Is there a dress code on board?
During the day, guests can enjoy the freedom to relax and dress as they please in all areas of the ship. Then as the sun goes down, the style goes up. Every evening on board, we ask that guests wear smart attire in most of our bars, restaurants and entertainment venues. On our much-anticipated Gala evenings, we invite them to dress to impress and celebrate with us. Of course, if they prefer to spend their evenings in more relaxed attire, a selection of casual dining and entertainment venues is always available for their enjoyment.
Details of the voyage's dress code will be found on the guest's My Cunard and will also be specified on board in the ship's Daily Programme, which is delivered to guests' staterooms each day. You may find "What will the dress code be whilst I am on board?" helpful.
During the day
As this time is leisurely, it’s important that guests wear close they feel comfortable in. Shorts and t-shirts are perfectly acceptable, and we’d encourage guests to bring swimwear so they can enjoy the pools, spa and whirlpools on their ship. If they want to use the gym, join an exercise class or run a mile around the deck, they should ensure they pack a pair of trainers and whatever they normally wear to work out. Swimwear isn’t permitted in indoor dining areas, so if guests are planning to visit their stateroom’s main restaurant for breakfast or lunch, they should be sure to factor in time for a quick change in their stateroom. The main restaurants require a casual wear dress code for breakfast and lunch, however guests may wear shorts in either the Kings Court (Queen Mary 2) or Lido Restaurant (Queen Victoria & Queen Elizabeth). Please note that after 18:00, shorts, blue or worn denim and sandals are not considered appropriate within the ship.
Evenings
Evenings will be split into two different dress codes. Our dress codes for each evening will always be advertised on the front page of the Daily Programme. As a guide, these will be:
Smart Attire Evenings
The majority of guests travelling with us embrace the chance to switch to Smart Attire by night. This doesn’t mean they'll be expected to wear a gown or dinner jacket each evening. Smart Attire simply means a dress shirt and trousers, skirt and a top, or a cocktail dress. Essentially, something along the same vein as they'd wear to a stylish restaurant or the theatre on a special occasion.
Gala Evenings:
On Gala Evenings, we encourage guests to join in the sense of occasion with eveningwear of dinner jacket, tuxedo, or dark suit with a regular tie or bow tie, or cocktail dress, smart trouser suit, or formal separates. Guests can also wear formal national dress and military uniform*. Gala Evenings follow one of a few themes, with voyages of seven nights or more offering a chance to attend more than one. As a guide, there's approximately two or three formal nights per week. On World Voyages, there will be up to three formal nights per week, as well as themed Balls scheduled throughout the voyage.
*Some items such as ceremonial blades or swords are not permitted and guests should check our list of prohibited items under the question What am I not allowed to take on board?
Evenings on board a Cunard Queen exude a sense of occasion, but they’re also as relaxed as guests want them to be. There’s no need to dress to the nines each night if guests don’t want to, and they'll find many areas on board where casual dress is welcome. Of course, if they prefer to spend their evenings in more relaxed attire, a selection of casual dining and entertainment venues is always available for their enjoyment. Guests can feel free to dress casually as they visit any of the following venues on board our Queens: Kings Court, Lido Buffet (Including Al Fresco), Golden Lion, Casino, Carinthia Lounge, Winter Garden, Garden Lounge, Yacht Club, and G32. Non-ripped jeans are appropriate, but guests should refrain from wearing shorts, sports attire, swim wear or sleeveless t-shirts outside of the gym, spa and deck spaces.
For those who want some further help and guidance, or wish to view some examples of evening and day wear, please visit our What To Pack page on our website.
Army/camouflage clothing
It's permissible to wear such items of clothing during the daytime, however guests should refer to the dress codes for evenings on board. It should also be noted that some countries may have rules against this sort of attire, such as Barbados, where it's illegal due to this matching the uniforms worn by security services.
Restriction to wear Camouflage Clothing
Barbados
St Kitts
Dominica
Grenada
No Restrictions to wear Camouflage clothing
Curacao
St Maarten
National/religious dress
National and religious dress including headdress' are allowed on board. Depending on the amount of the face covered by the headdress, guests may be asked to unveil for a security photo at check in and passing through security check points ashore and on board during the voyage. Some items of national dress such as ceremonial blades or swords are not permitted and guests should check our list of prohibited items under the question What am I not allowed to take on board?
Children
Children under 18 don't have a dress code, but should adhere to the daily dress code where possible.
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