T-shirts, tank tops, shorts, sundresses, and skirts are all perfectly fine clothes to wear on a cruise ship to have lunch in the Oceanview Cafe and other restaurants with a casual dress code.

For lunch on a cruise in 2026, the standard dress code is "Cruise Casual." Since most passengers are transitioning from morning activities like swimming or shore excursions, the requirements are relaxed but respectful. For the buffet (Windjammer, Lido, etc.), swimwear is permitted only if it is completely covered by a dry tunic, sundress, or shorts and a t-shirt; you must also wear footwear at all times for safety and hygiene. In the Main Dining Room (MDR), the rules are slightly stricter: "short-shorts," torn jeans, and tank tops on men are generally discouraged or prohibited. A polo shirt, a casual button-down, or a decent t-shirt paired with chino shorts or a skirt is the ideal 2026 "lunch look." If you are dining at a specialty upscale restaurant for lunch, you might want to lean toward "smart casual" (no flip-flops). In 2026, the key is to look "put-together" while remaining comfortable enough for tropical heat or air-conditioned dining halls, ensuring you don't have to return to your stateroom for a full outfit change before heading back to the pool.