You'll see suits and ties, tuxedos or evening gowns, but don't have to go so formal yourself. Shorts (including cutoff jeans), T-shirts, sportswear, flip-flops, bathing suits, caps and men's sleeveless shirts are never permitted in the main dining room or specialty restaurants during dinner.

You do not "have" to dress up on a cruise in 2026, as most modern lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Carnival have moved toward a "Freestyle" or "Casual" approach. During the day, swimwear (with a cover-up) and shorts are perfectly fine in most areas. In the evenings, most ships suggest a "Smart Casual" dress code for the main dining rooms, which generally means collared shirts, slacks, or sundresses—jeans are now widely accepted as long as they aren't tattered. While many cruises still host a "Gala Night" or "Formal Night," these are almost always optional. If you don't want to wear a tuxedo or a cocktail dress, you can simply dine at the buffet, the poolside grill, or order room service, where no dress code applies. However, some ultra-luxury lines like Cunard or Seabourn still maintain stricter evening standards where a jacket may be required in certain lounges. Generally, the rule is: the main dining room requires you to look "neat," but the days of mandatory ballgowns are largely a thing of the past. Just remember that bare feet and tank tops are almost always prohibited in any sit-down restaurant for dinner.