Dining and Dress Codes

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If there is one thing that characterizes people's perceptions of cruising it is food. Dining. Buffet lines. Food, food and more food.

Dining options and the way you are expected to dress while you dine vary greatly from cruise line to cruise line. You'll find all sorts of options--from blue jeans in the dining room on one cruise line to tuxedoed and evening gowned passengers on another. You'll find stunning presentations in a formal setting and simpler buffet lines.

Formal: Tuxedos or dark suits for men, gowns or cocktail dresses for women.
Semi-formal or Informal: Jacket, slacks and tie for men, pantsuits or dresses for women.
Casual: Collared shirt and slacks for men, slacks and tops or dresses for women.

Cruise Line Dress Codes

Cruise Line

Dress Code

Notes

Carnival Formal and Casual  
Celebrity Formal, Informal, Casual  
Cunard Formal, Informal, Casual  
Costa Formal and Casual  
Crystal Formal, Informal, Casual  
Disney Formal, Semi-formal, Casual  
Holland America Formal, Informal, Casual  
Norwegian Casual Formal available
Oceania Country Club Casual  
Princess Formal and Casual  
Royal Caribbean Formal and Casual  

These dress codes are generally in force only in the main dining rooms. Virtually all cruise ships will have a casual dining area (where you can dine in casual clothes), room service or both.

"Speciality" Dining

More and more cruise lines are adding "speciality dining rooms" to their ships. These are dining venues which offer more specialized menus (for example Italian dining or a Steak House). In most cases, there will be an added charge for dining here, anywhere from $15-30 per person.