What is the dress code on board?

Dress code

Last updated: 19/09/2024

Dress code on board

While we encourage you to relax and enjoy your holiday, we do ask that you adhere to a smart casual dress code in our public areas and restaurants.

• Daytime: Feel free to wear your favourite holiday attire, such as shorts, T-shirts, and sundresses, or your typical winter clothing on one of our colder holidays. However, please remember to wear shoes when you're not by the pool. We also ask that there is no pool wear in the ship's lounges, inside bars, restaurants or reception. 
• Evenings: Our dress code varies depending on the night. You can find details of each evening's dress code in your daily Horizon found in your cabin, or on My P&O Cruises under the 'Your Itinerary' section before you sail. 

We have two main dress codes: 

• Evening Casual: Think smart casual attire, such as trousers, polo shirts, dresses, and skirts. Something you might wear to a nice restaurant.
• Black Tie: This is a more formal evening where we encourage you to dress to impress. Gentlemen, a dinner jacket or tuxedo is ideal, but a dark suit and tie is also acceptable. Ladies, feel free to wear your favourite evening gown or cocktail dress.   

Please note: Tailored shorts cannot be worn for celebration nights, except in the buffet. On evening casual nights tailored shorts can be wore in the buffet, The Beach House, and The Glass House, as well as 6th Street Diner, The Olive Grove and The Keel & Cow on Arvia and Iona.

Celebration nights

Celebration nights are special evenings on board where guests can enjoy a more formal dining experience and entertainment. These events involve a higher level of dress code (black tie) and a more elaborate menu. It's a chance to dress up, savor delicious food, and enjoy the ambiance of a special occasion.   

During our Celebration nights, most of the venues will have the dress code applied, but there are some venues where this won't apply for those who want to opt for a more casual dress. You’ll be able to find out the venues where dress codes don’t apply in your daily Horizon.

You can log in to My P&O Cruises to find out when your celebrations nights will be. 

Hire formal wear

Unfortunately, we currently don’t offer this service on board.

What to wear in port

Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring our exciting destinations. Remember to pack appropriate clothing for the climate and culture of the places you’ll be visiting. Some cultures have specific dress codes, particularly for places of worship. Please respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

Religious wear on board

You’re welcome to wear national or religious dress on board. If you wear a headdress, depending on the amount of your face it covers, you may be asked to unveil for a security photo at check-in and when passing through security check points ashore and on board during your holiday.

Please note: some items of national dress such as ceremonial blades and swords, including Skean Dhus and Kirpans, are not permitted. Please check our list of prohibited items for more information. 

Fancy dress

Fancy dress, novelty clothing or outfits that feature any inappropriate or offensive language or images are not permitted on board. We reserve the right to deny embarkation to guests who are inappropriately dressed.

For more information on our dress codes, click here.

Still need help?

Still have questions? Our friendly Customer Contact Centre is always happy to help! Contact us today on 0344 338 8003.

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