’Twas the Night - Your Guide to Preparing for a Festive Event at Sea

The Feeling Before You Step Aboard - Anticipation, Imagination, Magic

The night before your festive event, you may notice it: that small lift in your chest, the warm flicker of something lovely just around the corner.

You’re not heading into the usual office party or city restaurant booking. You’re stepping into something atmospheric, indulgent, and a little enchanting.

You picture it:

✨ The ship dressed for the festive season

✨ The soft hum of music drifting through the lounges

✨ The glow of lights reflected on polished wood

✨ A welcome drink waiting as you step aboard

✨ Conversations warming over a five-course feast

That beautiful sense of “this is going to be special” is part of the journey.

This guide helps you prepare for it.

The dress code isn’t strict - but the mood is unmistakably elegant. Choose outfits that make you feel confident, festive and comfortably polished.

For a Festive Lunch

Think classic, stylish daytime celebration with as much sparkle as you dare.

• Smart-casual dresses

• Tailored trousers with a festive blouse or shirt

• Textures like velvet, soft knits or winter brights

• Comfortable shoes for wandering the ship

• A light layer for enjoying the open deck

For a Festive Dinner & Show

Evening glamour arrives with twilight — embrace it.

• Cocktail dresses, sequins or rich jewel tones

• Elegant suits, jackets or tailored separates

• Metallic accents or statement accessories

• Dress shoes or heeled boots

• Something warm for the deck… but not the cold outdoors you left behind

For the Overnight Experience

You’ll want a touch of comfort too.

• Evening wear for the Soirée

• Chic loungewear for late-night lounges

• Nightwear for your cabin

• A morning outfit for breakfast

And remember: the ship’s décor makes every outfit feel a little more magical.

Even for a Festive Event, packing well enhances the experience.

The Essentials

• Boarding pass/event confirmation

• ID

• Payment card for onboard purchases

• A warm layer for deck strolls

Festive Touches

• A sparkly accessory or festive tie

• A spritz of your favourite fragrance

• Small gifts or cards if celebrating with colleagues or friends

• Red lipstick, cufflinks or a pocket square for a polished finish

For the Overnight Experience

• Nightwear

• Toiletries

• Morning outfit

• Phone charger

• Any medication you need

Optional Enhancements

• A small camera for the ship’s gorgeous festive décor

• A Christmas jumper for fun photos with your group

Preparing well elevates the experience.

1. Allow Time to Enjoy Boarding

Arrive a little early - boarding is part of the magic. The ship feels calm, inviting and gently festive as you step aboard.

2. Plan a Pre-Show Drink

Whether it’s a mulled cocktail, Champagne or a winter spritz, the lounges are beautifully atmospheric.

3. Capture the Moment

The garlands, tree lights and atrium decorations make stunning backdrops for photos with your team or loved ones.

4. Settle Into the Experience

Let the detail take over - the lighting, the décor, the music, the service.Everything is designed to make you feel looked after.

5. Savour the Night

Enjoy the show, the dinner, the conversation, the after-dinner lounges. There’s something timeless about celebrating Christmas on the water.

What It Really Feels Like -The Magic of a Festive Event On A Cruise Ship

It feels like stepping out of the everyday and into a world built for seasonal joy.

There’s the warmth of the welcome. The shimmer of the décor. The luxury of not having to plan anything beyond your outfit. The laughter. The music. The beautiful moment when your team, friends or partner all pause and say: “Isn’t this just lovely?”

It’s Christmas as it should be - unhurried, atmospheric and shared with people who matter.