What Is Resort Casual on a Cruise Ship?

By Anna Duncan

Resort casual is the standard dress code for most cruise ships, but it can be difficult to figure out what that really means. From formal nights to swimsuits, there is a lot of flexibility when it comes to resort casual dress. To help you prepare for your next cruise, here’s an overview of what resort casual means and how you can dress appropriately for any event.

Formal Nights: Some cruises have formal nights in the main dining room. These are typically reserved for special occasions like anniversaries or birthdays.

On these nights, men should wear a suit and tie or tuxedo while women should wear cocktail dresses or evening gowns. For those who don’t have a formal wardrobe, dressy separates are acceptable too.

Semi-Formal Nights: Semi-formal nights are less common but still occur on some cruises. On these nights, men should wear a collared shirt with dress pants and dress shoes while women should wear a nice dress or skirt and blouse. This is also the time to break out your statement jewelry and accessories.

Poolside Activities: Poolside activities are usually more relaxed than formal dinners so you can get away with wearing more casual clothes. Men can wear shorts, t-shirts and sandals while women can opt for sundresses or shorts and tank tops. Don’t forget your swimsuit if you plan on taking a dip in the pool!

Casual Evenings: Casual evenings usually consist of dinner in the buffet area or attending shows in the theater. For these activities, men should wear collared shirts with jeans or khakis while women can opt for skirts or jeans with blouses. Dressy flats are also acceptable on casual evenings.

Resort casual is all about being comfortable while still looking stylish. While there are specific guidelines for certain activities, there is still plenty of room to express yourself through your clothes.

So don’t be afraid to bring along some fun pieces that will make your cruise even more memorable!

Conclusion: “What Is Resort Casual on a Cruise Ship?” Resort casual is the standard dress code for most cruise ships and includes everything from formal nights to poolside activities. Men should stick with suits and ties on formal nights while women should opt for cocktail dresses or evening gowns.

For semi-formal nights, men should go with collared shirts and dress pants while women should choose skirts or dresses with blouses. Poolside attire usually consists of shorts and t-shirts for men and sundresses or tank tops for women. Casual evenings typically involve dinner in the buffet area so men should stick with collared shirts, jeans and khakis while women can go for skirts, jeans or blouses paired with flats.