Cruise Line Introduces More Relaxed Evening Dress Code
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Regent Seven Seas Cruises has revamped its “elegant casual” evening dress code to be more relaxed, with the new guidelines coming into effect on August 1, 2025.
Thanks to the change, passengers can now wear refined denim and dress sneakers, which previously wasn’t allowed.
Some fans of the luxury cruise line are worried that allowing for more casual attire will hinder the elevated experience that these cruises are famous for.
Known as an ultra-luxury cruise line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises prides itself on offering the most luxurious experiences at sea.
But in order to obtain that elevated atmosphere, the cruise line also holds its guests to a certain standard when it comes to their decorum onboard.
In the past, this has meant strictly adhering to an “elegant casual” dress code in all public areas, including the main dining rooms, after 6 p.m. each and every evening.
But while this “elegant casual” dress code isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, the cruise line is adding more flexibility regarding what is considered appropriate evening attire.
“Effective across the fleet from August 1, 2025, Regent Seven Seas Cruises will be implementing an Elegant Casual dress code after 6PM. Guests may wear refined denim and dress sneakers in all public areas, including restaurants,” the cruise line announced.
“This adjustment reflects evolving guest preferences while maintaining the elevated atmosphere aboard our ships.”
Previously, jeans were deemed unacceptable. While closed-toe shoes were recommended, sneakers of any type would definitely have been a fashion faux pas.
“Refined denim refers to jeans that are stylish and free of rips or distressing, and dress sneakers should be clean, polished, and in neutral or classic tones,” the luxury brand clarified.
The only exceptions to the dress code have traditionally been in the Pool Grill and Poor Bar, where casual attire is allowed all day, and on the final night of the cruise when guests may need to pack their nicer outfits.
And of course, the formal optional evenings that are included on longer voyages that are 16 nights or longer are even fancier. We’re talking floor length evening gowns or cocktail dresses for women and tuxedos or nice dinner jackets for men.
At this time, there are no known changes to the formal optional nights.
New Dress Code Met With Mixed Response
Among repeat customers of Regent Seven Seas, the announcement of a more casual dress code has been met with some concern.
To state the obvious, passengers can of course still dress to the nines for dinner if that is their personal preference.
“This change is part of our commitment to staying focused on what today’s luxury travelers value most. Guests who enjoy dressing up for dinner are always welcome to do so—formal wear remains a welcomed choice onboard,” the notice added.
However, some guests were now worried that their wardrobe choices would stand out in a bad way if they continued to adhere to the old ways as others opted for more casual looks.
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Most notably, guests are concerned that other passengers’ decision to “dress down” will ultimately take away from the elevated experience that they know and expect from Norwegian Cruise Line’s sister brand.
One person quipped: “Yeah…let’s just dumb it down to a lower-class cruise line.”
“Refined Denim. Really. Talk about putting lipstick on a pig! What’s next? Hemp, burlap, straw and jute. Why stop at sneakers. Lets get the sandal crowd on board as well. Bermuda shorts. Why not,” another sarcastically responded.
While the cruise line has not confirmed this, the leading theory is that the change was made to appeal to the younger, next generation of cruisers.
“I personally don’t like seeing people wearing jeans and sneakers, the younger people are different and need to feel like they are welcome,” one guest reacted to the news.
“I know people say I shouldn’t be bothered by what other people wear but it does bother me even though I know why Regent made the change. I’ll have to live with it,” they continued.
But for all the naysayers, plenty of others appreciated the more relaxed options and weren’t too concerned about what other passengers choose to wear to dinner.
Some even tried to cool the rage by noting that they really couldn’t tell what passengers were wearing once they had sat down to eat.