What is the Dress Code on Holland America Line?

Packing for a cruise vacation can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially if you are unsure of the dress code. Unlike land-based vacations where you may have complete flexibility in your attire, cruise lines often maintain specific guidelines for daytime activities, dining experiences, and special events. Holland America Line, known for its refined yet relaxed style, has a clear and passenger-friendly dress code that helps create an enjoyable onboard atmosphere.

The question many first-time and even repeat guests ask is: What is the dress code on Holland America Line?

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about what to wear during the day, in the evenings, at the pool, and for gala nights. We’ll also share practical packing tips so you can enjoy your cruise with confidence, style, and comfort.

General Approach to Dress Code on Holland America

Holland America Line strikes a balance between casual comfort during the day and elegant sophistication in the evenings. Unlike some luxury cruise lines that require formal wear every night, or ultra-casual lines with no dress code at all, Holland America offers a “smart casual by day, elevated evenings” approach.

Passengers can expect:

• Relaxed dress code during the day for poolside lounging, shore excursions, and onboard activities.

• Smart casual attire in the evening across most dining venues.

• Gala nights on longer voyages, where formal or semi-formal attire is encouraged.

This balance allows passengers to enjoy a mix of comfort and elegance without feeling restricted.

Daytime Dress Code

During the day, Holland America maintains a casual and comfortable dress code. Since most daytime activities involve relaxation or excursions, guests are free to dress as they would on a resort vacation.

Recommended Daywear:

• Lightweight clothing such as shorts, capris, sundresses, and skirts

• T-shirts, polos, or casual tops

• Comfortable walking shoes or sandals for shore excursions

• Swimwear at the pool or beach areas (with cover-ups required indoors)

• Hats, sunglasses, and light jackets depending on the destination

Restrictions:

• Swimwear is not allowed inside restaurants or lounges.

• Bare feet are not permitted in dining or public areas.

Essentially, daytime attire is all about comfort and practicality, while respecting basic decorum inside restaurants and lounges.

Evening Dress Code

When the sun sets, Holland America shifts into a more refined dress code to match the dining and entertainment atmosphere.

Evenings on Holland America ships are classified into two categories:

1. Smart Casual Evenings

2. Gala Evenings

1. Smart Casual Evenings

Most nights onboard are smart casual, which means neat, stylish, but not overly formal clothing.

For Men:

• Collared shirts, polos, or sweaters

• Slacks, khakis, or dress trousers

• Closed-toe shoes (no flip-flops or pool sandals)

For Women:

• Dresses, skirts, or dress pants

• Blouses, sweaters, or stylish tops

• Dressy flats, sandals, or heels

Jeans are permitted in the dining room and specialty restaurants as long as they are not ripped, frayed, or overly casual.

2. Gala Evenings

Gala Nights are one of the highlights of a Holland America cruise, bringing an atmosphere of celebration and glamour.

For Men:

• Suit and tie or tuxedo (optional but encouraged)

• Dress shirts and slacks

• Formal shoes

For Women:

• Cocktail dresses or evening gowns

• Elegant separates such as skirts with stylish tops

• Heels or dressy flats

Passengers who prefer not to dress up on Gala Nights can dine in more casual venues like the Lido Market buffet, where the dress code is more relaxed.

Gala Nights – What to Expect

On most cruises lasting more than seven days, Holland America typically hosts two Gala Nights. Shorter voyages may feature one Gala Night, while longer Grand Voyages may include several.

During Gala Nights:

• The main dining room transforms into an elegant setting.

• Specialty restaurants may also adopt a more formal atmosphere.

• Many guests take photos in their formal attire at shipboard photography stations.

• Entertainment may be more upscale, with ballroom-style music or themed shows.

While participation is optional, most guests enjoy the chance to dress up and embrace the festive ambiance.

Specialty Dining Dress Codes

Holland America offers a variety of specialty dining options, including Pinnacle Grill, Tamarind, and Canaletto.

• Evening dress codes apply to these restaurants. Smart casual is standard, but on Gala Nights, a more elevated style is encouraged.

• Casual attire such as shorts, t-shirts, and flip-flops is not permitted in specialty restaurants at dinner.

Pool, Spa, and Fitness Center Attire

Pool and Spa:

• Swimwear is permitted only in designated pool and spa areas.

• Cover-ups or shirts are required when walking through indoor public spaces.

Fitness Center:

• Activewear such as gym shorts, leggings, t-shirts, and sneakers is appropriate.

• Street shoes, swimsuits, or barefoot exercise are not permitted.

Shore Excursion Attire

Since Holland America cruises to destinations worldwide, shore excursion attire varies by itinerary.

Warm Destinations (Caribbean, Mediterranean, Hawaii):

• Light, breathable clothing

• Swimwear and cover-ups for beach excursions

• Comfortable sandals or walking shoes

Cool Destinations (Alaska, Northern Europe):

• Layers including sweaters, jackets, and rain gear

• Waterproof footwear for hiking or outdoor activities

Religious or Cultural Sites:

• Modest clothing may be required (covered shoulders and knees)

• A scarf or shawl for women visiting churches, mosques, or temples

Packing Tips for Holland America Dress Code

Packing smartly ensures you are prepared for all occasions while avoiding overpacking.

1. Plan for Layers – Cruise ships can be cool indoors, even in warm climates.

2. Pack Versatile Clothing – Choose outfits that can transition from day to evening with simple accessory changes.

3. Include Formal Options – Even if you don’t enjoy dressing up, bring at least one outfit suitable for Gala Night.

4. Don’t Forget Accessories – Scarves, jewelry, belts, and ties can elevate a simple outfit.

5. Shoes Matter – Comfortable walking shoes for excursions and formal shoes for dining are both essential.

Comparison with Other Cruise Lines

Holland America’s dress code sits between casual and formal cruise lines:

• More formal than Norwegian Cruise Line or Carnival, which lean toward casual dress.

• Less strict than Cunard, which enforces formal nights with traditional expectations.

• Similar to Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises, which offer smart casual and formal nights.

This makes Holland America an appealing choice for travelers who enjoy a touch of elegance without overly rigid requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I need to wear a tuxedo on Gala Nights?

No, a tuxedo is optional. A suit or dress shirt with tie is perfectly acceptable.

2. Can I wear jeans in the dining room?

Yes, jeans are allowed if they are in good condition and not ripped or distressed.

3. What if I don’t want to dress up?

You can dine in casual venues like the Lido Market, where the dress code is relaxed.

4. How many Gala Nights are there?

Typically, one Gala Night on shorter cruises and two on weeklong sailings. Longer voyages may include several.

5. Are shorts allowed in the evening?

No, shorts are not permitted in the main dining room or specialty restaurants for dinner.

Conclusion

So, what is the dress code on Holland America Line? It can be summarized as casual and comfortable during the day, smart and polished in the evening, with a touch of elegance on Gala Nights. This balance allows guests to enjoy the best of both worlds: relaxation and sophistication.

By packing appropriately and following the guidelines, you’ll fit right in with Holland America’s welcoming yet refined atmosphere. Whether lounging by the pool, exploring new destinations, or attending a glamorous Gala Night, the dress code ensures that every moment of your cruise feels special.

Holland America has designed its dress code to enhance the onboard experience without being overly strict—making it an excellent choice for travelers who value tradition, comfort, and a dash of luxury.