What to wear on Royal Caribbean? It’s a question that’s been asked by many a cruse ship patron. And the answer is: it depends. With so many options from casual to formal, it can be difficult to know which outfit is right for you. To help you make your choice, we’ve created this guide of what to wear on Royal Caribbean ships. Royal Caribbean is a cruise line that offers affordable vacations and fun activities for all ages. The company was founded in 1968 and has grown to more than 100 ships with over 22,000 employees.

Royal Caribbean is a line that offers cruises ranging from 2-13 nights. While most of the cruises include formal nights, there are some cruise lines that do not have them. The dress code for these types of cruises is typically casual and comfortable. When choosing what to wear, you want to look at the itinerary of your cruise. If it includes formal nights, then you should consider wearing something that will be appropriate for those evenings. When selecting your outfit, try to keep in mind that some destinations may be colder than others during certain times of year so you may need to pack additional layers depending on where you are going and when.

Sporting the right outfit for a cruise can be tricky. You want to look good and feel comfortable, so you don’t have to worry about changing into something else after a long day of activities. For formal nights, we recommend a simple black dress or jumpsuit with heels. If you’re feeling more festive, try a red or orange dress instead. You can also opt for a cocktail dress if you want something that’s more fun but still appropriate for the occasion. For more casual events, stick to jeans and a shirt or t-shirt that goes along with your mood!

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?

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.

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

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.

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!

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.
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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!

What to Wear on Royal Caribbean Alaska Cruise

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.

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.

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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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