Blog >Celebrity-Cruises > Celebrity Cruises Dress Code Explained: What To Wear On Your Cruise

24 Jun 2026 | By Lucy Hickson In Celebrity-Cruises

Celebrity Cruises dress code explained: what to wear on your cruise 

Packing for a cruise should feel exciting - not stressful. If you’re sailing with Celebrity Cruises in 2026 or 2027, you may be wondering exactly what the dress code is onboard and whether formalwear is still required. 

 

The good news? Celebrity Cruises has a modern, relaxed approach to cruising style. While there are guidelines for certain venues and evening events, the atmosphere onboard is polished without feeling overly formal. Think “smart casual resort wear” rather than black-tie pressure. 

 

In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the Celebrity Cruises dress code, including Evening Chic nights, dining attire, daytime clothing, footwear, themed nights and packing tips - so you can board with confidence. 

 

 

Is there a dress code on Celebrity Cruises? 

Yes, Celebrity Cruises does have a dress code, but it’s much more relaxed than traditional cruising standards from years gone by. 

 

Most of the time, the onboard atmosphere is smart casual. Guests are encouraged to dress comfortably during the day and elevate their look slightly for evenings in restaurants, bars and entertainment venues.

 

Celebrity replaced traditional formal nights with “Evening Chic” - a more modern and flexible concept that allows guests to dress stylishly without requiring tuxedos or ball gowns. 

 

Celebrity Cruises daytime dress code 

During the day, Celebrity Cruises keeps things casual and comfortable. 

 

Typical daytime clothing includes: 

  • Shorts
  • T-shirts
  • Sundresses
  • Swimwear with cover-ups
  • Polo shirts
  • Casual trousers
  • Sandals and trainers 

You’ll see many guests embracing resort-style fashion, especially on Caribbean, Mediterranean and warm-weather itineraries. 

 

Pool deck attire 

Swimwear is perfectly acceptable around the pool areas, but guests should wear footwear and cover-ups when entering indoor spaces or buffet restaurants. 

 

Bare feet are not permitted inside dining venues for hygiene and safety reasons. 

 

Celebrity Cruises evening dress code 

In the evenings, the atmosphere becomes slightly more refined.

 

For most nights, the dress code is smart casual, meaning guests often wear: 

  • Dresses or skirts
  • Smart jeans or trousers
  • Collared shirts
  • Blouses
  • Smart jumpsuits
  • Casual blazers
  • Smart shoes or dress sandals 

While Celebrity Cruises does not strictly enforce formal attire, distressed clothing, beachwear, baseball caps and flip-flops are generally discouraged in evening dining venues. 

 

What ievening chic on Celebrity Cruises? 

Evening Chic is Celebrity Cruises’ modern alternative to traditional formal nights. 

 

Rather than requiring tuxedos and evening gowns, Evening Chic encourages guests to dress elegantly in a way that feels comfortable and contemporary. 

 

Suggested evening outfits for Women: 

  • Cocktail dresses
  • Stylish jumpsuits
  • Elegant separates
  • Heeled sandals or dress flats 

Suggested Evening Chic Outfits for Men:

  • Smart trousers
  • Dress shirts
  • Sports jackets or blazers
  • Optional ties 

A full tuxedo is not required, although some guests still enjoy dressing up. 

 

Most cruises feature: 

  • 1 Evening Chic night on sailings of 6 nights or fewer
  • 2 Evening Chic nights on sailings of 7 nights or longer 

These evenings typically take place on sea days. 

 

Dress code for Celebrity Cruises restaurants 

Different dining venues onboard Celebrity Cruises may have slightly different expectations. 

 

Main dining room 

Smart casual attire is expected in the evenings. Swimwear, sleeveless shirts for men and overly casual clothing are discouraged after 6pm. 

 

Speciality restaurants 

Venues such as fine dining steakhouses or upscale restaurants usually encourage more polished attire. Many guests choose to dress up slightly more for these experiences. 

 

Oceanview café buffet 

The buffet remains casual during the day, though cover-ups and footwear are still required. 

 

Are jeans allowed on Celebrity Cruises? 

Yes - jeans are absolutely allowed onboard Celebrity Cruises. 

 

Smart, well-presented jeans are acceptable in most restaurants and bars during the evening. However, heavily ripped, torn or distressed jeans may not be permitted in certain upscale venues. 

 

Dark jeans paired with smart shoes and a collared shirt are a popular evening option for many guests. 

 

 

What not to wear on Celebrity Cruises 

Although Celebrity Cruises has a relaxed atmosphere, there are still a few clothing items that may not be appropriate in certain venues. 

 

Avoid wearing: 

  • Bare feet indoors
  • Swimwear in restaurants
  • Bathrobes outside cabin areas
  • Torn or offensive clothing
  • Tank tops in upscale evening venues
  • Flip-flops during evening dining 

Celebrity focuses more on maintaining a polished atmosphere than enforcing rigid rules. 

 

Do Celebrity Cruises have theme nights? 

Unlike some cruise lines, Celebrity Cruises tends to focus on sophisticated entertainment rather than large, themed party nights. 

 

However, certain sailings may feature: 

  • White parties
  • Destination-inspired evenings
  • Silent discos
  • Holiday-themed events
  • 70s or retro nights on select itineraries 

Checking the Celebrity Cruises app once onboard is the best way to see scheduled events. 

 

What shoes should you pack for a Celebrity Cruise? 

Comfort is key - especially on port-intensive itineraries. 

 

A good packing list includes: 

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sandals
  • Pool flip-flops
  • Smart evening shoes
  • Trainers for excursions
  • Water shoes for beach destinations 

If you’re sailing around Europe or Alaska, supportive footwear is especially important for sightseeing days. 

 

Celebrity Cruises dress code for Alaska cruises 

Alaska itineraries tend to be much more casual overall due to cooler weather and excursion-heavy days. 

 

Layering is essential, including: 

  • Waterproof jackets
  • Fleeces
  • Thermal layers
  • Comfortable walking boots
  • Hats and gloves 

Evening Chic nights still take place onboard, but guests often dress slightly less formally compared to Caribbean sailings. 

 

Celebrity Cruises dress code for Caribbean cruises 

Caribbean cruises naturally lean more towards tropical resort fashion. 

 

Popular clothing choices include: 

  • Linen shirts
  • Flowy dresses
  • Lightweight fabrics
  • Sandals
  • Bright colours and prints 

Evenings remain smart casual, but the atmosphere is generally relaxed and summery. 

 

Packing tips for Celebrity Cruises 

To avoid overpacking, focus on versatile outfits that can work across multiple occasions.

 

Recommended Packing Essentials:

  • Smart casual evening outfits
  • One Evening Chic outfit
  • Swimwear and cover-ups
  • Comfortable excursion clothing
  • A lightweight jacket or cardigan
  • Formal accessories if desired 

Celebrity Cruises laundry services are available onboard for longer sailings, which can help reduce luggage needs. 

 

 

FAQs about Celebrity Cruises dress code 

Q - Is there a formal night on Celebrity Cruises? 

A - Celebrity Cruises no longer hosts traditional formal nights. Instead, they offer “Evening Chic” nights, which are more modern and relaxed. 

 

Q - Can I wear shorts to dinner on Celebrity Cruises? 

A - Shorts are generally acceptable during the day, but smart casual attire is preferred for evening dining. 

 

Q - Are flip-flops allowed on Celebrity Cruises? 

A - Flip-flops are fine around the pool deck and casual daytime areas, but they are discouraged in restaurants and evening venues. 

 

Q - Do I need a tuxedo on Celebrity Cruises? 

A - No. Tuxedos are entirely optional. Most guests choose smart casual or elegant evening attire instead. 

 

Q - Can men wear jeans in the dining room? 

A - Yes, smart jeans are usually permitted, especially when paired with a collared shirt or smart footwear. 

 

Q - How many Evening Chic nights are there? 

A - Usually one on shorter cruises and two on sailings of seven nights or more. 

 

The Celebrity Cruises dress code strikes a balance between elegance and comfort, making it easy for guests to feel relaxed while still enjoying a sophisticated onboard atmosphere. 

 

Whether you love dressing up for Evening Chic or prefer laid-back resort wear, Celebrity Cruises offers flexibility without sacrificing style. Packing smart casual outfits, comfortable footwear and one elevated evening look will ensure you’re ready for every part of your cruise holiday in 2026 and 2027.

Published 24th June 2026, Last updated 24th June 2026
By Lucy Hickson In Celebrity-Cruises

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