MSC Cruises · On board
What is the dress code?
The answer
Checked 2026-09-21Casual by day, a more polished look in the evening, plus Gala Night
- Shorts and T-shirts are fine during the day.
- Evening in the main dining rooms, specialty restaurants, theater and bars: collared shirts, tailored trousers or shorts, skirts, dresses.
- Swimwear is never allowed in a formal dining venue, including at breakfast and lunch. Shorts, flip-flops and tank tops are restricted too.
- Theme parties run through the cruise — the White Party and the Sunshine Party among them.
In one sentence — MSC Cruises: Casual by day, a more polished look in the evening, plus Gala Night. Shorts and T-shirts are fine during the day. Evening in the main dining rooms, specialty restaurants, theater and bars: collared shirts, tailored trousers or shorts, skirts, dresses. Swimwear is never allowed in a formal dining venue, including at breakfast and lunch. Shorts, flip-flops and tank tops are restricted too. Theme parties run through the cruise — the White Party and the Sunshine Party among them. Read from MSC Cruises's own published policy on 2026-09-21. Cruise lines change policies without notice — confirm with MSC Cruises before relying on this.
Why this one catches people out
Two questions really: what is expected at dinner, and what happens on formal or gala nights.
Where this came from
https://www.msccruisesusa.com/manage-booking/before-you-go/what-to-wearWe read these policies from each cruise line's own pages and record the date we read them. Lines change their rules without notice. Always confirm with the cruise line before you rely on anything here.