What to Wear on a Dinner Cruise (Without Overdressing)

Figuring out what to wear on a dinner cruise can feel harder than it should be. It’s typically not black tie, but something like flip-flops and a hoodie seems a bit out of place. And it’s exactly that middle ground between casual and formal that trips people up. 

Here’s how to strike the balance so you look polished, stay comfortable, and match the occasion.

Check the Dinner Cruise Dress Code

Most operators won’t hand you a formal rulebook, but people usually aren’t heading out in jeans in a ripped T-shirt. The dress code for dinner cruise events usually falls between smart casual and semi-formal, depending on the time and type of cruise:

• Daytime cruises tend to lean casual. Something like a sundress, blouse with trousers, a linen shirt with chinos, or a polo with tailored shorts all fit. Watch the shoes, though — they should be practical for walking on deck.

• Evening cruises often kick things up a notch. A cocktail dress, jumpsuit, skirt with blouse, or collared shirt with trousers can feel right. You can even add a blazer or shawl if you’re unsure, as it can elevate the look without overdoing it.

• Special event cruises on holidays or live-music evenings can sometimes be a bit dressier, but never black tie. Think more “date night,” not “wedding reception.”

A general rule of thumb: if you’d be comfortable wearing it to a nice waterfront restaurant, it should be appropriate for a dinner cruise.

What to Consider When Choosing Your Dinner Cruise Outfit

Once you know the baseline dress code, the right choice comes down to context. Time of day, the type of meal, the weather, and the realities of being on a boat all shape what works.

Time of day

Afternoon sailings are often more breezy and informal. Women may wear sundresses, casual skirts, or trousers with flats, while men lean towards polos or linen shirts with chinos or shorts. 

Evening cruises, though, can call for richer colors and sharper lines, like cocktail dresses, collared shirts, and loafers.

Meal style

Buffet setups mean you’ll be up and down, so your clothes should allow movement without fussing or tripping you up too much. Something like a knee-length dress or trousers with a button-down can work well here. 

For plated multi-course dinners, you’re free to lean a little more polished: women may go for a wrap dress or even something like a jumpsuit, while men may prefer trousers with a blazer or nice dress shirt.

Weather and the boat itself

This is where people get caught off guard. Even in summer, breezes off the water can make it chilly after sunset, so consider bringing a shawl, cardigan, or blazer to keep comfortable.

Your fabric choice can matter too: cotton, linen, and lightweight blends handle shifting temperatures better than heavy synthetics.

Clothing That Doesn’t Work on a Dinner Cruise

Just as important as what to wear is what not to wear. Some choices instantly clash with the setting or make the evening harder than it needs to be.

Here’s what you shouldn’t wear on a dinner cruise:

• Athletic wear. Unless the setting is really leaning casual, leggings, running shoes, and gym tees look out of place.

• Beachwear. Flip-flops, tank tops, and swim coverups belong on shore, not a dinner cruise.

• Overly formal looks. If the dinner cruise doubles as a wedding, go for it, but otherwise gowns and tuxedos overshoot the atmosphere. They can also make you uncomfortable when everyone else is dressed more casually.

• Impractical shoes. Stilettos, slippery soles, or anything unstable on a deck will frustrate you all night.

Avoiding these clothing choices helps ensure you hit the right balance without second-guessing yourself.

Get the Right Look for a Dinner Cruise at Collingwood Charters

So, what should you wear on a dinner cruise? Well, you should start with the general dress code — often smart casual for daytime, semi-formal for evening — then refine it based on the meal, time of day, and weather. Choose clothes that look polished but still allow you to enjoy yourself, and skip anything that screams gym, beach, or ballroom, and you’ll land in the perfect middle ground.

And when you’re ready to put it into practice, Collingwood Charters offers dinner cruises perfect for every occasion, giving you the chance to dress your best, relax into the evening, and enjoy the water without worrying about whether you’ve nailed the look. Check out our events calendar to book a dinner cruise today.