Passengers have been reminded in a recent update on social media of what to avoid to risk ‘being turned away’
09:46, 18 May 2026Updated 10:27, 18 May 2026
Passengers are reminded of dress code rules on board(Image: Getty)
P&O Cruises is reminding customers about an item of clothing that is ‘not allowed’ to be worn on board under certain circumstances. The cruise line issued guidance in a recent social media update after a passenger claimed they were ‘turned away’.
On X, a user called Duncan claimed: “@Pandocruises describe ‘formal’. Turned away from one restaurant the other day wearing formal shorts, smart tailored shirt. Dye it showing sine ‘leg’. However, seen plenty of women wearing skirts much shorter than my shorts been welcomed in!”
P&O Cruises replied: “Hi Duncan, smart shorts are not permitted in certain restaurants on board. A suit with jacket and tie is required on formal nights in the main restaurant and other venues.”
On P&O Cruises’ website, there is plenty of information about the cruise line’s dress code rules. It says: “While we encourage you to relax and enjoy your holiday, we do ask that you adhere to a smart casual dress code in our public areas and restaurants.”
In an important note to passengers, P&O Cruises says tailored shorts cannot be worn for Black Tie or Celebration Nights, except in the buffet. It adds: “On evening casual nights tailored shorts can be wore in the buffet, The Beach House, and The Glass House, as well as 6th Street Diner, The Olive Grove and The Keel and Cow on Arvia and Iona.” Further advice reads: “Denim, including dark denim, isn’t allowed on Black Tie and Celebration Nights, except in venues with an Evening Casual dress code.”
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For daytime, P&O Cruises says: “Feel free to wear your favourite holiday attire, such as shorts, T-shirts, and sundresses, or your typical winter clothing on one of our colder holidays. However, please remember to wear shoes when you’re not by the pool. We also ask that there is no pool wear in the ship’s lounges, inside bars, restaurants or reception.”
In regards to nighttime, the cruise line said: “Our dress code varies depending on the night. You can find details of each evening’s dress code in your daily Horizon found in your cabin, or on My P&O Cruises under the ‘Your Itinerary’ section before you sail.”
The two main dress codes for P&O Cruises include ‘Evening Casual’ and ‘Black Tie’. Evening Casual is described as ‘smart casual attire’, such as trousers, smart dark denim, polo shirts, dresses, and skirts.
The Black Tie dress code applies to more formal evenings, where the cruise line encourages passengers to “dress to impress”. It explains: “Gentlemen, a dinner jacket or tuxedo is ideal, but a dark suit and tie is also acceptable. Ladies, feel free to wear your favourite evening gown or cocktail dress.”
P&O Cruises says tailored shorts cannot be worn for Black Tie or Celebration Nights
Passengers are also urged to follow the dress code for celebration nights, which P&O Cruises says are special evenings on board when guests can enjoy a more formal dining experience and entertainment. “These events involve a higher level of dress code (black tie) and a more elaborate menu. It’s a chance to dress up, savour delicious food, and enjoy the ambience of a special occasion”, it says.
During our Celebration nights, most venues will have a dress code, but some venues will allow a more casual dress for those who prefer it. Passengers can find out which venues don’t have dress codes in their daily Horizon.
When visiting destinations during excursions, P&O Cruises recommends comfortable walking shoes and clothing appropriate to the climate and culture of the places you’ll be visiting. “Some cultures have specific dress codes, particularly for places of worship. Please respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites,” it adds.
For religious passengers, the cruise line says customers are welcome to wear national or religious dress on board. “If you wear a headdress, depending on the amount of your face it covers, you may be asked to unveil for a security photo at check-in and when passing through security check points ashore and on board during your holiday”, it says.
The cruise line says: “Our dress code varies depending on the night”
However, some items of national dress such as ceremonial blades and swords, including Skean Dhus and Kirpans, are not permitted. Passengers can check the list of prohibited items for more information.
P&O Cruises says fancy dress, novelty clothing or outfits that feature any inappropriate or offensive language or images are not permitted on board. “We reserve the right to deny embarkation to guests who are inappropriately dressed”, it says. For more information about dress codes, click here.
