Marella Cruises Dress Code: What to wear onboard the all-inclusive cruise line

Marella Cruises launched in 2017 and is considered among the newest, and therefore most modern, cruise lines. This translates into every area of the Marella fleet: from the laid-back atmosphere onboard to its all-inclusive offering for every passenger. It is also strongly evident in the Marella Cruises dress code policy. 

While many cruise lines like to maintain the tradition of formal dressing and stricter dress codes, Marella takes a refreshing approach. After all, you are on holiday!

That’s not to say that it’s a total free-for-all, however. If you like to keep comfortable most of the time but are still looking to dust down your dinner jacket or roll out your finest gown from time to time, there are plenty of onboard venues for you to do so. So, let’s take a closer look at what to expect from the Marella Cruises dress code. 

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The idea of a dress code can seem daunting and has the potential to cause serious head-scratching when you’re staring at an empty suitcase. Luckily, Marella Cruises’ dress code is very straightforward. It is divided into three categories: Beachwear, Casual, and Smart. Some evenings, there is also a ‘Dress to Impress’ night, which is the closest thing the cruise line offers to a formal night.

Beachwear

This clothing category does what it says on the tin: we’re talking swimming costumes, bikinis, swimming trunks, and flip-flops. This gets a green light around the ships’ pool areas, on sun decks, and on beach excursions.

If you’re nipping inside for a cooling drink or a snack to fuel your lengths in the pool, you will need to put on a cover-up of some sort (t-shirt, sundress, sarong, etc) as this is required when walking indoors.

Restaurants included in the beachwear dress code category: Snack Shack, The Glasshouse (daytime only)

Casual 

Marella Cruises’ ‘Casual’ dress code is perfect for most daytime activities and indoor areas. It includes sportswear, shorts, t-shirts, polo shirts, sundresses and skirts. For your feet, comfortable sandals or trainers are a good idea, and flip-flops are fine too. The only thing to avoid with this dress code is any kind of swimwear – save that for the pool areas. 

Restaurants included in the casual dress code category: The Market Place, Nonna’s, Latitude 53 (daytime only), Beach Cove, Abuela’s, Platter (daytime only), The Kitchens, Tapas at The Mediterranean, Italian at The Mediterranean, 47°, Islands.

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Smart 

This dress code category is required in many of the main dining rooms and speciality restaurants. For men, it includes polo shirts or button-up shirts with tailored shorts, trousers or chinos. For women, think dresses, skirts, tailored shorts or trousers with a shirt. In terms of footwear, smart trainers, sandals, heels, loafers or anything along those lines are ideal. The main thing to avoid is flip-flops. 

Non-tailored shorts, sportswear and any kind of swimwear are also a big no-no here.  

Restaurants included in the smart dress code category: The Dining Club, Vista, Kora La, Latitude 53 (evening only), Surf & Turf Steakhouse, Platter (evening only), Silver Fork, Umi Sushi, 47°(evening only), The Glasshouse (evening only), Gallery 47°. 

Dress to Impress Night

Typically, the Marella Cruises ‘Dress to Impress’ nights account for one night in every seven-night cruise. This is your chance to get suited and booted, as everyone is encouraged to put on their finest attire. However, if this sounds like your personal nightmare or is just not your thing, it is by no means compulsory.

So, what should you wear? For guys, a suit, tie, dinner jacket, or smart-casual shirt with trousers all work well. Women tend to go for cocktail dresses, evening dresses, a trouser suit, or similar. Smart-casual is perfectly fine if you prefer not to dress up.

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Whether you’re looking to make the most of all the ship’s facilities or get out there and explore each port you’re in, there are a few items it’s always a good idea to pack for your next Marella cruise. 

Comfortable shoes are a must, especially for excursions that will involve walking. To make sure you’re covered on all bases, pack both casual shoes for daytime activities and one or two smarter options for evenings. Depending on your planned activities and the time of year you’re travelling, consider bringing hats, sunglasses and water bottles.

Even in warm climates, evenings at sea can be breezy. Packing a light jacket or shawl ensures you’ll be comfortable on any cooler evenings.

For shore excursions, especially those involving visits to religious sites, remember to wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Comfortable walking shoes, like trainers or walking boots, are also recommended.

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Yes! In ‘Casual’ dress code locations, any type of jeans is fine. If you are in one of the ‘Smart’ Marella Cruises dress code areas and wish to wear jeans, they should be smart, preferably dark or white in colour, and not distressed or torn in any way.

Do you get dressing gowns on Marella Cruises?

Don’t fancy getting dressed at all? If you book a cabin with Suite service included, you’ll receive a myriad luxury add-ons – from a continental breakfast in bed or a pillow menu, to that all-important dressing gown. Suite service guests also get slippers, coffee machines, a pressing service and more!

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