A cruise ship can be the experience of a lifetime, even if all you want is to kick back and relax. On some ships, the focus is all about choosing only what you want to do, or how and when you want to do it. Although the emphasis is on casual organization of your personal itinerary, it doesn't necessarily mean that there is no dress code aboard ship.

Sometimes those who are new to cruising, think that required dress only applies to formal evenings, where the standard “uniform” is either black tie and tails for men, or a dark suit and tie, with cocktail dresses, and/or evening gowns for the ladies. And while this is true for formal events or evenings which are held on most cruise ships, there is usually also a dress code that applies to the dining facilities at all times.

Snack bars, ice cream bars, and lounges may accept all forms of dress, even bathing suits since the food facilities are frequently located by or in the vicinity of pools, spas and gyms. However, restaurants usually do have some guidelines, which tend to be particular to the cruise line, and the type of dining room you would like to eat in.

This type of information is available on booking, with your travel package, and can generally be found on the cruise line's website as well. For example, bathing suits which may be permitted for breakfast or lunch, are generally not acceptable during the evening meal hour is most dining rooms. The same usually applies to bare feet. Shorts and bare mid-riffs may also be considered inappropriate for supper, depending on the restaurant, although they may accept shorts and a blouse.

The terms you'll usually see with regard to required dress, are “casual”- which can include shorts; “smart casual”- long pants/shirt for men, and pantsuits/dress for ladies, and “formal wear”- ‘tails and ties' or dark suits for men, formal/cocktail dresses for ladies.