Cunard dress code: The complete guide to what to wear on a Cunard cruise

Introduction: Understanding Cunard’s timeless elegance

The Cunard dress code is widely considered the most traditional and elegant of all luxury cruise lines, reflecting the brand’s 180-year heritage of classic ocean travel. While many first-time Cunard cruisers worry about the formality, the reality is more balanced than you might expect – offering a perfect blend of comfortable casual wear during the day and sophisticated elegance in the evenings.

What sets Cunard apart from other cruise lines is its commitment to preserving the sense of occasion that defined the golden age of ocean travel. This doesn’t mean you’ll be uncomfortable or out of place; rather, it offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the timeless pleasure of dressing elegantly while at sea.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through exactly what to wear for every occasion, venue, and time of day on your Cunard cruise, with practical tips to ensure you pack appropriately without overpacking.

Complete dress code guide by time and venue

Daytime dress code (before 6:00 pm)

Days spent aboard Cunard ships are designed for leisure and relaxation, so comfort is key during daylight hours. The dress code is refreshingly casual, perfect for enjoying the ship’s many daytime activities.

What to wear during the day:

• Women: T-shirts, casual tops, shorts, capris, jeans, sundresses, and blouses
• Men: T-shirts, polo shirts, shorts, jeans, and casual shirts
• Footwear: Comfortable shoes, sandals, or deck shoes are ideal for walking around the ship

Around the pools and spa areas:

• Swimwear, cover-ups, and sarongs are perfectly acceptable in pool areas
• Remember to bring a light cover-up when moving between the pool and other areas of the ship
• Athletic wear is appropriate for the fitness center and sports areas

Important Note: While daytime dress is casual, swimwear is not permitted in any dining venue, including the buffet restaurants. Be sure to change before dining, even for a casual lunch.

Afternoon tea dress code

Afternoon Tea is a signature Cunard tradition, served daily at 3:30 pm in the elegant Queens Room with white-gloved waiters and a magnificent procession. While not requiring formal wear, this special occasion deserves slightly elevated daytime attire.

What to Wear for Afternoon Tea:

• Women: A day dress, smart casual outfit, or nice slacks with a blouse
• Men: Smart casual trousers and a collared shirt
• Footwear: Something a step above casual sandals or deck shoes

Many guests enjoy slightly dressing up for this quintessential Cunard experience without going full formal. Think of it as “smart daytime” attire – what you might wear to lunch at a nice restaurant on land.

Evening dress code (after 6:00 pm)

Evenings on Cunard ships transform into a more elegant atmosphere, and the evening dress code begins at 6:00 pm in most public areas. Each evening will be designated as either “Smart Attire” or “Gala Evening” in your Daily Programme.

Smart attire evenings

Smart Attire is required on most evenings and strikes a balance between formal and casual—similar to what you’d wear to a nice restaurant or theater on land.

Women’s Smart attire options:

• Cocktail dresses
• Elegant separates (blouses with skirts or stylish trousers)
• Dressy jumpsuits
• Smart trouser suits
• Avoid: Jeans, shorts, casual t-shirts, flip-flops

Men’s Smart attire options:

• Trousers with a collared shirt
• Optional jacket or blazer
• Optional tie
• Smart shoes (not sneakers)
• Avoid: Jeans, shorts, casual t-shirts, sports shoes

Smart Attire applies to most public spaces during the evening, including the main dining rooms, specialty restaurants, and most bars and entertainment venues.

Gala Evenings

Gala Evenings are Cunard’s most distinguished nights, occurring at least once on every voyage of three nights or more. These special evenings invite you to embrace the glamour of cruise travel’s golden era with more formal attire.

Women’s Gala Evening options:

• Evening gowns (floor-length dresses in luxurious fabrics)
• Sophisticated cocktail dresses (knee-length or longer)
• Formal trouser suits
• Elegant formal separates
• Accessories like statement jewelry, clutch bags, and elegant shoes

Men’s Gala Evening options:

• Dinner jacket or tuxedo
• Dark suit with tie or bow tie
• Crisp dress shirt
• Black or formal dress shoes
• Accessories like cufflinks and pocket squares

On most Cunard sailings, around 95% of guests embrace the opportunity to dress formally on Gala Evenings. The atmosphere is celebratory rather than stuffy, with guests enjoying the special occasion of dressing up while at sea.

Themed Gala Evenings

Many Cunard Gala Evenings incorporate special themes, adding an extra dimension to the formal dress code. The themed nights will be listed in your cruise information before sailing, allowing you to prepare specific accessories or outfits if you wish.

Note: According to the latest information, Cunard is planning to phase out themed gala nights from the northern spring 2025, though regular Gala Evenings will remain. Until then, these are the main themes you might encounter:

Black and White Ball:

• Formal attire in exclusively black, white, or a combination of both
• Examples: Black tuxedo with white shirt, white dinner jacket with black trousers, black or white evening gown
• Accessories in black and white only (pearls, black/white clutch, etc.)

Red and Gold Ball:

• Traditional formal wear accented with red or gold elements
• For men: Standard formal wear with a red bow tie, red cummerbund, or gold accessories
• For women: Formal gowns in red or gold, or standard formal wear with red/gold accessories
• Some guests go all out with full red dinner jackets or gold gowns

Roaring 20s Night:

• 1920s-inspired formal wear or traditional formal wear with 1920s accessories
• Women: Flapper-style dresses, Art Deco jewelry, feathered headbands, long pearl necklaces
• Men: Traditional tuxedo with 1920s touches like suspenders, bow tie, or a trilby hat
• Even subtle nods to the era like an Art Deco pocket square or brooch are appreciated

Masquerade Ball:

• Traditional formal wear complemented by a masquerade mask
• The mask is the essential element, which can be simple or elaborate
• Some guests create coordinating masks that match their formal wear

Remember that participation in these themes is entirely optional – standard Gala Evening attire is always appropriate. Many guests enjoy the themes with just a small nod to the concept rather than an entirely themed outfit.

Venue-specific dress codes

While evening dress codes apply throughout most of the ship after 6:00 pm, Cunard understands that not all guests wish to dress formally every evening. Consequently, certain venues remain accessible to those in more casual attire.

Venues where Casual dress is acceptable in the evening:

• Kings Court or Lido Buffet (including Al Fresco dining areas)
• Golden Lion Pub
• Casino
• Carinthia Lounge
• Winter Garden
• Garden Lounge
• Yacht Club
• G32 Nightclub

Evening Casual dress guidelines:

• Clean, non-ripped jeans are acceptable
• Shorts, sportswear, swimwear, and sleeveless t-shirts are not permitted after 6:00 PM even in casual venues
• Footwear must be worn at all times

This two-tier system ensures all guests can enjoy their evenings comfortably, whether they prefer to embrace formal traditions or maintain a more relaxed approach.

What to wear on Cunard shore excursions

What you wear ashore depends on your destination, planned activities, cultural considerations, and weather conditions. Here are some guidelines to help you prepare:

Warm weather destinations

• Lightweight, breathable clothing
• Sun hat with a wide brim
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Light jacket or sweater (ships and some venues can be cool even in warm climates)

Cool weather destinations

• Layered clothing that can be adjusted for temperature changes
• Waterproof jacket or coat
• Hat, scarf, and gloves in colder regions
• Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes

Cultural and religious sites

• Modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees (especially important for religious sites)
• Head covering for women at certain religious venues
• Easily removable shoes for temples or mosques where you must remove footwear
• A scarf or pashmina for women to cover shoulders or head when needed

Active excursions

• Appropriate sportswear for the activity
• Sturdy footwear suitable for the terrain
• Backpack for essentials
• Swimwear under clothing if swimming is involved

Always check the expected weather conditions for your ports of call and pack accordingly. The Cunard shore excursions desk can provide specific advice for particular destinations if you’re unsure.

What not to pack/wear on a Cunard cruise

To ensure you pack efficiently and appropriately, here’s what to avoid bringing on your Cunard cruise:

• Jeans with rips or tears: Even in casual venues, Cunard maintains a standard of neat attire
• Offensive slogan t-shirts or inappropriate graphics
• Excessive casual sportswear: While appropriate for fitness activities, it’s not suitable for general daywear
• Flip-flops outside of pool areas
• Excessively revealing clothing in dining venues
• Camouflage clothing for evening wear: While permitted during the day, it’s not appropriate for evenings

Packing tips for different cruise lengths

Short cruises (3-5 days)

• 1 formal outfit for Gala Evening
• 2-3 smart attire evening outfits
• 3-5 daytime casual outfits
• Swimwear if using the pools/spa
• Appropriate shore excursion clothing

Medium cruises (7-10 days)

• 2-3 formal outfits for Gala Evenings
• 4-7 smart attire evening outfits
• 5-7 daytime casual outfits
• Swimwear and fitness wear as needed
• Appropriate shore excursion clothing

Long voyages (10+ days)

• 3-4 formal outfits for Gala Evenings
• 7+ smart attire evening outfits
• 7-10 daytime casual outfits
• Consider mix-and-match separates to create more combinations

Helpful Tip: Cunard offers complimentary self-service laundry facilities on all ships, allowing you to wash and re-wear items during longer voyages. This can significantly reduce the amount you need to pack.

Specific recommendations by season and destination

Transatlantic crossings

• Summer: Pack layers as North Atlantic weather can be unpredictable
• Winter: Warm clothing for outdoor deck areas, which can be very cold
• Formal Nights: Transatlantic voyages typically feature more Gala Evenings than other itineraries
• Daywear: Comfortable indoor clothing for enjoying the ship’s many activities

Mediterranean cruises

• Summer: Light, breathable clothing for hot port days
• Spring/Autumn: Layers for varying temperatures
• Cultural Sites: Modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees
• Evening: Consider lighter fabrics for formal wear in warm weather

Alaska cruises

• Essential: Waterproof jacket and layers for changeable weather
• Scenic Viewing: Warm accessories (hat, gloves) for glacier viewing on deck
• Excursions: Sturdy walking shoes and hiking attire if appropriate
• Evening: The ship will be warm, so standard evening dress applies

Caribbean cruises

• Daytime: Lightweight, breathable clothing
• Sun Protection: Hats, sunglasses, and cover-ups
• Evening: Lighter fabrics for formal wear due to warm climate
• Rain Protection: Light raincoat or umbrella for tropical showers

Frequently asked questions

Conclusion: Embracing the Cunard experience

The Cunard dress code is an integral part of the line’s unique charm and heritage. Far from being restrictive, it offers an opportunity to experience the glamour and elegance of traditional ocean travel – something increasingly rare in our casual modern world.

Many guests report that dressing up for evenings onboard becomes a highlight of their Cunard experience, adding to the sense of occasion and making sea days and special nights truly memorable. The sophisticated atmosphere creates a backdrop for extraordinary service, fine dining, and elegant entertainment that defines the Cunard experience.

Whether you’re a seasoned Cunard traveler or considering your first voyage with this iconic line, embracing the dress code – from comfortable daywear to glamorous evening attire – will enhance your appreciation of everything a Cunard cruise has to offer.

Remember that comfort remains important, and the goal is to enjoy your cruise experience fully. Pack thoughtfully, prepare appropriately, and then relax and savor the timeless elegance that makes Cunard truly special.

Downloadable Cunard packing checklist

Planning your Cunard wardrobe? Download our comprehensive packing checklist customized for:

• 3-5 day cruises (with 1 Gala Evening)
• 7-10 day cruises (with 2-3 Gala Evenings)
• 10+ day voyages (with multiple Gala occasions)
• Destination-specific essentials

Download Packing Checklist PDF

Share your Cunard style

Have questions about the Cunard dress code or want to share your own experiences? Leave a comment below!

For more informatin visit the Cunard website.