What’s the dress code on board?

On all our ships, we have two evening dress codes for guests aged 18 and over: Evening Casual and Black Tie. We also host theme nights, inviting guests to dress in line with the theme if they wish.

Do I need to wear a smart outfit on a P&O Cruises holiday?

On all our ships, we have two evening dress codes for guests aged 18 and over: Evening Casual and Black Tie. However, the Dress Code only applies in the evening. During the day, you can wear exactly the same as you would on any other holiday.

What to wear

We have a few policies in place to ensure your time on board feels special. Here's a useful guide to what to expect on board in terms of dress codes so you can step out in style.

Evening wear - Black tie

Our Gala Evenings, or Black Tie nights, offer a chance to get dressed to the nines in glamorous evening wear. Don your favourite cocktail dress, tuxedo, ball gown or dinner jacket, or alternatively a dark business suit and tie. You may also wear formal national dress or military uniform.

Evening wear - Evening casual

After a busy day of exploring (or lazing by the pool), there’s plenty to look forward to on board. For Evening Casual nights, dress as you would for dinner in a nice restaurant; smart dark denim or trousers and a nice top, open-neck shirts, skirts and dresses (but no tracksuits, football shirts or trainers please). If you're in the Caribbean, tailored shorts may be worn in the buffet areas and open deck bars – whether you choose to pair them with your loudest Hawaiian shirt is up to you!

Day wear - On board

The dress code during the day is just your typical holiday wardrobe. Think t-shirts, shorts and sundresses (unless you’re heading to colder climates in the winter!). Away from the pool, we ask for shoes to be worn and no pool wear in the ship’s lounges, inside bars, restaurants or reception. It may be chilly on deck and breezy in the evening (even in the tropics), so be sure to pack light layers. We’d also recommend flat shoes 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

We have two evening dress codes for guests aged 18 years and over from 6pm: 'Evening Casual' and 'Black Tie'. The only exception to these are the official P&O Cruises theme nights (get ready for 70s disco, 80s pop, colourful tropical or splendid black and white nights), and seasonal events such as Halloween and Christmas. And if you feel like keeping things casual, you’re free to wear more relaxed clothing in the buffet.

Away from the pool, we ask for shoes to be worn and no pool wear in the ship’s lounges, inside bars, restaurants or reception.

Dress codes for little ones

For children aged 17 years and under, the dress code in the evening is Evening Casual, regardless of the adult dress code (but they are welcome to dress to impress too!). We do ask for no denim on Black Tie nights please.

Theme nights

Theme nights are great fun, though it's up to you whether you'd like to dress up. For 70s and 80s nights, you can come and enjoy the music, or why not throw on some fab flares or parachute pants? Our tropical nights are all about Hawaiian shirts, grass skirts and Hawaiian lei (flower necklaces). Black and white nights follow the same dress code as Black Tie nights (cocktail dresses, tuxedos, ball gowns and dinner jackets). You could even opt for an all-black or all-white ensemble. If you decide not to dress in line with the theme, please follow the ship's general dress code for that evening (detailed on the front cover of your daily Horizon).

Fancy dress

We don't want to dampen anyone's fun, but fancy dress and novelty items or clothing are not permitted on our ships; the only exceptions to this are clothing for official P&O Cruises theme nights and seasonal events such as Halloween and Christmas. Any clothing that features inappropriate or offensive language, including novelty clothing with printed images or slogans, will not be allowed on board. We reserve the right to deny embarkation to guests who are inappropriately dressed. This policy does not apply to children aged 17 or under.

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.

For further information, please visit the government Foreign travel advice website for advice regarding dress-codes.