Men's Cruise Formal Wear: A Guide to Men’s Cruise Attire

A Gentleman's Guide to Cruise Fashion 

Setting sail on any luxury cruise liner isn't just about the destination – it's about embracing the timeless elegance of ocean travel. As a maker of bespoke accessories, I'm frequently asked about men's cruise formal wear, particularly what accessories to pack for different cruise formal nights. Let me navigate you through some top tips on cruise fashion for men.

Man on the deck of a cruise ship in suit and bow tie

Understanding Modern Cruise Dress Codes 

Whether you're sailing with Royal Caribbean, P&O, Norwegian Cruise Line, or luxury lines like Cunard, most ships maintain evening dress codes that vary in formality. For example, Cunard's Queen Mary 2 upholds traditional maritime elegance with their Gala Evenings, while Norwegian Cruise Line offers a more relaxed "freestyle cruising" approach.

What is Formal Wear on a Cruise Ship? 

Cruise formal nights (called 'Celebration Nights' on P&O, 'Chic Nights' on Royal Caribbean, or 'Gala Evenings' on Cunard) typically require:

•    Dinner jacket or tuxedo
•    Dark formal suit
•    Formal shirt
•    Bow tie 
•    Regular tie
•    Formal shoes

The dress code for cruise ships varies by venue and time. For instance, Cunard's themed galas showcase how versatile formal wear can be – their Black & White gala evening calls for pure elegance in monochrome. While a standard black bow tie is always appropriate, you could consider elevating your look with a textured white silk bow tie against a black dinner jacket – it's unexpected yet entirely within theme, making you stand out for all the right reasons.

Cunard’s Red & Gold night allows for creative colour co-ordination through accessories. Consider pairing a classic black tuxedo with a hand-crafted red and gold bow tie. A complementary pocket square adds that extra touch of sophistication.

Man in formal evening attire walking down the steps of a luxury cruise ship

Men's Cruise Dinner Wear for Different Occasions 

Not all cruise nights and venues are formal black-tie events, and many evenings only require a smart/casual approach. However, please note that even in the less formal venues, there are still standards to maintain – non-ripped jeans are sometimes acceptable, but shorts, sports attire, and sleeveless vests should be reserved for specific areas like the gym, spa, and deck spaces.

 For those less formal evenings the following items of clothing are essential…

•    Collared shirts
•    Dress trousers
•    Sport coat
•    Optional bow tie for a touch of personality
•    Smart shoes

Man in formal evening attire walking down the steps of a luxury cruise ship

Where to Buy Cruise Clothes 

For cruise formal wear men have several options:

Traditional Outfitters for Dinner Suits:

•    Savile Row tailors (London, UK) - Starting from £2000
•    Brooks Brothers (Worldwide) - Tuxedos from £895 
•    Charles Tyrwhitt (UK/US) - Dinner suits from £399
•    T.M. Lewin (UK) - Evening wear from £299
•    Moss Bros (UK) - Dinner suits from £149

Department Stores for Smart Casual Attire:

•    Marks & Spencer (UK) - Dedicated holiday wear section
•    John Lewis (UK) - Seasonal holiday collections
•    Macy's (US) - Resort wear department
•    El Corte Inglés (Europe) - Mediterranean cruise wear

Artisanal Makers for Unique Accessories:

•    Our own handmade Bow Ties (UK based, ships worldwide)
•    Tom Ford (UK/US) - Designer accessories
•    Turnbull & Asser (UK) - Traditional British accessories

Prices vary significantly across these retailers, from budget-friendly options starting at around £100 for a complete outfit to luxury pieces costing several thousand pounds. I recommend mixing high-end key pieces (like dinner suits) with more affordable accessories to create a well-balanced cruise wardrobe.

Man in suit and bow tie on the deck of a cruise ship

How to Pack Formal Wear for a Cruise 

When preparing your cruise formal night men's attire, consider:

1. Multiple formal outfits (at least two for week-long cruises)
2. Mix-and-match pieces for smart casual evenings
3. Wrinkle-resistant fabrics (or make sure you have a steamer/iron to hand!)
4. Versatile accessories that work across different dress codes
5. Proper garment bags for formal wear

Cruise Line-Specific Dress Codes

Cunard cruise line dress code is the most formal at sea, maintaining the highest standards of traditional ocean liner elegance. Their transatlantic gala evenings require black or white tie and the dress code is strictly enforced in all public areas after 6pm.

Royal Caribbean cruise formal night dress code emphasises contemporary elegance with "formal nights" requiring suits or tuxedos for men. Their interpretation of formal wear is more modern and flexible than Cunard, allowing dark suits with ties as appropriate formal attire.

Ambassador cruise line dress code maintains traditional evening wear standards with "Celebration Nights" where dinner jackets or dark suits with ties are required. They strike a balance between formal tradition and modern comfort.

Saga cruise dress code focuses on classic British style with "Formal Nights" requiring dinner jackets or dark suits with ties. They maintain a sophisticated atmosphere while accommodating modern preferences, particularly appealing to their mature British clientele.

Thomson cruise dress code (now TUI) offers relaxed sophistication with "Dress to Impress" evenings. A jacket and tie are recommended but not strictly enforced, reflecting their focus on comfortable luxury for families and couples.

Norwegian cruise dress code provides the most flexibility with their "Freestyle Cruising" concept. While they host optional "Dress Up or Not" nights, formal wear is never required - even in specialty restaurants. However, they do maintain basic standards like no shorts or flip-flops in main dining rooms.

Pro Tip: Each line's interpretation of "formal" can vary significantly, so always check current guidelines when packing. For instance, what's considered formal on Norwegian would be too casual for Cunard's gala evenings.

Man in formal suit and bow tie on the deck of a cruise ship

The Rise of Sustainable Cruise Wear Clothes 

Today's discerning cruise-goer increasingly seeks out sustainable, high-quality pieces that will last for many voyages to come. Natural fibres like pure cotton and silk not only provide superior comfort in varying shipboard temperatures but also represent a more environmentally conscious choice. Limited edition, handcrafted accessories tell a story and often become cherished souvenirs of memorable ocean voyages.

Accessorising Your Cruise Wardrobe

The key to standing out while maintaining elegance lies in the details. Hand-crafted accessories, particularly those made in traditional fashion centres like England, add authenticity to your ensemble. Consider how a Liberty Print bow tie might complement your dinner jacket, or how a carefully chosen pocket square could tie your whole look together.

Final Thoughts on Cruise Formal Night Men's Attire 

Whether you're sailing with P&O, Royal Caribbean, or elegant Cunard liners like the Queen Mary 2, understanding cruise fashion adds sophistication to your journey. Remember, cruise formal nights aren't about rigid rules – they're about participating in the timeless tradition of elegant ocean travel. Pack thoughtfully, dress confidently, and enjoy the special atmosphere that makes cruising unique.

Man on the deck of a cruise ship in smart suit with bow tie

Special Notes:

•    Dress codes are typically more formal on longer cruises and transatlantic voyages
•    All lines have alternative dining venues with more relaxed dress codes
•    Requirements may vary by ship within the same line
•    Most lines are becoming more relaxed with their formal wear requirements, except Cunard which maintains traditional standards
•    Theme nights and special events vary by itinerary and season

Remember: Always check your specific cruise's dress code requirements when booking, as policies can change and may vary by route or season.

 

Other useful resources...

  • Our ‘How to Tie a Bow Tie’ guide provides step-by-step instructions to help you tie the perfect bow tie. Here you’ll find a really useful video and written instructions.
  • For suggestions on what to wear as a guest to a summer weddings, visit our 'Summer Wedding Guest Attire' article. 
  • If you’re interested in the history of bow ties and the different shapes and designs available, you may like to read our ‘Types of Bow Tie Styles’ article.
  • Have you ever wondered when’s a good time to wear a bow tie? Try our ‘When to Wear a Bow Tie’ article to get some inspiration.
  • If you're uncertain whether you should opt for a pre-tied or self-tie bow tie, have a read of our 'Pre-tied Vs Self-tie bow tie' guide.
  • Are you attending a wedding this year? You might be a guest or a groom wondering whether you should wear a necktie or bow tie. If so, our useful ‘Bow Tie or Tie?’ guide might help you make up your mind.
  • For style tips and advice on choosing the best bow tie to wear to a wedding, for grooms and guests, try the 'Wedding Bow Tie Ideas' guide.
  • For 9 ways to fold a very handsome pocket square, try our 'Dapper Ways to Fold a Pocket Square' guide.
  • Bamboozled by pocket square rules? Take a look at our comprehensive 'Pocket Square Rules' guide.
  • For a full run-down of all things 'bow tie' visit our 'Definitive Bow Tie Guide'. 

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