It’s cruisin’ time!
There are SO many things to consider and learn. Where do you want to cruise? Which ship should you choose? What about excursions or on-ship entertainment? What should you pack? It’s a lot!
But not to worry, we’re going to take one of those planning anxieties off of your plate. When it comes to deciding what you need to wear on your Disney cruise and, therefore, what you need to pack, we’ve broken down the Disney Cruise Line dress code for you.
Cruises, at least those that visit tropical locations, are ships filled with folks clad in shorts, flip-flops, sundresses, and bathing suits. If you’re hitting the northern European or Alaskan ports, then you’ll want something warmer, sweaters, jeans, and scarves.
Most places aboard the ships will permit any attire. But of course, you should be aware that this isn’t a private cruise, so make sure you’re wearing proper clothes and shoes in public areas. And be courteous to the ship’s Cast Members and amenities, and make sure when you come in from the pool, you don’t plop down on the upholstered furniture in a soaked bathing suit. That would leave quite an unpleasant sensation for the next person to sit there and find themselves sitting on a soggy chair cushion, still wet from the previous person’s bathing suit.
The spots where you’ll find specific dress code perimeters are in regard to the dining locations.
In general, most onboard dining locations are “cruise casual,” so casual attire, such as shorts and T-shirts, is permitted, with the exception of swimwear and tank tops. Most cruises have special theme nights that provide opportunities to dress up for a one-of-a-kind family photo. Here’s a breakdown of special dress events by cruise itinerary:
3-night cruises
- One cruise casual night—no swimwear or tank tops
- One pirate night-themed deck party
- One optional “dress-up night”—jacket for men, dress or pantsuit for women
4-night cruises
- The first night is cruise casual—no swimwear or tank tops
- One pirate night-themed deck party
- One optional dress-up night—jacket for men, dress or pantsuit for women
- The final night is cruise casual—no swimwear or tank tops
7-night cruises
- The first night is cruise casual—no swimwear or tank tops
- One pirate night or another themed deck party (like Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, or holidays for those themed cruises)
- 3 additional cruise casual nights—no swimwear or tank tops
- One formal and one semi-formal night—both give you the opportunity to dress up and take advantage of the onboard photography services. Though optional, dress pants with a jacket or a suit for men, and dress or pantsuit for women are recommended.
Dress Codes for Adults-Only Restaurants for Guests 18 and Older
Adult-exclusive restaurants aboard Disney Cruise Line ships are elegant dining experiences. Guests are requested to dress in a manner consistent with the restaurant’s atmosphere. Formal or semi-formal attire is recommended. Dress casual attire with a polished look is permitted (such as dress pants, jeans in good condition, collared shirts and blouses, and lifestyle shoes). Clothing such as T-shirts, swimwear, and sports attire is not permitted. Adults-only restaurants throughout the Disney Cruise Line fleet include:
- Palo: An elegant northern Italian-inspired dining venue aboard the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, and Disney Fantasy.
- Remy: A love letter to the City of Lights, serving up sophisticated French cuisine aboard the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.
- Palo Steakhouse: Acclaimed Italian cuisine is paired with world-class steakhouse fare aboard the Disney Wish.
- Enchanté: A romantic dining venue featuring French-inspired delicacies aboard the Disney Wish.
This breakdown can help you decide what kind of clothes you should plan to pack for your Disney Cruise. We also have a whole list of things you should definitely avoid packing for your cruise. Discover all the restaurants and dining options aboard Disney Cruise Line.
Ultimate List of Disney Cruise Line Tips and Secrets for 2023
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What are the must-haves you always pack for your Disney Cruise? Let us know in the comments below!
esther says
thank you – this was very helpful – but what about 5 night cruises?