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Blog >Advice > River Cruise Dress Codes: What To Pack?

24 Jun 2025 | By Lauren Redford In Advice

River Cruise Dress Codes: What to Pack?

Onboard dress codes can vary depending on your cruise line, time of day and even your destination. We know your suitcase space is precious, so we have compiled a helpful guide to each of our river cruise lines’ dress codes to help you plan your outfits for every experience.

 

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AmaWaterways

 

AmaWaterways encourages a casually elegant attire on board, with cotton or linen trousers and collared shirts suggested for men and no tie or jacket required, and dresses or trousers with a blouse for women.

 

Smart-casual attire is encouraged in the evening, with an opportunity to dress a little more formally during the Captain’s Dinner. Akin to dining at a 5-star restaurant, suits, dresses and smarter clothing are advised for the occasion.

 

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Amadeus

 

Guests onboard Amadeus are encouraged to be comfortable, with no specific dress codes and a smart-casual feel throughout. For dinner, shorts are not permitted however jackets and ties are optional, so perhaps choose comfortable slacks and shirt or a casual dress for the ladies.

 

The Captain’s Dinner is the perfect opportunity to dress up if you desire, but there is no expectation for tuxedos or ball gowns, so feel free to enjoy your cruise however you please.

 

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Avalon Waterways

 

Enjoy a casual and comfortable dress code with Avalon Waterways, so that you can feel right at home onboard, however bathing suits are only to be worn on the Sky Deck.

 

During dinner in the Dining Room or Panorama Lounge in the evening, shorts, sandals and slippers are not permitted, so choose a collared shirt and comfortable trousers, a skirt or a dress for smart-casual look. For the Captain’s Reception or Farewell Dinner, some guests prefer to dress a little more formally, but still no gowns or tuxedos.

 

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Emerald Waterways

 

Emerald Waterways’ guests are advised to dress comfortably onboard, with casual wear encouraged and sturdy shoes for excursions. The evening attire is smart-casual, with collared shirts and dresses encouraged. Though jeans are permitted, shorts and flip-flops are not allowed during dinner.

 

For special occasions, including the Welcome and Farewell dinners, guests have the opportunity to elevate their dress with a smarter look, however jackets and ties continue to be optional.

 

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APT Travelmarvel & APT Luxury

 

When sailing with APT Travelmarvel or APT Luxury, the dress code is relaxed and casual, with comfortable outfits and shoes advised. Smart-casual attire is preferred in the evening, with shorts and swimwear unsuitable for dinner and slacks with collared shirts encouraged.

 

Expect one smarter Captain’s Night on board, during which the men are advised to wear jackets, though ties are optional, and women opt for dresses and smart trousers.

 

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TUI River

Choose smart-casual attire for the daytime on board a TUI River Cruise, with no beachwear permitted in the lounges and restaurants. The evening dress code is somewhat smarter, with men in long trousers or tailored shorts, shirts or polo shirts and closed shoes, though jackets and ties are optional. For the optional Gala Night on cruises of 5 nights or more, there is no formal dress requirement.

 

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Riviera Travel

 

You can enjoy a relaxed dress code onboard Riviera Travel, with jeans, chinos, skirts and shorts all acceptable. For dinner, opt for smart-casual attire and a slightly dressier theme for the Captain’s Welcome and Farewell, though no ball gowns or black tie.

 

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Scenic River

 

Guests are free to wear what they wish during their time on-board Scenic River. However, it’s worth packing for the weather on your cruise depending on the regions you’re visiting. Daytime dress codes are comfortable and casual, with a dress or two for the formal evening occasions.

 

Scenic advises guests to pack a comfortable pair of shoes for excursions and sandals for if the weather is warm. During specific Freechoice or Enrich events, bring a pair of smart shoes or heels.

 

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Uniworld

 

Uniworld advises guests to pack for a range of weather conditions, though there is no strict dress code on-board. Both ashore and on board, the cruise line recommends comfortable, smart-casual clothing including sturdy walking shows for shore excursions.

 

When dining or attending special events, men may want to bring a sports jacket and women a cocktail dress or pantsuit – ties are optional – however, shorts are not permitted during dinner.

 

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Viking River

 

Dress is casual onboard Viking River, with shorts, slacks or jeans advised. Swimsuits, brief shorts, cover-ups and exercise attire should be reserved for the Fitness Centre, pool areas and Sports Deck.

 

Evenings require an elegant attire, with women encouraged to wear a dress, skirt or slacks and men are advised to opt for trousers and a collared shirt, though jackets and ties are optional. Jeans, shorts and swimwear are not permitted after 6pm, though this dress code excludes the World Café where dress remains casual in the evening.

 

View Viking River Cruise Deals

 

Book your river cruise with RiverVoyages.com

 

Look forward to picking your outfits for your next river cruise and book yourself on-board with RiverVoyages.com. Take your pick from our top selection of river cruises and browse our best deals by clicking the button below.

 

If you have any questions, or would like to know more, call our Cruise Concierge team on 0808 258 2182 for expert advice and award-winning service with your booking. 

 

Published 24th June 2025, Last updated 12th December 2025
By Lauren Redford

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