p&o cruises celebration night menu

What to Wear on a P&O Cruise – 39 Examples and Enforcement

Before I took my first P&O cruise, I was aware that they had dress codes and formal nights, but had no idea what the dress code actually entailed.  In this post, you’ll find dress code guidelines for all parts of a P&O cruise, including the following:

• Daytime Wear – Onboard the ship
• Daytime Wear – On Shore
• Casual Nights
• ‘Formal’ (Celebration/Black Tie) Nights

We will also look into if the dress codes are actually enforced.

This post is based on my personal experiences cruising with P&O Cruises.

Is There a Daytime Dress Code When on a P&O Cruise Ship?

There is no daytime dress code on P&O cruises.

When within the ship guests do have to wear a T-shirt of some sort and shoes but I don’t think this can really be classed as a dress code. When on the pool deck it’s fine to walk around in just your swimwear. More about this later in the post.

Below are examples of everyday dress:

The dress code during the day is just your typical holiday wardrobe. T-shirts, shorts and sundresses are all fine.

It can be chilly on deck and breezy in the evening, so be sure to pack plenty of light layers even if you are going somewhere warm.

I always recommend flat shoes for strolling the decks.

This is pretty standard within the cruising industry, even the cruise lines with the strictest evening dress codes do not have dress codes during the day.

Dress Restrictions on P&O Cruises (At All Times)

P&O do have some dress code restrictions

• Away from the pool area, they ask for shoes to be worn.
• No pool wear in the ship’s lounges, inside bars, restaurants or reception.
• No fancy dress! (Costume dress)
• Clothing that features inappropriate or offensive language, including novelty clothing with printed images or slogans, will not be allowed on board. 

P&O’s Infamous Fancy Dress (Costume Dress) Clown Incident

Reportedly, a passenger dressed as a clown sparked a mass brawl on a P&O cruise ship.  A passenger on the cruise said he heard the trouble started when another passenger appeared dressed as a clown.

“This upset one of their party because they’d specifically booked a cruise with no fancy dress. It led to a violent confrontation.” 

Allegedly, families fled as a group of passengers used furniture and plates as weapons on board the ship. 

No wonder fancy dress is now banned on board all P&O ships!

P&O Do Have Theme Nights, on Occasion

The only exception to the no fancy dress rule is on the official P&O Cruises theme nights – for example, 70s disco, 80s pop, colourful tropical, black and white nights, or seasonal events such as Halloween and Christmas. 

We did have a Christmas jumper day on our Christmas cruise. Interestingly it was the day after Christmas and we were definitely in the minority wearing our Christmas jumpers.

Dressing up for these theme nights is not compulsory!

Set up and log in to your P&O online account to see details of theme nights before your cruise so that you can prepare. 

Whilst on board you can check the P&O “my holiday” digital pocket planner to keep up with daily dress codes.

Do P&O Provide Dress Code Guidelines For The Ports?

Some countries’ cultures may require you to cover up more than you normally would on holiday and if this is the case, P&O will usually remind guests and let them know in the daily schedule.

It’s always important to be aware of the traditions in the countries you are visiting. 

In some countries modesty in clothing is expected and P&O suggest you pack plenty of light and loose clothing that covered the tops of your arms and legs.

They advise ladies to avoid wearing any shorts or tight-fitting clothes and to take a head covering ashore.

If unsure about the countries you are visiting, P&O suggest you visit a Government foreign travel advice website for further advice regarding dress codes.

Asides from this there are no dress codes.

The moment you step off the ship, you are just like any other tourist.

Comfortable shoes are essential for exploring ports of call, especially if the paths are uneven. It’s always sensible to take a light jumper or layer up, so you will be prepared for all eventualities. 

Take the weather forecast into account before you leave the ship – sunglasses, hats or even rainproof jackets may be needed.

What is The ‘Evening Casual’ Dress Code?

“Stylish resort or leisurewear is ideal for Evening Casual nights, for example casual separates or dresses for ladies and open-neck polo shirts and casual trousers for men.” P&O Cruises

Shorts usually aren’t allowed in the main dining room.

A jacket and smart trousers can be worn but are not compulsory. Smart dark denim is also fine, but not trainers or sneakers, football shirts or tracksuits. 

In reality, if you are wearing dark trainers/denim this is fine, they just don’t want guests in ripped blue jeans and bright white trainers.

Do P&O Have Formal Nights?

P&O cruises do have ‘formal’ nights and these are usually referred to as Celebration Nights or Black Tie nights .

“Our Celebration Nights and Black Tie nights offer a chance to get dressed to the nines in glamorous evening wear. Don your favourite cocktail dress, tuxedo, ball gown or dinner jacket, or alternatively a dark business suit and tie. You may also wear formal national dress or military uniform.” P&O Cruises

It is always possible to avoid the formal night dress codes, if that is something that may be of interest. Check out this post: You Can Skip Formal Nights on a Cruise – Here’s How

What is The ‘Formal/Celebration/Black Tie’ Dress Code?

Celebration Nights and Black Tie nights offer a chance to get dressed up in your poshest evening wear. Wear your favourite cocktail dress, tuxedo, ball gown or dinner jacket, or alternatively a dark business suit and tie.

You may also wear formal national dress or military uniform.

How Many Black Tie Nights Will There Be?

P&O say to expect at least one black tie night on a 7-night cruise and between two and four on cruises of 9-14 nights.

If you are lucky enough to be cruising for longer, there is likely to be one black tie night per every 7 nights so pack accordingly.

On shorter cruises, there may be one Black Tie night on a 2-4 night cruise and one or two on cruises of 5-7 nights.

Does The Dress Code Vary by Ship?

When we took a Christmas Cruise on P&O Ventura, we had two formal nights each week.  This could be due to the fact it was over the Christmas holidays, or because older P&O ships are more formal than newer ships, such as Iona. 

Certainly, passengers who have travelled on Iona have reported back that the dress code is more informal than on ships such as Azura and Ventura. 

You can expect only one formal night whilst on a week’s cruise on Iona or Arvia.

Is Dressing up Compulsory on Formal/Celebration/Black Tie nights?

Whilst not compulsory, it is recommended that guests follow the evening’s dress code in restaurants and bars from 6 pm.

It’s unlikely that you’d be prevented entry or refused service, but you might feel uncomfortably under-dressed or face the disapproval of fellow guests who have dressed up and made an effort! 

If you really prefer casual dress you can dine in the buffet on Black Tie nights, where it is more relaxed, or take advantage of room service. 

Below are examples of black tie dress:

Do P&O Cruises Enforce Their Dress Codes?

76% of P&O cruisers said that they didn’t feel as though P&O’s dress codes were enforced.  P&O’s dress codes are just recommended.

The survey conducted in our Facebook group – 130 people voted for no, 41 for yes.

Guests are reminded in the daily Horizon or the “my holiday” planner what the dress code is for that particular evening, however, if dressed within reason (as in not overtly casual/scruffy) it is unlikely that staff will want to offend guests by reprimanding them on improper dress.

That said, it is policy and therefore they are quite within their right to do so.

Does the Dress Code Apply to Everyone?

The dress codes apply to everyone over 18 years of age. 

For children aged 17 years and under, the dress code in the evening is always Evening Casual, regardless of the adult dress code.

They do ask, however, that no denim is worn on Black Tie nights.

For boys:  Generally speaking, boys would probably be fine to wear a polo shirt and chinos on the formal/smart casual nights. 

For girls:  Any dress/skirt or smart trousers/top would be fine. The main thing is to look presentable and like an effort has been made. This doesn’t have to be expensive!

Some families love the opportunity to dress up and I’ve seen small children wearing full tuxedos and bow ties which are adorable. On casual nights anything goes for kids.

What Should Teenagers Wear on Formal Night?

The formal night dress code doesn’t apply to those under 18 but many teenagers do enjoy dressing up for formal nights. Most teenagers will either wear a dress or a shirt/trousers, some with a tie or jacket. A more relaxed option like a casual shirt with a collar may be a good option too.

It really is up to the teenager.

If your teenagers don’t want to take part in formal night but you do, that’s no problem.

I used to cruise as a teenager and I loved being able to go to the buffet with my cousins rather than go to the main dining room with my parents. Cruising as a teen gave me a lot of freedom and I loved it.

Does the Dress Code Apply When Visiting Speciality Restaurants?

The dress code on P&O cruises does apply to the majority of speciality restaurants.

Some speciality restaurants, like the beach house which is located in the buffet, may have a different or more relaxed dress code.

During my Christmas cruise on Ventura, some of us dined in the beachhouse on formal night to avoid the dress code.

Check on the daily planner before you book to see if the dress code applies to your chosen speciality restaurant.

Free Insiders Cruise Line Guide

Ever wondered how the mainstream cruise lines compare? Cruise lines won’t tell you this, but I will.

This FREE guide shows you everything you need to know to find your perfect cruise line.

Enter your email address below:

• P&O Cruises ( UK )

Celebration night Ventura

By Gate10 , June 5, 2022 in P&O Cruises ( UK )

Recommended Posts

We are travelling 25th June on Ventura and in addition to 2 Formal nights a "Celebration" night is shown. Can anyone advise please what this means in relation to dress code. Thanks

Link to comment

Share on other sites.

Never heard that one before.

Celebration night is what P&O now call gala night, usually the first formal night of the cruise. Captains welcome speech, free glass of bubbly etc.

The same as other formal nights. Instead of waiters with trays you get a voucher for one drink. Not very celebratory! Can remember when we would  have several drinks including gin, whisky, wine, etc. 

I have just noticed we have a celebration night on an Azura cruise for October and am also confused as there are three or four other Black Tie nights.  It is a mid cruise night, so not when we would expect free drinks, so not quite sure about answers given here either.

Can anyone clarify what one should wear for such a night?

1 hour ago, tring said: I have just noticed we have a celebration night on an Azura cruise for October and am also confused as there are three or four other Black Tie nights.  It is a mid cruise night, so not when we would expect free drinks, so not quite sure about answers given here either.   Can anyone clarify what one should wear for such a night?

https://www.pocruises.com/what-to-wear

Celebration night on Ventura was the same as gala night, Black Tie. Vouchers were left in the cabin offering a free glass of fizz or elderflower from any onboard bar.

Thanks for the responses.

gsmt47471015

On 6/6/2022 at 4:51 PM, nicki-k said: Celebration night on Ventura was the same as gala night, Black Tie. Vouchers were left in the cabin offering a free glass of fizz or elderflower from any onboard bar.

How very, very generous 🤣

32 minutes ago, gsmt47471015 said: How very, very generous 🤣

It could have been a pick from a box of chocolates. 🤣

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in

• Welcome to Cruise Critic
• New Cruisers
• Cruise Lines “A – O”
• Cruise Lines “P – Z”
• River Cruising
• Cruise Critic News & Features
• Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
• Special Interest Cruising
• Cruise Discussion Topics
• UK Cruising
• Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
• Canadian Cruisers
• North American Homeports
• Ports of Call
• Cruise Conversations

Announcements

• New to Cruise Critic? Join our Community!

Write Your Own Amazing Review !

Click this gorgeous photo by member SUPERstar777 to share your review!

Features & News

LauraS · Started 38 minutes ago

LauraS · Started 4 hours ago

LauraS · Started Tuesday at 08:19 PM

LauraS · Started Friday at 09:51 PM

• Existing user? Sign in OR Create an Account
• Find Your Roll Call
• Meet & Mingle
• Community Help Center
• All Activity
• Member Photo Albums
• Meet & Mingle Photos
• Favorite Cruise Memories
• Cruise Food Photos
• Cruise Ship Photos
• Ports of Call Photos
• Towel Animal Photos
• Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos
• Write a Review
• Live Cruise Reports
• Member Cruise Reviews
• Create New...

• Bucket List
• Cruise and Stay
• Entertainment
• Expedition Cruises
• History and Culture
• River Cruising
• Sustainability
• Wildlife Cruises
• Adults Only
• All-Inclusive
• Food and Drink
• Ultra-Luxury
• News and Interviews
• United States
• United Kingdom
• South Africa
• United Arab Emirates
• GDPR and Privacy Policy

How to dine with Michelin star chef Marco Pierre White at sea

P&O Cruises is a household name in itself but with foodie celebrities now regularly appearing onboard, the cruise line’s ships offer star-studded voyages indeed.

Marco Pierre White is the most famous chef of all gracing the decks of P&O Cruises ships.

The culinary genius, 60, became the youngest-ever chef to be awarded three Michelin stars aged 33 and now collaborates with the cruise line as one of its Local Food Heroes, offering cooking classes, hosting dinners and answering guests’ burning questions.

Here’s everything you need to know about Marco Pierre White and P&O Cruises – his menus, when you can sail with him and what to expect from the line’s restaurants.

P&O Cruises Food Heroes

Food on P&O Cruises is taken seriously. The line is well aware that top-quality food is key to a fantastic vacation hence why P&O Cruises has partnered with stars of the culinary world.

Marco Pierre White is joined in the line-up by award-winning wine expert Olly Smith as well as three Local Food Heroes – acclaimed Spanish chef José Pizarro, Norwegian chef and restaurateur Kjartan Skjelde and Caribbean chef Shivi Ramoutar.

These native leading chefs help bring authentic dining experiences onboard the ships so guests can sample the dishes that tell stories of the locals’ history, culture and lives.

What cruise ship is Marco Pierre White on?

Marco Pierre White’s Celebration Night menus can be found onboard all six P&O Cruises ships – Aurora, Arcadia, Azura, Ventura, Britannia, Iona – as well as Arvia, arriving in December 2022.

What is Celebration Night on P&O Cruises, we hear you ask. Celebration Nights on P&O Cruises offer vacationmakers a chance to don their glad rags and get into the party spirit.

As for dining at these glamorous events, Marco Pierre White has personally created a five-course P&O Cruises menu! Wondering what type of food is served on a cruise ship? You can tuck into such tasty dishes as New England half split lobster with a Mornay sauce and Champagne sorbet. Best of all? These evenings are included in the price of your cruise.

On select Celebration Nights onboard newest cruise ship Iona, passengers can try a Marco Pierre White P&O Cruises menu at The Chef’s Table, tucking into his creations alongside wines expertly paired by Olly Smith to each course. Again, this is all included in the cost of the sailing.

However, to sail with White himself you’ll need to cruise on Britannia, Iona and Arvia.

On these cruise ships, the chef offers Q&As and book signings so you can get your hands on his latest tome and even have your photo taken with him.

Guests can also attend exclusive live cooking demos with the famous chef as he divulges his techniques and tips for cooking the perfect risotto dish.

On Britannia, as patron of The Cookery Club, Marco Pierre White hosts two-hour masterclasses. You’ll learn how to whip up restaurant-quality food under the chef’s tutelage and then sit down to enjoy the meal with him.

As for the P&O Cruises food menu at these masterclasses, the maestro said: “They include classic fish pie, chicken pie with pastry and Italian seafood dishes, which are simple but full of flavor.

“When they travel to the Caribbean, guests can look forward to learning how to prepare jerk chicken and caramelised rum-and-coconut bananas, as well as Mexican and Brazilian street food. There is even a family class where young budding chefs can come to learn tricks of the trade.”

The crème de la crème of these culinary experiences, though, is doubtless attending a hosted dinner with White. On these occasions, he prepares three courses while you watch before everyone sits down to tuck into the repast – paired with wine, of course – as White keeps the table entertained with tales from his career.

Is food included on P&O Cruises?

P&O Cruises offers a wide range of dining options included in the price of a cruise, whether you’re tucking into a burger at the Poolside Grill, sampling Asian fusion cuisine at multi-venue dining piazza The Quays, hitting the self-service buffet or eating pizzas at Taste 360, a street food-style dining experience on deck onboard Iona.

So yes, while food is included on P&O Cruises, a plethora of other dining venues are also available for a small extra cost; for instance, gastropub The Keel & Cow plates up steaks and burgers, The Beach House serves American eats and Sindhu offers Indian cuisine with a British twist – to name just a few of the P&O Cruises restaurants available for a little extra.

Marco Pierre White Iona cruises

To sail with the great man, there is still one Iona voyage coming up in 2022 attended by White.

There is a 14-night Spain and Portugal cruise also from Southampton on November 26.

Marco Pierre White Britannia cruises

If you’re hoping to catch the chef onboard Britannia, you’ll have to wait until the next cruise is announced.

Best foodie excursions for Greek cuisine in Greece

Greek food is never better than when eaten in its homeland – and a Greece cruise is the perfect way to eat your way across the country’s coastline.

6 best restaurants in Seattle to try on an Alaska cruise

Cruises from Seattle present the perfect opportunity to sample the goods of Greater Seattle’s award-winning chefs and tastemakers.

Inside Princess Cruises’ 360 immersive dining experience as it opens to all guests

Princess Cruises 360 immersive dining experience is set to open to more guests from mid-October after previously being only a suite benefit.

Become the first to know about win-a-cruise competitions, on-trend vacation inspo and don’t-miss travel advice from the experts.

Ahoy there!

Virgin Voyages Room Service Menu

Virgin Voyages room service menu is a set menu. You can order whatever you want. All you need to pay is a $5 delivery fee.

Here are all the menus:

Please note prices and items can change so please check with your cruise line when ordering.

Ship Eats No Stomach Left Unturned (Breakfast Menu)

You can order through the SAILOR APP or Dial EXT 604271 or 604272

Ship Eats No Stomach Left Unturned (Food Menu)

11am – 5am

Mini Bar & Retail Menu

Drinks menu.

Morning or eve up to you

Cruise the waves designed by Digital Burst Media

This is the announcement bar for Poornima to test the Close Button.  It will expire May 31 2024.

• Pre-Cruise FAQ
• Onboard FAQ
• Post-Cruise FAQ
• Cruisetours FAQ
• Special Offers Sign Up
• Cruise Deals

You have been logged out

Your window will update in 5 secs

Princess Cruises Adds Historic America Cruisetour Ahead of 250th Anniversary of America

14-night land and cruise experience highlights america’s roots with nation’s capital, philadelphia, williamsburg & more.

By downloading this image you agree to the Princess asset use terms and conditions

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. (May 13, 2024) – Princess guests discovering the scenic east coast on a 2025 Canada & New England cruise sailing out of New York City can now immerse themselves in historic America as they tour the nation’s capital, interact with early settlers at a living history museum, visit Independence Hall in Philadelphia, and stand on the same soil as Thomas Jefferson at his Monticello estate, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This Historic America cruisetour takes guests on a seven-night, hosted land tour with overnight stays in Washington D.C., Williamsburg, Staunton, Gettysburg and Philadelphia prior to boarding a seven-day Canada/New England cruise onboard Enchanted Princess roundtrip from New York City.

“Visiting our nation’s capital, nearby historic cities and landmarks always ranks high on travelers’ lists of places to visit in their lifetime,” said Terry Thornton, chief commercial officer, Princess Cruises. “We make traveling to historic America easy, educational and memorable with our knowledgeable and inspiring tour guides sharing the incredible stories of our country’s settlers, leaders, landmarks and historic sites.”

This Historic America cruisetour includes hotels, motorcoach transportation, sightseeing and most breakfasts and dinners. Sample itinerary details:

• Day 1: Arrive Washington, DC
• Day 2: Tour Arlington Cemetery, Embassy Row, National Cathedral, museums of choice, evening illumination tour of Lincoln, Vietnam, World War II, and Korean War Memorials
• Day 3: Visit Mount Vernon, George Washington’s iconic estate, and Jamestown Settlement before arriving in Williamsburg for dinner at a Colonial Williamsburg Tavern
• Day 4: Full day of Colonial Williamsburg historic area
• Day 5: Tour Richmond National Battlefield Park and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello estate
• Day 6: Enjoy Harpers Ferry National Historic Park and guided tour of Gettysburg Battlefield
• Day 7: City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia, for Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, First Bank, Carpenter’s Hall, Betsy Ross House, Elfreth’s Alley and Christ Church
• Day 8: Arrive in New York City to embark Enchanted Princess for cruise
• Day 9: Newport, Rhode Island
• Day 10: Boston, Massachusetts
• Day 11: Portland, Maine
• Day 12: At Sea
• Day 13: Halifax, Canada
• Day 14: At Sea
• Day 15: Return to New York City

On sale now, there are 10 Historic America cruisetour options in 2025 with departure dates of August 16, 23, 30; September 6, 13, 20, 27; October 4, 11 and 18, 2025. Rates start at $4,529 per person.

Thornton added, “With the upcoming 250th anniversary of America in 2026, now is the time to visit our nation’s historic landmarks and celebrate our independence.”

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-Princess (1-800-774-6237) or by visiting www.princess.com.

Media Contacts

Contact information for members of the media

Negin Kamali, +1 661-753-1539, [email protected]

Briana Latter, +1 661-753-1538, [email protected]

About Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises is The Love Boat, the world’s most iconic cruise brand that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year in the most sought-after destinations on the largest ships that offer elite service personalization and simplicity customary of small, yacht-class ships. Well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences and boundless activities blend with exclusive Princess MedallionClass service to create meaningful connections and unforgettable moments in the most incredible settings in the world - the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).

Additional media information is available at princess.com/news

Not a member of the media? 

Contact us at: 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237) or 1-661-753-0000

More contact information is available on our Contact Us page