Corporate dinners hosted aboard a cruise ship are generally fancy affairs. They are usually held upon yachts or small cruise ships which are chartered for the night, and are usually quite fun events, as they provide businessmen with an opportunity for relaxation and merriment after months of hard work.

If you have never attended one of these dinners, you might be quite worried as to what to wear, as it is quite a change from the usual intimate dinner at elegant restaurant / working lunch with business associate as it is both a corporate event, where you will be expected to interact with senior management as well as let your hair down and relax as these days don’t come too often.

These cruises are usually very elegant affairs, and as business dinners call for formal or conservative clothing you shouldn’t wear anything risqué. However you should maintain a certain level of comfort as after all this is an opportunity to let your hair down and finally relax.

There are a few practical considerations as well while dressing for a cruise:

You should always wear shoes which have soft soles, in order to grip the wooden flooring of a cruise ship better, for as the ship will start moving it will roll and lurch and you will need to keep a grip. High heels are an absolute no as they will cause you to lose balance when the ship is moving. You should also ensure that your footwear is low and comfortable in order to be able to maintain your grip and stay upright while walking on a moving ship.

Usually a suit is considered to be appropriate wear for men, even though you can get by with dress pants and a buttoned shirt, especially if the weather is warm. Women may wear either a cocktail dress or slacks and a blouse as per their preferences. They should also opt for simpler hair styles which can be done up quickly as if there is a wind, their hair will get ruffled often. They should also not have too many accessories as that will mean more to keep track of, instead of enjoying themselves.

As it might get cool on water in the evenings, you should ideally get something warm to wear like a wrap or a jacket. A jacket is a good idea for you will be able to take it off during the day when it will be warm. You should also get lip balm and a comb as if you are going on a long cruise you may need to fix your hair if it is a windy day and the lip balm will help to prevent chapped lips from the harsh wind.

The primary motive of a corporate dinner cruise is for you to relax, let your hair down, and get along with your fellow employees. You can also use it to network and prepare for a deal or merger as well. Therefore you need to dress comfortably so that you are left free to enjoy yourself. Dress appropriately, as per company rules, and keep safety and climate considerations in mind. If you still have doubts, you should clarify them with the organizers.