just how far south Alaska cruise ports are located. While Alaska cruise marketing tends to show images of snow and glaciers, it’s not necessary to pack for Arctic-level temperatures. In fact, you probably already have most clothing items you’ll need for an Alaska cruise at home!

In this guide, we’ll discuss the key things you should have in your cruise packing list for an Alaska cruise and provide a checklist for your upcoming sailing.

Alaska cruise: the basics

Before starting to pack, it’s important to understand the basics of an Alaska cruise so you know what to expect both onboard and in port.

Royal Caribbean’s Alaska cruises are generally 7-night sailings, offering 3 or 4 days in port with 2 or 3 days at sea. Cruises visit towns along Southeast Alaska, the panhandle of the state, which borders British Columbia, Canada.

Southeast Alaska is quite a ways away from the Arctic Circle and polar bears, so you may be surprised to encounter nice weather while visiting the state. Alaska cruises are offered during the warmest months of the year, from April to September, so it’s not uncommon to experience warm, sunny days.

Related: What is the best time to cruise to Alaska?

The month you sail can have a huge impact on what you need to pack as well. For cruises in June, July, and August, you may want to pack more short sleeve shirts than in May or September. And while wool socks and warm hats are recommended at any time of the year, it’s especially important to pack warm layers in the very beginning or end of the Alaska cruise season.

Related: What it’s like to go on an Alaska cruise at the end of the season

The main thing to remember when packing for an Alaska cruise is to plan for any and all types of weather conditions.

What to pack for an Alaska cruise

Layers
Packing layers is necessary on an Alaska cruise. Morning and evening can be much colder than what you may experience in mid-afternoon, so having the flexibility to put on or take off clothing will be well appreciated.

Your base layer will be a short or long sleeved t-shirt and a pair of jeans, leggings, or other lightweight pants. On the warmest of days, shorts may be preferred whereas the coldest days may have you layering both leggings and jeans.

Over your base layer you’ll want to pack a warm layer. Sweaters, sweatshirts, and fleece or down jackets will help keep you warm no matter the weather, and they’re easy to take off if it gets too hot.

In addition, don’t forget to pack a waterproof layer. Due to strong winds and ease of use in crowded areas, we don’t recommend packing an umbrella. Therefore, it’s important to pack a waterproof jacket with a hood. This should keep you dry in the wettest of conditions.

Footwear

An Alaska cruise calls for a wide range of footwear, as you’ll need a sturdy pair of shoes to wear in port and shoes to wear onboard. A pair of water-resistant sneakers or lightweight hiking shoes is recommended, as they tend to keep your feet comfortable and warm while providing enough support for a range of outdoor activities. Active sandals, such as Chacos, can be nice in the summer months as well.

Packing a pair of comfortable lounge shoes for the ship is a good idea, too. Slippers, flip flops, or comfy sneakers can be nice to have when walking around the ship and your stateroom.

Whichever type of shoes you decide to bring, make sure the soles of your shoes have plenty of grip. You may encounter slippery or rocky surfaces on shore excursions or while exploring on your own, so you want to make sure your shoes have enough friction.

Accessories

Outside of your main clothes and footwear, don’t forget to pack accessories for an Alaska cruise. From hats to wool socks, scarves, gloves, sunscreen, and sunglasses, there are many accessories that you’ll want to bring with you to Alaska.

Related: What should you bring on an Alaska cruise?

A water-resistant daypack is one of our top Alaska cruise packing tips. You’ll need somewhere to put your valuables during the day, so making sure the pack is water-resistant or waterproof is crucial. A backpack will be the most comfortable option and can fit everything you’ll need for a busy day in port.

Binoculars may be of interest to you as well, especially if you plan to do any wildlife viewing excursions. Being able to see the state’s wildlife and nature up close is well worth the cost of an entry-level pair of binoculars.

Cruise clothes

Outside of what you’ll wear in port, remember to pack for your time onboard the ship! Don’t forget to pack clothes for formal night, your swimsuit to wear in the pool, and comfy clothes for lounging in your stateroom.

While it’s not necessary to pack an entirely new outfit for dinner each night, rotating 2-4 outfits can be a nice way to ensure you have dressier clothes to wear while still keeping your packing relatively light.

Related: What to wear on a cruise formal night

Alaska cruise packing list
Family on Alaska tour
Clothes
Waterproof jacket with a hood
Fleece or down jacket
Sweaters and sweatshirts (to wear onboard and in port)
T-shirts and long sleeve shirts
2-3 pairs long pants (jeans and slacks for dinner)
1-2 pairs leggings
1-2 pairs shorts
Formal wear for dinner (2-4 dresses, collared shirts, etc.)
Swimsuit
Pajamas
Casual loungewear for onboard
Underwear and socks
Clothes for the onboard fitness center

Footwear and accessories
Water-resistant shoes with a sturdy, non-slippery sole (hiking boots, sneakers)
Dress shoes for dinner
Comfy shoes for walking around your stateroom/ship (sandals or sneakers)
Water-resistant daypack
Hat (baseball cap, beanie, etc.)
Gloves
Binoculars
Sunglasses
Scarf
Camera
Waterproof case for cellphone
Portable cellphone charger
Things to do onboard (books, card games, etc.)
Sunscreen
Bug spray
More Alaska cruise tips:
50 tips for planning your Alaska cruise
How to choose the right Alaska cruise itinerary
Best time to cruise to Alaska
Best things to do on an Alaska cruise

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What to wear on royal caribbean

Royal Caribbean is a cruise line that offers vacations to the Bahamas, Bermuda, and all kinds of other destinations. Their cruises are known for their all-inclusive nature: you get everything from your room to food and drinks included in one price. Royal Caribbean offers several different types of cruises, including family-friendly ones and more adult-oriented cruises.

But what should you wear on a Royal Caribbean cruise? What kind of clothes are appropriate for this kind of vacation? That’s what we’re going to explore in this post!

With all the excitement and anticipation surrounding the royal wedding right around the corner, you may be looking for some outfit inspiration to make your own day just as special.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line offers a range of clothing options that will help you look your best on your cruise, no matter what you choose to wear. There are formal nights, but don’t worry—you don’t need to get dressed up in a tuxedo or ballgown every night—just put on something nice and feel good about yourself!

Whether you’re taking a cruise with your family or friends, or just looking to relax on vacation, there’s no better way to start off your trip than with the right outfit. Whether you’re going for casual or dressy, we’ve got all the tips and tricks you need to make sure your clothes are as comfortable as they are stylish.

What is the dress code onboard all ships?

A
When you’re onboard, the right look will vary by venue. But here are a few types of suggested attire you’ll see, grouped by item.

Casual: You’re on vacation – relax! Jeans, polos, sundresses and blouses are all the right amount of laid back. Please keep swimwear to the Pool Deck. Shorts are welcomed for breakfast and lunch.
Smart Casual: Think of this as a step up from your typical dinner wear. Dress to impress with collared shirts, dresses, skirts and blouses, or pantsuits. Jackets, sports coats and blazers are snazzy and welcomed.
Formal: Make it a night out in your best black-tie look – suits and ties, tuxedos, cocktail dresses or evening gowns. There can be 1-3 formal nights during a sailing and is at the ship’s discretion.
Formal nights

Think of our formal dress code as a night out in your best black-tie look — suits and ties, tuxedos, cocktail dresses or evening gowns are all acceptable options. There can be 1 to 4 formal nights during a sailing and is at the ship’s discretion. Our Chef’s Table dining experience also enforces a formal dress code policy.

3/4/5 night cruises – 1 formal night*
6 and 7 night cruises – 2 formal nights*
8 to 10 night cruises – 2 formal nights*
11 to 14 night cruises – 3 formal nights*
15 + night cruises – 3 or 4 formal nights*
*The number of formal nights is at the ship’s discretion and can vary by itinerary.Main Dining Room/Specialty Dining Venues

Main Dining Room/Specialty Dining Venues

Bare feet are not allowed at any time in any venue and tank tops are not permitted in the Main Dining Room or Specialty Dining venues for dinner.
Casino Dress Code

Shirt and shoes are always required. Cover-ups should be worn over bathing attire.
Still need help? Contact Us
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Health and safety protocols, guest conduct rules, and regional travel restrictions vary by ship and destination, and are subject to change without notice. Due to evolving health protocols, imagery and messaging may not accurately reflect onboard and destination experiences, offerings, features, or itineraries. These may not be available during your voyage, may vary by ship and destination, and may be subject to change without notice.

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WHAT TO WEAR ON A ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISE (DRESS CODE & OUTFIT PHOTOS)
What to Wear on a Royal Caribbean Cruise
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Are you going on a Royal Caribbean cruise and wondering what to wear? Don’t worry, I’ve got your covered!

Since it had been a few years since I’d gone on a Royal Caribbean cruise, I did a lot of research as I packed and planned my cruise outfits for a recent cruise.

In this post I share what to wear on a Royal Caribbean cruise, for days on the pool deck to dinners in the main dinning room. I also answer some questions about how to dress on a Royal Caribbean cruise, including for formal nights.

I’ve also included real photos from the cruise ship and the cruise outfits we wore, to give you some cruise outfit inspiration. However, If you’re a first time cruiser with Royal Caribbean, I hope this can be helpful!

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

What to Wear on a Royal Caribbean Cruise
Embarkation Day
Pin this image on Pinterest
Embarkation day is the best! Consider packing a bathing suit in your carry on bag or wearing it under your clothes.
It’s a good idea to plan what to wear on your cruise embarkation day. You can pick a cute outfit for embarkation day photos, but more importantly, consider your plans for the first day of the cruise.

If you plan on using the pools, hot tubs or waterslides, consider wearing a bathing suit under your clothes.

Something unique on many Royal Caribbean cruise ships, are the activities like the zipline, rock wall and Ultimate Abyss dry slide. If you think you might want to take advantage of all the amazing things to do on your cruise ship on first day of your cruise, make sure to wear comfortable clothing and sneakers or other closed toe shoes.

Don’t forget to pack a cruise carry on bag for embarkation day with all your essentials!

Sea Days
Daytime outfits man and woman in Central Park on Oasis of the Seas Royal cruisePin this image on Pinterest
Dress casually to walk through Central Park on sea days on Oasis Class ships
During the day, Royal Caribbean cruise ships are quite relaxed and you can wear casual clothing. Resort wear and swimsuits are perfect for the pool deck. Comfortable, sporty clothing is useful as well for playing mini golf and participating in the variety of onboard activities.

Be sure to pack shorts, tanks tops and t-shirts or light sundresses for sea days if you’re on a warm weather cruise.

Daytime wear for guys Oasis of the Seas Zipline Ethan SchattauerPin this image on Pinterest
Sporty comfortable clothing is perfect for the sports deck and around the ship!
Like all major cruise lines, bare feet and pool wear are not permitted in restaurants. Remember to pack a swimsuit cover up for when you go and eat, or for walking inside the cruise ship’s public areas.

Don’t forget flip flops for the pool and sneakers for some of the onboard activities.

Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas pool deck casual wearPin this image on Pinterest
Pack your swimsuits and cover ups for great days by the pools and hot tubs
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Warm Clothing for Ice Skating
Oasis of the seas Ice Skating ActivityPin this image on Pinterest
Make sure to pack clothing for Royal Caribbean activities, including ice skating!
Something that many people forget to pack for a cruise, are long pants and a sweatshirt. While these are always good to have for potential cooler weather, this is especially important when going on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Be sure to pack warmer, comfortable clothing if you sign up for a free ice skating session in Studio B. Even if you don’t plan on going ice skating yourself, you’ll want to pack a light sweater or cover up to see the ice skating show, which is always amazing!

Related: What to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise

Port Days and Shore Excursions
Casual wear man and woman in Perfect day in CocoCayPin this image on Pinterest
Casual wear for a man & woman in Perfect Day in CocoCay – Ilana & Frank from Life Well Cruised
When planning what to pack for a Royal Caribbean cruise, it’s a good idea to plan your clothing for days in port based on what activity or shore excursion you’re planning in your port of call.

Swimsuits with a cover up are just fine if you’re heading straight to a beach or a catamaran snorkeling excursion. If you’re sightseeing or taking a tour, casual clothing is perfect.

Some important things to pack are comfortable shoes for walking and a light scarf or cover up for shoulders (ladies), if you are entering religious buildings.

Something to be careful of and not wear on a cruise for certain ports, is camouflage clothing. In some Caribbean islands, wearing camouflage clothing is actually illegal and you can be asked to go back to the cruise ship to change or even face a fine.

Tip: Don’t forget to pack a beach bag, your government ID (or any recommended identification), a credit card and some small bills for tips on tours.

Related: What to Pack in Your Shore Excursion Day Bag

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Royal Caribbean Dress Code
Royal Caribbean cruise formal night familyPin this image on Pinterest
Formal night on Royal Caribbean ranges from suits and cocktail dresses to nice outfits that are a bit more dressy than everyday
Royal Caribbean has 3 dress codes in the Main Dining Room for dinner; casual, smart casual and formal attire.

According to the cruise line website, the Royal Caribbean dress code is as follows:

Casual:
On casual nights nice jeans, polo shirts, casual dresses and nice tops are suggested for the main dining room in the evening. For lunch and breakfast, you can wear shorts, however pool wear is best kept for the Lido deck.

Smart Casual:
Smart casual nights are a bit fancier than the casual dress code. Smart casual attire includes wearing pants and a collared shirt, dresses, skirts and blouses, or pantsuits. Jackets, sports coats and blazers are included in suggested attire.

Formal:
On formal nights formal wear is welcome. The formal night dress code includes suits and ties, tuxedos, cocktail dresses and evening gowns. Dress pants and a dress shirt are also worn by many men on a cruise.

Remember to pack dress shoes, as well as a shawl and evening bag or clutch.

Related: Can I Wear Jeans on a Cruise?

Royal Caribbean outfits Ilana & FrankPin this image on Pinterest
Going to dinner in the Main Dining Room on a non-formal night Oasis of the Seas
How Many Formal Nights on Royal Caribbean
To plan your outfits, here are the number of formal nights on Royal Caribbean cruises.There can be 1 to 4 formal nights during a sailing and is at the ship’s discretion. Our Chef’s Table dining experience also enforces a formal dress code policy.

3-5 night cruises – 1 formal night (1-4 night cruises may or may not have a formal night)
6-7 night cruises – 2 formal nights
8-10 night cruises – 2 formal nights
11-14 night cruises – 3 formal nights
15 + night cruises – 3 or 4 formal nights
Tip: Our own personal experience, and that of many others, is that in practice many cruise passengers are dressing more casually than Royal Caribbean’s official dress code suggests. Keep this in mind as you plan what to wear on your cruise.

Related: What’s Included on Oasis of the Seas (Entertainment, Activities, Food & Drink)

Dress Code in Specialty Restaurants
Royal Caribbean specialty restaurant family outfitsPin this image on Pinterest
Polo shirts and sundresses are perfect in the specialty restaurants most nights
The dinner dress code is applicable in the Main Dining Room and specialty restaurants. The Chef’s Table has a formal dress code.

Windjammer Buffet
If you really want to keep it casual, the Windjammer buffet is a great idea. The food is good and the buffet is self serve.

Make sure to check the opening and closing hours, as the Windjammer is not open 24 hours. Other casual alternative eateries include the Cafe Promenade, Sorrento’s Pizza and room service are all good casual options.

Related: The Ultimate Cruise Lingo Glossary – 85 Terms You Need to Know

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Casual pool wear for the sports deck and lido deck
How formal is formal night on a Royal Caribbean Cruise?
You might be asking, how formal is formal night on Royal Caribbean? Royal Caribbean has a formal dress code on 1-3 nights during a cruise, which includes black tie formal wear as a dress suggestion. However, in our experience there is a wide range of clothing that cruise passengers actually wear and most people are not in a tuxedo or long evening gown.

Although Royal Caribbean describes the formal night dress code as night “your best black-tie look”, with suits and ties, tuxedos, cocktail dresses or evening gowns suggested as options, in reality it’s not as formal in practice. Royal Caribbean’s dress codes are loosely enforced, with most cruise passengers dressing less formally than this.

On a Royal Caribbean cruise formal night, you may see a few tuxedos and evening or cocktail gowns. However it’s far more common to see men in suits, or even a nice pair or pants and a dress shirt. Ladies can often be seen wearing a cocktail dress, little black dress, sundress or pants and a top.

Tip: Royal Caribbean’s formal night is a nice occasion for family members to dress up and even take a some photos with the ship’s photographer.

Related: 50 Best-Selling Amazon Cruise Essentials

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Royal Caribbean Theme Nights
Royal Caribbean 70’s theme nightPin this image on Pinterest
Pack your sense of fun and perhaps a 70’s themed outfit for 70’s night
While there is no official dress suggestion for theme nights, it can be fun to bring a few special outfits for the occasion. On our cruise there was a 70’s Night Party, which is pretty common on many Royal Caribbean sailings.

To know about theme nights for your cruise, it’s a good idea to join cruise roll calls, facebook groups and take a look at the Cruise Compass from recent past sailings on your cruise ship.

Tip: Check out past cruise compasses and menus, is a great way to prepare for your cruise vacation.

Related: Royal Caribbean Cruise Compass Oasis of the Seas

Packing for Your Cruise Based on Cruise Destinations
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Royal Caribbean cruise ships side by side at Perfect Day at CocoCay
This guide on what to wear for a Royal Caribbean cruise is general, so it’s a good idea to now tailor your cruise packing list to your itinerary and cruise destination.

Here are cruise packing lists to read, save and share:

What to Pack for a Royal Caribbean Cruise (detailed)
What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise: The Ultimate Guide
What to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise (packing list included)
What to Pack for a Bahamas Cruise: The Ultimate Guide
What to Pack for a Bermuda Cruise: The Ultimate Guide
Cruise Wear for Men: Men’s Packing List for a Cruise
What to Wear as a Teenager on a Cruise
Plus Size Cruise Wear: 25+ Beautiful Cruise Outfits (with packing list)
25 Gorgeous Swimsuit Cover Ups for a Cruise
17 Cruise Cabin Essentials Every Cruiser Needs
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Final Thoughts on What to Wear on a Royal Caribbean Cruise
Planning what to wear on a Royal Caribbean cruise isn’t as hard as it seems. On the most part, you can pack casual and smart casual attire, and the dress policy on Royal Caribbean is pretty relaxed.

That said, Royal Caribbean has beautiful, elegant main dining rooms and specialty restaurants, and it’s fun to dress up a bit on a cruise vacation, so don’t be shy!

Have you cruised with Royal Caribbean or are you planning to? Please let me know in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

Ilana

P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself ;-). Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!

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