What to Wear: Dress Codes Decoded, Deck by Deck

The most common question in our inbox isn't about buy-ins or bubbles — it's what to wear. Fair enough. 'Cocktail aboard a vessel' is a dress code that exists nowhere else, and getting it right matters less to us than it feels like it does to you.

Cocktail (most public evenings)

The baseline for Signature nights and the standard season calendar. For her: dresses, elegant separates, anything that works at a nice restaurant. For him: a jacket is traditional but not enforced — smart trousers and a good shirt are fine; a tie is a choice, not a rule. Nice jeans pass. Sneakers, mostly; clean ones do.

Black tie (galas and the Winter Ball)

Actual black tie, not 'black tie optional-ish'. Tuxedo or dinner suit for him; floor-length or elevated cocktail for her. The ship's ballroom is one of the few rooms in the state where it still makes sense — lean into it. Charity galas, the annual Ball and New Year's Eve run at this level.

Themed nights

Costume energy without costume pressure. Monte Carlo Whites means white and gold, not a specific era; Havana on the Tide means linen and colour; Noir means monochrome and tailoring. Every themed invite ships with a look-book — follow it loosely and you'll be photographed well.

What not to wear

Stilettos over 9cm — the deck has gratings and the ship, however stable, still breathes. Block heels and elegant flats are the veteran choice. Heavy coats stay at the cloak; the climate control is honest. And leave the novelty poker t-shirt at home unless irony is the evening's actual theme.

The honest answer

Nobody has ever been turned away at our gangway for dress. But the people who dress for the evening photograph better, feel better, and — we've checked — play measurably better. The felt respects effort.