What to wear

Flip-flops or walking boots? Trunks or tux? Bikini top or cosy jumper? Here’s the low-down on our simple dress codes.

Evening wear - Black tie nights

Black Tie nights bring glamour and a real sense of occasion to evenings at sea, making your holiday extra special. For ladies, cocktail dresses and ball gowns are perfect. For men, dinner jackets or tuxedos are most common, but a dark lounge or business suit, tie and smart shoes are fine, too. You can also wear formal national dress and military uniform.

Evening wear - Evening casual

Dress codes always apply from 6pm onwards on board. Our Evening Casual dress code is all about looking stylish and at ease. Stylish resort or leisurewear is ideal. For example, dark denim or casual long trousers with a shirt or polo shirt for men, and separates (a skirt or trousers plus a top) or dresses for ladies.

Day wear - On board

Dress in a relaxed and comfortable way, as you would for any holiday. Think shorts and a t-shirt, or a floaty skirt or cool kaftan. It may be chilly on deck during winter cruises, and breezy in the evening, even in the tropics, so pack light layers. Flat shoes are recommended for strolling the decks.

Day wear - On shore

Comfortable flat shoes are a must for exploring ports of call, especially if there are cobbles. You might pop into air-conditioned museums or shady churches, so take a shawl or light sweater, even on balmy days. Some cultures may require you to cover up, too. Take the forecast into account: sunglasses, hats or even rainproof jackets may be needed.

More useful information

General

The Dress Code is applied in most restaurants and bars for guests over 18 years of age, from 6pm. Please wear the appropriate attire to the ship’s bars and restaurants; blue or worn denim, sandals (for men), sleeveless tops (for men), flip flops and shorts are not permitted in ship's public areas during the evening.

Swimsuits are not permitted in the lounges, interior bars, restaurants or reception area at any time. A shirt and suitable footwear is required while indoors and when using the buffet restaurants.

Dress codes for little ones

Children can wear whatever they feel comfortable in during the day. But after 6pm, if the dress code is Evening Casual please avoid beloved shorts and football shirts. On Black Tie nights, dressing up is a highlight for them, too.

Theme night fun

If you like to dress up, theme nights are great fun for all the family. There’s no obligation to join in, although the more the merrier for a lively atmosphere. To plan ahead, check Cruise Personaliser once you’ve booked to see which theme nights are on the cards – 60s and 70s, 80s Pop or Tropical? – to sort your outfit and accessories.

We don’t want to dampen anyone's fun but coming into effect on 1 January 2018, fancy dress and/or novelty clothing will not be permitted outside of these theme night evenings. We reserve the right to deny embarkation to guests who are inappropriately dressed.

The only exception to these are the official P&O Cruises theme nights and seasonal events such as Halloween and Christmas.

In addition to the fancy dress policy, clothing with personalised images/slogans, and/or clothing that features offensive language, images or slogans, will not be allowed on board at any time.

Travelling to the United Arab Emirates

Modesty in clothing is to be respected in this region, so make sure you pack plenty of light and loose clothing that covered the tops of your arms and legs. We advise ladies to avoid wearing any shorts or tight-fitting clothes and to take a head covering ashore.