What to Wear on a Royal Caribbean Cruise

[@SheriSandlin]

I really appreciate the visuals! That is SO helpful. Thank you.

[@CruiseTipsTV]

My pleasure!

[@dustyonegames]

Having been on 12 past cruises, 2 with royal caribbean and 10 with carnival I would like to give my advice. I bring dockers white or cream colored slacks and button collared shirt, sometimes with tie for formal nights and my wife wears a skirt with blouse. That has been acceptable on all of our cruises. I do not have a problem with anybody dressing up for these formal nights and it looks very nice. I do however feel like the cruise lines should enforce what they DO NOT allow on formal night, shorts, tank tops, ball caps, flip flops, bathing attire, etc. To go along with what is casual, cruise casual, formal etc. that is going to very from person to person, family to family. We do not have the extra money to pay for additional luggage to take our SUNDAY BEST on vacation with us. We paid for the cruise and should be able to enjoy the best meals in the dining room with the best clothes we brought with us. I hope this helps those that might be nervous or scared of being put out of the dining room on prime rib and lobster night because they may not choose to dress formal.

[@mrs.thomas-usmcwife5686]

Went on an RC cruise for my honeymoon. My husband HATES dressing up. I was lucky to get him in a suit for the wedding! On formal night he wore a nice polo and khakis. I wore a black cocktail dress. No one said anything to us and we had a great time.

[@CruiseTipsTV]

Love it!

[@sp33d3r1]

Sounds like your husband and I would get along...haha. That's my plan also. Some nice shoes, khakis, and a button up shirt. Thanks for the info!

[@beege4491]

A long black skirt and sparkly blouse are easy to pack and look nice. My husband either packs his suit or a button down shirt , vest, and the with dressy slacks. We've never felt over or under dressed.

[@rachaeladler3631]

Nice tips. Personally, I like to err on the side of caution and dress nicer when in doubt. Better to overshoot the runway than come in short. Besides, what's wrong with being the best dressed person in the room?

[@TheMeloettaful]

My mom doesn't really care for the formal nights but comes dressed for them anyway. As for me if I could be just casually dressed all the time I would be fine with that. But even I have that inner girly girl that likes to get dolled up for special occasions. Like this year in July me and my mom are going on the Liberty of the Seas and I have been window shopping for nice formal looking dresses and Sun dresses as of late for it :D !

[@lizbreen3755]

I totally agree with you.

[@CruiseTipsTV]

Me too Rachael!

[@Zzzk23]

Rachael Adler thank you for this comment. I'm considering wearing my prom dress to the formal dinner and I'm afraid I'll be overdressed. (It's black with Aurora Borealis crystals on top leading down to a slit by the thigh. So it's very showy.) Better to look a little more like Cinderella in her ballgown than her rag dress I suppose.

[@mcbeeze]

I agree, it’s my style to be over and not under dressed. My mother was so elegant and usually was dressier than the others - and people never forget her!

[@alsuzy1345]

Great tips. We like to dress for the dinner each evening and how often do you get to wear a tux. The last cruise I was on (Celebrity), I was one of two I saw to wear a tux for evening chic (no longer called formal). I got many compliments. It may not be for everyone but for us it is special.

[@CruiseTipsTV]

Totally agree!

[@dwightlooi]

Nobody ever gets kicked out of the main dining room on formal night for not wearing a tux! A suit and tie is more than fine. In fact, any long sleeved shirt and tie with a coat jacket is fine. If you really hate jackets, take it off and put it on the seat back once seated. I am never been asked to put my jacket back on! If it ever comes to that, it’s on the seat back.

[@nicnothingnice]

OMG What did we do before KZbin?! Thank you for sharing! I'm starting to think it's less about what you wear and more about how you wear it. I was concerned about looking formal enough but I'll just add a sparkly necklace and call it a day 😂

[@Peldyn]

My husband was worried he would have to rent a tux. I can now tell him he will be fine in a suit.

[@burningisis]

I think the hardest part for my hub will be the "smart casual" I'm going to stick him in a polo shirt with his "good jeans" and call that smart casual for him. Formal we can do, casual we can do but the in between is probably the most difficult. I work in IT and hub's a tradesman so its not like he has an overabundance of business casual clothes, and in IT, jeans and a polo are business casual, any more casual and people start showing up in logo tees and shredded jeans. Also when hub said "I have collared shirts" and pointed to his flannels, I was like... ok I'm dressing you.

[@onelazysusan]

Pop a blazer on him and his polo & jeans combo should work fine.

[@rebeccagutierrez1401]

I'm planning on just wearing a little black dress for formal night with some periwinkle heels. I want to be comfortable.

[@kathleenweber9010]

We were on a Royal Carribbean cruise late Jan and one of the nights was listed as white. I think they should email passengers ahead of time what the nights will be, unless it's on their website and I can't find it. One cruise we had a guy at the next table show up every night in shorts. They never told him no and he said I'm on vacation.

[@silviadiaz1248]

Kathleen Weber ::: agreed that the "white night" or other themed nites should be advertised by cruise lines. Norwegian also has a white night but we were unprepared so we didnt participate because we felt left out. This time i called royal (going on honeymoon cruise in 10 days!) and asked them about their themed nights. Well, not only do they also have a white night, but a 60s/70s night! Of course, its all subject to change and thats probably why they dont want to post anything but who regularly travels with color & decade-specific clothing? Apparently ill have to just pack everything but the kitchen sink

[@CruiseTipsTV]

That would be SO nice if the notified people in advance.

[@80beibz]

I did cruise at Costa and 1 day before going on board, we found the famous list of dress code. But we thought the same thing like a guy you mentioned above.. We want to go to a vacation and we don't want to be controlled for what we want to wear.. 🤣😅. In fact, we were in all activities despite our dresscode. Just funny when we are in a dinner, all passengers were in costume and dress, me - my son - and husband just in shirts and shorts 🤣🤭. Don't worry they still served us with a smile..

[@gabby_bear]

Appreciate this guide! My Nana is planning a cruise for the whole family next Sept., and I wanted to plan ahead! haven't been on a cruise in 5 years and my boyfriend has never been on one so this was super helpful!

[@CruiseTipsTV]

Thank you, I am so glad.

[@travismayes23]

I just read an article that was posted today Royal Caribbean change the policy you will not find shorts on there for dining or t-shirts or tank tops

[@renzbayaga2013]

Thanks, so excited to dress up too on my upcoming cruise soon....

[@marigarza9201]

Thanks for another great video! I really like the pics of the outfits 👍🏼 I would tell any first time cruiser if they want go all out for formal nights, take pictures and enjoy. On our 2nd cruise we got dressed up with long formal dresses on the 1st formal night, the 2nd formal night we did cocktail dresses 😊 Made it a little easier shopping for one long formal dress each. 🛳

[@CruiseTipsTV]

Good point Mari!

[@alyssaandgrant9881]

Great video Sherri....last time we were on the carnival Breeze we were disappointed that there isn't a stricter dress code in the dinning room at night...we saw people wearing basketball shorts...royal carribean was a bit stricter and we liked that better

[@CruiseTipsTV]

Agreed, this drives me nuts.

[@alyssaandgrant9881]

At breakfast in the dinning room there was a guy wearing an undershirt tank top and sagging his shorts so everyone could see his underwear

[@toriewilson2533]

Why do you care so much what other people wear??? Like seriously...

[@philipl1109]

When cruising in Europe people dress up more. In Europe I packed my Tux and lots of guys in Tux. In the Caribbean I just go slacks or chino's button up shirt and a tie. For a week long trip no room in the carry on bag for a tux or suite.

[@CruiseTipsTV]

Thanks for sharing this Philip! Hope to do a Europe cruise when our son is older.

[@bbergs8628]

Has RCCL added "anytime dining" on it's cruises? Last time I sailed with them (several years ago) they only had early and late seating, or the buffet (but that was before they had their mega ships, and specialty restaurants)! Love the mall pics!!

[@silviadiaz1248]

We are going on a royal cruise in 10 days...they did allow us to do flex-dining. BUT you get assigned to a main dining room....A detail that is not posted of their site. Was informed of it during one of many calls to royal as i had a ton of questions. They said the menu at all dining rooms are the same so u r offered same food no matter where u eat

[@tucciiixo]

bonnie bergstein yes! They now have anytime!

[@brat32179]

Yes. Sailing later this month on Allure and we have "My Time Dining". I'm actually able to make reservations for the main dining room for either early or late seating, or we can show up when we want (but there may be a wait to be seated).

[@freakstate]

For those cruising on the Symphony.... Wear casual on formal nights, no one cares. If youre backpacking before or after and want to keep things light, you dont need a jacket, plus there arent Suit hire facilities on board anyway. Wear shorts in the main dining room, NO ONE CARES, but you will be the odd one out. Please make an effort, but dont stress. If you do dress the part there will be plenty of others doing the same and theres a chance to take some nice photos on formal nights

[@noemorales2155]

Omg thanks so much I’ve been looking all kind of videos and you were the only specific one.

[@wendycuster818]

So helpful! I am such a visual person and it's hard to dress up your little men, especially when they don't want to!

[@kets7]

Hi, can u suggest dresses n tops with sleeves? Going in August...

[@TheMeloettaful]

I remember when I was on the Navigator two years ago it was a formal night and everyone was all dressed up as they should be EXCEPT for one couple who was wearing casual clothes. The workers turned them away and the couple were angry, but I wonder did they not see anyone else dressed up all fancy like and looked at their clothes and wonder "hmmm maybe we should go and change our clothes?"! Whether they actually managed to talk their way into the dining room dressed as they are I don't know, but I do remember mightily enjoying the food they had XD lol.

[@CruiseTipsTV]

Perfect example!!

[@papigrande1971]

TheMeloettaful exactly. Wish they would tell people that arent dressed to go to WJ

[@freakstate]

I highly doubt this happened. On the Symphony no one gave two hoots what people were wearing. You think they would piss guests off like this?

[@mircat28]

So if I wear a formal gown or cocktail dress I might be at a table with someone in jeans and a tee shirt??

[@jodura3363]

I think I am a bit happier that we are doing NCL for our first cruise. I like dressing up, but I think I am more of a smart casual leaning toward formal depending on where I am going

[@marksantucci4230]

Sherri this is how I would categorize. business dress would be like a sports coat , full collared shirt, dress pants, chinos or kahkis, a tie and dress shoes. like the way Trump dresses. business casual would be a sports coat , a collared shirt or a polo a pair of dress pants , chinos , kahki's a pair of hush puppies or suede shoes or less dressy leather shoes casual but neat would be a polo , a 3 button collared shirt or a full collared shirt a pair of chinos , kahki's and something in the way of clarks , rock port shoes suede. this is probably resort casual a shirt with palm trees , or boats , on them a polo a pair of chino's and some kind of boating shoes but at certain times of the day are shorts like Bermuda shorts with a Hawiian shirt from Tommy Bahamas or Vineyard vines? are they categorized as resort casual? any thoughts on any of the category's of dress of if i'm correct?

[@CruiseTipsTV]

+Mark Santucci sounds totally accurate to me!

[@Lookintobookz]

Casual is also like tank topsand t shirts

[@stacyyounger8122]

Hi! Great info. Was very helpful for my cruise on the Carnival Breeze in July.

[@Obelisk72]

thanks a lot for the tips now i understand the differences between casual ans smart casual because for me is very confusing, but after seeing your video i can get best dressed for my next cruise with the Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas sailing in December 30 2018 thanks a lot for your help

[@CruiseTipsTV]

Ah, thank you so much! You've made my day. That's exactly why we wanted to put this together- to demystify. It's confusing!

[@Obelisk72]

can i ask you something it's a good option to buy drink package for the whole week?

[@JDHawk74]

Do you have any info on late nights on a Carnival ship? I'm a night owl and my first cruise is coming up. I wonder what I'll be doing at 3am...

[@CruiseTipsTV]

I'll ask the vlog for you James!

[@rogerdodger8415]

Everyone is in bed at 3am. The cleaning crew is out. There's no food except coffee and cocoa. You might find a few couples out on deck, but it's usually cold and windy. Young people party like hell until about 1 or 2 and then slowly disappear.

[@HelenFaye16]

Yes, the visuals helped sooo much! Thank you!

[@donnaflora227]

I love dressing up! My husband and son on the other hand doesn't. Would it be okay for my husband to wear a nice dress shirt with slacks for formal night? No tie or jacket?

[@rogerdodger8415]

I'd bring a tie just in case. It's not that you can't get in on formal night, but he'll feel like Jed Clampett with the rest of the men.

[@jeantonyreta6025]

I been on 10 HAL cruises and always dressup. Hubby has 5 HAL cruises.

[@juanitaclark1355]

we went to main dining room for breakfast one morning. we were turned away because my husband was wearing a tank top

[@melaniemcintyre6115]

loved the visual examples!

[@CruiseTipsTV]

Thanks!

[@perjrgensen8280]

Good video... Kind regards from Denmark

[@kasz7098]

Do they aggressively air condition the ship? Maybe it’s because I’m from Canada but I went to Florida in sept and was overwhelmingly hot the whole time and spent the the week in shorts/tank tops/sun hats/sunglasses. I’m planing a Caribbean cruise for may and I imagine the weather will be similar or hotter. Are people just ok sweating into jeans/khakis and button ups never mind formal wear?

[@beege4491]

For those who like to dress up for formal night, it would be courteous if those who don't want to change out of their shorts, eat in the buffet that night. But there will always be those who thumb their nose at everyone else

[@theresaconnor2135]

On embarkation day are you allowed to wear shorts to dinner in the MDR? It’s been a while since we cruises on RCL it’s been strictly Carnival the past 5 years. TIA

[@CruiseTipsTV]

Usually YES!

[@marksantucci4230]

First of all I don't dress the way everybody else dresses. when I go to dinner on a cruise like back in the end of september I wore a full collared shirt from Bannana republic, j crew and ears I also wore a pair of chinos or twills with a pair of casual shoes from clarks outlet. on formal nights I don't rember if I wore a tie but I certainly wore a sports coat with dress slacks with a full collared shirt. so Sherri whats the difference between smart casual, business casual and resort casual?

[@CruiseTipsTV]

+Mark Santucci is say smart casual and business casual are similar but resort casual is less conservative and more focused on vacation wear.

[@tarasaylor26]

Can men wear shorts to dinner at any point? With a button up shirt

[@CruiseTipsTV]

Yes! Absolutely allowed- just not on formal evenings

[@frecklebean5338]

Hi! Thanks for all your videos. Really helpful. I’ll be departing from NY in winter to the Caribbean and it will be my first cruise and I’m completely loose about what to pack/wear. Please help me!! 🚢🏖⛄️ ☀️

[@CruiseTipsTV]

Will do! I'll answer on Tuesday's vlog. Royal caribbean cruise?

[@buffy5kt]

Great video! Can you give me any info on your bracelet? It's awesome!

[@keishanations8667]

So is formal night just one night? Does that mean you can dress casual and smart casual the other nights in the main dining room?

[@CruiseTipsTV]

Usually on a 7 night cruise, there are two. Shorter cruises, just one! Yes, you can absolutely dress smart casual or casual the other nights.

[@keishanations8667]

CruiseTipsTV Thanks so much!!

[@andyr4735]

The fact I'm having to do research on what to wear on a cruise is ridiculous. I'm looking forward to the experience but it seems like I'm going to have to over pack and change outfit three times a day which is completely unlike me

[@favoritemusic2949]

Hi Sheri can you tell me what to wear on a carnival cruise

[@CruiseTipsTV]

It's safe to use the same guidelines as this video, for sure!

[@brandihagerty958]

Are there irons available to iron my dress clothes?

[@socalseth]

Great video as always guys!

[@CruiseTipsTV]

+socalseth thanks PN!

[@janetaldana4179]

My family and I are going on our first cruise in July on the Carnival Breeze to the Bahamas and found this very helpful and takes the guesswork out of what we should bring. Any advice on where to shop? We live in the DFW area, if that helps any. I saw some dresses in the video that caught my eye. Thanks again for all the videos!

[@alyssaandgrant9881]

Janet Aldana have you ever sailed out of Galveston before? If not I would love to give you tips as we live in the Houston area and have sailed out that port multiple times

[@janetaldana4179]

Alyssa and Grant We have never sailed at all, this will be our first cruise and hopefully not the last. We have been to Galveston on a weekend vacation that's it. We will be there the day before so were not as tired and get on the ship, I think I picked 10:00 - 10:30 check-in. Please anything would be helpful. Thanks

[@alyssaandgrant9881]

Janet Aldana go through sherris videos here on cruisetipstv....for different topics you might have...

[@alyssaandgrant9881]

Janet Aldana I would try to stay in Galveston rather than Houston if possible....also try to find an independent parking lot rather than the port because when you come back it will be way easier to get to your car. The breeze is a great ship and I would recommend that you eat in the main dinning room rather than the buffet. Any other specific questions about that ship?

[@janetaldana4179]

Alyssa and Grant I booked at Towneplace in Galveston well in advance but the only thing is we are limited because majority of hotels there are a minimum of 2 nights. Thinking about a vacation rental, not for sure. I thought about port parking but then found parking across the street from the cruise terminal, can't think of the name off the top of my head but I'm sure you know.

[@dootdoot5124]

Ive been on 11 cruises (all Disney) and I’ll be on royal Caribbean during Mardi Gras due to how close by the ship will be. I have a massive fear of ships (refuse to go on elevators) and am terrified of going on a different cruise line. What are some suggestions for a perfect and relaxing cruise?

[@CruiseTipsTV]

Wow! You’re a very experienced cruiser! Good for you for sticking with it despite your fear. I think for you, being careful not to over plan may be helpful. Try to focus on being in the moment and enjoying your travel companions and each day as it comes

[@RachelRay215]

Are irons provided on board? If not how do you manage wrinkly clothes, specifically suits, shirts, etc.

[@CruiseTipsTV]

+Rachel Ray on Royal, no self serve laundry or irons are provided which really annoys us! You have to send your close to be pressed, or do what we do and try to steam them out in the shower or pack and downy wrinkle release. Here is the official article from the Caribbean on their laundry service. www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/onboard-laundry-guest-services

[@RachelRay215]

Thank you so much for the reply!

[@shaylaburman9119]

Do you need to bring your passport when you leave the boat for excursions? Is t needed to re-enter the boat?

[@CruiseTipsTV]

No, best to leave ON ship!

[@suzannesmith8906]

Hey, I am new to your channel. Have you been on Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas? Pass on any tips etc if you have. Thank you!

[@Leshay5]

12:03 🤣😂 Yes I am! 👠💃🏽

[@John9175]

Could we get a what to wear on a princess cruise? :D

[@lisaf4585]

I thought that I read on RC's website that for Casual DINNERS in the MDR you were not permitted to wear shorts. Not even golf shorts for men. Is this true?

[@freakstate]

On Symphony you would be the odd one in the room in shorts but I highly doubt they would turn you away. Saw plenty of people in shorts.

[@tarasaylor26]

My question is about shorts for men. The pics had shorts for dinner-is that ok?

[@semicenturian8535]

What about a kilt?

[@CruiseTipsTV]

Absolutely fine! I've seen many on formal nights on a cruise.

[@scottishgirl1100]

last wedding i attended I was in my wedding dress ;) lol I can't believe its almost been 1 year since my wedding.

[@TOhara-eb2lp]

Justine Hietkamp My husband wore his class A Navy uniform. I can't see packing that for a cruise. :-)

[@thomasgregory8953]

Justine Hietkamp www

[@bbergs8628]

Is there "dumb casual"?? Actually, I believe I've seen some cruisers wearing plaids and stripes, and sandals and socks (LOL)!!

[@CruiseTipsTV]

+bonnie bergstein HAha! I've seen it too Bonnie!

[@mads3853]

bonnie bergstein ew

[@rebeccagutierrez1401]

More like bum casual.

[@wendysmith6184]

you handled this contentious subject beautifully , and explained everything so well . Thankyou :)

[@CruiseTipsTV]

+wendy smith Our pleasure.

[@josephkeeney4789]

Hazmat suit would be nice.

[@nataliepotts4430]

what store were you at during 5:03?

[@CruiseTipsTV]

I believe it was Nordstrom.

[@penelopeperry8365]

Helpful! Thank you!

[@tdavis5870]

I am going on the Carnival Elation in July and would like to know if flip flop sandals are considered acceptable on any night in the dining room? Than you for all you do!!

[@melanieronquillo5862]

T Davis from my experience, it depends on the style of flip flop. If they are the plastic type, they usually won't work for the dining room, if they are dressier and are paired with a nice casual outfit, then I wouldn't worry about it. Sandals with a back strap are usually fine.

[@tdavis5870]

Thank you so much. I don't do heels and I didn't want to buy new shoes. I have some dressier flip flops that look like sandals.

[@nicnothingnice]

This conversation proves how blurred the lines of fashion have become... It can get confusing!

[@tomnatortomnator883]

Is your cruise in a warm or cold climate? I wore a formal jacket to a Mexican cruise and told the waiter I had to take this this off, I was cookin!!! Ok with them Nice shirt and a vest, dress slacks and nice shoes next time

[@CruiseTipsTV]

Haha! I bet! Husband earlier takes a jacket anymore. He just wears a shirt and a tie and sometimes vest.

[@PoetlaureateNFDL]

Wear what’s comfortable?

[@ariari81472]

what do you wear on formal night if you’re a woman not comfortable wearing dresses? can you just not go? seems a bit wrong to me to force women to wear dresses :/

[@CruiseTipsTV]

Great question. You absolutely don’t have to wear a dress. Many women wear dressy pants or even normal pants and a more dressy top. You will See a lot of variance.

[@burningisis]

My mother cruises Celebrity and she doesnt wear dresses at all onboard. She wears a formal suit (with sequins on the lapels) for formal night and absolutely fits right in. All other nights in the MDR she'll wear chinos and a nice blouse and has always been in style. I cruise RCI and Princess and I'm all about the maxi dresses for the MDR. What I am NOT about is having to wear pantyhose!

[@anakerose]

Dang, I wish we had your mall!

[@ck104]

Could these guidelines also apply to Princess?

[@CruiseTipsTV]

+ck104 absolutely! You'll find people to be a bit more conservative/dressy on Princess but not my much. That's likely due to an older demographic on Princess.

[@papigrande1971]

We dress up for formal nights. Its our fav part! I wish they would make formal night in the mdr MANDATORY. If ya dont wanna dress up go to the Windjammer.

[@CruiseTipsTV]

;-)

[@dh1176]

I wish they would get rid of formal night.

[@rogerdodger8415]

I wear next to nothing.

[@emilyclaycreations6796]

Personally I like dressing up more on all the nights but honestly I love dressing up and I'd rather be the best dressed in the room lmaoo

[@nancyoppegard6665]

Formal night is such a good opportunity for a family portrait...and for only $20 !!! Just do it !

[@LORENBLUMBERG]

As you may recall, I recently sailed on RCCL Adventure of the Seas in February 2017. On the second formal night, i witnessed a person dressed in Shorts who was let in and not kicked out by staff. I personally feel this passenger should have been asked to leave. Other than this instance, I did not observe any other violations of dress code behavior in the MDR for Formal nights. My wife and i really enjoy the formality of the evening with dressing up (though i am used to wearing a suit most days at work). Nice job with the video as usual.

[@CruiseTipsTV]

I totally agree! Rules are rules.

[@bomguy999999]

Your casual wear looks dressy as hell to me.

[@bomguy999999]

Nothing wrong with dressing up if that's what you're in to. I wear a uniform to work everyday and vacation is a time to relax for me. As a matter of fact I did sit at the dinner table every night to eat dinner, breakfast was at the table as a family as well. Swimwear and tanks aren't for the dinning room on board ship in my opinion either. Now a nice pair of casual shorts, collared button up or pull over shirt and decent footwear would be totally acceptable in my opinion.

[@CruiseTipsTV]

+bomguy999999 LOL. Yes, we go a little more dressy on cruises than necessary. The trend in cruising is definitely toward the more casual and while I enjoy the tradition, I'm usually in workout clothes for the first few hours of the day, looking pretty slobby.

[@bomguy999999]

Not sure you could look sloppy. J/S :-)

[@SashaLine]

Looking at your daily outfit on your picture I believe that any simplest fabrics clothing is dressy as hell to you😉

[@seanbrossard8178]

Thank you for your efforts. Your presentation was informative. Here is the but I felt you could've done this in 2 minutes that's 10 minutes of my life I can't get back. I am sure you spent hours to put this together what a shame you don't value our time in that process.

[@twistalimes8351]

I’m falling asleep. Too wordy.

[@CruiseTipsTV]

Thank you for your feedback.

[@muragurie3656]

You are cute

[@mommykpd6005]

awesome as always, love the visuals

[@CruiseTipsTV]

+Bridget Dudek thank you, as always!! 😎