Do I need to dress up every evening?

Not at all. Most evenings are smart attire - think dresses, trousers with shirts, or a jacket. On Gala Evenings , many guests enjoy dressing more formally, but it's entirely up to you. The most important thing is feeling comfortable and confident.

Does the dress code apply to all areas of the ship?

During the day, guests are welcome to dress casually throughout the ship. Shorts, jeans, and relaxed attire are perfectly acceptable in all areas, though swimwear should be reserved for the open decks and the fitness centre. From 6pm onwards, a smart attire dress code applies in most bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues. This typically includes: For women: cocktail dresses, skirts or tailored trousers with an elegant top For men: collared shirts with trousers; jackets are optional but encouraged Not permitted: jeans, shorts, or casual sportswear On Gala Evenings, a more formal dress code is observed in these same venues. Guests are invited to embrace the occasion with: For women: floor-length gowns, cocktail dresses, or smart trouser suits For men: dinner jackets, tuxedos, or dark suits with a tie or bow tie Not permitted: jeans or casual wear These dress codes help preserve the sense of occasion that makes evenings on board so special. If you prefer to dress more casually, alternative dining venues and lounges are available where the evening dress code does not apply.

Do I need to bring towels, hairdryers, or robes?

No need. Your stateroom comes equipped with towels, a hairdryer, and bathrobes. We also provide Penhaligon's toiletries, so you can pack lighter.

What to pack for shore days?

Though it largely depends on your destination of choice (see our destination packing guides above), we suggest bringing the following for a comfortable day on shore. Comfortable shoes Hiking shoes (if necessary) Lightweight rain mac, umbrella or a warm jacket Rucksack or tote bag (for carrying water and other items during port visits) Camera (and charger) so you don’t miss any photo opportunities on your voyage Tip: We’d recommend bringing more than one pair of walking shoes with you for your journey so you can alternate if needed.

What to pack

What to pack for a Cunard voyage. Effortless style, wherever you sail.

Sea days

As this time is leisurely, it’s important to wear clothes that you feel comfortable in:

Shorts

Long trousers

T-shirts

Cardigan, Blazer, Sweatshirt

Swimwear

Work-out clothes, trainers

Tip: Swimwear isn’t permitted in indoor dining areas, so if you are planning to visit your stateroom’s main restaurant for breakfast or lunch, be sure to factor in time for a quick change in your stateroom.

Evenings on board

As the sun sets, the style shifts. Most evenings call for smart attire. Think cocktail dresses, jackets, or elegant separates. On Gala Evenings, we invite you to embrace your most glamorous side, with tuxedos, evening gowns, or whatever makes you feel your best.

Gala Evening themes

We theme these evenings to add even more of a sense of glamour to the occasion. We always communicate this in advance in the calendar on My Cunard so that you can pack accordingly.

Black and White

For Black and White Gala Evenings, we encourage you to join in the monochrome palette with eveningwear in full black or white, or patterns that combine both colours.

Red and gold

Join us as we celebrate Cunard's rich heritage and identity with this special theme. From a red bow tie and sparkling gold accents through to red dinner jackets and red and gold gowns, your participation can be as big or as small as you like.

Roaring 20s

For Roaring 20s, a simple hint towards the theme is all that's required - a pocket square in an art deco print or a feathered slide in your hair - but if you'd like to bring a flapper dress, or braces and a trilby, you're sure to fit right in.

Masquerade Ball

An evening of mystery, intrigue and suspense awaits as Cunard transports you back to Renaissance Italy and the infamous Venetian Masquerade Carnivals. Whatever you decide to wear, bring along a mask to match - or even make your own.

Packing tips by destination

In addition to your on board attire, where you’ll dock on your cruise will also influence what you bring on board. Here’s a little look at some of the key destinations our ships call at, and what you should pack if you’re visiting these regions.

The Mediterranean

With up to 300 days of sunshine per year, the Mediterranean is a popular destination for anyone looking for sun, sea and sand.

To make the most of your time here, be sure to bring beachwear and loose-fitting clothing to help you stay comfortable in the heat. Cottons and linens are great fabrics for keeping you cool in warmer weather.

Mediterranean packing guide

Norwegian fjords

While summer heralds in warmer temperatures and longer days, the weather on a Norwegian fjords voyage can change in an instant.

Norwegian fjords weather can shift quickly, even in summer. Pack layers, a waterproof jacket, and something warm for aurora spotting at night.

Norwegian fjords packing guide

Transatlantic Crossings

Sailing transatlantic means you’ll be spending the entirety of your cruise on your ship, and even though there’ll be some clothing shops on board, it’s still a good idea to pack for all occasions.

Transatlantic cruise clothing guide

Alaska

Our Alaska season runs during the summer, when days offer up to 19 hours of light and temperatures are at their mildest. Shorts work by day, but pack warmer layers for stargazing or whale watching at night. Sturdy walking boots are essential for exploring the wilderness.

Alaska packing guide

The Caribbean

The Caribbean’s stunning coastlines shine brightest from April to June, when temperatures peak around 90°F (32°C). Pack light: swimsuit, flip flops, and a cover-up are often all you’ll need.

Tip: Avoid any clothing with a camouflage print, as some Caribbean islands forbid the wearing of camouflage by non-military personnel.

What to pack for a Caribbean cruise

Additional packing tips

What not to pack

There are several items that we ask you not to bring on board our ships, e.g. iron or extension leads.

See our list of prohibited items for further information on what not to pack.

Find out more

Cunard's White Star Luggage Service

Cunard’s White Star Luggage Service, provided by our partner Luggage Forward, is the perfect alternative to transporting your own luggage and is also the perfect option for those who choose to extend their travels pre- or post voyage.

Find out more

Last minute addition?

If you struggle to find something before your departure date or need just that little extra something for your outfit, our onboard retailers have themed products and accessories.

Find out more

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Frequently asked questions: What to pack

During the day, guests are welcome to dress casually throughout the ship. Shorts, jeans, and relaxed attire are perfectly acceptable in all areas, though swimwear should be reserved for the open decks and the fitness centre.

From 6pm onwards, a smart attire dress code applies in most bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues. This typically includes:

For women: cocktail dresses, skirts or tailored trousers with an elegant top
For men: collared shirts with trousers; jackets are optional but encouraged
Not permitted: jeans, shorts, or casual sportswear

On Gala Evenings, a more formal dress code is observed in these same venues. Guests are invited to embrace the occasion with:

For women: floor-length gowns, cocktail dresses, or smart trouser suits
For men: dinner jackets, tuxedos, or dark suits with a tie or bow tie
Not permitted: jeans or casual wear

These dress codes help preserve the sense of occasion that makes evenings on board so special. If you prefer to dress more casually, alternative dining venues and lounges are available where the evening dress code does not apply.

It is permissible to wear such items of clothing during the daytime.

It should also be noted that some countries may have rules against this sort of attire such as Barbados where it is illegal due to this matching the uniforms worn by security services.

Restriction to wearing camouflage clothing:

Barbados
St Kitts
Dominica
Grenada

No restrictions to wearing camouflage clothing:

Curacao
St Maarten

Self Service

There are self service launderettes on board which are complimentary with washing machines, washing powder (you may bring your own personal washing powder if you wish), tumble dryers and ironing facilities which are available from around 7.30am until 9pm (subject to change).

Launderettes can be found in the following locations:

Queen Elizabeth & Queen Victoria - Decks 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Queen Mary 2 - Decks 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11

Queen Anne - Decks 1, 4, 7, 8

Specialist cleaning services

Wet cleaning is a professional, aqueous cleaning process for sensitive and non-washable garments. The wet cleaning process was invented in 1991 by Kreussler & Co GmbH in cooperation with Miele. Wet cleaning avoids the use of chemical solvents. Environmental groups and the United States Environmental Protection Agency have indicated that such alternative ""wet cleaning"" methods are better for the environment than chemical solvents and proponents of wet cleaning state that these methods can be used without shrinking or otherwise damaging garments that typically require dry cleaning.

Typically, wet cleaning involves the use of a professional wet cleaning machine using water, biodegradable soaps and conditioners, and various types of pressing and re-shaping equipment that may be specialized for many different fabric and fibre types. The most important aspect of successful wet cleaning is experience and knowledge of different types of fabrics and proper ways to finish garments by operators

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), wet cleaning is the most environmentally sensitive professional method of garment cleaning. It does not use hazardous chemicals, it does not generate hazardous waste, nor does the process create air pollution and it reduces the potential for water and soil contamination. The specialized detergents and conditioner used in the wet clean process are milder than home laundry products.

Though it largely depends on your destination of choice (see our destination packing guides above), we suggest bringing the following for a comfortable day on shore.

Comfortable shoes
Hiking shoes (if necessary)
Lightweight rain mac, umbrella or a warm jacket
Rucksack or tote bag (for carrying water and other items during port visits)
Camera (and charger) so you don’t miss any photo opportunities on your voyage

Tip: We’d recommend bringing more than one pair of walking shoes with you for your journey so you can alternate if needed.

Man and woman admire the view from the deck of a Cunard Queen

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