Seabourn is updating their dress code for 2023 to be more relaxed on their cruise ships. Seabourn Expedition ships will see the most changes while only subtle changes will be made to Seabourn’s current dress code on ocean voyages. These changes include the removal of formal nights on expeditions and allowing jeans in all dining rooms on non-formal nights. These changes are controversial to some and celebrated by others.
Seabourn Official Dress Code
Like most cruise ships, Seaborn does have an official dress code. Yet, from my experience sailing on Seabourn, I do not find it strictly enforced. For example, most crew will not ask a guest to change their clothing. Instead, it’s more of a guide and relies on self-policing. There are signs posted near the restaurants, but otherwise, use your best judgement.
Attire During the Day:
During the daytime, casual, resort-style attire, including shorts and jeans, is welcome in all lounges and dining venues. Swimsuits, brief shorts, cover-ups and exercise attire should be reserved for poolside, on deck or in the spa and fitness center.
In the evening (after 6pm): Elegant Casual. The following is the nightly dress standard for all dining venues:
Men: Slacks with a collared mens shirts uk – WISC or sweater; Jacket Optional.
Ladies: Slacks / skirt like those cotton skirts, blouse, pant suit or dress.
All: Elegant jeans are welcome in all dining venues.
Formal Nights In the Restaurant
Men: Tuxedo, suit or slacks and jacket required.
Ladies: evening gown or other formal apparel. Dress in other dining venues is Elegant Casual. Jeans are welcome in all dining venues during the day, but not appropriate in the Restaurant after 6pm
Seabourn Updates
The dress code is only applied to the dining venues. If you find yourself in the club, lounge, observation bar, or the casino, the same rules during the day apply all night. It is only at mealtime that Seabourn asks guest to clean up. If you do not feel like getting dressed, do not sweat it. I had lunch pool side in my swimsuit without issue. You can also have the full restaurant’s menu via room service. Room service offers the entire main restaurant menu each night from the comfort of your room. No dress code here!
The only real change in Seabourn’s dress code is that jeans are now permissible. Previously at night it was asked that people worse dress clothes or say Khaki’s or slacks. Seabourn cruise line is evolving with the time as they try to expand their reach to more customers and a younger wealthier generation which is less formal than the last. I applaud this change and I am happy to see that Seabourn is listening to us.
If you are going on a Seabourn cruise, do note that the longer the cruise, the more formal nights you will have to entail.
- Cruises up to 13 days: One Formal evening
- Cruises of 14 to 20 days: Two Formal evenings
- Cruises of 21 or more days: Three Formal evenings
Seabourn Removes Formal Nights on Expeditions
Starting in January 2023, all expedition cruises will no longer have a formal night. The change begins on the January 4, 2023 sailing on the Seabourn Venture and will apply to all future Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit expeditions. This is great news for those on expedition or with an upcoming trip to Antaractica. A formal night makes no sense while on expeditions. Expeditions are about the destinations and exploring the unknown. Expeditions are much less about the ship and dressing to impress. Instead, the focus should be on exploring the world and experiencing where few people ever go!
As expeditions tend to be in more remote places with extreme temperatures, this too should make packing easier. No one wants to pack for Antarctica and pack an evening gown to sports jacket. Let the penguins where the tux’s, not the men! Finally, this puts Seabourn Expeditions more inline with the world’s leader of expedition travel, Nat Geo/Lindblad.
Bottom Line
The new Seabourn’s dress code goes into effect early January 2023. I personally applaud Seabourn for making these changes and believe they bring Seabourn into the 2020s. The old guard may be upset, but it’s also about attracting new customers and younger customers. The baby boomers will not keep Seabourn afloat forever. So be ready for the new dress code for 2023. If you are on an expedition cruise you can pack just for the expedition and not worry about formal nights. There will be NO formal nights on the Venture or Pursuit. Formal nights will only be on Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Sojourn, Seabourn Quest, Seabourn Encore, and Seabourn Ovation. In addition, on non-formal nights, jeans are now allowed in all dining venues.
If you are looking for an expedition cruise or a Seabourn cruise, please reach out to Scott & Thomas for exclusive deals and offers. Ask for Rocky and I’ll be sure to help you plan your next vacation. After all, there are plenty of reasons to still use a travel agent.
