Lois : 𝙽𝚘 𝙲𝚛𝚞𝚒𝚜𝚎 𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚛𝚘𝚕

One of the highest anxieties about cruising for people new to cruises is the dress codes.

Here I will specifically give you some tips about P&O cruises. Do research the cruise line you’re choosing to cruise with, but don’t be anxious, cruising is so enjoyable, don’t let dress codes stress you out!

1 . P&O has two dress codes. Formal and smart casual. Formal is your black tie/ cocktail dress / ball dress, national dress, then Smart casual all other times. This can cover anything from smart unripped jeans and a top to a smart dress or trousers and a shirt, tie if you wish. However you usually would interpret smart casual.

P&O cruises average 2 formal nights a week, Iona will have one formal night a week.

2. Dress codes come into play from around 18:00 on board. Before then, anything goes! Within reason. Pool wear is acceptable around the pools, you’d be expected to cover up to enter food venues. However there is a grill, pizzeria and a grab and go counter by the pool so you could spend all day, including eating your lunch in your bikini should you wish!

3.Formal wear isn’t compulsory, though it is a big part of P&O cruises. People, on the whole enjoy dressing up and most of the passengers on board do. Dress codes are applicable to the main dining rooms and most bars, you will be denied access if you don’t wear the dress code. If you don’t want to dress up, I suggest you eat in the buffet or even room service. It’s definitely manageable to cruise with P&O and not join in on formal nights, but do give it a try.

4.Men on formal night can wear at the minimum a suit and tie, women on formal nights can wear a smart dress, or smart formal separates.

5.You can buy formal wear on board in the shop. Don’t fear if you’ve forgotten your bow tie or a formal dress! You can treat yourself on board. There won’t be a massive amount of choice, but there will probably be far more choice that you expect on a ship! You may even have some on board credit you could use to treat yourself!

In conclusions, it’s your cruise, you’ve worked hard for it, you wear what you want.

If you wish to experience the whole formal night experience get those glad rags on. If you’d rather stay casual then expect to head to the buffet or treat yourself to some room service for a few nights of your cruise.

Bon Voyage!