A complete guide to Cunard's dress code

There’s cruising, and then there’s Cunard. No other cruise line offers such a potent blend of ocean-going heritage and elegance, boasting a mantra that stretches back almost two centuries.

Besides the grand public spaces that echo with Cunard’s trademark art-deco style, amid celebrated dining experiences and stylishly empathic service, the cultivated onboard atmosphere is strongly reflected by the oh-so-British cruise line’s dress code.

While other cruise brands promote flip-flogs and casual vibes, Cunard aims to create a sense of occasion – where dressing gracefully adds to the poetry in motion.

However, before you panic and start to filter your entire wardrobe into your matching executive luggage with genuine leather embellishments and initials, let’s walk through what you need to know about Cunard’s dress code.

We’ll help you strike the right balance of poise and practicality. It’s not all tuxedos at breakfast.

Cunard's daytime dress code

Think casual, but not too casual

Daytime hours onboard any Cunard vessel guarantees endless sea views, comfortable lounging, leisurely strolls, and a range of entertainment – from cinematic cult classics, to enlightening lectures and fun-loving dance classes. You will want something casual and comfortable that offers an element of flexibility to match the varied activities on offer.

You’ll find fellow passengers clothed in relaxed summer dresses, chinos, polo shirts and non-ripped jeans. Tasteful shorts and T-shirts are perfectly acceptable, but we’d advise that T-shirts don’t showcase any form of offensive wordage or outdated attitudes.

When packing your casual clothes, ask yourself: Would Sean Connery or Elizabeth Taylor wear this? We very much doubt Sir Connery would don a '99 problems' t-shirt, and Dame Taylor wouldn’t be seen dead in a Manchester United away strip.

Days at sea allow exploration of the ship at your leisure, but that doesn’t mean pyjamas and slippers are the go-to attire. Even if your nightgown is from Harvey Nichols and laced with edible gold. Think of it like you’re meeting friends for a light lunch at a stylish café; smart but easy-going. No football shirts, for example!

Athletic wear is fine for the gym or fitness classes, but you might want to save the head-to-toe Lycra for spin class rather than wearing it around the ship.

When heading to the pool, swimwear is totally appropriate, of course. Just remember, you’ll need to throw on a cover-up or shirt before heading to indoor public areas.

Cunard appreciates style even when you're soaking up the sun, so no wandering the halls in just a towel, please. It’s easy to forget when you are in the moment, but should you plan to visit your stateroom’s main restaurant for breakfast or lunch, then remember to quickly change from your sportswear.

Formal and informal nights

Once the clock judders beyond 6pm, Cunard requests that smart or gala evening attire is worn in most of the ship’s bars, restaurants and entertainment venues.

The cruise line also asks that shorts, sports attire, swimwear and sleeveless t-shirts not be worn outside of the gym, spa and deck spaces as the evening progresses. Here’s where things get exciting and, let’s be honest, a bit fancy.

Don’t fear the formal wear, however. The majority of guests traveling aboard Cunard’s fleet – Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Anne or flagship QM2 – embrace the opportunity to switch to smart attire once the evening has commenced. It’s like travelling back to ocean travel’s golden heyday, and everyone can take on an alter-ego for the evening.

This doesn’t mean that you are expected to wear gowns and dinner jackets every night like the stereotype dictates. Smart attire can be a dress shirt and trousers, a skirt and a top, or a cocktail dress. These suggestions come straight from Cunard themselves, so don’t just take our word for it.

Yet, we’d recommend experiencing Cunard’s renowned formal evenings as intended, which gives you the perfect excuse to channel your inner movie star. The dress code for the evenings varies, with some nights classified as 'gala evenings" (formerly 'formal nights') and others as 'informal.'

Naturally, if you would prefer to spend evenings in more relaxed apparel, a vast selection of casual dining and entertainment venues are always available. The Golden Lion pub is our choice.

Gala evenings

On Gala Evenings, the dress code embraces full-on glamour. For women, this means elegant evening gowns or cocktail dresses. Don’t be afraid to go all out with your favourite floor-length gown or that sophisticated little black dress you’ve been saving for a special occasion.

Accessories can include statement jewellery, but maybe leave the tiara at home unless you're adopting an Audrey Hepburn cruise godmother persona.

For men, a gala evening means black tie. That includes a tuxedo or dark suit with a tie or bow tie, or a kilt. There’s something about the sea air and a crisp tuxedo that just makes everything feel cinematic.

Consider it your opportunity to look like James Bond for the evening, whether that be Roger Moore’s Ivory tuxedo or Daniel Craig’s Tom Ford-designed dinner jacket. Don’t forget to introduce yourself by your surname first. Even if your name is Richard Richard.

Cunard’s gala evenings are the stuff of legend, so don’t shy away from the opportunity to dress to the nines. You’ll blend in perfectly, and maybe even score a compliment or two for that extra bit of sparkle.

Informal evenings

On nights designated as 'informal', things ease up a bit, but don’t mistake that for casual. For women, a smart dress, skirt and blouse, or stylish trouser-suit is just right. It’s the kind of outfit you’d wear to a nice dinner at a chic restaurant onshore; polished but not over the top.

Men will want to opt for a jacket with a collared shirt, but a tie is optional. It's your chance to embrace the 'smart casual' look. Think along the lines of Clint Eastwood’s Dirty Harry – effortlessly put together, but without the tuxedo-level commitment.

You can enjoy your meal in smart-casual attire, even on gala evenings. Just be aware that the ship’s main dining rooms and public areas do adhere to the formal dress code on those nights, so plan accordingly if you’re skipping the tux or gown.

You can always head to more casual dining area like the Lido or Kings Court, where the dress code is much more relaxed.

Themed nights

In addition to the gala and informal evenings, Cunard sometimes hosts special themed nights, which give you the chance to really have fun with your wardrobe. Think of it as a grown-up costume party, but with fewer pirate hats and more sophistication.

One such favourite is the 'Roaring Twenties' night, where flapper dresses, feather headbands, and dapper suits are the order of the evening. Or perhaps a Black & White Ball, where the monochrome palette sets the tone for an effortlessly chic evening.

You don’t have to participate in the themed evenings, but where’s the fun in that? These nights are a chance to really get into the spirit of classic cruising, with a little extra pizzazz.

We’d all be lying should we state that we haven’t dreamed of partaking in a White Star Line first-class experience, and this is your time to shine!

Some gentle reminders

While Cunard’s dress code is elegant and traditional, they aren’t the fashion police. The idea is to create an ambiance that feels special, rather than a communistically-enforced approach to dress code. Should you wonder about getting away with bending the rules a little – maybe wearing a less formal jacket or more casual dress – it’s probably fine.

Ask yourself one question before stepping out of your cabin: are you looking smart? If the answer is no, then give it another go. Remember to aim for subtlety, rather than being a fashion statement. If those colours omit noises, then aim for lower tones.

Be warned, if you show up to a gala evening in flip-flops, you might find yourself gently redirected to the casual dining areas.

Another subtle point – while you can enjoy the promenade deck, dining, or dancing in your formal attire, make sure to have a practical change of clothes for outdoor excursions or sporty activities. It’s tough to climb a rock wall in heels, after all (and probably not Cunard-approved). Not even Lara Croft does that.

Then there’s camouflage clothing. Cunard is more than happy for you to wear such items during the daytime while onboard or on a shore excursion, but turning up to the formal events dressed like General Patton will not ensure general admission. There’s also politics to bear in mind when exploring onshore.

Certain countries have banned pedestrian use of camouflage wear, due to imitations of uniforms worn by native security services. Restrictions are in place when visiting Barbados, St Kitts, Dominica and Grenada. Curacao and St Maarten permit camouflage clothing.

What not to wear

We don’t need to get too prescriptive here, but some things are best left in your suitcase or, better yet, at home. Cunard draws the line at swimwear, shorts, distressed jeans, and tank tops during the evening, especially in the more formal areas.

So, while you can look as relaxed as you like during the day, the evenings are all about dressing for the occasion.

You also won’t see much of the ultra-casual streetwear or beach-ready looks that might pass on other cruise lines. It’s part of Cunard’s charm; a cruise that’s a little more polished and a little more refined.

In the end, Cunard’s dress code is all about enhancing the experience of an elegant, timeless cruise. It’s not designed to make you feel restricted but to add to the sense of occasion that comes with sailing on one of their iconic ships.

And, let’s be honest, when else do you get the chance to dress up so often, surrounded by the glamour of the high seas?

So, pack that tuxedo, those cocktail dresses, and a good pair of shoes (or two). Remember, dressing up is part of the fun, and you’re sure to enjoy the sophisticated atmosphere that makes a Cunard cruise something truly special.

Plus, when else can you say you dined with the same level of elegance as those who sailed the oceans in the golden age of cruising? Packing for a Cunard cruise may initially seem daunting, but once you’ve partaken, it’s simple to follow. Breathe easy.