Princess Cruises Dress Code & Packing Guide

Embarking on a Princess Cruise is an exciting adventure, and of course, you’ll want to make sure that you pack appropriately.

Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveller, understanding the Princess Cruises dress code and packing efficiently will ensure you’re prepared for every moment of your getaway.

Cruise Mummy and family with Sun Princess

Let’s dive into the must-know details to help you dress to impress and pack like a pro for yourupcoming cruise.

Understanding The Princess Cruises Dress Code

Princess Cruises offers a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, but it’s important to be aware of the recommended dress options while you’re onboard.

The cruise line doesn’t actually have a strict dress code, and hasn’t done for a while. But instead it has suggestions on what you might want to wear.

This reviewer gives a good overview that I agree with…

There is no longer a dress code, only recommended dress. Most evenings it is smart casual which runs the gamut from men in khakis and button down shirts to jeans and a t-shirt to shorts with a baseball cap. Ladies pretty much get by in anything that isn’t swimwear or a robe. Formal evenings may find tuxes, suits, cocktail dresses or gowns but more often than not these days even those nights are very relaxed. No ties required!

Daytime attire

During the day, the vibe on a Princess Cruise is casual and laid-back. You can feel free to wear:

Shorts
T-shirts
Sundresses
Casual skirts
Tank tops

These items are perfectly acceptable, even in the dining room for breakfast and lunch. The key is to keep it tasteful and comfortable as you enjoy onboard activities or explore ports of call.

Cruise Mummy in a leopard print dress sits on a curved, patterned bench near a pool on a Princess cruise ship. She smiles at the camera, with people in the background enjoying the pool area under a covered deck.

Also avoid leaning too far into casual. When you’re in an indoor space, including the buffet restaurant, you need to make sure you’ve got something on your feet and that you’re not just in your swimwear.

If you are planning to spend the day by the pool, and just nip away for food, then make sure you dry off and that you throw on a t-shirt and shorts or a skirt before you go grab a bite.

Evening dress codes

The recommendations for your Princess cruise in the evenings will depend on the night. Most nights are just smart casual:

For women: Skirts, dresses, trousers and cardigans
For men: Trousers and open-neck shirts

But, there’ll also be formal nights, where the suggestion is that, if you want to, you can dress a little more sophisticated:

For women: Evening gowns and cocktail dresses
For men: Tuxedos, dinner jackets, or suits with an optional tie

Cruise Mummy and family on formal night on a Princess cruise

Note that it’s recommended only. If you follow the smart casual dress code, you’ll still be able to dine in any of the restaurants on formal night. You won’t get turned away.

All of the above. I'd say most of the passengers were wearing "business casual" when not at the pool, but there were t-shirts and shorts, jeans, sundresses -- pretty much all the weather-appropriate options you would imagine. At night, there were many people very dressed up, even on nights that weren't officially "formal" nights, but we were among them in khakis and capris and casual wear and never got nasty looks.

Even if you turn up in jeans on formal night, you’ll be fine – though there’s a slim chance you could get some of the older crowd (who still value that traditional experience) making subtle comments or looking unimpressed.

And if you’d rather dine in shorts then there are always casual venues where you can eat without anyone giving you a glare.

Formal night frequency

The number of formal nights depends on the length of your cruise:

1-4 night cruises: No formal nights
5-6 night cruises: 1 formal night
7-13 night cruises: 2 formal nights
14-20 night cruises: 3 formal nights
21-28 night cruises: 4 formal nights
29+ night cruises: 5 formal nights

Knowing this breakdown will help you pack the right clothes for your voyage.

Essential Packing List for Princess Cruises

Now that you understand the ‘dress code’, as it were, let’s look at what you should pack for your Princess cruise holiday…

Clothing essentials

Swimwear and cover-ups
Casual daytime clothes (shorts, t-shirts, sundresses)
Smart casual outfits for evenings
Formal wear for designated nights, if you want to take part
Lightweight jacket or sweater for cooler evenings
Exercise clothes if you plan to use the fitness centre

Suggested read: The Best Cruise Dresses for Formal Night

Cruise Mummy in Sanctuary on Princess Cruise

Footwear for every occasion

Don’t forget to pack a variety of shoes to match your outfits and activities:

Comfortable trainers or walking shoes for excursions
Dress shoes for formal nights
Sandals or flip-flops for pool and casual wear
Water shoes if you’re heading to the beach and like to protect your feet from rocks

Accessories and extras

Accessories can elevate your outfits and add functionality to your cruise wardrobe, so consider packing:

Jewellery to complement your evening wear
Sunglasses and sun hats for sun protection
A small clutch or evening bag for formal nights
A day bag for shore excursions, such as a backpack/rucksack

Packing smart: beyond clothing

While your wardrobe is crucial, there are other essentials you’ll need for a comfortable cruise experience.

You won’t want to forget any of these – some of them will be sold in the onboard shops but hardly at the same price you’d get them at home!

Toiletries and personal care

Sunscreen with high SPF
Insect repellent (especially for tropical destinations)
Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant)
Hair styling tools and products
Basic makeup and skincare products

Electronics and entertainment

Smartphone for snapping pics and staying in touch – though I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you this one!
Chargers (including plug adapters) and portable power banks
E-readers or tablets for entertainment
Small games or cards for leisure time

Princess ships all have US-style outlets so if you’re travelling from the UK or Europe, you’ll definitely need some adapters. There will be some USB ports too for direct charging for your phone.

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Health and safety essentials

Travel insurance documentation
Medications in their original containers
Copy of prescriptions and medical information
Basic first-aid kit with band-aids and pain relievers

Tips for Efficient Packing

Packing light and smart can enhance your vacation experience. Here are some tips to help you pack efficiently:

Space-saving techniques

Roll clothes instead of folding to save space and reduce wrinkles
Use packing cubes to organize and compress your items
Wear your bulkiest shoes and jacket on travel days to save luggage space
Pack versatile items that can be mixed and matched for different outfits

Weather considerations

So many people don’t bother to check the weather forecast before they cruise – assuming that a cruise to the Mediterranean will be warm, or that the Fjords will be cold.

Really depends on the activities you're planning to do or where you're going. We did recent Vancouver/Alaska round trip & way overpacked; we didn't wear a lot of what we'd packed.The most we wore outdoors were three layers as it was quite a warm start to spring. Even Ketchikan fined up to a warm afternoon. That all said that was our experience & you can never be sure of the weather on any given day.

But weather’s fickle and you never know – so check before you travel as you might want to pack more layers, or make sure you’ve got some nice t-shirts when there’s an unexpected heatwave.

Make sure you pack:

Light rain jacket or umbrella for unexpected showers
Warm layers for cooler climates or air-conditioned spaces on the ship
Breathable fabrics for hot and humid locations

Even if you take a tropical cruise in summer, you may find that the ship’s air conditioning can sometimes be turned up higher than you like. So always pack a cardigan or shawl to wear in the evenings if its chilly on board.

Suggested read: Is It Cold On A Cruise Ship?

A woman enjoys a relaxing moment with a beverage in an elegantly furnished lounge area, suggesting a serene and comfortable environment. — Having a drink in the Elite Lounge on Enchanted Princess

What not to pack

While it’s important to be prepared, there are some items you should leave at home:

Irons and steamers (fire hazards that aren’t allowed on board)
Excess formal wear if you aren’t big on the formal dining experience
Bulky beach towels (Princess Cruises provides these)
Prohibited items like weapons, illegal drugs, or flammable materials

That’s a quick summary, but it covers the most common things that people either think of bringing aboard or that they might not have thought about checking.

If you’re planning on bringing something ‘unusual’ then it’s worth checking the full Princess Cruises FAQ all about prohibited items as that has a comprehensive list. However, they could still confiscate something that’s not on the list if they feel it’d be dangerous or used inappropriately.

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Final word

Packing for a Princess Cruise doesn’t have to be overwhelming. There’s not a strict dress code, so as long as you know the sort of outfits that people tend to wear, and by following these packing tips, you’ll be well-prepared for a stylish and comfortable voyage.

Remember to pack light, choose versatile pieces, and don’t forget the essentials for your health and enjoyment. With the right preparation, you’ll be ready to make the most of every moment on your Princess Cruise, from casual pool days to elegant formal nights.

So get ready to set sail in style and comfort on your next Princess cruise adventure!

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.