Royal Caribbean Dress Code for the Main Dining Room

Packing for a cruise is exciting, but figuring out what to wear in the Main Dining Room can feel confusing. Royal Caribbean keeps things flexible, offering three dress code categories that help you plan without overpacking. Whether you prefer casual comfort or enjoy dressing up, the guidelines are easy to follow and leave plenty of room for personal style.

The Main Dining Room is one of the highlights of a Royal Caribbean cruise. It’s where families gather for dinner, where servers learn your preferences, and where the atmosphere feels special without being stuffy. Understanding the dress code helps you feel confident walking in each night, no matter what you choose to wear.

Royal Caribbean’s Three Dress Code Categories

Royal Caribbean uses three evening categories—Casual, Smart Casual, and Formal Night. These categories set the tone for the evening while still giving guests freedom to dress in a way that feels comfortable and true to their style. You don’t need to buy new clothes or pack an entire wardrobe. Most travelers already own everything they need.

Casual Attire

Casual nights are relaxed and easygoing. You can dress comfortably while still looking neat, and the atmosphere is welcoming for families, first‑time cruisers, and anyone who prefers simple outfits.

What works well

• Jeans, khakis, sundresses, polos, blouses
• Casual skirts and tops
• Sandals, sneakers, flats

What to avoid

• Swimwear
• Bare feet
• Men’s tank tops

Royal Caribbean officially says shorts aren’t allowed at dinner, but many guests wear them anyway—and staff rarely turns anyone away. The vibe is friendly and flexible, and you’ll see a wide range of outfits. Honestly, if the rules were stricter, my husband and son probably wouldn’t dine there at all, so I appreciate the relaxed approach.

Casual nights are perfect for travelers who want to enjoy a nice dinner without feeling like they need to dress up. You can go straight from a day in port to dinner with minimal effort, which makes evenings feel easy and stress‑free.

Smart Casual Attire

Smart casual is a step up from everyday wear but still far from formal. Think polished, not fancy. This category is ideal for travelers who want to look put‑together without committing to dressy outfits.

Recommended outfits

• Collared shirts, blouses, skirts
• Dress pants, khakis, dark jeans
• Jackets or blazers (optional)

Skip these

• Shorts
• Flip‑flops
• Athletic wear

Smart casual nights often fall on evenings with special menus or themed dinners. You’ll see a mix of styles—some guests dress up, while others keep it simple. The goal is to feel comfortable while enjoying a nice dinner, not to meet a strict standard.

If you want to elevate your look without packing extra clothing, a lightweight cardigan, a nicer pair of shoes, or a simple accessory can make a big difference.

Formal Night Attire

Formal nights are your chance to dress up, but you don’t need a tux or ballgown unless you want one. Royal Caribbean encourages elevated outfits but keeps expectations flexible so everyone can participate at their comfort level.

Ideas for men

• Suits or tuxedos
• Dress shirts with ties

Ideas for women

• Cocktail dresses
• Evening gowns
• Elegant pantsuits

Accessories

• Jewelry
• Polished shoes
• Small handbags

Formal night is also a great time for photos. Many families take advantage of the photographers stationed throughout the ship. Even though the guidelines lean dressy, many guests still choose casual attire. My husband and son don’t love dressing up, so I simply ask them to wear the nicest items they packed. It keeps everyone happy without overcomplicating things.

How many formal nights to expect

• 3–5 nights: 1 formal night
• 6–7 nights: 2 formal nights
• 8–10 nights: 2 formal nights
• 11–14 nights: 3 formal nights
• 15+ nights: 3–4 formal nights

These numbers help you plan outfits without overpacking or stressing about what to bring.

Final Thoughts

Royal Caribbean’s dress code is designed to enhance the dining experience without making guests feel pressured. You can enjoy the Main Dining Room every night in comfortable, casual clothing if that’s your style. The real focus is the experience—great food, friendly service, and a lively atmosphere.

Even if you prefer to keep things simple, the Main Dining Room is absolutely worth trying. It’s a special part of the cruise that welcomes every guest, no matter their wardrobe. Packing with the dress code in mind helps you feel prepared, relaxed, and ready to enjoy every evening onboard.