Celebrity Cruises Dress Code: Evening Chic and Smart Casual Explained
Celebrity's "evening chic" is the line's answer to guests who wanted the polish of formal night without the tuxedo.
Smart casual
Most evenings: collared shirts, blouses, trousers, dresses, skirts. No swimwear, tank tops or bare feet in the dining rooms; the line asks that shorts stay out at dinner.
Evening chic
Two nights on a 7-night cruise, one on shorter sailings, generally sea days. The code reads "dressier than smart casual" — a jacket or blazer for men is optional but common, a collared shirt and dress trousers the baseline; women wear cocktail dresses, elegant tops with skirts or trousers, or dressy jumpsuits. Full formal wear is welcome and a visible minority.
The buffet
The Oceanview Café serves smart casual every night — the standard alternative for guests skipping chic night.
Packing
One polished outfit per person covers both chic nights; a blazer is worth the space on Celebrity, per Formal Nights on Cruises and the line's slightly dressier feel covered in Is Celebrity Cruises Right for You.
More Celebrity policies
- Celebrity price drop policy
- Celebrity gratuities
- Celebrity cancellation policy
- CPAP on Celebrity
- Celebrity smoking and vaping policy
- Celebrity alcohol policy
- Celebrity kids club ages
- Celebrity wifi packages
- Celebrity drink package price
- Is Celebrity right for you?
Have a question about this? A licensed cruise expert can answer it for free — no booking required, no pressure.
Ask a cruise expert →Booking specialty dining around chic nights
Many couples book a specialty restaurant on one chic night to make an occasion of it — worth arranging at booking, before the popular slots go.
Want this priced up for your dates? Speak to a licensed cruise expert — same price as booking direct, plus perks like onboard credit and prepaid gratuities the websites don't show. No fee, no obligation, and you can book online if you'd rather.
Get a quote or book online →Frequently asked questions
What is Celebrity's evening chic dress code?
Celebrity's modern replacement for formal night: think cocktail party rather than gala — dress trousers with a collared shirt or a jacket for men, a cocktail dress or dressy separates for women, with tuxedos and gowns welcome but not expected.
How many evening chic nights are on a Celebrity cruise?
Typically two on a 7-night cruise and one on shorter sailings, usually on sea days and announced in the daily program.
More questions you might have
- What Does "All-Inclusive" Actually Mean on a CruiseThe marketing term that means very different things across cruise lines — decoding what's genuinely included before you're surprised by extra charges.
- Why Is My Cruise Cabin So Hot (or Cold)? Thermostats ExplainedHow cabin thermostats really work, the range they'll reach, the fan trick, and what to ask for when the cabin won't cool down.
- Cruising With a Baby or Toddler: What's RealisticMinimum ages, the swim-diaper pool rule that surprises everyone, nursery realities and the cabin setup that saves naptime.
- MSC Cruises Kids Club Ages and Hours: What Parents Need to KnowMSC Cruises's youth program by age band — where under-3s fit, when teens split off, typical hours, and the paid evening option that buys parents a night out.
- Carnival Cancellation Policy and Final Payment Dates ExplainedCarnival's final payment window by cruise length, the penalty schedule after it, and why Early Saver's non-refundable deposit changes the maths.
- Do You Need a Passport for an Alaska Cruise From Vancouver?Yes for most sailings — the preclearance reason why, the closed-loop exception, and what NEXUS, birth certificates and PR cards actually count for.
Booking essentials: Is It Cheaper to Book a Cruise Through a Travel Agent · What Are Expedia Extras on a Cruise Booking · Onboard Credit Explained and How to Get More