It comes as a passenger claims they were ‘turned away’ on board
Passengers are reminded of dress code rules on board(Image: Getty )
P&O Cruises is reminding passengers about a particular item of clothing that is ‘not allowed’ on board under specific circumstances. The cruise line issued the guidance in a recent social media post after a passenger claimed they were ‘turned away’.
On X, a user called Duncan wrote: “@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 responded: “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 extensive information regarding the cruise line’s dress code policy, reports the Liverpool Echo. It states: “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 a key notice to passengers, P&O Cruises confirms that tailored shorts cannot be worn on Black Tie or Celebration Nights, with the exception of 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 guidance states: “Denim, including dark denim, isn’t allowed on Black Tie and Celebration Nights, except in venues with an Evening Casual dress code.”
For daytime wear, P&O Cruises states: “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.”
Regarding evening attire, the cruise operator noted: “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.”
P&O Cruises operates two principal dress codes: ‘Evening Casual’ and ‘Black Tie’. Evening Casual calls for ‘smart casual attire’, encompassing trousers, smart dark denim, polo shirts, dresses, and skirts.
The Black Tie dress code is reserved for more formal occasions, where passengers are encouraged to “dress to impress”. The cruise line elaborates: “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.”
Passengers are also encouraged to adhere to the dress code for celebration nights, which P&O Cruises describes as special evenings on board where 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 celebration nights, most venues will operate a dress code, though some will permit a more relaxed attire for those who prefer it. Passengers can discover which venues are exempt from dress codes in their daily Horizon.
When visiting destinations on excursions, P&O Cruises advises comfortable walking shoes and clothing suited to the climate and culture of the places being visited. “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 confirms that 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.
However, certain items of national dress, such as ceremonial blades and swords, including Skean Dhus and Kirpans, are not allowed on board. Passengers can consult the list of prohibited items for further details.
P&O Cruises states that fancy dress, novelty clothing or outfits featuring any inappropriate or offensive language or imagery are banned on board. “We reserve the right to deny embarkation to guests who are inappropriately dressed”, the cruise line states. For further details regarding dress codes, click here.
For passengers who already know which ship they will be sailing on, the dress code for each dining venue on board can be found on the ship page by clicking ‘Dining’. View P&O Cruises ships here.