Some people really stress out about the fact that cruise ships have dress codes at night, but you really don't have to. The cruise lines all provide guidelines before you leave home (so you know what to pack) and each day in the onboard newsletter you will find the designated dress code for that evening.

As a basic rule, you can wear anything casual during the day (although bathing suits, shorts and tank tops may be banned in the main dining room). At night, the dress code will be one of the following (keep in mind the more expensive the cruise the dressier people are likely to be, and visa versa).

Formal - men wear a tux or dark suit and tie; women wear a nice cocktail dress, long dress or gown, or dressy pants suit.

Informal - men wear a jacket, but a tie is usually optional; women wear a dress, skirt and blouse or nice pants outfit.

Casual - men wear a sports shirt and slacks (on some ships jeans are frowned upon); women wear a sun dress, skirt and blouse or pants. No shorts or tank tops.