Cruise Dress Codes Get More Relaxed

As a result of guest feedback convincingly in favor of a less formal policy, most all cruise lines have relaxed the dress code in recent years. This week’s announcement by Regent Seven Seas Cruises is typical of even high end cruise lines who encourage their guests to adhere to the following guidelines:

Daytime Dress Code (until 6 p.m.)

During the day, resort style clothing (including shorts, warm-up suits, jeans and sneakers) is acceptable
in all public areas. Bare feet are acceptable only on the Pool Deck. Note: Bathing suits, while acceptable at the Pool Bar and Grill, are not considered appropriate in any indoor venue.

Evening Dress Code (after 6 p.m.)

Two types of dress code have been established for evenings in public areas: Elegant Casual and Formal Optional. The number of Formal Optional nights is dependent upon the length of the cruise, as follows:

• Cruises of fifteen nights or less will be Elegant Casual for the duration (that means NO formal night)

• Cruises of sixteen nights or more will have two Formal Optional nights

Elegant Casual: Skirt, or slacks (no jeans) with blouse or sweater, pant suit or dress for ladies; slacks (no jeans) and collared shirt for gentlemen. Sport jackets are optional. Note: Jeans, T-shirts, baseball caps, shorts, sneakers and bathrobes are not considered appropriate in any public area after 6 p.m.

Formal Optional: While guests are welcome to dress each evening as per the Elegant Casual dress code, during Formal Optional evenings, guests may opt for a more formal choice of clothing including gowns and cocktail dresses for ladies; tuxedos, dinner jackets or dark suit with tie for gentlemen

While the trend for a more casual vacation experience has been building for quite some time, it was Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) “Freestyle Dining” that started it all. Breaking away from the industry standard of an Early or Late Seating, NCL gave guests options of not only a main dining room experience but alternative restaurants as well, some included in the price, some for an additional charge.

Other cruise lines have engaged the alternative dining trend by offering specialty restaurants for an additional charge. Focused on a more upscale experience like a fine steakhouse or multi-course Italian feast, specialty restaurants were limited to one or two on each ship for the most part. But even on those ships main dining room diners are getting more and more options.

An ever-increasing option is open seating. Pioneered by Princess Cruise Line’s “Anytime Dining” the program works basically the same on all lines that offer it allowing diners to dine when and with whoever they want. Recently, Carnival and Royal Caribbean both added their own versions which, while administered a bit differently between brands offer the same flexibility and casual ambiance guests say they want.

How To Look Great On Your Cruise

If you have a cruise vacation coming up in your not so distant future, you will want to be ready to set sail looking your absolute best. However, simply packing the same beauty supplies and equipment that you use at home for your hair and skin care may not cut it when you are out on the open sea. For example, you may be heading to a tropical climate that will require you to shift your skin care and beauty regimen to take into consideration the additional heat and humidity that you will experience. 

You will also probably want to toss a few extras into your bag that will allow you to glam it up for the evenings in the dining room. And as you are thinking about the many items that you will want to have available for the many types of activities that you will be enjoying, you also know that packing for your cruise has to be done as efficiently and compactly as possible. So what is the solution? The good news is that with a little preparation, you can get ready to hit the high seas with everything you need to stay on top of your beauty routine. 

Keeping Your Cool 

The first step in looking great on your cruise vacation is to learn some tricks for keeping cool when the summer sun begins to bite. One of the best ways to refresh is by using a scented body spray after showering. These sprays can also be a more effective fragrance for the warmer weather, since the light scent will not become overpowering in the warmer temperatures. There are also a number of lotions and makeup products on the market today that will give you a cooling sensation as you apply them to your skin. Make sure that you take along a deodorant that will be easy on the skin as well as effective. To combat the harmful effects of the sun’s rays, don’t forget your sunscreen, including a lip balm with an SPF to keep those lips moist and ready for your evening lipstick. 

Heat-Proof Hair 

Your hair will take plenty of abuse in the sun and surf, so pack the products that will offer additional nourishment and moisture to keep that shine in the evening hours. Your stock should include a conditioner, as well as a hair cream to keep your locks manageable and looking their best. One great technique for ensuring that a day at the beach doesn’t do in your hairstyle is to comb a hair mask through your damp tresses in the morning and then sweep your hair back into a loose bun while basking in the sun and sand all day. By evening, your hair will be soft and silky, and ready to hit the ship disco in style. 

Cruise vacations are a time to take plenty of pictures, so you will want to be sure you look your best for those photos. By tucking a few key products away in your makeup bag, you will be ready to meet the sun and surf with style to spare. Enjoy that cruise!