One of the most common questions first-time MSC cruisers ask is also one of the most stressful: What am I supposed to wear to dinner?
The short answer is that MSC’s dress codes are relaxed, flexible, and far less intimidating than many people expect. The longer answer is that expectations vary slightly by venue and time of day, but comfort and common sense go a long way.
This guide explains what MSC actually expects in its dining venues, what is allowed, what is discouraged, and how most guests really dress onboard.
The Big Picture: How MSC Approaches Dress Codes
MSC takes a practical, vacation-first approach to dress codes. The goal is to keep dining venues pleasant and appropriate without forcing guests into rigid rules or formalwear. A key thing to understand is that you will see a wide range of dress styles onboard. Some cruisers enjoy dressing up every evening, even on non-Gala nights. Others stay casual most of the cruise. Both approaches are completely acceptable. You are on vacation. How you dress is largely your choice.
MSC does not enforce dress codes in a strict or confrontational way. Instead, expectations are centered around being clean, dry, and appropriately covered. Note that while this guide gives a guideline, enforcement can vary slightly ship-to-ship and even week-to-week.
General Dress Code Rules Across All MSC Dining Venues
These basic rules apply almost everywhere onboard, including the buffet, Main Dining Room, and specialty restaurants:
- Shoes are required
- Shirts are required
- Swimwear without a cover-up is not permitted
- Clothing should be clean and dry
If you follow those guidelines, you will not have issues accessing dining venues. While enforcement of other dress code rules will vary, these restrictions are the most consistently-enforced across the fleet.
Dress Code at the MSC Buffet
The MSC buffet is the most relaxed dining venue onboard and is designed to be convenient and easy, especially for guests coming from the pool or moving between activities. Casual vacation attire is completely acceptable, and you will see a wide range of clothing styles throughout the day.
Shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, sundresses, and casual footwear are all common at the buffet. The key expectation is that guests are appropriately covered. Swimwear by itself is not permitted, but wearing a swimsuit with a shirt, cover-up, or light dress is perfectly fine. Shoes are required, and clothing should be clean and dry.
The buffet is not meant to feel formal or restrictive. As long as you are not in wet swimwear or barefoot, you will fit right in. This is one of the most forgiving dining spaces on the ship and reflects MSC’s overall relaxed approach to vacation dining.
Dress Code in the Main Dining Room
Breakfast and Lunch
Breakfast and lunch in the Main Dining Room are casual. The dress-code is similar to the buffet and more relaxed than during dinner time.
Common attire includes:
- Shorts and t-shirts
- Casual dresses
- Athletic shoes or sandals
There is no expectation to dress up during daytime meals.
Dinner in the Main Dining Room
Dinner in the Main Dining Room brings a slight step up from daytime dining, but it remains very approachable. Most evenings fall into a smart casual range, and you will see guests dressed in everything from jeans and polos to casual dresses and blouses.
While flip-flops are generally discouraged in the evening, enforcement varies by ship and sailing and is not typically strict. The overall expectation is simply that guests look neat and put together, not that they dress formally. As with much of MSC dining, comfort and common sense go a long way.
Gala Night
MSC offers Gala Nights instead of mandatory formal nights, and participation is entirely optional. On these evenings, many guests enjoy dressing up and taking advantage of the atmosphere, while others choose to remain in smart casual attire.
You will see everything from suits, jackets, cocktail dresses, and evening gowns to more relaxed outfits. Guests are not turned away from the Main Dining Room for choosing not to dress formally. Gala Night is meant to be a fun option for those who enjoy it, not a requirement that dictates how you dress during your vacation..
Dress Code at Specialty Restaurants
Specialty restaurants on MSC ships generally call for a slightly more polished look than the buffet, particularly in the evening. Smart casual is the norm, and most guests arrive wearing collared shirts, blouses, casual dresses, or nice jeans. The goal is to match the elevated dining atmosphere without making it feel formal or restrictive.
Jackets, ties, and formal dresses are not required, and guests should not feel pressured to dress up beyond their comfort level. Athletic wear, swimwear, and pool attire are not appropriate for specialty dining, even if covered earlier in the day. As with most things on MSC, the restaurant’s overall vibe often sets expectations more than any written rule, and dressing neatly and comfortably will always be sufficient.
An exception to the Specialty Restaurant are the more casual restaurants like Hola! Tacos and Cantina. In these casual restaurants, expect something similar to what is worn in the buffet or Main Dining Room.
Kids and Dining Dress Codes
Children are held to the same basic standards as adults. That means shoes and a shirt are required and swimwear is not allowed in any dining venue. That being said, comfort is prioritized over formality, and no one expects children to dress up for dinner. It is common to see children 10 and under dressed up in t-shirts and pants without any issue.
Common Dress Code Mistakes to Avoid
A few situations that can cause issues:
- Entering dining venues directly from the pool in wet swimwear
- Wearing only a swimsuit and flip-flops
- Assuming formal night is mandatory
These are easy to avoid with minimal planning.
How Dress Codes Really Feel Onboard
One of the most important things to understand is that MSC dining venues reflect the diversity of the guests themselves.
On any given evening, you will see:
- Guests dressed very formally
- Guests dressed smart casual
- Guests dressed comfortably and casually
All dining together without issue. MSC does not judge or pressure guests into a specific look. As long as you are appropriately dressed, you will fit right in.
How Dress Codes Fit Into the MSC Experience
MSC’s approach to dress codes aligns with its broader philosophy: cruising should feel relaxed, inclusive, and enjoyable.
You do not need to pack formalwear unless you want to. You do not need to dress up to enjoy great food. And you should never feel uncomfortable because of what you are wearing.
When in doubt, smart casual works everywhere.
Final Thoughts
The MSC dining dress code is far more flexible than many people expect. You will see a wide range of styles onboard, and that variety is normal.
Dress comfortably. Dress neatly. Dress in a way that makes you enjoy your vacation.
As long as you do that, you’ll be welcome at every dining venue onboard.