Ambassador Cruise Line Dress Code: What to Wear on Board
Here’s my guide to the dress code on Ambassador Cruise Line.
As a relaxed yet traditional cruise provider, Ambassador generally has a chilled vibe and all dress codes are optional.
Despite this, it’s important to be aware so you know what to expect and can make choices accordingly. For example, it can be really fun to join in with formal nights, but I know they’re not for everyone. By planning ahead you can avoid any surprises and know how to fit in with the other guests.
It’s also good to have an idea of how many formal outfits you’ll need, so you can pack the necessarily amount of clothes for your trip.
This complete guide will cover how to dress and when, for anyone who wants to sail with Ambassador Cruise Line.
What Is the Ambassador Cruise Line Dress Code?
Unlike many hotels and resorts on land, cruise lines typically have dress codes with different requirements for the daytimes and evenings. This is important to pay attention to if you want to make the most of your cruise, and know when to opt for a suit and tie.
Ambassador in general is a relaxed cruise line with a traditional feel. So although evenings are not super casual, you will be expected to dress a bit smarter most evenings with the occasional formal night on each cruise.
The day’s recommended dress code will be written in the daily paper itinerary, All Aboard, which is distributed in the evening to each cabin.
Daytime Dress Code Overview
Daytime on an Ambassador cruise is casual, so feel free to wear whatever makes you feel comfortable!
You’ll typically see people wearing T-shirts, shorts and sundresses in sunny weather, while swimwear is generally seen only in the pool area.
Footwear is similarly varied, and trainers, sandals and flip flops are all acceptable.
If you’re heading out on an excursion then I would recommend wearing sturdy, comfortable shoes that you can walk in. Bring everything you would usually need for a day out on land; if it’s sunny, pack your sunhat and if it’s rainy, bring your umbrella.
The main takeaway here is to dress comfortably, and be prepared when heading out on an excursion or exploring in port.
Evening Dress Code Overview
I know it can sometimes be tricky knowing what to wear in the evening while on holiday. Fortunately, sailing on Ambassador is pretty easy. They state on their website that dress codes are not compulsory, so less formal outfits are also acceptable as alternatives.
Photo by Vinicius on Unsplash
A smart dress code is encouraged in the evenings, but this doesn’t have to be overly dressy. If you’re dining in the smartest area of the ship, the Buckingham Restaurant, then you’ll want to avoid jeans and go for chinos with a polo/collared shirt, a skirt with a nice top or a dress. Having said that, this is not essential so you won’t get turned away. It’s just what most people will be wearing.
Formal/gala nights will clearly marked on the daily All Aboard newsletter, and make a fun occasion to get dressed up.
On these evenings men will often wear suits and women will get out their cocktail dresses - but these aren’t essential. It’s a good idea to make sure you look smart on formal night, but it’s still important that you feel comfortable in what you’re wearing. A more low key outfit like those described previously would be absolutely fine.
If you want to dress more casually, I would recommend having dinner in the Borough Market, which is the name for the buffet. This is still a lovely space to eat but tends to be a bit more low key. On a long cruise, it’s sometimes nice to have some chilled evenings!
Daytime Casual Wear
As a relaxed cruise line, casual wear is encouraged during the day - whether you’re having lunch, going on an excursion or relaxing on the ship. This means that shorts, jeans and trainers are acceptable throughout the day and during meals - even in the Buckingham Restaurant.
While this casual dress code is encouraged, make sure to cover up any swimwear when going to the restaurant. Apart from this, daytimes are easy on an Ambassador cruise and you can just wear whatever makes you feel comfortable.
Evening Smart Casual
This is very easy to overthink, but evenings on Ambassador are actually fairly simple.
A smart casual dress code is encouraged while dining in the Buckingham Restaurant or enjoying a show in the Palladium, so you’ll want to dress up if you’re visiting these areas. Think chinos and a collared shirt or a polo shirt with some nice shoes.
Women can of course wear also trousers if they want to, but other options like dresses and skirts are also welcomed. You really don’t have to go too formal for this - I would recommend having some separate evening outfits that you change into each night that are comfortable yet slightly more dressy than your daywear.
Formal Nights and Gala Evenings
This is the section that can often make people feel nervous, but it’s actually super easy.
Formal or gala nights (these are the same thing) usually take place once or twice on each cruise, depending on how many days you’re away for.
Here is a rough guide:
2-5 night cruises: 1 formal night
6-20 night cruises: 2 formal nights
21-41 night cruises: 3 formal nights
Over 42-night cruises: 5 formal nights
Formal and gala nights will be clearly marked on the daily All Aboard itinerary, so don’t worry about getting it wrong or not knowing what’s expected.
On these nights men will typically wear a suit or a dinner jacket, while women will usually opt for a cocktail dress or an evening gown. If this doesn’t feel comfortable for you, then you can always spice up a more relaxed outfit with a suit jacket or a summer dress.
I’d recommend only packing the one formal outfit as they tend to take up lots of room in a suitcase and you’ll only really wear them for a few hours.
Dress Code for Dining Areas
In this section I will explain how dress codes can vary in different areas of the ship. It’s not too complicated but good to know what is expected.
The Buckingham Restaurant
The cruise line’s main dining room, the Buckingham Restaurant is a lovely place and tends to be more formal than other areas. Daytimes are casual but most evenings will be a bit smarter, so dress up a bit more if you’re eating here.
Borough Market
Also known as the buffet, Borough Market is a casual space, making it a great place for a low key evening. If you want to avoid the formal dress code then I’d recommend dining in here.
Breakfast and lunch
These meals are casual throughout the ship, so don’t feel the need to get dressed up. The main aim is to feel comfortable and relaxed so just wear whatever feels good to you!
T-shirts, jeans, shorts and dresses are all good for breakfast and lunch. Just make sure you always look presentable for the Buckingham Restaurant and definitely don’t wear swimwear or flip flops to dinner in the evening.
What not to Wear on an Ambassador Cruise
This is going to be a very short list as Ambassador is generally a pretty laid back cruise line. Here are a few things I would recommend avoiding…
Swimwear outside pool areas
Bare feet in restaurants
Anything that feels uncomfortable, as the dress codes are all optional!
Packing Tips for Ambassador Cruise Line
I would recommend packing one clean outfit for every day, a few smart casual evening options that you can mix and match, as well as one formal outfit.
It’s so easy to pack too much for a cruise and you usually need less than you think.
I find that you don’t need a new evening outfit for each day as they are often only worn for a few hours. For example chinos and skirts can be worn multiple times with different tops or accessories.
If you enjoy putting together outfits, I would recommend packing a few different pairs of shoes and accessories so that you can change things up each night without overdoing the packing.
Dress Code Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to dress formally every night?
Not at all! You will only have one or two designated formal nights during each cruise, and these will be clearly marked on your daily itinerary.
It is encouraged that passengers wear slightly dressier outfits in the evenings, but this is not strictly enforced.
Are jeans allowed in the evening?
Yes, jeans are allowed in the evening, but I would advise against wearing them on formal night as you might stick out. If you do want to wear jeans then I’d recommend dining in Borough Market as that venue is casual in the daytime and evening.
Can you wear trainers to dinner?
Yes, trainers are absolutely fine, but I would recommend not wearing them on formal nights as described above.
Is there a strict enforcement of the dress code?
No, the dress code is not strictly enforced. The main thing is to feel comfortable and enjoy yourself, so try not to overthink it.
Final Tips for Dressing on an Ambassador Cruise
Ambassador cruises really are pretty chilled and getting super dressed up is optional.
Having said this, it’s a good idea to plan ahead and make sure you have enough outfits for each evening. This is especially important if you’re planning to eat in the Buckingham Restaurant, which tends to be more formal.
It’s more about fitting in with the vibe of the evening, rather than following a strict set of rules.
Conclusion
Dressing on Ambassador cruise line is not something you need to worry about. The line is supposed to be relaxed and fun, which is the main thing!
My main recommendation is that you pack some nicer evening outfits that you can change into for dinner each night, as well as one formal outfit. Once you’re onboard, make sure you keep an eye on the daily schedule which will be delivered to your cabin each evening. This will give you a clear indication of the dress code for the following day, so you won’t get caught out.
Thanks for reading and I hope you have an amazing cruise! If you’re looking to book an Ambassador cruise, then take a look at their website here.