Do You Need Formal Wear on Princess Cruises?

One of the questions that comes up time and time again before a Princess cruise is whether you really need to pack formal wear. The thought of tuxedos, ball gowns, and high heels can feel a bit overwhelming – especially if you’re trying to keep your luggage light. So, what’s the deal with dress codes on Princess Cruises? Let’s break it down.

Formal nights on Princess Cruises

Princess still has formal nights, but they’re much more relaxed than people often imagine. Depending on the length of your cruise, you’ll usually have two formal nights on a seven-day sailing, with more on longer itineraries.

These evenings are held in the main dining rooms, speciality restaurants, and around the ship. They’re a chance to dress up a little, have some lovely photos taken, and enjoy a special dinner.

What counts as 'formal wear'?

Princess isn’t strict about enforcing the rules, so you don’t need to worry if you don’t own a tuxedo. Here’s what most guests tend to wear:

For men: A suit and tie is the most common choice. Some wear a tux, but it’s definitely not required. A shirt, tie, and smart trousers will be more than enough if you want to keep things simple.

For women: Cocktail dresses, evening dresses, or a nice blouse and skirt/trousers are all fine. Many people take the opportunity to go all out, but you’ll also see plenty of simple, elegant outfits.

Smart shoes are expected, but you don’t need to pack stilettos if they’re not your thing.

Can you skip formal nights?

Yes. If dressing up isn’t for you, you can still eat in the buffet or grab something casual elsewhere on the ship. Princess doesn’t force you into formalwear – it’s about giving people the option to make the evening feel special.

Plenty of guests take this route, so you won’t be the only one. Just bear in mind that some venues (like the main dining rooms on formal night) do ask for smart attire, so you’ll want to stick to other options if you’re going casual.

Our experience

We’ve sailed with Princess a few times now, and honestly, the atmosphere is very relaxed. On formal nights we’ve seen everything from tuxedos and sparkling gowns to smart trousers and polo shirts. Nobody is turned away as long as they’re neat and presentable.

It’s really about making the night feel enjoyable for you. If you love dressing up, you’ll fit right in. If you’d rather stay casual, you won’t feel out of place either.

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So, do you need formal wear on Princess Cruises? Not really. You’ll probably want at least one smart outfit if you plan to enjoy the main dining rooms on formal nights, but there’s no pressure to go over the top.

Pack what makes you comfortable, and remember – a Princess cruise is about relaxing, not stressing over dress codes.

Happy cruising!

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