Evening Dress Code On Board Cruise Ships

Evenings at sea are always an occasion to look forward to. The dress code transforms the atmosphere on board so that each evening is different. From smart casual to semi-formal and formal, the dress code changes from night to night. Not all cruise lines insist on a dress code but it certainly adds to the experience if you choose one that does.FormalSailing from Southampton for a two week cruise there are normally four formal evenings whichever cruise ship you are on. Formal nights add a touch of glamour as you don your tuxedos and evening gowns for a real sense of occasion.For a man the tuxedo or dinner jacket are the norm, but a dark business suit can be worn. For the ladies an evening gown or cocktail dress if you prefer. On the P&O ships there is usually a black and white night on one of the formal evenings, so it would be advisable to choose a black or white dress in order to join in.Over the years my husband and I have managed to collect a selection of staple outfits that are classic styles in good quality fabrics, able to stand the test of time. He has prided himself on his collection of bow ties as he likes to match them to the colour of my evening dresses!I have found that the cocktail dresses can be worn to Christmas parties or race meetings and I have even had the opportunity to wear a formal gown at a local Summer ball. Online stores often give generous discounts to elegant pieces during the sales and it is worth checking during the Summer or January sales.Semi-FormalThere are usually four semi-formal evenings on a fourteen night cruise. Ladies have the chance to wear stylish dresses, separates or trousers. This gives you the chance to wear something trendy. If you co-ordinate your pieces then you can mix and match to create more outfits. Meanwhile the men wear smart suit and tie or sports jacket with tailored trousers. Elegance is the key for semi-formal evenings.Smart CasualA two week cruise on board most British ships will usually mean six to ten smart casual evenings ( not all ships have semi-formal evenings). Stylish leisurewear is expected with no jeans, beachwear or tracksuits.The men are seen in polo shirts and trousers, ladies in an assortment of summery print dresses or separates. I usually purchase for theses evenings each trip because they are fashionable outfits that I can wear at home.The dress code on the Cruise ships is applicable to all adults over 18. Children are expected to wear, as a minimum, smart casual clothing