Cruise ship dress code rule that has left passengers being turned away for dinner

Many Brits are eager to embark on a winter cruise, enticed by the promise of sumptuous meals from various cuisines and enriching cultural experiences at global destinations.

However, P&O Cruises has issued a reminder about one particular dress code rule that could see passengers being refused entry to their dinner reservation.

While most evenings on board are relaxed, with some designated as "Black Tie" events, the company's website states these are nights for "glitz and glamour", where guests should don their finest cocktail dresses, tuxedos, ball gowns, suits, or smart jackets and ties, the Express reports.

"Evening Casual" nights call for polished shirts, dark jeans, and casual separates, but tracksuits should be left behind.

One specific item is banned in all venues except the buffet during Black Tie nights: tailored shorts. Even on casual evenings, only select venues permit shorts, and there have been multiple accounts on Reddit of individuals or their partners being turned away from formal events for wearing shorts, regardless of how smartly they were dressed otherwise.

One passenger recounted a surprising experience on the Celebrity Equinox, saying: "My husband got turned away from the main dining room on Celebrity Equinox (about four years ago) for wearing nice shorts with a collared polo shirt".

While it might be tempting to dispute with staff over entry, it's generally seen as bad manners. Dress code blunders are among the top faux pas on cruises.

Grant Harrold, an etiquette expert collaborating with Spincasino.com, highlighted that dressing appropriately is crucial: "This is really important. It's making sure you're dressed in the right outfit in the right area."

He further explained the expectations aboard: "On a lot of the big ships you will be given notice of formal evenings or casual evenings, so casual evenings can be anything from jeans and t-shirts to smart shirts, jackets and chinos to the formal evenings where it's going to be black tie or national dress and officers wear their uniforms."

However, Grant reassured that there's no need to eliminate tailored shorts from your luggage. Daytime attire on a cruise is quite relaxed, with t-shirts, shorts, and sundresses being the norm – though perhaps not the best choice for a Northern European trip in winter.

He also advised on shipboard etiquette: "Away from the pool, we ask for shoes to be worn and no pool wear in the ship's lounges, inside bars, restaurants or reception."

P&O also suggests wearing flat shoes for deck walks and light layers for the cool, breezy evenings on deck. For those venturing ashore, the company reminds passengers of air-conditioned museums or cooler churches.

The company advised: "Please remember that some cultures may require you to cover up too," in reference to religious buildings. Tailored shorts aren't the only clothing item that's restricted as they added: "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. The only exception to this is official P&O Cruises theme nights, where guests are invited to dress up in line with the theme."

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