Every cruise line calls formal night something different. Here is exactly what each one expects a man to wear.
Cruise dress codes cause more packing panic than anything else, mostly because every line uses its own language. One ship's black-tie gala is another's relaxed Elegant Night. The reality in 2026 is that codes are more relaxed than ever - but the tier still matters, and it pays to know where your line sits. Here is the map, line by line. Always check your daily programme too, as themes and enforcement vary by ship and sailing.
Cruise dress codes by line
The gold standard. Gala nights are genuine black tie - a tuxedo or dark suit, with a dinner jacket in the Britannia restaurant.
Two tiers: Smart Casual and Formal. Formal nights call for a suit or tuxedo - a dinner jacket and dress shirt is right at home.
Dark suits and tuxedos are expected, but a blazer or dinner jacket over a smart shirt is perfectly welcome. Suits optional.
A blazer or dinner jacket with dress trousers is the minimum. Suits are welcome but not required - a statement jacket shines here.
A dress code of the day, ranging from evening casual to black tie. Dress it up as much as you like - the black-tie nights reward effort.
One of the most relaxed. Dress trousers and a collared shirt do the job; ties are optional. A printed shirt is right at home.
Optional or themed elegant nights. Dressing up is encouraged; swimwear and vests are a no in the dining rooms.
No set formal nights - resort casual throughout, with an optional dress-up night. A smart printed shirt is all you need.
Whatever the line calls it, one outfit never lets you down: a statement dinner jacket over a smart shirt.
The outfit that works on any ship
If you remember nothing else, remember this: a statement dinner jacket over a smart or tuxedo shirt, with tailored trousers and a leather or velvet shoe, is correct on every line above. On black-tie nights add a bow tie; on relaxed nights lose the jacket and let a bold printed shirt lead. One jacket, one or two good shirts, and you are dressed for the whole voyage - see our cruise formal-night outfit guide for the full formula.
Cruise dress codes: FAQs
What is the strictest cruise line dress code?
Cunard is the most formal, with genuine black-tie gala evenings. Most mainstream lines - Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Celebrity - are far more relaxed, and Norwegian has no formal nights at all.
Do all cruises have a formal night?
No. Most lines have one or two elegant or formal evenings on a seven-night sailing, but Norwegian's Freestyle cruising has none. Always check the daily programme delivered to your cabin.
What should a man wear if he is unsure of the dress code?
A dinner jacket over a smart shirt with tailored trousers. It reads correctly from the most relaxed Elegant Night to a Cunard gala, so you are never underdressed.
Shop cruise shirts, tuxedo shirts and dinner jackets, sizes S to 6XL.
Shop the Cruise EditPlan the rest of your trip with our cruise wardrobe guide and the men's cruise packing list.
