If you’ve ever read Royal Caribbean’s rules on dining attire, you know they send mixed signals. In the app, you’ll see: “No shorts, sandals, or flip-flops allowed in the dining room.” But on the website, it just says: “Suggested attire” and bans only swimsuits.
No wonder first-time cruisers panic while packing. So let’s break this down: what the cruise line publishes, what actually happens on board, and why shaming people for what they wear is outdated.
The Official Rules vs. Reality
- App: No shorts, no sandals, no flip-flops.
- Website: “Bare feet are not allowed at any time in any venue and tank tops are not permitted in the Main Dining Room or Specialty Dining venues for dinner.” Anything else listed is ‘suggested attire.’
- Reality onboard: Shorts and sandals are common, and guests are not turned away.
The staff want you to sit down, eat, enjoy your cruise, and leave happy survey scores. They are not fashion police.
What’s Actually Enforced
- No swimsuits
- No bare feet
Everything else is suggested, not mandatory.
Special Nights Explained
- Dress Your Best Night: Optional. Great for family photos if you enjoy dressing up, but nobody will stop you if you don’t.
- Theme Nights: White Night, ’70s Night, ’80s Night, Tropical Night, fun if you want to join, but not required. They’re mainly designed for photo ops and entertainment, not strict dress codes.
Specialty Restaurants
Chops, Giovanni’s, Izumi, and others say “smart casual.” In practice, guests in nice shorts and sandals are seated. You’ll notice people dress a bit more here, but enforcement is still relaxed.
Why Some People Get Upset About It
Some cruisers still cling to the “old days” when cruising was marketed as a formal luxury experience. To them, dressing up equals class and status. Others see a cruise as a vacation: comfort first.
Here’s the truth: everyone paid for the same cruise. The line doesn’t enforce a strict standard, and it’s time to stop shaming others for not living up to one.
Real-Life Example
On my last sailing:
- My son wore athletic shorts most nights, and one pair of nice shorts for Dress Your Best Night and Chops.
- My husband wore sandals every night. One night he might have had on Crocs.
- Nobody blinked, and the servers were just happy we were at the table together.
Packing Tips for First-Time Cruisers
- Bring 1–2 outfits you feel good in for photos or if you enjoy dressing up.
- Pack comfortable shorts and shoes for the rest.
- Skip overpacking formalwear unless you genuinely want to wear it.
FAQs About Royal Caribbean’s Dress Code
Q: Can I wear shorts in the main dining room?
Yes. Officially they’re “not recommended” in the app, but in reality, people wear them nightly without issue.
Q: What about sandals or flip-flops?
Also fine. The app says no, but it’s not enforced. Only bare feet or swimsuits will get you turned away.
Q: Is Dress Your Best Night mandatory?
No. It’s optional, and you’ll see everything from ball gowns to t-shirts and shorts.
Q: Do specialty restaurants enforce a stricter dress code?
They list “smart casual,” but shorts and sandals are usually accepted.
Q: Will I be embarrassed if I don’t dress up?
Not at all. Plenty of cruisers keep it casual. The crew does not judge you for what you wear.
Bottom Line
Royal Caribbean’s dress code is guidance, not law. If dressing up adds to your fun, go for it. If you’d rather stay casual, you’ll still be welcomed. The cruise line is happy to have you at dinner, and your vacation isn’t about living up to someone else’s standard.
Want to feel prepared for your cruise?
I pulled the most important Royal Caribbean prep steps into a printable checklist bundle that walks you through what to do before you leave, what to bring, how embarkation works, and what to expect on disembarkation day—so you’re prepared instead of guessing.
Products I Use and Recommend
I keep a list of cruise-approved items I personally use and recommend.
Charity Bradley 🌺 
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