In the evenings, T-shirts and shorts are not permitted in the ships' public areas. No swimwear is allowed in the main dining rooms. Jeans are allowed on casual resort wear nights, as long as they aren't torn or ripped.

In 2026, the answer depends largely on the cruise line's specific "Dress Code" and the dining venue. For "Main Dining Rooms" on premium lines like Celebrity or Princess, ripped jeans—even "designer" ones—are generally discouraged or technically prohibited under "Smart Casual" guidelines, which often explicitly ban torn or tattered clothing. However, on "Fun Ship" lines like Carnival or Royal Caribbean, slightly distressed jeans are often tolerated during casual nights, provided they aren't excessively revealing. For Specialty Dining (upscale steakhouses or French bistros), the rules are much stricter across all lines; you will likely be asked to change into more formal attire. A high-value "pro-tip" for 2026 is that if you are in doubt, aim for "Dark Wash" denim with no holes, as this is universally accepted as Smart Casual. If you insist on the ripped aesthetic, keep it for the buffet or the outdoor "Lido" deck eateries where the vibe is strictly "anything goes" as long as you are wearing shoes and a shirt.