Daytime Attire
During the day, casual attire is appropriate, including, shorts, sundresses, tank tops, etc. for the ladies, and for men; shorts, polo shirts, T-shirts, etc. will do. Rubber-soled, low heeled or flat shoes are recommended while onboard. The use of any footwear with wheels is prohibited onboard all Carnival ships – leave the to Heelys© shoes and rollerblades at home!
Evening Attire
Most evenings the dress code remains "Cruise Casual". For the main dining room, gentlemen will feel most comfortable in casual slacks (Dockers, khaki's) – you could get away with a nice pair of jeans, however. Wearing a pair of nice shorts (pressed, longer in length) is not entirely inappropriate with proper footwear; however, you are likely to be in the minority. A polo / sports shirt or a button-down shirt is appropriate. For the ladies, casual dresses, casual skirts or pants and blouses, summer dresses, Capri pants, dress shorts and tasteful jeans (no rips, cut-offs, acid washed, etc.) are all appropriate.
Formal Nights / Cruise Elegant Nights
Depending on the length of the cruise, one or two nights will be a Cruise Elegant. Years ago, "Formal Nights" on cruises meant a pre-cruise trip to the tuxedo rental shop, or, shopping for a fancy cocktail dress or evening gown. While you will see the occasional tuxedo, you will more likely see a sport coat, dress shirt and dress slacks, or, a business suit (with and without neckties) on the gentlemen. For the ladies, appropriate cocktail attire, elegant skirts, pantsuits and blouses will typically be favored over evening gowns.
Don't Feel Like Dressing-Up On Cruise Elegant Nights?
If your idea of a vacation is to leave anything that resembles "elegant" at home, head to the Lido Restaurant (the buffet on the Lido Deck – typically near the pool towards the rear of the ship) on Cruise Elegant nights. The dress code in the Lido Restaurant is always relaxed – shorts and t-shirts are acceptable at any time. Shirts and shoes/footwear (flip-flops are OK) must be worn at all times inside the Lido Restaurant, however.
Attire For Dining at the Steakhouse
The reservations-required supper club dining restaurants / steakhouses onboard select Carnival ships follows the same dress code as the main dining rooms, including, "Cruise Elegant" nights. However, people will normally treat the night they dine out at the steakhouse as a special night and you are more likely to see more sport coats and business suits on the men, and, cocktail dresses on the ladies dining in the steakhouse. This may hold true even on evenings that are not designated as "Cruise Formal". Steakhouses are available on the Carnival Legend, Carnival Miracle, Carnival Pride, Carnival Spirit, Carnival Conquest, Carnival Glory, Carnival Valor, Carnival Liberty, Carnival Freedom, Carnival Splendor and Carnival Dream.
Attire for Cruises to Cooler Climates: Canada/New England and Alaska Cruises
Sweaters, lightweight jackets, raincoats and comfortable shoes are suggested. Casual clothes that can be layered easily are highly recommended. Bring a heavier sweater if you are traveling to the glaciers, along with a raincoat and umbrella, because it is often cold and windy in such areas.
Attire for South America and Europe Cruises
Comfortable shoes and a just-in-case raincoat are a great idea. Bring a sweater if you are traveling to the glaciers, along with a raincoat and umbrella, because it is often cold and windy in such areas. Special note: It is essential that you wear the proper apparel when visiting the Vatican and other religious sites (no bare legs or shoulders).
Compare the Dress Code for Other Cruise Lines:
Azamara Club Cruises
Celebrity Cruises
Disney Cruise Line
Holland America Line
NCL
Princess Cruises
Royal Caribbean