Dress for Luxury: What to Wear on a Regent Seven Seas Cruise

Inside the Wardrobe of The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet®

Step aboard a Regent Seven Seas Cruises® voyage, and you’ll instantly understand that elegance isn’t a suggestion—it’s a state of being. From the moment your butler unpacks your luggage in your spacious Penthouse Suite to the first sip of Champagne as the ship glides out of port, style becomes part of the rhythm of life onboard. Regent has long perfected the art of balancing refinement and comfort, a tone reflected not only in its impeccable service but also in its understated “elegant casual” dress code. This isn’t about pretension—it’s about presence. Whether it’s dinner in Compass Rose or cocktails in the Observation Lounge, every outfit tells a story of world travel, taste, and timeless sophistication. Understanding what to wear aboard Regent Seven Seas Cruises is not about following rules—it’s about embracing the lifestyle of The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet®.

The Myth of Cruise Formality

Many travelers still imagine that luxury cruising means tuxedos every night and ball gowns sweeping across the marble floors. In reality, Regent Seven Seas Cruises® has redefined onboard style for the modern traveler. Guests no longer need to choose between comfort and class. Instead, Regent’s “elegant casual” approach honors personal style while preserving the ship’s refined atmosphere. Still, newcomers often find themselves unsure of how to interpret this dress code, especially when packing for multi-week itineraries or grand voyages aboard ships like Seven Seas Explorer® or Seven Seas Splendor®. Let’s decode it with the help of Regent’s onboard team and insider experience.

The Insider’s Wardrobe for Regent Cruises 

Daytime Attire: Relaxed Sophistication at Sea

Mornings aboard Regent begin with an ocean-view breakfast—perhaps at La Veranda or alfresco on your private balcony. The tone? Effortless refinement.
During the day, guests are encouraged to dress in resort-style clothing: crisp cotton shorts, light linen slacks, polo shirts, or silk-blend tunics. Comfortable walking shoes or sandals are appropriate for both onboard activities and shore excursions.

If you’re staying onboard, jeans and sneakers are entirely acceptable—just ensure they’re in good condition and coordinated with a polished top. Bathing suits are, of course, reserved for the Pool Deck and Pool Grill areas, where you can enjoy that signature lobster burger in between dips in the infinity pool.

The difference on Regent is in the detail: you’ll rarely see a logo tee or flip-flops in the lounges. Guests understand the environment and dress accordingly. “Our travelers tend to lean toward relaxed European resortwear,” shares a Senior Hotel Director aboard the Seven Seas Grandeur™. “Think Monte Carlo rather than Miami.”

Pro tip: Bring light layers. Even in tropical regions, air conditioning in the Compass Rose or Observation Lounge can make a linen wrap or lightweight blazer an appreciated companion.

Evening Attire: When the Ship Dresses Up

When the clock strikes six, Regent’s elegant ambiance deepens. The lighting softens, piano music begins, and the attire gracefully transitions with the mood.

After 6:00 p.m., “elegant casual” becomes the standard in all public spaces. For men, this means slacks paired with a collared shirt or fine-knit sweater. A sport coat, blazer, or even a tie is entirely optional—but many gentlemen choose to elevate their look, especially on longer voyages.

Women often opt for chic cocktail dresses, silk jumpsuits, or dressy separates paired with understated jewelry. A well-cut pantsuit in a neutral tone or a flowing midi dress is perfect for dinners in Chartreuse or Prime 7.

Refined denim—clean, dark, and without distressing—is acceptable, as are elegant dress sneakers in neutral tones. The guiding principle: everything should look intentional.

The beauty of Regent’s dress code lies in its flexibility. Guests who enjoy the ritual of formalwear are welcome to indulge it. During transatlantic sailings and Grand Voyages, it’s not uncommon to see tuxedos, gowns, and custom-tailored ensembles. Yet even in your simplest attire, you’ll never feel underdressed if your look is polished and confident.

How the Pros Pack for Regent

Packing for a Regent cruise means thinking like a global traveler rather than a tourist. A seasoned guest might coordinate a capsule wardrobe—versatile pieces in a neutral palette that mix easily from day to night.

For men:

• 2–3 pairs of tailored slacks

• 3–4 collared shirts (linen or cotton)

• 1–2 lightweight blazers

• 1 pair of dress shoes, one pair of loafers, and premium sneakers

For women:

• 2 cocktail or dinner dresses

• 2–3 mix-and-match evening tops with skirts or trousers

• 1 formal gown (optional but delightful for the Captain’s Welcome)

• A selection of scarves and jewelry to vary looks

With Regent’s included Valet Laundry Service, you can pack lighter and still look impeccable. Suites in the Penthouse and above include same-day pressing and shoe-shining—a small touch that feels wonderfully old-world.

What Not to Pack (and Why)

Some guests bring overly casual items thinking they’ll “dress down” on sea days. But on Regent, part of the experience is feeling elevated. Avoid T-shirts with slogans, flip-flops outside the pool deck, or distressed denim. These items not only clash with the atmosphere but also with the line’s carefully curated luxury aesthetic.

Likewise, heavy formalwear can be excessive unless you truly enjoy it. A floor-length gown or tuxedo is always admired but never required.

Insider Etiquette: The Subtle Cues of Luxury Cruising

Beyond attire, luxury is communicated through awareness. Onboard Regent, understated elegance reigns. You’ll notice that guests tend to avoid loud fragrances, keep accessories tasteful, and dress with subtle confidence.

At the Captain’s Welcome Reception or the Regent Society Cocktail, you’ll find evening-wear that mirrors the sophistication of the cuisine—refined, balanced, and beautifully presented.

One long-time Cruise Director confides, “Our guests understand that elegance isn’t enforced—it’s embraced. That’s the magic of Regent.”

Sail in Style with Cruise Insider

When you cruise with Regent Seven Seas, every moment—from unpacking your suitcase to dining under crystal chandeliers—feels curated just for you. Let our Cruise Insider specialists help you select the perfect itinerary and suite aboard The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet®. We’ll ensure you arrive prepared, polished, and perfectly in tune with Regent’s signature “elegant casual” lifestyle.

Ready to experience the art of dressing for luxury? Call Cruise Insider at 1 (877) 734-6858 and speak with one of our Regent Experts today. Your journey—and your wardrobe—deserve nothing less.