Celebrity Cruises: So What Do I Wear For Dinner?

What do I wear for dinner on Celebrity Cruises?

Updated April 2024

If you’ve cruised before—or even just dreamed about it—you probably picture those iconic formal nights: tuxedos, floor-length gowns, and glamorous portraits on a grand staircase. For years, dressing to the nines was a hallmark of cruise culture.

But times have changed.

With more families setting sail and fashion leaning toward personal expression, cruise lines are evolving too. Many have reimagined or even eliminated traditional formal nights altogether. One standout example is Celebrity Cruises, which now offers a modern twist called "Evening Chic." It’s a fresh take that keeps the special vibe alive—without the stress of black-tie rules.

So what does this mean for your packing list? Don’t worry—you’ll still enjoy the perks of a formal night, like indulgent menu options (hello, lobster and Beef Wellington!) and professional portraits before dinner. But now you can do it all while feeling more comfortable and true to your own style.

Let’s take a closer look at how to pack smart, dress confidently, and make the most of your cruise nights—without the pressure.

Main dining room sparkles with a stunning wine bar

Truly one of the most stunning main dining rooms at sea

What do you wear for dinner? This is how it’s defined according to the Celebrity Cruises website: ​

Whatever the itinerary, destination, or occasion—when you pack, think casual chic.

DURING THE DAY
SHORESIDE
For warmer climates, pack swimsuits and cover-ups, walking shorts and shirts that protect from the sun, lightweight slacks, skirts or sundress, and a light sweater or jacket. Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are always encouraged.
For cooler climates, bring clothing with long sleeves, sweaters, and pants that can be layered. In areas prone to snow or rain, waterproof jackets, hats, gloves, and umbrellas are recommended. 
Around the globe, consider appropriate shoes and gear for the excursions you have planned and the terrain you’ll encounter. For instance, you may pack water shoes if hiking a waterfall or a headscarf or conservative dress for visiting museums, mosques, temples, and churches. 

SHIPBOARD
Throughout the ship, casual resort wear, sundresses, shorts, polos, or button-downs are appropriate, paired with sandals, low heels, and loafers. Make sure you bring active wear and sneakers if you plan to hit the gym!
Poolside, bathing suits with coverups, T-shirts, tanks, hats, and sunglasses are welcomed. 
In main and specialty dining, we ask guests to refrain from wearing swimsuits, see-through coverups or robes, bare feet, tank tops, T-shirts, and baseball caps. 

AT NIGHT
SMART CASUAL 
Smart Casual attire is required for entry to main dining, specialty dining, and the Celebrity Theatre. Smart Casual means you look comfortable yet tasteful in a dress, skirt, long pants, or jean, and stylish top or button-down. Shorts and flip flops are not considered Smart Casual. 

EVENING CHIC
Each itinerary features one to two “formal” nights we call Evening Chic. Evening Chic means you dress to impress, glamorous and sophisticated in your own way, with a cocktail dress, skirt, slacks, or designer jean, an elegant dress top or blazer—some guests even pack a tuxedo or gown for onboard photos. The Daily program, delivered to your stateroom and available at the Guest Relations Desk, will be your guide to the correct attire each evening. If you do not wish to participate in Evening Chic, Smart Casual attire is acceptable for dining and theater.

Information found on Celebrity Cruises website here

But it can get complicated! I'll break it down based on your style and dining preference...

​Times Are Changing: A New Era of Cruise Night Style

I have three boys. Granted, one is my husband, but I still do all of the packing and always have a packing checkoff list. We typically dress smart casual for all dinners, except for Evening Chic night. As we've been staying in a suite most recently, we haven't had a designated Evening Chic night; however, we all enjoy getting a bit more dressed up. 

For myself (a woman), I am comfortable wearing nice pants to the dining room with a dressy top and/or sweater. Since they are allowed, I may also wear nice jeans. Although I typically reserve these for the first night of the cruise, or a night where we might be in port late and dinner has a more casual feel. On a Caribbean cruise, I'll wear a sundress to dinner or even a pair of tight pants (some might even call them leggings, but don't tell!) with a dressy tunic or jacket. 

On a special evening, whether it's an Evening Chic or a one of the more elegant specialty restaurants, I'll wear a dress. Although many people, including my mom who cruises with us often, in a beautiful pants outfit and that is perfectly fine. 

For shoes, I tend to shy away from a higher heel on a cruise since I don't wear them often. If the ship is a bit rocky, that may not be the best time to start practicing. Even though I love my sandals, I try not to wear a thong style at night. 

Admittedly, I tend to over pack, But when I'm trying to limit myself, I'll pack simpler clothes but bring a sparkly purse and wear larger jewelry to chic my outfit up. If it's helpful, see a few examples below of what styles I wear. These all happen to be Lilly Pulitzer, my personal "go-to" when packing for a cruise.​​

Evening Chic Night during a Holiday Cruise

Meeting Captain Kate before Luminae on a Port day

Dressed for Le Voyage, a Specialty Restaurant

Dressed for Luminae (the MDR for The Retreat)

Helpful Hint: Ladies, don't forget to bring a wrap or a sweater. It can get chilly in the dining rooms and especially in the theater. Even if you just throw it over your shoulders or arms, you'll have the convenience of having it, plus accessorizing is always a good thing! 

My boys consider smart casual as a collared shirt. ​This collared shirt may be a knit polo style or a button down depending on where we are going for dinner. And always a chino style pant such as khakis. My husband may wear a pair of dressier jeans in the dining room, but also reserves them for certain nights. 

On Evening Chic nights or a specialty restaurant, they have worn all sorts of combinations - depending on what we've had room to pack or even what is clean by this point in the cruise. It always starts with a button down. It might be a full suite, or a pair of khaki pants with a sport coat or blazer, or even a button down with a tie and no jacket, or a button down with a jacket and no tie. Jackets are not required in the Main Dining Room, Luminae, Blu (for Aqua Class guest) or in the specialty restaurants. 

Shoes are harder since my youngest is an athletic shoe fanatic. He has dedicated sneaker "dress shoes" and then ones that he reserves just for the basketball court. I tend to give in (again, don't tell!) as long as he has on khaki pants, collared shirt, and possibly even a belt. However, for the most part, boys can wear loafers or boat shoes any night. 

Keep in mind: As Celebrity Cruises states above, shorts are not allowed for men or women in the dining rooms for dinner. I have heard stories that they will turn you away. If you are a casual type of person, you might be happiest planning to enjoy the Oceanview Cafe for dinner. ​

As with most things, there are occasional exceptions. On some of our cruises, there have been delays in delivering luggage to guest rooms on the first day. In such cases, an announcement is typically made over the intercom informing guests of the delay. To accommodate this, the dining room may temporarily relax its dress code and allow shorts at dinner, since some passengers might not have access to their luggage by that time.

Dining Preferences

Are you staying in a suite? If you are in a Sky Suite or above, your assigned dining room will be Luminae. And you'll love it! The menu is slightly more limited than the main dining room, but on most ships (typically not on the newer Edge class ships) you can ask your server if you can have a selection from another menu being offered. For Evening Chic night, the menu will be up-scaled (such as butter poached lobster, my favorite) and a spectacular dessert cart may be presented. 

In Luminae, you'll usually find people stay within the smart casual dress code, including on Evening Chic night. If you want to go formal, by all means, Luminae is the perfect venue for a glamorous look. ​

Baked Alaska Luminae style

Dessert cart in Luminae

Suite dining in Luminae

I love dining at sunset in Luminae

If you are staying in a designated Aqua Class stateroom or suite, your assigned dining room will be Blu. We love the Aqua Class experience - read more here!

Do you like to stay casual all day and not dress up for dinner at all? That's fine! The dinner selection in the Oceanview Cafe (the main buffet area) has a wide assortment of selections for dinner. Don't think this is a scaled down event. You'll find freshly made sushi, an enormous variety of pastas, premium meats, and more. Plus, keep an eye out for the incredible chocolate fountain one night! 

You can dress comfortably in the Oceanview Cafe even at dinnertime, but still keep in mind the dress restrictions mentioned by Celebrity Cruises above.  ​

Beautiful presentation in Oceanview Cafe

Delicious & casual dinner in Oceanview Cafe

Always a great selection!

Caesar Salad and Pizza

And then there are the ever-popular specialty restaurants. I definitely enjoy these! 

On Celebrity Millennium class ships, you may find Asian inspired specialties, Sushi On Five, to homemade Italian food at Tuscan Grille, or an elegant meal in Murano. Be assured that you'll get an amazing meal with top-notch service, but you can also enjoy the smart casual feel for dress. On Celebrity Solstice or Celebrity Edge class ships, you can enjoy specialty restaurants found here - these may include Le Voyage, Rooftop Garden Grill or Le Petit Chef. 

Keep in mind that the specialty restaurants still vary, as Murano or Eden are a bit dressier than an evening at Rooftop Garden Grill. Also in a specialty dining room, you'll get the upscale specialty without the Evening Chic.  

Fine Cut Steakhouse

Tuscan Grille

Murano

Sushi on Five

I hope this has helped take the guesswork out of your packing dilemma. Now you can get ready to show off your Evening Chic for every dinner on your cruise. Looking for specific advice? I can talk cruise and fashion all day. Send me an email or comment below and I'll love to help! 

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