4 of the best cruise lines with a formal dress code

2. Hebridean Island Cruises

Exploring the wild beauty of the Scottish coast aboard the 48-guest Hebridean Princess is a quintessentially Scottish experience. This charming ship is more akin to a Scottish manor house than a traditional cruise ship, and you can expect the friendliest of welcomes on board. Most cruises have two formal gala dinners, including a farewell gala where the crew don their finest Highland attire and Robert Burns's famous 'Address to a Haggis' is enthusiastically recited. Begin with pre-dinner champagne and canapes before a special dinner of Scottish delicacies using the finest local ingredients. There's no better way to explore the Western Isles, and occasionally Hebridean Princess delights her regulars with a change of scenery by leaving Scottish waters to explore Ireland, Norway or Southern England.

3. Silversea

Silversea's classic fleet appeals to those who enjoy the finer things. With butlers servicing every suite, it's no surprise to find an air of formality to the onboard style, particularly in the evenings. Dress standards are high throughout the cruise, with shirts and jackets for men common, even when jackets are not required. On itineraries of eight nights or longer there is at least one formal black-tie evening - formalwear such as gowns and tuxedos is optional but a jacket is still required for gentlemen. Some venues such as those outdoors will allow more casual dress, and your butler will be only too happy to deliver in-suite dining, course by course, should you prefer.

4. Seabourn

For a line that was once referred to as the Yachts of Seabourn, their inclusion here may raise a few eyebrows, and it's true that Seabourn does lean towards a more relaxed style on board. Certainly, this is the case on expedition itineraries. Yet on a standard cruise up to thirteen days in length, you can expect one formal evening during which men are requested to wear a tuxedo, suit, or jacket; and ladies an evening gown, cocktail dress, or other formal apparel, which applies if you wish to dine in The Restaurant.

Of course if you'd rather not partake in a formal evening, many ships offer alternative venues with relaxed dress codes, or take a look at our guide to the best cruise lines with a more casual dress code.