P&O Cruises Dress Code Explained

The question on everyone's lips when considering cruising; what's the dress coded? Do I have to dress up? Will I feel out of place if I don't? Well, here's everything you need to know about the dress codes on P&O cruises and how this differs from ship to ship and the venues on board. The most important thing to remember is you have options and choices - there's a cruise line for everyone and a dress code (or not) to suit all tastes. And one thing's for sure; this is a topic that can bring out the worst in people! Lol!
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#cruise #pando #pandocruises #dresscode #cruiseship #cruisevlogger

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Oh my goodness I’ve been asked about dress codes more than anything else when it comes to cruising so it only makes sense that I dedicate a vlog to it! Here’s everything you need to know about P&O dress codes and it might surprise you!

[@mattmale7183]

Thanks Jamie, we were a bit nervous on our first cruise, but soon fell into the swing of things. It was actually nice to 'dress for dinner' for once.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Some people love to dress up on a cruise!

[@neilbaker1307]

Thank you, Jamie. Your videos have helped me soooooo much with packing ,dressing, and what's on board a cruise holiday, a real life, and time saver, lol

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Very Welcome 🙏

[@sarahjames2555]

Thank you Jamie, we have booked our first cruise on the Iona next year. Was worried about the dress code, I I don't need to worry. Amazing videos thank you 😊

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Your definitely don’t need to worry ❤️❤️❤️

[@waynekerr114]

Cheers Jamie that has helped a lot we're on our first cruise on Iona this summer and can not wait.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Very welcome 🙏

[@Gazza-E]

Thanks for the video Jamie😀. I think the whole dressing up thing is literally handing on by a thread - more and more cruise lines are operating like floating resorts with a much more relaxed feel, personally I go on holiday to chill and not to dress up. I can't see the point of a cruise line being half in / half out - many lines now have it as optional, this includes P & O who have a 'suggested' dress code. Either go all the way like Cunard, drop it altogether or maybe just have one venue with a permanent formal code so people can have a dress up night if they choose. There's nothing sadder than seeing somebody dressed in their finery, all excited and expecting to see everybody the same but in reality end up in amongst a casual majority, worst case was on an overcrowded Iona on New Years eve where people couldn't get into the dining room so ended up all dressed up in the buffet looking both angry and embarrassed at the same time.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

I really don’t feel too strongly either way about dress codes - I’d rather be casual personally and I couldn’t care less what everyone else is wearing 😂

[@tintin69rr]

@@TravelBlogJamie I see you use the excursions not provided by p&o have you ever had any issues them not gettin you back in time it’s our 1st cruise next March around Caribbean and don’t want to end up missing the boat but then £100 saving per excursions a fair old wedge

[@TravelBlogJamie]

@@tintin69rr never had a problem but I wouldn’t take an excursion where I couldn’t easily get back to the ship if there were a problem

[@tintin69rr]

@@TravelBlogJamie can you recommend some trips on the Caribbean and point out the ones to avoid 👍👍👍

[@TravelBlogJamie]

@@tintin69rr sorry I can’t - it’s years since I did a Caribbean cruise and next one not until December. After that I can absolutely help 😂

[@baileysmum2288]

@ Travel Blog Jamie that’s good to know dress code for P&O was wondering about it only been on Marella Cruise so far can’t wait till 24 comes around

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Very Welcome 🙏

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Not long now!!

[@baileysmum2288]

@@TravelBlogJamie 1 year 3 months but not counting 😂😂

[@Smart93x]

I always thought it was meant to be black suits 😭 I’m actually in a shop now looking at suits as I’m sailing next Tuesday! Now I know it doesn’t have to be black. Thank you! 🙏

[@TravelBlogJamie]

It absolutely doesn’t have to be black if you choose to dress formally 👌

[@barrybentley8066]

Absolutely love PO cruising the Iona is a fantastic ship I can’t wait to cruise again...........

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Thanks for commenting 🙏

[@booksandbargains]

Im going on P&O for the first time in May (Britannia) and were so torn over the formal nights! Husband has a grey suit ... so were going to take it and if they dont let us in well just go to the buffet :P We are travelling with a 97 year old who defineatly won't be in a ball gown `;p

[@TravelBlogJamie]

You are going to be just fine ❤️ enjoy 😊

[@coxdenton]

You be fine

[@venerabledom493]

It hilarious how precious P&O seem to be about formal dress when they are pretty much a bottom rung cruise liner 😂😂. I’m going on the Azura in April, no chance am I taking up space in my suitcase with a black tie gear.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

We feel the same way

[@tintin69rr]

Nice one glad arvia is a bit more relaxed and chuffed no chavy trackies or football shirts allowed lol 😂

[@TravelBlogJamie]

👍👍👍

[@LauraMumford-h3t]

Thank you Jamie. Very helpful. We are doing our first cruise Feb 2024 (Azura). Are you able to clarify that flip flops are ok to wear in the buffet restaurants during the day and where it says no pool wear does this just mean that you are required to cover up your bikini by putting a dress or a pair of shorts and a vest on? Also, we are not really into the 'formal' wear evenings so although we understand this may limit us to where we can go on the ship after 6pm on these evenings we would still be ok to wear smart/casual clothing? My dad tends to wear flip flops day and night on holiday. Are flip flops acceptable footwear in the buffet restaurantsand informal bar areas in the evening?

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Any flip flops by day. Swimwear = what you’d wear to swim in a pool.

[@tonynewman1694]

Great info thanks Jamie we do love a good black tie night 😁. Are you guys on Arvia this year 😁

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Yes, Easter and Christmas ❤️ How about you?

[@tonynewman1694]

@@TravelBlogJamie nothing booked yet 😁

[@TravelBlogJamie]

@@tonynewman1694 ‘yet’

[@tonynewman1694]

@@TravelBlogJamie probably no cruises or holidays for 2 years 😭

[@TravelBlogJamie]

@@tonynewman1694 that’s tough

[@benshomevideo]

Hi Jamie. Thanks for this info, but a question about footwear. On evening casual nights it says no trainers. But what about something like Vans, like a canvas trainer. Black with a white trim? Thanks in advance.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Probably fine tbh (but I find with P&O it depends on the staff).

[@benshomevideo]

@@TravelBlogJamie Great, thanks mate.

[@traceybartlam7737]

I’m so glad you made this video- in particular explaining that you may go to the buffet in more casual attire. I tried and tried to explain that although I appreciated and enjoyed seeing others dressed up it was not my thing and I was happy to go to the buffet in normal cruise appropriate clothing and had no issues whatsoever if I had not been allowed in to the mdr for example if it were formal attire. Unfortunately the person who ran that Facebook group deemed everyone who had this view, which did not match his own, as a troublemaker even though I was never rude or personal, more that we said it’s a subject that he needed to perhaps not keep bringing up as it was clearly inflammatory (it was almost done to create drama) more than one of was blocked or kicked out of the group which seemed a bizarre thing for an adult to do just because people had an opposing view! I follow a few people on instagram who have been on press cruises with P&O and they have given the impression it’s not absolutely black tie or you should cruise with another cruise line and P &O are obviously happy with the content they are putting out or they wouldn’t be invited back. I find it bizarre that people get more worked up about the subject than the staff on the cruise lines themselves

[@TravelBlogJamie]

I agree - I don’t understand why anyone would be upset or so opinionated on what others wear, especially when within the rules. I can promise you we don’t always dress up as after a long tiring day it’s the last thing we want to do. I’m intrigued to know the FB group now!!

[@herschell64]

I'm going on Britannia next year and the dress code is something I'm a bit nervous about as I can't tie a tie and been trying to find out if a suit and a white shirt would be an acceptable option for Black Tie/Celebration Nights?

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Not for black tie nights; no. Just get a clip on tie. Alternatively just go to the venues that don’t require black tie dress.

[@herschell64]

@TravelBlogJamie thanks for your help

[@tancreddehauteville764]

What are the beds like on P&O ships? I found Royal Caribbean to be rock hard and had to request a topper.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

We find them very comfy - not too firm

[@Richard_Conway]

Hi Jamie, my partner and I will be sailing with P&O soon and we both actually love to dress up. We're going to wear tuxedos on the formal nights but even on casual nights we still want to make an effort and have a jacket, some colourful shirt and a tie on (something like your outfit at 2:12 in this video). Do you think that's too much and we'll look out of place? Cheers

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Hi Richard - you won’t find many people in jacket / tie out of formal night (open collar and jacket more common), but it’s whatever you’d feel comfortable doing.

[@mikeibby69]

Hi, went all out on Britannia, tuxedo, suits etc. Going on Iona soon. Want a more relaxed cruise. No suits, just trousers, denim and shirts as we arent doing the black tie night. As for footwear, are canvas casual shoes like Ben Sherman or Adidas allowed in the bars and buffet areas? Obviously will be wearing shoes in the restaurants. Thanks.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Canvas shoes fine

[@mikeibby69]

@TravelBlogJamie thank you. We've booked The Beach House for sail day but I'll be dark denim, shirt and shoes. North Europe next week.

[@KevinMirfin]

We are about to take our 1st cruise just wondering on the black tie nights do you have to wear a jacket or can you just wear shirt tie and waistcoat. also on the non black tie nights can you wear smart casual canvas shoes ?

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Yes, canvas shoes fine on smart casual. Jacket is expected on black tie for some of the venues

[@lambo7]

Good video. Can you get away with black trainers or Vans for casual wear in MDR’s ?? On Iona except celebration night.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

You might be able to if they look like shoes

[@lambo7]

@@TravelBlogJamie thanks.

[@PeeJay1951]

Some cruises will have 3 black tie nights. A 12 night one has 3. Not sure the range for 3 but it could be 10-13. I'm on a 20 nighter in March. It's effectively an 8 and 12 night and I have 5 black tie nights.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

But not on Arvia or Iona

[@PeeJay1951]

@@TravelBlogJamie No. Just the one a week 😁

[@TravelBlogJamie]

@@PeeJay1951 correct

[@MrPistolpete1234]

Hi Jamie, first time cruiser with p and o. I have a grey suit and brown shoes. Saw that the grey suit and coloured ties are ok, but are the brown shoes ok too?

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Yes perfectly fine

[@MrPistolpete1234]

@@TravelBlogJamie ok, thats great, thanks for letting me know

[@kimberlymclear6413]

Hi My other half is becoming amxious because trainers is what he feels comfortable in. How strict are they with the smart casual nights?

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Hi, they are quite strict on formal nights in the venues I mentioned.

[@MikeSmith-qq3hd]

Do you HAVE to wear tuxedo or tie on celebration nights ?

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Like I said in vlog, for certain venues, yes

[@TheWorti]

Thanks but footwear can I use if no trainers in Buffet as I will be wearing dress golf shorts and polo shirts

[@TravelBlogJamie]

You can wear trainers in buffet

[@TheWorti]

@@TravelBlogJamie thanks Jamie and roll on Ventura on the 13/07 then the Arcadia world cruise in January

[@Island-Media]

@@TheWorti hi how was it? was dress code okay ?

[@garethstarkey7560]

Hi Jamie I am going on the Iona end of this month for my wife’s birthday. Just need some advice as I have never done this before. So for celebration night can I wear just a suit and tie as I don’t like tuxedos at all the last time I wore one was at my wedding and it didn’t suit me. So just a normal suit would that be okay.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

You can wear a suit and tie on any formal eve on P&O

[@garethstarkey7560]

@@TravelBlogJamie cool thanks. As I am a chef I don’t wear suit/tux ever. So the M&S ones I have in black and grey would be fine.

[@barryrae8109]

First cruise nerves in July, so just looking for some clarity on casual nights. Would black dressy trainers be allowed??? Am guessing white would be a no, or would canvas be more suitable???....great vid tho 👍🏻

[@TravelBlogJamie]

I think you’d be absolutely fine if they were dressy and black 👍👍👍

[@nikoslempidakis7929]

Thank you 🤙

[@TravelBlogJamie]

🙏🙏🙏

[@chrisdrake331]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@TravelBlogJamie]

👁️

[@paulwedgbrow7808]

Hi Jamie ... please can you confirm ..is a grey jacket black trousers and tie acceptable on Arvia ?..sailing in june ? Thanks mate

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Any colours will do as long as a suit if you’re partaking in formalities

[@paulwedgbrow7808]

Sorry for being thick Jamie but does it have to be a suit or can it be grey jacket and black trousers ?

[@TravelBlogJamie]

@@paulwedgbrow7808 yes that’s fine

[@paulwedgbrow7808]

You're a star mate thank you

[@PaulineEdwards-og2im]

I've sailed with p&o.many many times . Going again September....and have observed the breaking of dress code rules many times.The rule of no football shirts and denim is completely ignored.!!! I asked an officer on board why the rule of wearing football shirts was blatantly ignored was told that we can politely ask the wearers not to wear them....but can't force them not to.!!!! Why make the rules if you turn a blind eye to them.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

🧐

[@The-Ratbasher]

I do have to say that this dress code malarkey is seriously giving me squeaky bum syndrome !. I'm a irst time cruiser, so not even sure if I'll like cruising or not ?. Then I see the formal nights, and being booked on the Azura, there's two of those. Now bare in mind that I don't even own a suit/jacket, or tie. Never mind a blimmin' Tuxedo etc. You can imagine what's going through this country boys mind right now ?. I've even considered cancelling the cruise altogether as they cost enough to start with, and then being told I can't eat where I want for 2 nights of a 7 night cruise is just ridiculous. Sorry for the negativity, but I'm on a very low income and just wanted to do something nice after losing my lovely Wife.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Well you don’t have to dress up and you don’t have to wear a tux on formal nights, a standard suit is fine

[@dalewildee]

Hey sorry this question might sound silly but does the suit have to be black/ dark colors?

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Not at all

[@Ilovecruises-m9t]

im going on iona in 1 week on saturday

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Enjoy ☺️

[@stevewoods8]

Hi do you have to wear a jacket in the dinning rooms

[@TravelBlogJamie]

On formal night, yes, in the mdr

[@larky0007]

Can you wear suit and waistcoat, but no suit jacket ?

[@TravelBlogJamie]

They request jackets

[@jameshodds8800]

can you rent tuxedo on a saga cruise ship ?

[@TravelBlogJamie]

I’ve never been on Saga

[@Khaoz2007]

crazy to think these dress codes are out of date (showing age) with trainers as trainers in 2024 is a huge part of dress wear. Most men/women where trainers with suits

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Very out-dated, yes

[@Island-Media]

@@TravelBlogJamie are trainers allowed in the buffet in the evenings ? :( thanks

[@TravelBlogJamie]

@@Island-Media yes

[@Island-Media]

@@TravelBlogJamie Thank you, Literally go away tomorrow and am just packing. NO idea what to pack as i've never done a cruise before. I have 1 suite + tie (3 shirts to choose from). Polo t shirts, blue jeans, dark chinos (black+navy), trainers and smart black shoes, If worried or unprepared we will just go to the buffet.

[@paulbrixey]

Confirms why we have never sailed with P&O

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Who do you sail with?

[@paulbrixey]

@@TravelBlogJamie normally Royal Carribean but also been with NCL and once with Princess

[@TravelBlogJamie]

@@paulbrixey oh cool I’ve done those too

[@tancreddehauteville764]

The buffet restaurants never require formal dress. Important to note.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Absolutely - we mention this in the video too

[@chrispnw2547]

I have yet to see anyone called out regarding their attire short of one person wearing a t-shirt with an offensive slogan/picture on it. Has anyone else?

[@mattmale7183]

I've seen people refused entry to certain restaurants because they had shorts on.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Tbh I’ve never seen anyone wearing anything like that on a cruise

[@chrispnw2547]

@@TravelBlogJamie Come to America, embrace our 'culture', and stay a while.😂 I heard someone wearing a Trump t-shirt was asked to turn it inside out as someone was offended and disturbed. In America EVERYONE is offended by something.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

@@chrispnw2547 well in all honesty that would offend my senses too

[@PeeJay1951]

I saw somebody, who sat opposite me in the Crows nest, asked to leave 2nd formal night on Iona in Feb. He was dressed casually with no jacket. He wasn't best pleased but perhaps he shouldn't have followed me in there 🤣🤣🤣

[@omegadeep1]

I haven't worn a tie since I retired and nor will I ever wear a tie again.. pointless attire.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Well done

[@iansexton1971]

Cruises are still in the 1800

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Right

[@iansexton1971]

@@TravelBlogJamie Dear Jamie.. just a quick thank you for the Norway trip videos ..just finished ours on brittiana.. your videos are very informative and helpful 👍😊..

[@TravelBlogJamie]

@@iansexton1971 you are very welcome 🙏

[@iansexton1971]

@@TravelBlogJamie loads of little things that you show that made life easier for myself and other half .. a truly wonderful experience 👏👏 as I’m not a fan of the formal night ..BUT you’d have been proud I did both lol .. one thing I was disappointed in was the buffet was no where near as good as carnival ships.. will be back for any tips and tricks for our next trip (Canada New York Boston 😊🩵)

[@TravelBlogJamie]

@@iansexton1971 that sounds like a fabulous itinerary

[@dejavoue88]

So James. Your customers pay a fortune to go on a ferry then you tell them what to wear and when to wear it ...

[@TravelBlogJamie]

1) I’m not called James - that’s quite obvious 2) it’s not my company, I’m just telling people how it works 3) it’s not a ferry - it’s a cruise ship - there’s a difference ……… (continue the ellipsis)

[@bartel-shop]

🧑🏻✌🐵

[@TravelBlogJamie]

🥂🍹🍻🍷🥤🍸🥃🍺

[@mattyb1980z]

👔☑️

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Next…🥃🥂🍸🍹🍺🍻🍷 + 📦

[@salex8813]

I don’t own black jacket but a navy jacket and trousers would that be fine

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Yes, I wore grey, as you can see in the pic