Booking choice: The Spirit of Carolina dinner cruise, from $117 per person. Check dates Compare the options below
SpiritLine asks for resort casual on the Spirit of Carolina. That leaves plenty of room, from a sundress to chinos and a polo, and you will see both birthday outfits and travel clothes on board.
The practical details matter more than the label: steps between decks, an open rail for photos, air conditioning inside and a breeze outside.
The quick answer
Wear resort casual: a sundress or nice top and skirt, or chinos and a collared shirt. Choose flat or low-heeled shoes, as SpiritLine recommends, because there are steps on board. Bring a light jacket or wrap for the open deck, and in the cooler months a proper warm layer. Carry a card for the bar and parking.
Is there a dress code on the Charleston dinner cruise?
Yes: SpiritLine asks for resort casual on the Spirit of Carolina, and recommends flat or low-heeled shoes.
Resort casual means a step up from beachwear: no swimsuits or gym clothes, but no jacket and tie either. Many guests dress up a little for a birthday or anniversary, and you will not feel out of place either way.
What should women wear?
A sundress, a jumpsuit or a nice top with a skirt or trousers, plus flat sandals or low wedges and a wrap.
Skip stilettos: the steps and a moving deck make them awkward. A light cardigan, wrap or denim jacket is useful on deck after sunset, even in summer.
What should men wear?
Chinos or smart shorts in summer, a polo or a linen or button-down shirt, and loafers, boat shoes or clean sneakers.
A light sweater or jacket covers the cooler evenings. A blazer is fine for a special occasion but not expected.
Outfit sorted? Check the date for the Spirit of Carolina, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Check dates for the Spirit of Carolina dinner cruiseWhy do shoes matter so much?
Because steps are required on board and SpiritLine itself says accessibility is very limited.
You will climb to the open deck for photos and move between rooms. Flat or low-heeled shoes with some grip are the safest choice, especially if the deck is damp after rain.
What should you wear in each season?
Light and breathable from May to September, layered in spring and autumn, and warm for the open deck in winter.
| Months | Evening feel | What to wear |
|---|---|---|
| May to September | Warm and humid, sunset on board | Linen, cotton, sunglasses for the glare, a light layer |
| March, April, October, November | Mild, cooler after dark | A sweater or light jacket for the deck |
| December to February | Cool to cold on the water | A warm coat or fleece for the deck; the dining rooms are climate controlled |
Planning a summer evening? From May to August the sun sets during dinner, right outside your window.
Explore the Spirit of Carolina dinner cruiseWhat should you bring?
A card, your booking on your phone, a light layer, and sunglasses on summer cruises.
- A card: the bar and the Patriots Point parking do not take cash.
- Your booking: a mobile ticket on your phone is fine.
- A layer: for the deck after sunset.
- Sunglasses: the low summer sun on the water is bright.
- No outside alcohol: it is not allowed on board.
What about the BBQ cruise or a sunset sail?
Dress more casually: shorts, sandals with grip and a light jacket are fine on the BBQ cruise and the sailboats.
The Charleston Princess has open decks and a 30-foot ramp that changes with the tide, so sensible shoes matter there too. On the sunset catamaran and the Shem Creek sunset sail, wear deck-friendly shoes and bring a windbreaker. More in dinner cruise vs BBQ cruise.
Prefer a casual night? The BBQ cruise brings a band, a buffet and open decks.
Check dates for the Blues and BBQ cruiseFrequently asked questions
Can I wear shorts on the Charleston dinner cruise?
Smart shorts are acceptable as resort casual in summer, though many guests wear trousers or a dress for dinner.
Do I need a jacket on the dinner cruise?
A light layer is wise year-round for the open deck. In winter bring a warm coat; the dining rooms are climate controlled.
Can I wear heels?
SpiritLine recommends flat or low-heeled shoes because there are steps on board.
Ready to book
Choose your evening
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before on every option. Prices are from-prices in USD and move with the season.
Spirit of Carolina Harbor Dinner Cruise
- 2.5-hour cruise, boarding 6:30 PM, sailing 7:00 to 9:30 PM
- Three-course dinner made to order on board, seated 4 to 6 per table
- Live music and climate-controlled dining decks
Sunset Blues & BBQ Cruise
- Sunset cruise aboard the three-deck Charleston Princess, 7:00 PM
- BBQ buffet: pulled pork, smoked chicken, mac and cheese, slaw, dessert
- Live music by local musicians; taxes and fees included
