Quick guide to Silversea’s dress code
Silversea’s dress code combines elegant tradition with modern flexibility. Following a successful trial on Silver Nova, Silversea implemented a fleet-wide dress code update in 2024, establishing two evening categories: Elegant Casual and Formal Optional. The revised policy maintains Silversea’s sophisticated atmosphere while offering guests more flexibility.
During daytime, the dress code embraces “resort casual” attire, while evenings transition to more refined styles. All voyages maintain a minimum standard of elegance, with specific rules for different venues and times of day. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about dressing appropriately on your Silversea cruise.
Silversea dress code overview 2025
Silversea’s dress code is more refined than most luxury cruise lines, reflecting the premium experience the cruise line delivers. The policy balances sophisticated tradition with modern sensibilities, offering clear guidelines for both daytime and evening attire.
Unlike some cruise lines that have moved toward a “cruise casual” approach, Silversea maintains certain standards that enhance the luxurious atmosphere onboard. However, their 2024 policy update, now fully implemented across the fleet for all 2025 sailings, introduced greater flexibility while preserving the elegant ambiance that Silversea guests appreciate.
Daytime dress code on Silversea cruises
Resort casual elegance
During daylight hours, Silversea embraces a refined yet relaxed “resort casual” style – think Mediterranean promenade rather than casual poolside. The daytime dress code includes:
- For women: Elegant sundresses, tailored shorts, designer capris, blouses, and casual tops of high quality
- For men: Collared or polo shirts, tailored Bermuda shorts, chinos, and casual trousers
- Footwear: Silversea specifically recommends flat or low-heeled footwear for deck activities for safety and comfort
The overall daytime aesthetic is sophisticated yet comfortable, suitable for relaxation while maintaining an upscale atmosphere. Many guests choose breathable, wrinkle-resistant fabrics in coordinating colors that transition easily from morning activities to afternoon tea.
Pool deck attire
Around the pool deck, the atmosphere relaxes further:
- Designer swimwear and fashionable cover-ups are standard
- Artfully draped sarongs and quality resort wear create a chic seaside tableau
- Elegant sun hats and designer sunglasses complement the refined poolside look
Remember that while swimwear is perfect for the pool area, indoor dining venues (even during daytime) require more coverage – swimwear is reserved strictly for outdoor venues.
Evening dress code categories
After 6:00 pm, Silversea’s atmosphere transforms, and so does its dress code. Evening attire falls into two distinct categories following the 2024-2025 policy update:
Elegant Casual attire
The most frequently encountered evening dress code on Silversea ships includes:
- For women: Smart separates, cocktail dresses, elegant pantsuits, blouses with skirts or trousers
- For men: Open-collar shirts with slacks, with jackets optional but recommended for indoor venues
This refined yet comfortable dress code strikes the perfect balance between sophistication and relaxation. Quality fabrics and tailoring elevate these outfits beyond ordinary cruise casual attire.
Formal Optional evenings
On select evenings, Silversea offers the opportunity to embrace true black-tie elegance:
- For women: Evening gowns, cocktail dresses, or elegant formal attire
- For men: Tuxedos, dinner jackets, or dark suits with ties
The “optional” aspect is important – guests who prefer not to dress formally can still maintain Elegant Casual standards while enjoying most venues. However, certain signature restaurants may maintain specific dress requirements regardless of the evening’s official designation.
Dress code by voyage length
The frequency of Formal Optional evenings varies based on cruise duration:
- 7 days or fewer: Typically all Elegant Casual evenings with no formal nights
- 8-14 days: Expect 1-2 Formal Optional evenings
- 15+ days: Typically include 2 or more Formal Optional evenings
This thoughtful approach ensures that packing remains manageable while still embracing the tradition of formal nights at sea for longer voyages.
Restaurant-specific dress requirements
Certain signature dining venues maintain their own standards regardless of the evening’s official dress code:
- La Dame: Requires gentlemen to wear jackets at all times, reflecting the restaurant’s exceptional culinary artistry
- Atlantide: On Formal Optional evenings, formal attire is requested
- La Terrazza, Kaiseki, and Silver Note: Allow Elegant Casual attire even on formal nights
- The Grill and Spaccanapoli: Maintain a casual dress code every evening
This tiered approach allows guests to choose dining venues that align with their preferred attire, ensuring comfort without sacrificing the sophisticated atmosphere.
General evening dress code rules
Regardless of the specific evening dress category, Silversea maintains certain standards for all indoor venues after 6:00 pm:
- No jeans, shorts, trainers (athletic shoes), or flip-flops in indoor spaces
- Gentlemen are encouraged to wear jackets in indoor venues in the evening
- Outdoor venues maintain a more relaxed standard, with casual wear acceptable
These baseline requirements help preserve the refined atmosphere that distinguishes Silversea from more casual cruise lines.
Shore excursion attire recommendations
When venturing ashore, Silversea guests should dress appropriately for both climate and cultural contexts:
Tropical destinations
For Caribbean, Mediterranean (summer), and South Pacific destinations:
- Breathable fabrics in elevated silhouettes
- Flowing maxi-dresses or tailored linen ensembles
- Statement sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats offering both protection and style
- Comfortable yet elegant walking shoes
Cooler climates
For Alaska, Northern Europe, and winter Mediterranean voyages:
- Luxurious layering pieces that combine function with fashion
- Cashmere wraps and tailored outerwear
- Waterproof accessories that maintain sophistication
- Comfortable boots or walking shoes that complement refined attire
Cultural considerations
Cultural sensitivity remains paramount when visiting traditional communities:
- Pack elegant scarves or lightweight layers to cover shoulders or heads when visiting religious sites
- Research specific cultural requirements for destinations on your itinerary
- Respectful dress that still expresses personal style
Special dress code for Silversea Expedition cruises
Silversea Expedition voyages maintain a slightly more relaxed dress code than ocean voyages, recognizing the adventure-focused nature of these trips:
Daytime expedition attire
- Functional clothing suited to your destination’s climate
- Technical fabrics that perform in varied weather conditions
- Layering pieces that transition from zodiac excursions to onboard lectures
- Comfortable, waterproof footwear for varied terrain
Evening standards on expedition ships
- Smart casual attire replaces the more formal requirements of ocean vessels
- Elegant Casual is the standard for expedition dining rooms
- Formal nights are typically reduced or eliminated on expedition itineraries
- Focus remains on comfort with an elegant flair
Expedition guests should prioritize appropriate outdoor gear for their specific destination, with Silversea providing detailed packing suggestions for each expedition itinerary.
The insider’s approach to Silversea attire
Seasoned Silversea guests recommend these practical strategies for elegant cruising:
Packing strategies
- Capsule wardrobe approach: Pack versatile pieces in a consistent color palette that mix and match easily
- Transformation pieces: Items that transition from day to evening with the addition of accessories
- Statement jewelry: Elevate simple outfits instantly for formal occasions
- Quality over quantity: Fewer, well-made garments that maintain their appearance
Considerations for longer voyages
For cruises exceeding two weeks:
- Plan for laundry services available onboard
- Choose fabrics that resist wrinkling and maintain freshness
- Consider the full range of climates you’ll encounter
- Include versatile layers that can be added or removed as temperatures change
Making an impression
Unlike mega-ships where formal attire may feel excessive, Silversea’s boutique vessels create an intimate setting where:
- Carefully selected ensembles are appreciated in close quarters
- Quality fabrics and thoughtful details truly shine
- Personal style expressions become conversational points
- Formal nights offer a genuine opportunity to create memorable moments
Silversea dress code FAQs
Our view on the Silversea dress code
For the contemporary luxury cruise guest, Silversea’s evolved dress code represents the perfect balance: respecting maritime traditions while embracing modern sensibilities, allowing for personal expression while maintaining an atmosphere of refined elegance.
This thoughtful approach to onboard attire has become one of the signature elements that distinguish the Silversea experience from other premium cruise offerings – an ambiance of unstudied sophistication that feels both special and effortless.
The 2024-2025 dress code updates reflect Silversea’s commitment to evolving with guest preferences while preserving the elegant atmosphere that makes their ships such extraordinary destinations in themselves.
For more informatin visit the Silversea website.
Downloadable Silversea packing checklist
Planning your Silversea wardrobe? Download our comprehensive packing checklist customized for:
- 7-day cruises (Elegant Casual focus)
- 8-14 day cruises (with 1-2 Formal Optional evenings)
- 15+ day voyages (with multiple formal occasions)
- Destination-specific essentials
Download Packing Checklist PDF
Share your Silversea style
Have questions about the Silversea dress code or want to share your own experiences? Leave a comment below!
Last updated: May 2025. For more informatin visit the Silversea website.
About the Author: Jason Kerr
keeping the dates of formal night a mystery after restaurant reservations open doesn’t serve guests well. Please provide the date of formal nights before restaurant reservations open. Not everyone likes formal nights.
What night on a 7 day cruise is formal?
Dear Steve
Thank you for your question. The formal night will vary depending on the voyage. It will usually be posted in the embarkation edition of The Chronicles and always in The Chronicles on the night before.
I hope this helps.
Kind regards
Jason Kerr
Managing Editor
my husband and I have enjoyed cruising on Silversea’s, unfortunately I recently lost my husband witch now obliges me to travel alone or with a companion “separate rooms of course”
I must say that whenever we had dealings with SS there has never been a problem. And given my loss and grieving I hope you excellent service and sensitivity continues .greetings
Interesting.But please on an Antartica
Silver cloud trip go through the dress code.Thank you
Their published dress code is actually very confusing. “Formal” isn’t really formal as I’ve ever known it, and their own website suggests…very circuitously…that informal and casual attire is okay, even in venues designated as formal:
“While for some Guests putting on the Ritz is de rigueur at dinner, for others, casually elegant is the epitome of a vacation wardrobe. To accommodate all lifestyles, Silversea has introduced casually elegant dining for those Guests choosing a slightly more relaxed ambience on formal evenings. While we request formal wear for Guests dining in Atlantide, S.A.L.T. Kitchen and La Dame, Guests may choose informal wear for dining in La Terrazza, Kaiseki and Silver Note. Dining at The Grill and at Spaccanapoli is optional casual all nights. Following dinner, all Guests are free to take advantage of our public spaces for both entertainment or after-dinner drinks.”
In actual practice it seems that no dress code is enforced, and that they recognize the world is less and less formal in attire. However, they certainly do make it difficult to understand their expectations…which may or may not be anything other than, “We’ll take you as you are.”
I didn’t retire to wear a tux on vacation.
Agreed!
What days are formal on a 14 day silver muse cruise to Alaska.
Dear Holly
Thank you for your question. There will typically be at least two formal nights on 14-day Silversea cruise. The specific days will be advertised in the Daily Chronicles newsletter.
Kind regards
Jason Kerr
Managing Editor
You are so right. I even burned all but one “funeral” tie. 50 years of dressing up for work every day was enough!!
I want to spoil my partner with a luxury cruise that we can afford but he is a true country man and only wears formal trousers for weddings and funerals. Does this mean we would be not welcome to eat at where we can afford?
Dear Diane
Thank you for your question. It is one that is often asked about Silversea. That said, Silversea do retain a more formal dress code than other luxury lines. Perhaps you might like to consider Seabourn as an alternative; they are also ultra-luxury but not quite so formal.
Kind regards
Jason Kerr
Managing Editor
We fly to Tokyo on April 1 and leave on a 17 day cruise in Japan on the 3rd on Silversea’s. I was not planning on wearing a long formal any night although I have short dresses to wear and dressy pant outfits. My husband will not wear a tux any night. At the French restaurant should he wear a tie? When we were on Seabourn in the Baltic I did not see any ladies with long formals on. I am feeling stressed in regard to dress. We have traveled all over the world.
Is the Galapagos cruise more casual that their other cruises? Are dressy shorts permitted on the Galapagos cruise in dining rooms?
Can I wear jeans during day time on and off ship?
Dear Margaret
Thank you for your question. Yes, you can wear jeans during the day around the ship. However, jeans are not appropriate in the restaurants at dinner time.
I hope this helps, and enjoy your cruise!
Regards
Jason Kerr
Managing Editor
Would it be acceptable to wear a white tuxedo/dinner jacket on a May/June cruise from New York to Southampton? It’s not yet summer nor is it tropical, but it does stand out.
Hello Shane
Thank you for your question. A white tuxedo/dinner jacket would generally not be out of place on Silversea. That said, Silversea have relaxed their dress code in recent times so formal attire is now only ‘optional’.
I hope you enjoy your voyage.
Regards
Jason Kerr
Managing Editor