13 Dress Code Mistakes You'll REGRET Making on a Cruise

Cruise line dress codes aren't are complicated as they seem, but there are some mistakes you don't want to make. These dress code guidelines and cruise tips are updated for cruising in 2023 & beyond!

Whether you're a first time cruiser, or have been on many cruises, this video is full of cruise outfit advice. Cruise lines like Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, Holland America all have rules about what to wear on a cruise. In this video we go over the cruise tips you need to know what to wear, and what not to wear on a cruise vacation.

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Please note that I am unable to give personal cruise and travel advice. If you leave a comment I try my best to answer.

ABOUT ME
Hi! I'm Ilana! I live in Montreal, Canada with my husband Frank. We can often be found dreaming about and planning future cruises, ideally to hot and sunny destinations! I believe in having fun, being kind and that you are never too old, or too young, to live the life of your dreams!

Please note that I do not sell cruises on Life Well Cruised. This and all other videos are for entertainment purposes only. I share my own opinions, personal experiences and information with other cruise travellers, which I hope can be helpful. Please contact your travel agent or the cruise line directly for advice and any information specific to your booking.
Some video footage courtesy of Princess Cruises, RCCL and NCL
Music Credit: Surf Time by Lux-InspiraMusic

[trainboy]

My main clothing mistake once was assuming my summer shorts fit at the end of January. Try everything on before you pack them.

[MrsDauphinee]

The statement you made about dressing for dinner, "you dress like you were going to a nice restaurant for dinner at home". I believe says it all and is very true. Also, not being bothered what others are wearing is an excellent tip too. I have sat next to people on a cruise and their whole evening was. spent critiquing what others were wearing. Life is too short for such nonsense; just have fun, you paid for it!

[Syzygy-Transit]

You can never go wrong with dressing up rather than dressing down.

[angiehughes]

The main mistake I have made with clothing on a cruise is not dressing, warm enough. The dining room usually feels cold to me, and having bare legs, I was just freezing. So, pants or tights for me! Even in the Caribbean, the inside of the ship is much cooler than the outside!

[Edwards-Videos]

1:41 Come on, if you have to tell people at the door that baseball caps, bare feet, swimsuits, flip flops, and pool wear are not acceptable in a dining room it shows how little common sense people have nowadays.

[jenniferstjohn]

I love to dress up for a cruise. My husband wears a nice dress shirt and pants and on formal nights, a jacket, while I like a long summery gowns/dresses with lovely jewelry. However, I do it for me and I don’t mind what others wear. So, like you said “Do you”, and enjoy! 🎉

[vickyburton]

I love the formal nights! I feel special wearing a few nice pieces of jewelry and a gown. A cruise is my only chance to do this!❤❤❤❤❤

[KateD]

Another tip is to check any excursion clothing requirements. Some religious sites require shoulders and knees covered (and refuse entry to those who don't comply), others recommend comfortable walking shoes, etc.

[nancefair]

One thing for kiddos, all my blonde and red haired grandkids wore SPF 50 rash guards during the day. Mixed and matched with swim trunks. Helped immensely to keep serious sunburns at bay.

[janreynolds]

My husband and I love dressing up on formal night; suit and tie for him and I usually wear a cocktail type dress. The other nights, we wear nice casual; slacks and shirt for him, sometimes with sports jacket and I wear a casual dress or nice slacks and top. Being retired, we seldom get a chance to dress up anymore, so we take the opportunity while cruising.

[ThestuffthatSaralikes]

I WANT to “dress” for dinner… at least one night. I wish they still had the “full on Formal Night” I mean when else does an adult outta school get to really dress up and with suits/tuxedos and gowns..?!! I’d LOVE that!!

[georgehny]

Even old dogs like myself can learn new things :) Been cruising since 1984 and never realized that Camo is illegal to wear, even to own, in many Caribbean islands. I guess because I don't wear it I never thought about it yet a good thing to know.

George in NY

[RonnieCarey-hugk]

My first cruise over 20 years ago we had NO IDEA about formal dress night. We showed up in Hawaiian dress/shirt & sandals . Realized the mistake when everyone was in ball gowns & tuxs. They didn't turn us away but they did put us in a small room tucked in the back corner with the other misfits & actually the entertainers too. We were all laughing & having a great time in our own little private room. Worked out to be the BEST experience! Happy accident

[tammystreasures]

In the old days, everyone dressed up to get on planes. But back then most people couldn’t afford to fly. I’m just grateful that the opportunity has opened up to more people. I also think spending hours in one seat is more comfortable wearing more casual clothes.

[leemendoza]

Thanks for sharing all these practical tips. I love cruising and we always follow the dress codes of every cruise line. However, I appreciate your reminders that are comparable for the convenience of men and women. Appreciate your information!!! God richly bless you. 🙏🥳🥰💖

[anitahenriquez]

We cruise a LOT on SilverSea, Seabourn and Regent. It used to be very formal with full length gowns or cocktail slacks and tops. Now we can get away with a black cashmere sweater and black slacks but with good jewelry. Another option is palazzo pants and a blouse with a bit of sparkle. Only Cunard demands practically ballgowns, but Europeans tend to dress up more. High heels are a poor choice on a ship as the floor and decks are unsteady. Dressy flat shoes are a better choice.

[mikeh]

Love your videos, very well presented and informative. Thank you.

[Nonna_Lisa_B]

LOVE your choice in cute dresses! I'll be shopping soon 😁

[kvietimas]

These were great tips. We are on a cruise now, and your videos helped me a lot. Thank you!

[susancampbell]

Always, the right advice. Thanks Illana. I have my cruise clothes (May). In storage bags.